Kehlani Ashley Parrish is no stranger to the music industry. Coming from a teen girl group called PopLyfe that auditioned on America’s Got Talent, they’ve since rocketed into stardom after several mixtapes and albums featuring the likes of Ty Dolla $ign, Musiq Soulchild, 6LACK, Megan Thee Stallion, Jill Scott, FLO, Zedd, Vince Staples, Lucky Daye, Justin Bieber and James Blake. Kehlani makes this their self-titled fifth album.
The “Intro” to this album sets the scene as Kehlani shows us exactly who they are through a poem; a declaration of growth, joy, pain and shamelessness. The following track “Anotha Luva” features rapper Lil Wayne, his presence made known by his iconic “lighter flick” sound. Tinged with chipmunked vocal samples and hip-hop beats, this ballad shows contentment in being with their lover. “No Such Thing” features hip-hop duo Clipse and delves further into the prior song’s theme of loving someone who’s one of a kind and Kehlani’s ability to do so after healing from past heartbreak.
The Grammy-winning single “Folded” is the album’s next track and boasts about the readiness to move on from a past relationship. Kehlani tells an ex to pick up their clothes, folded rather than messily strewn about everywhere like an angry lover would do. The fact that all is in order shows the ability to regulate emotional control and ask for what they want. There is a slight possibility for a furthered relationship since the “door” is “still open,” the temperature is “cold out, but it’s not frozen” and letting the lover’s “body decide.” A remix EP of “Folded” featured artists like JoJo, Mario, Ne-Yo, Tank, Toni Braxton and Brandy.
The following track, “I Need You,” produced by producer powerhouse duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, features Brandy, known as “the Vocal Bible” for her revolutionary layered vocals and riffs. Emotion is infused into every word as the two recall a painful breakup and the greater pain of knowing you still want the one you lost with every key modulation.
“Oooh” expresses the breadth of sexual desire with just the word “ooh.” The track also has a dynamic breathy bridge like Donna Summer’s orgasmic moans in her classic 1975 disco hit Love to Love You Baby. “Back and Forth” features the prolific rapper Missy Elliott telling a jealous love interest they refuse to engage in arguments or conflicts about their whereabouts and that they should be secure enough to know they’ll stay with them regardless. “Shoulda Never” features R&B pop star Usher ruminating on going back to past lovers knowing they shouldn’t have, much to the antithesis of the prior track.
“You Got It” pleads that even though Kehlani is strong, they still have moments of vulnerability and weakness and will need someone trustworthy to understand and take over if need be. “Out the Window” serves as a Part 2 and heel turn to “Folded,” emotionally begging the lover Kehlani was ready to leave to continue and to not throw the relationship “out the window” like they didn’t do with their clothes. Toni Braxton’s vocal sensibilities are channeled heavily through this track.
On “Still,” braggadocio and confidence fade to reveal how Kehlani really feels about still wanting their past lover. The production feels very similar to that of the late R&B icon Aaliyah.
“Call Me Back” features rappers T-Pain and Lil Jon on the insecurity of wanting a lover to call them for reassurance or vice versa as well as the consequences and excuses, complete with their signature Y2K “snap” R&B flavor. “Pocket” features rapper Cardi B and functions as a cheeky euphemism for their ladyhood. With tons of clever wordplay and double entendres, this combines Kehlani’s sultry topic with Cardi’s raw humor. “Lights On” features rapper Big Sean and centers on wanting their lover to see all their body can offer them without hiding in a dark room.
“Sweet Nuthins” features actor-turned-singer Leon Thomas speaking to telling a lover sweet nothings with sex thinly veiled underneath. “Cruise Control” speaks on foresight of uncertainty in a relationship and suggests going on autopilot to avoid going stagnant or rushing into ruin. “Unlearn” ends the album with Kehlani begging a lover to look past their deep-seated habits that they’ll unlearn and heal from. The listener’s even urged to admit their faults and grow from it instead of wallowing in shame.
Given their background, this album is a deeply profound triumph for Kehlani, musically, commercially and personally. When collaborating with and celebrating some of the greats of R&B all at once, Kehlani disproved the age-old adage; you CAN in fact meet your heroes.
8/10
