Three years ago, Kehlani released her debut album SweetSexySavage. In this climate, that feels like a lifetime but we’re finally getting a new album from her. Kehlani has just dropped her new album It Was Good Until It Wasn't, which you can check out below.
While many artists use their off time to recover and then work on the next record, Kehlani has kept going with a relentless work ethic. From features to mixtapes and standalone drops, she’s kept the gold coming, releasing some of the best work of her career. Here are our favourite Kehlani moments from the last three years.
Heebiejeebies W/ Anime
Anime and Kehlani are two of the most charismatic in the game so it’s no surprise that this was a highlight from Amine’s debut album Good For You. The two swap bars effortlessly.
Cigarettes & Cush W/ Stormzy
We never thought we’d see the day where we’d get Stormzy, Lily Allen and Kehlani on the same track. One of the best songs from Stormzy’s debut album Gang Signs & Prayer is elevated by a sensual, soulful verse from Kehlani.
Faking It W/ Calvin Harris
Most out there couldn’t handle half the genres Kehlani tackles. Here she teamed up with Calvin Harris for an icy but moveable pop track that features some of Kehlani’s most captivating work ever. “Pray to God but I’m feeling like he’s going deaf,” is a killer opening line.
Honey
The best part about this in-between albums period is Kehlani’s willingness to drop anything. Honey was unmixed and unmastered but it gave us a chance to hear Kehlani’s raw vocals. Honey is a loved-up, acoustic cut that shows just how brilliant her vocals really are.
Touch
Versatility, once again. Honey was followed by this powerful R&B track. She moves slow throughout the whole track building up the tension which is unleashed in the chorus.
Again
Back to the acoustic, unmixed jams. Once again, we get to hear Kehlani in her natural habitat, serving perfect vocals over an acoustic guitar. Instead of the loved-up lines of Honey though, Again is the story of a relationship coming to an end.
Done For Me W/ Charlie Puth
Pop Kehlani came through once again on one of the best Charlie Puth songs ever. This retro-sounding track uncovered yet another side to Kehlani - one that possessed the soul of Stevie Wonder. Two years later, this is still a whole bop.
Playinwitme W/ KYLE
There’s only one thing better than the ‘90s game show that is the video for Playinwitme and that’s the song. It’s just as fun as its visual, offering perky keys and even more playful vocals. “I need you to tell me baby what you want just like the Spice Girls,” is an A+ Kehlani lyric.
Ring W/ Cardi B
If you haven’t already realised, Kehlani has amassed quite the discography since her last album but Ring stands above. The shining highlight of Cardi B’s Invasion Of Privacy houses one of Kehlani most soulful hooks. It’s the gateway to Cardi’s vulnerable verses. We would love a whole collaborative project from these two.
ICY (Bae Remix) W/ Saweetie
Saweetie’s ICY GRL was her breakthrough but it was catapulted to a new level when Kehlani jumped on it. This was a completely different vibe with Kehlani declaring, “I’m not even a fucking rapper.” She’s got bars though and this is a clear highlight from this period.
Nights Like This (Feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
Kehlani’s most successful solo single ever was the lead-track from her mixtape While We Wait. As it turns out, the waiting period delivered some of her most fruitful material. Night Like This is a moody, angst-driven R&B track that takes two of the best feature artists and allows them to shine on center stage.
Nunya
Another perfect While We Wait cut. This one saw her sliding further into early ‘00s R&B, delivering narrative-driven songwriting. As always, it’s Kehlani’s voice that pulls it over the line. It sounds smokey and passionate on Nunya.
RPG (Feat. 6lack)
6lack and Kehlani are a match made in heaven on this mid-tempo While We Wait jam. It’s spacious and lush, giving the pair room to serve unforgettable vocals.
Good Thing W/ Zedd
She already proved with Calvin Harris that she could handle a gigantic pop song and she did it once again with Zedd on Good Thing. Good Thing is an old soul wrapped up in modern pop and it’s both classy and potent.
Morning W/ Teyana Taylor
Kehlani and Teyana Taylor are two of the best vocalists in R&B so it’s no surprise that Morning was flawless. What was a surprise though is just how steamy this one in. Combine those sensual vocals with a hypnotic beat and you’ve got a bedroom smash.
All Me (Featuring Keyshia Cole)
Keyshia Cole, one of the definitive voices of ‘00s R&B, is the ultimate match for Kehlani as the two have vocals for days. There’s something really nostalgic about the sound that the pair channel on this loosie from early 2020.
Get Me W/ Justin Bieber
Before we all went into isolation, Kehlani was set to head out on tour with Justin Bieber off the back of Get Me. This one’s off Bieber’s Changes record but it’s Kehlani who sounds in her element on a slinky, mid-tempo beat.
Hit My Phone W/ Megan Thee Stallion
We were waiting for Meg and Kehlani to team-up and they finally did on the former’s mixtape Suga. It’s a groovy banger that’s unlike anything Meg has ever done before.
Toxic
We love when Kehlani delivers a late night moment and Toxic is exactly that. It’s an icy, sharp-tongued cut that allows Kehlani all the room to gives us lyrics like, “That damn Don Julio made me a fool for you.”
Everybody Business
Kehlani is one of the few artists around right now who could line up her second album with an acoustic-driven, mid-tempo. She takes it slow on this one, allowing her to show off the velvety voice and raw lyrics like, “At my big old age, I can’t be phased.”
