Laila, Brooklyn Artist, Age, Real Name, Height & Biography

Laila Age (Birthday): April 19, 2006 (age 18)
Stage name: Laila!
Birth name: Laila Smith
Height: Not publicly available
Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Instagram: @lailasmithmusic

What Age Is Laila!?

Laila! is 18 years old. She first made waves as a youthful voice in R&B and self-produced much of her breakthrough work while still in high school.

Laila Age and Early Life

Born on April 19, 2006, Laila! grew up in a creative household—her father is the revered rapper Yasiin Bey (Mos Def). She began making music early, experimenting with GarageBand and posting tracks online as a teenager. These early efforts set the stage for her DIY approach to art.

Musical Breakthrough

At just 16, Laila! wrote and released her debut single “Like That!” in 2023, which began attracting online attention. Her following grew quickly as she self-produced and released her debut mixtape IN CTRL! that same year.

Rise With Gap Year!

In 2024, Laila! released her full-length debut album Gap Year!, largely self-produced from her bedroom. The album works like a time capsule of mid-teen emotions and earned praise for its raw sincerity and creative vision. Her single “Not My Problem” became especially viral, cementing her rise and showing Laila!’s power as a DIY artist at just 18.

Laila’s Artistic Style and Influences

Laila! draws inspiration from 1990s R&B icons like Brandy and Lauryn Hill. Her music pairs nostalgic melodies with contemporary production; she often uses lo-fi textures and captures personal moments in her lyrics and sounds. Because she writes, produces, and performs her own work, her art carries both depth and authenticity.

What’s Next for Laila!

Now that Laila! is 18, her creative freedom is just beginning. With a sold-out headline show, growing recognition, and a debut album behind her, she’s already proving that she’s more than a viral moment—she’s a multifaceted artist with a clear vision.

Explore more artists from the United States