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Key Information

Kehlani Ashley Parrish (/kəˈlɑːni, keɪˈlɑːni/ kə-LAH-nee, kay-LAH-nee; born April 24, 1995)[5][6] is an American singer, songwriter and dancer.[7] They[a] are originally from Oakland, California, and achieved initial fame as a member of the teen pop group PopLyfe in 2011.

Kehlani's debut mixtape, Cloud 19 (2014), was listed as one of Complex's "50 Best Albums of 2014."[3][8] Its follow-up, You Should Be Here (2015) entered the Billboard 200, received gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. Kehlani signed with Atlantic Records to release their debut studio album, SweetSexySavage (2017), which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, while their second, It Was Good Until It Wasn't (2020) peaked at number two.[9] Their third album, Blue Water Road (2022) peaked at number 13 on the chart and was met with critical acclaim, while their fourth, Crash (2024), peaked at number 25.[10]

Early life

[edit]

Kehlani Ashley Parrish was born on April 24, 1995, in Oakland, California.[11][12] They were adopted and raised by their aunt when their mother, who had a drug addiction, served time in jail.[13] Kehlani's father, who also had a drug addiction, died when they were a toddler.[13] During their teenage years, they attended the Oakland School for the Arts, where they initially practiced dance, particularly ballet and modern dance.[14][12]

Early in their life, Kehlani aspired to train as a dancer at the Juilliard School, but they had a knee injury in junior high, which led them to turn their attention towards singing.[15] While living with their aunt, Kehlani was exposed almost exclusively to R&B and neo soul artists, such as Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, whom today they describe as some of their early musical influences.[15] When they were 14, Kehlani was recruited to join a local pop cover band, PopLyfe.[14]

Career

[edit]

2009–2013: Beginnings with PopLyfe

[edit]

Kehlani's singing career effectively began when they started out as a member and lead vocalist for the group called PopLyfe. The band's music was produced by former Tony! Toni! Tone! member D'Wayne Wiggins.[15][16] Within two years, the group performed throughout the Bay Area and other cities. In 2011, they auditioned for the sixth season of America's Got Talent, and eventually finished in fourth place. During their final appearance, judge Piers Morgan told Kehlani, "You've got real talent, but I don't think you need the group."[14][17][18]

After the end of America's Got Talent, Kehlani left PopLyfe, because of several managerial and contractual disputes.[19] Over six months, they avoided doing anything music related to avoid being sued by the group's management.[16] In 2012 and 2013, Kehlani was effectively homeless, moving from house to house and often sleeping on couches.[15] During their senior year of high school, they moved to Los Angeles, California, with no legal guardian. In 2013, Nick Cannon, who had been the host of America's Got Talent during PopLyfe's run, called Kehlani to ask about being in a rap group. They agreed at first and went to Los Angeles, but, ultimately didn't like the direction of the group and moved back to Oakland. To help with money and food, they decided to begin stealing iPhones to sell, and items from grocery stores for a short time.[14] Months later, Kehlani released their first solo track on SoundCloud, called "ANTISUMMERLUV". Cannon called back after hearing the song and he bought them an apartment in LA, along with studio time.[14][15][16]

2014–2017: SweetSexySavage

[edit]
Kehlani performing in 2015

In 2014, the studio time culminated in the release of their first mixtape, called Cloud 19. The mixtape features guest appearances from Kyle Dion. Cannon also sent them to New York City to work with record producer Jahaan Sweet.[14] The mixtape ranked at twenty-eighth on Complex's list of the "50 Best Albums of 2014,"[8] and was also listed among Pitchfork's "Overlooked Mixtapes 2014."[20] A song they released in late 2014, "Till the Morning" was placed by Billboard as one of the "Emerging Picks of the Week" on November 7, 2014.[21] In 2015, Kehlani opened for American rapper G-Eazy on the second leg of his From the Bay to the Universe tour.[22]

On April 28, 2015, they released their second mixtape You Should Be Here. Billboard called it the "year's first great R&B album",[23] when it debuted at number five on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[24] The project features guest appearances from fellow American rapper Chance the Rapper and American singer BJ the Chicago Kid.[25] A week after the release, they announced that they had signed a deal to Atlantic Records.[26] In support of the mixtape, they embarked on the You Should Be Here tour, which sold out every North American date and select European dates.[27] Throughout 2015, they also received individual plaudits: Complex called their one of the "15 Artists to Watch Out for in 2015"[28] and Rolling Stone named them one of the "10 New Artists You Need to Know".[29] You Should Be Here also earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album.[30] In March 2016, Kehlani guest featured on English singer Zayn's single "Wrong" from his debut solo studio album Mind of Mine.[31] Their song "Gangsta" was featured on the soundtrack for the August 2016 hit movie Suicide Squad, which gave them and their music some beneficial recognition, as it reached number 41 on the Hot 100.[32]

On November 26, 2016, Kehlani revealed the title of their debut studio album SweetSexySavage,[33] which was released on Atlantic Records on January 27, 2017.[9][34] In December 2017, Kehlani guest featured on American rapper Eminem's single "Nowhere Fast" from his ninth studio album Revival.[35] Kehlani's third annual Tsunami Christmas tour concluded in Santa Ana, California on December 18, 2017.[36][37]

2018–2023: It Was Good Until It Wasn't and Blue Water Road

[edit]

Kehlani served as an opening act on American singer Demi Lovato's Tell Me You Love Me World Tour in North America, which started on February 26, 2018, and concluded on April 2.[38] They then opened on American singer Halsey's Hopeless Fountain Kingdom World Tour on the Oceania leg during April 2018.[39] In March 2018, Kehlani guest featured on American singer Charlie Puth's single "Done for Me" from his second studio album, Voicenotes.[40] In April 2018, they guest-featured on American rapper Cardi B's single "Ring" from her debut studio album, Invasion of Privacy.[41] The song peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Kehlani's first song to enter the top 40 of the chart.[42]

On February 22, 2019, their third commercial mixtape While We Wait was released by Atlantic Records and debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200 and sold 34,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.[43][44] It was supported by the singles "Nights Like This" featuring Ty Dolla Sign, "Nunya" featuring Dom Kennedy, and "Butterfly".[45]

On September 27, 2019, Kehlani and Russian-German DJ Zedd released the collaborative single "Good Thing."[46] Kehlani and American singer Teyana Taylor's then released the single "Morning" in November of that year.[47]

On January 28, 2020, Kehlani guest-featured on singer Justin Bieber's promotional single "Get Me" from his fifth studio album, Changes.[48] They were also set to be a supporting act alongside American rapper and singer Jaden Smith for Bieber's Changes Tour, which was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour was pushed back to 2022 and renamed the Justice World Tour to support both Changes and its successor, Bieber's sixth studio album, Justice (2021), although Kehlani was dropped as an opening act.[49] Kehlani released their second studio album, It Was Good Until It Wasn't on May 8, 2020.[50] It debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, based on 83,000 album-equivalent units earned (including 25,000 copies of pure album sales).[51]

In September 2020, Kehlani recorded songs for the deluxe version of It Was Good Until It Wasn't. However, after the session they decided that the songs would fit better on a separate project, and began working on their third studio album, Blue Water Road.[52] On September 14, 2021, Kehlani revealed the teaser for Blue Water Road, and announced that the album will be released later that year.[53][54] The album's lead single "Altar" was released on September 15.[55][56] The second single, "Little Story", was released on February 24, 2022.[57] On March 30, Kehlani released "Up at Night", featuring Justin Bieber, as the third single from the album, while the album was confirmed for an April 29 release.[58]

To support the album, Kehlani embarked on the Blue Water Road Trip tour in the US and Europe from July to December 2022.[59] The tour had opening acts Rico Nasty and Destin Conrad.[60] In 2023, Kehlani was the headliner for concert performances at the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game and the 2023 MLS All-Star Game.[61][62]

2024–present: Crash and While We Wait 2

[edit]

On April 4, 2024, Kehlani released the lead single "After Hours" ahead of their next album.[63] Kehlani affirmed their support for Palestine, expressing their stance in their music video "Next 2 U".[64] The video, which premiered on May 31, 2024, began with a poem by Palestinian-American writer Hala Alyan and the demonstration chant "Long Live the Intifada", an allusion to the 1987 uprising against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.[65] In the music video's outro, Kehlani vocalized a personally penned message dedicated to the Palestinian children who were killed in the Gaza war.[66]

Kehlani's fourth album, Crash, was released on June 21, 2024, and featured collaborations with Jill Scott, Omah Lay and Young Miko.[67][68][69]

Their fourth mixtape, While We Wait 2, was released on August 28, 2024. It included 14 songs with features from Lucky Daye, kwn, Vince Staples, FLO, Destin Conrad, Lil' Mo, and DIXSON. Kehlani states that the album only took two weeks to record and was done all at home. The cover art nods to the original While We Wait album cover, featuring them staring at themself in the mirror with a floral wallpaper in the background.

They also collaborated with GloRilla on a Christmas-themed trap song, which was released on December 13, 2024.[70][71]

Personal life

[edit]

In January 2016, it was confirmed that Kehlani was in a relationship with star NBA point guard Kyrie Irving. In March 2016, Canadian singer PartyNextDoor posted a picture of Kehlani's hand on Instagram, insinuating that they were in bed together. This caused a media controversy across Twitter, in which abuse was tweeted against Kehlani in hundreds of thousands of posts. Kehlani attempted suicide shortly thereafter. Irving later stated on Twitter that they had broken up before the incident.[72] Kehlani took to social media to explain that they did not cheat on Irving in a public statement to acknowledge their attempted suicide in the wake of the media attention.[73] In 2018, Irving penned an apology to Kehlani via an Instagram post, expressing appreciation towards the singer, and they responded wishing him well.[74]

On September 6, 2019, it was confirmed that Kehlani was dating American rapper YG,[75] but after three months of dating, Kehlani and YG broke up. However, the two released a collaborative single for Valentine's Day, "Konclusions", on February 14, 2020. In May 2020, during an interview with The Breakfast Club, Kehlani said that they discovered that YG was cheating on them after seeing his phone. YG apologized by filling their lawn with roses. Kehlani added that they do not speak, but remain cordial.[76]

Kehlani announced that they were pregnant with their first child, a girl, on Instagram on October 12, 2018,[77] with the father being Javaughn Young-White, who plays guitar for Kehlani.[78] They opened up in December 2018 about prenatal depression[79] and how their pregnancy is harder than it might look.[80] In 2019, Kehlani gave birth to a daughter at home.[81]

Between their second and third studio albums, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t and Blue Water Road, they stated they went through a spiritual detox in order to get out of a toxic cycle with herself.[82] After their breakup with YG and near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, they stripped themself down emotionally and began writing Blue Water Road to process this change. In the summer of 2020, Kehlani bought a small farm in Simi Valley, California, where they live with their daughter.[83] They were in a relationship with the 070 collective member, Danielle Balbuena, better known as 070 Shake.[84][85] In 2020, Kehlani started practicing the African diasporic religion La Regla de Ocha.[86]

In 2024, Kehlani was briefly married to A&R and music executive Mariel Gomerez, before Gomerez filed for a marriage annulment three months later citing fraud and infidelity.[87]

In October 2025, Kehlani confirmed that she was in a relationship with British singer and rapper Kwn.[88][89]

Kehlani is a vegan.[90] They have spoken about their past experiences being a survivor of sexual assault and rape.[91]

In politics

[edit]

Kehlani expressed solidarity with Palestine during the Gaza war. In Instagram posts, they voiced disapproval for celebrities who have chosen to remain silent on the matter, implying that they prioritize their personal business endeavors over addressing a pressing humanitarian crisis.[92][93] They were a principal signer of the October 2023 open letter, Artists Against Apartheid.[94][95] In November 2023, Kehlani signed an open letter calling for a ceasefire and an end to the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.[96] On May 27, 2024, Kehlani voiced their criticism on Instagram, this time directed specifically at fellow musicians for remaining silent about the Gaza–Israel conflict in Palestine.[97] They further demonstrated their support for Gaza in the “Next 2 U” music video, which opens up with a poem by a Palestinian American writer and has a Palestinian flag in the background of the entire video.[70]

In April 2025, Kehlani's scheduled performance at Cornell University's annual Slope Day was canceled by university president Michael Kotlikoff over their support for Palestine. Kotlikoff claimed that Kehlani had "espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments in performances, videos, and on social media." In response, they responded on Instagram saying, "I am not antisemitic, nor anti-Jew. I am anti-genocide, I am anti the actions of the Israeli government, I am anti an extermination of an entire people, I am anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women—that’s what I’m anti."[98]

In May 2025, another scheduled Kehlani concert in New York was canceled after pressure from New York City mayor Eric Adams citing "security concerns." The free concert had been scheduled to take place on June 26 at SummerStage as part of Pride events taking place in the city, but was canceled after first deputy mayor Randy Mastro sent a letter to event organizers threatening to revoke their license and refer the matter to police to investigate if the event was a "risk to public safety." The event was canceled in the midst of ongoing backlash against Kehlani's pro-Palestine views.[99]

Sexuality and gender identity

[edit]

In April 2018, they spoke about their sexuality on Twitter, stating, "I'm queer. Not bi, not straight. I'm attracted to women, men, REALLY attracted to queer men, non-binary people, intersex people, trans people. lil poly pansexual".[100][101] After that, during a livestream in early 2021, Kehlani announced that they are a lesbian,[102] after having publicly identified as queer and pansexual in the past. They prefer polyamorous relationships.[103] They have stated that it is important for them to include female pronouns in their music.[104]

In an April 2019 interview with Diva, Kehlani stated they are "definitely on the non-binary scale" despite preferring "she" pronouns.[105] In December 2020, Kehlani updated their pronouns on Twitter to "she/they".[106] In an interview with Byrdie Magazine in 2021, they stated their preference for "they" over "she", because "something feels really affirming when people say they", and that "it feels like you really see me".[107]

Tattoos

[edit]
Kehlani in July 2016

Kehlani got their first tattoo when they were 16.[108] Some of their tattoos include Coraline,[109] Regina "Reggie" Rocket,[110] Mia Wallace and Vincent Vega dancing,[111] Lauryn Hill,[112] Frida Kahlo,[113] a sleeve of roses, a sunflower, and face tattoos of a paper plane and four dots.[111]

In an interview with Power 106, Kehlani discusses their attempted suicide was due to the negative media response as well as their first major heartbreak. They state that their album was therapeutic through their difficult time. During their recovery, they got a tattoo that says "perdida y encontrada" which in English translates to "lost and found".[114]

On their travels to Australia during August 2017, Kehlani received a "Kirituhi", a Māori tattoo from a New Zealand artist, whom they flew from New Zealand to Sydney, Australia to complete. On Kehlani's Instagram post, they captioned the photo: "[T]he piece representing my whānau/family, 6 koru representing my 4 siblings here on earth and the 2 that have transferred into the next life. 2 mangopare/hammerhead sharks representing guidance and strength through adversity and tribulation."[115]

On January 5, 2018, Kehlani posted a photo to Instagram showing that their hand tattoo of the word "woke" had been covered up with a lotus flower; they stated that they felt that their "hand would speak for [them] before [they] even got a chance to open [their] mouth".[116]

Business ventures

[edit]

Entrepreneurship in activism

[edit]

In tandem with the release of their single "Next 2 U" in 2024, they unveiled merchandise created by Palestinian, Nöl Collective creative director and founder, Yasmeen Mjalli. The entirety of the proceeds from the sales of the merchandise went towards aiding Palestinian, Congolese and Sudanese families, in collaboration with Operation Olive Branch.[117][118]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Kehlani discography

Studio albums

Filmography

[edit]
Film and television roles
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2022 The L Word: Generation Q Ivy Guest star [119]
2023 Creed III Themself Cameo [120]

Tours

[edit]
Headlining
Supporting

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Award Year Nominee(s) Category Result Ref.
American Music Awards 2017 Themself Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B Nominated [121]
BET Awards 2016 Best New Artist Nominated [122]
2017 "Distraction" Centric Award Nominated [123]
Themself Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Nominated
2018 Nominated [124]
2020 Nominated [125]
Billboard Music Awards 2021 It Was Good Until It Wasn't Top R&B Album Nominated [126]
Billboard Women in Music 2017 Themself Rulebreaker Award Won [127]
British LGBT Awards 2018 MTV Music Artist Nominated [128]
2022 Nominated [129]
Give Her FlowHERS Awards 2022 The Alchemist Award Won [130]
GLAAD Media Awards 2018 SweetSexySavage Outstanding Music Artist Nominated [131]
2021 It Was Good Until It Wasn't Nominated [132]
Grammy Awards 2016 You Should Be Here Best Urban Contemporary Album Nominated [133]
2018 "Distraction" Best R&B Performance Nominated
2025 "After Hours" Best R&B Song Nominated [134]
Crash Best Progressive R&B Album Nominated
"Kehlani" Best Melodic Rap Performance Nominated
iHeartRadio Music Awards 2018 Themself Best New R&B Artist Nominated [135]
Queerty Awards 2022 Closet Door Bustdown Nominated [136]
Soul Train Music Awards 2017 Best R&B/Soul Female Artist Nominated [137]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kehlani

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Kehlani Ashley Parrish (born April 24, 1995), known professionally as Kehlani, is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer from .
Kehlani first gained prominence as a member of the teen group Poplyfe, which finished eighth on the sixth season of in 2011, before pursuing a solo career with the release of the mixtape Cloud 19 in 2014. Their debut studio album, SweetSexySavage (2017), debuted at number three on the chart, establishing Kehlani in the genre. Subsequent albums including It Was Good Until It Wasn't (2020), (2022), and Crash (2024) have featured hits like "Nights Like This" and "After Hours," blending R&B, pop, and alternative influences.
Kehlani has received multiple Grammy Award nominations, including for Best Progressive R&B Album for Crash in 2025, Best R&B Song for "After Hours," and Best Melodic Rap Performance. These accolades highlight their contributions to modern R&B, though commercial success has varied amid explorations of personal themes in lyrics addressing relationships, , and identity.
Kehlani's public profile has also involved notable personal controversies, such as a 2024 custody dispute with the father of their child, involving unverified allegations of cult involvement and family safety concerns, which Kehlani has publicly denied as fabricated. Additionally, earlier criticism arose over lyrical content in tracks like "N*ggas" from their 2015 mixtape You Should Be Here, sparking debate on language use in music. These events underscore tensions between Kehlani's artistic expression and public scrutiny in an industry prone to amplified personal narratives over empirical artistic merit.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Kehlani Ashley Parrish was born prematurely on April 24, 1995, in , to parents who both struggled with substance addiction. Her father, who had a history of drug use, died from an overdose when she was approximately one or two years old. Her mother, also an addict, gave birth to Kehlani while evading police and later served time in jail for related offenses. Due to her parents' incapacities, Kehlani was adopted and raised by her mother's sister in , starting from early childhood. This arrangement provided stability amid familial instability, though Kehlani has described her overall upbringing as challenging, marked by exposure to the environments surrounding her parents' addictions. Kehlani's ethnic heritage reflects a diverse mix, including African-American, Native American, and possibly Spanish ancestry from her mother's side, with her father contributing African-American, Caucasian, and Native American roots. No verified records indicate siblings raised alongside her, and her early life centered on the adoptive household in the Bay Area, shaping her resilience amid adversity.

Initial musical involvement

Kehlani was introduced to music early through her aunt, who raised her after her parents' struggles with , playing R&B and neo-soul records that shaped her tastes, including works by , , and Jill Scott. From childhood through junior high, she pursued dance intensively, focusing on ballet and modern styles, and enrolled at the in with aspirations to attend the as a dancer. An injury in junior high prompted her to pivot from dance to vocal training at the same school, where she developed her singing abilities from seventh through .

Musical career

2009–2013: Formation of PopLyfe and early recognition

In 2009, Kehlani Parrish, then a student at , became the lead vocalist for PopLyfe, a teen pop and R&B cover band formed primarily by fellow students at the school in . The group, which included members Dylan Wiggins on keyboards, Jaden Wiggins, Dillon Ingram on guitar, Denzel Merritt, and Ali-Khan Lochin, initially rehearsed in Wiggins' living room and performed original arrangements of popular songs at local Bay Area events. Over the next two years, PopLyfe built a regional following through consistent live performances in Oakland and surrounding areas, honing a high-energy style blending pop harmonies, soulful vocals, and instrumental covers of tracks by artists like and . Seeking broader exposure, PopLyfe auditioned for the sixth season of America's Got Talent in Seattle in early 2011, performing "Secrets" by OneRepublic and advancing through the competition with judges' praise for their polished sound and youthful charisma. The group progressed to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, where they delivered covers including "You and I" by Lady Gaga, ultimately finishing in fourth place among contestants. This national television appearance on NBC provided PopLyfe's first widespread recognition, drawing attention to Kehlani's distinctive vocal range and stage presence amid the band's cohesive performances viewed by millions. Following the show, PopLyfe capitalized on the momentum by touring with Disney actress and singer on her Swag It Out Tour in late 2011, performing to larger audiences across the U.S. However, internal tensions led to the group's dissolution in June 2012, with Kehlani, Ingram, and Merritt departing to pursue individual paths; Kehlani cited creative differences and a desire for solo artistic control as key factors in her exit. This period marked Kehlani's transition from group performer to independent artist, with the AGT exposure serving as a foundational step in her emerging career despite the band's short lifespan.

2014–2015: Independent mixtapes and rising fame

In 2014, following the dissolution of her group PopLyfe, Kehlani independently released her debut Cloud 19 on August 26 as a free digital download. The project featured eight tracks showcasing her R&B style influenced by Oakland's music scene, with production from collaborators including and . Two songs from the mixtape, "" and "Payback," appeared on Billboard's Emerging Artists chart, indicating early online buzz. Cloud 19 received critical praise for its raw emotional depth and vocal delivery, earning a spot on Complex magazine's list of the 50 best albums of 2014. The mixtape's success attracted attention from major labels, culminating in Kehlani signing a deal with later that year, though she retained creative control for subsequent independent efforts. Building on this momentum, Kehlani released her second , You Should Be Here, on April 28, 2015, self-distributed via and other platforms. The 15-track project included guest appearances from on "The Way" and on "Down for You," blending introspective lyrics on relationships and personal growth with neo-soul and hip-hop elements. It debuted at number 38 on the chart and achieved over 87 million streams on within its first year, propelling Kehlani's visibility through viral singles like "Forever Boy" and "Undercover." The mixtape's acclaim, including a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album in 2017, solidified Kehlani's rising status in R&B, with outlets like highlighting her as a standout Bay Area artist on the cusp of mainstream breakthrough. Independent promotion via and live performances at events like SXSW amplified her fanbase, transitioning her from group member to solo act with growing industry recognition.

2016–2017: Debut album SweetSexySavage

Following the release of her mixtape You Should Be Here in 2015, Kehlani, signed to Atlantic Records since May 2015, began previewing material for her debut studio album with singles such as "CRZY" on July 15, 2016, which peaked at number 85 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Gangsta" in August 2016 for the Suicide Squad soundtrack. Promotional tracks like "Advice," "Distraction," "Undercover," and "Do U Dirty" followed throughout 2016, showcasing themes of romance, vulnerability, and resilience amid production from collaborators including Pop & Oak and Charlie Heat. In March 2016, Kehlani was hospitalized after a , stemming from intense public scrutiny over alleged infidelity involving rapper and NBA player , which drew online backlash including unsympathetic comments from . She subsequently deleted accounts temporarily but resumed activity, addressing depression and in a May 2016 concert speech, emphasizing the need for open discussion on . These events influenced the album's introspective tone, reflecting personal adversity and recovery. The album title SweetSexySavage was announced on November 26, 2016, with the 19-track project released on January 27, 2017, via . It debuted at number three on the and topped the R&B Albums chart, selling 58,000 equivalent album units in its first week. Critics offered mixed but generally favorable reviews, with praising its "blunt, unflinching, and exuberant" self-assurance in addressing relationships and growth, while critiqued its length and occasional formulaic R&B tropes as unremarkable. noted Kehlani's evolution into a "critic's darling" despite challenges penetrating mainstream pop markets dominated by less substantive trends. The album earned nominations at the , , and Awards, though it did not secure Grammy recognition.

2018–2020: It Was Good Until It Wasn't and collaborations

Kehlani released her second studio album, It Was Good Until It Wasn't, on May 8, 2020, via Atlantic Records. The project consists of 15 tracks spanning 39 minutes, with production contributions from multiple collaborators and guest appearances by Jhené Aiko on "Change Your Life", Masego on "Grief Monte Carlo", Lucky Daye on "8th Floor", and James Blake on "F&MU". Lead singles included "Valentine's Day", released on February 13, 2020, and "Toxic" on March 5, 2020, both of which preceded the album's rollout. The album debuted at number two on the chart, marking Kehlani's highest charting release at the time, with first-week sales driven primarily by streaming equivalents. Tracks like "Water" and "Can I" (originally featuring , whose verse was later removed amid legal developments involving Lanez) received playlist placements on platforms such as and , contributing to the album's visibility. Thematically, the record explores interpersonal relationships, emotional turmoil, and self-reflection, recorded amid Kehlani's personal challenges including a announced earlier in 2020. During 2018 and 2019, Kehlani engaged in several high-profile collaborations that bridged her prior work and the 2020 album. In April 2018, she featured on Cardi B's "Ring" from the rapper's debut album Invasion of Privacy, a track that peaked at number 28 on the Hot 100. In January 2019, Kehlani issued the single "Nights Like This" with Ty Dolla $ign, which garnered radio airplay and streaming traction as a lead into her interim mixtape , released November 22, 2019, featuring additional guests like , YG, and Belly. Extending into 2020, she collaborated with on "Get Me" from his album Changes, released February 14, 2020, further expanding her crossover appeal. These partnerships underscored Kehlani's versatility in blending R&B with hip-hop and pop elements across genres.

2021–2023: Blue Water Road and personal reflections

In early 2021, Kehlani expressed a focus on personal growth and , describing their as reflective of newfound brightness amid past challenges. This period marked a shift toward themes of healing and self-improvement, influencing their third studio album. Kehlani released on April 29, 2022, via and their imprint TSNMI, comprising 13 tracks with a runtime of 37 minutes. The album featured collaborations with , , Syd, , and , and included singles "Altar" and "up at night" featuring Bieber, both issued earlier in 2022. It debuted at number 3 on Billboard's Top R&B Albums chart. The album's themes centered on sensuality, emotional , and authentic relationships, drawing from Kehlani's experiences of transitioning from personal turmoil to stability, including celebrations of same-sex love and on growth. Kehlani described the work as embodying an ongoing process of , inspired by symbolism tied to their Area roots, and contrasted it with public fixation on their earlier "chaos and darkness." To promote the album, Kehlani launched the Trip Tour in July 2022, their first headlining tour in five years, spanning 28 North American dates with support from and Destin Conrad, followed by European and Australia-New Zealand legs into early 2023. In late 2022, Kehlani publicly shared their relationship with basketball player Kiara Russell via .

2024–present: Crash, While We Wait 2, and ongoing projects

Kehlani released their fourth studio album, Crash, on June 21, 2024, via , following an announcement on May 15, 2024, that included the cover art. The album features collaborations with artists such as Mustard and extends Kehlani's exploration of R&B themes including relationships and vulnerability. Crash debuted at number 25 on the chart and number 2 on the Top R&B Albums chart, marking Kehlani's strongest R&B chart performance to date. Lead single "After Hours" achieved significant streaming success, accumulating approximately 4.4 million U.S. streams in its debut week and becoming Kehlani's longest-charting solo hit on the Hot 100 since "Gangsta" in 2016. On August 28, 2024, Kehlani issued While We Wait 2, a mixtape sequel to the 2019 project While We Wait, announced five days prior on August 21. The eight-track release includes features from Lucky Daye, Vince Staples, kwn, and Lil Mo, emphasizing introspective and emotional narratives amid Kehlani's personal transitions. To support Crash, Kehlani launched the Crash World Tour in 2024, extending into 2025 with special guests including Flo and Anycia, performing tracks like "After Hours" across multiple venues. In 2025, Kehlani released the single "Folded" on August 15, which became their biggest hit to date, followed by the Folded Homage Pack on October 24—a remix EP featuring R&B artists such as Brandy, Mario, Toni Braxton, Ne-Yo, and Tank. Earlier in the year, on January 24, Kehlani issued Big Waves Vol. 1. Kehlani confirmed plans for a new album, tentatively titled K5, in 2026 during an October 21, 2025, interview.

Personal life

Relationships and family

Kehlani shares a , Adeya Nomi, with partner Javaughn Young-White, a and model; the child was born at home in on March 23, 2019. Young-White and Kehlani dated from 2018 to 2019 and initially co-parented, though their arrangement later became contentious. Kehlani's romantic history spans relationships with men and women, consistent with their public identification as and sexually fluid. Notable past partners include NBA player , with whom Kehlani was publicly involved starting in late 2015 and ending in 2016 after mutual social media posts and appearances. The singer briefly dated rapper YG in 2019, appearing together at events before parting ways. Kehlani was also linked to rapper from 2021 to 2022, and to model Kiara Russell in 2022, amid a pattern of short-term connections often documented via . In April 2024, Kehlani married Mariel Gomerez, an A&R executive associated with Beyoncé's , in ; the union was annulled three months later amid allegations of and emotional distress filed by Gomerez. Kehlani has no other publicly confirmed children or siblings, and details on remain limited beyond early-life references to being raised by an due to parental challenges.

Sexuality, gender identity, and mental health challenges

Kehlani has described their sexuality as evolving over time through public statements. In April 2018, they tweeted that they were "queer," specifying attraction to women, men, "REALLY attracted to men," non-binary people, and trans individuals, while rejecting labels like bisexual or straight. By 2021, following , Kehlani identified as a , a shift they attributed to deeper on past attractions to men. In a July 2024 post, they clarified, “I was bisexual my entire life, and then I came out as a almost four years ago now,” emphasizing current exclusive attraction to women and dismissing interest in men despite prior relationships, including with NBA player and the father of their child. This progression has sparked fan discussions and accusations of inconsistency, particularly given Kehlani's history of romantic involvement with men. On , Kehlani has expressed affinity for non-binary labels and they/them pronouns. In November 2021, they stated that using "they" pronouns feels "really affirming," aligning with a broader exploration of identity beyond binary norms. By August 2024, Kehlani publicly embraced a non-binary identity, framing it as part of ongoing personal growth amid fluid understandings of . These disclosures coincide with their identification, though Kehlani was assigned female at birth and has not pursued medical transition. Kehlani has candidly addressed mental health challenges, including a (BPD) diagnosis at age 15 and a later diagnosis, noting lifelong struggles predating formal labels and a statistical risk of among BPD cases. They have described ongoing battles with depression, anxiety, and the pressures of fame, which informed themes in albums like (2022). In March 2016, Kehlani was hospitalized after a , posting from an IV-connected hospital bed amid online rumors of cheating on with rapper , which intensified their distress. The event prompted a psychiatric hold and drew skepticism, including from , who labeled it a "sympathy ploy" for public validation. Kehlani later reflected on these experiences in tours and interviews, advocating for awareness while quitting for mental clarity.

Activism and political views

Early social justice involvement

Kehlani's initial forays into social justice advocacy occurred in 2014, shortly after departing from PopLyfe, through her music addressing the following the police shooting of Michael Brown on August 9, 2014. In response, she released the track "," produced by Hardy and Indiigo, which explicitly references the events and urges listeners to engage in protests against police violence. The song reflects her emerging commitment to racial justice issues, framing incarceration and systemic inequality as interconnected crises warranting . By 2015, as her solo career gained traction with the mixtape Cloud 19, Kehlani articulated a broader awareness of in interviews, attributing it to a "wave of consciousness" among younger artists influenced by movements like . She described this shift as polarizing, stating, "There’s this wave of consciousness that you’re either completely on or completely off right now," and linked it to heightened political engagement among teenagers discussing issues beyond personal fame. Her Oakland upbringing, marked by familial hardships including her mother's struggles with and incarceration, informed this perspective, fostering a sense of purpose in using her platform for advocacy rather than detachment. This period marked Kehlani's transition from performer to vocal commentator, with her tattoo of the word ""—later covered in —symbolizing her alignment with heightened social awareness during her rise to prominence. Unlike later, more actions, her early efforts centered on artistic expression amid the Bay Area's legacy of , though specific organizational ties or street-level participation remain undocumented in contemporaneous accounts. Kehlani publicly incorporated pro-Palestinian symbolism into the music video for her single "Next 2 U," released on June 2, 2024, appearing in a keffiyeh-inspired outfit while singing in front of a and explicitly stating solidarity with . She has repeatedly characterized 's military actions in Gaza as "" and included backdrops during performances reading " is committing against the Palestinian people" alongside "Fuck . Free Palestine." In April 2025, canceled Kehlani's scheduled headline performance at its event following complaints from students and alumni who viewed her statements as expressing "antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments," prompting university president Michael Kotlikoff to rescind the invitation on April 24. Kehlani responded via on April 29, denying antisemitism and clarifying her position as "anti-genocide," while emphasizing opposition to the "extermination of an entire people." Her advocacy extended to the 2025 on May 26, where she displayed a "Free " message on the and reiterated support for amid the ongoing conflict. In June 2024, Kehlani disclosed that her stance had resulted in forfeited deals and severed industry ties, including performance opportunities, but affirmed no regrets, stating it allowed her to "sleep at night." Criticisms have focused on the inflammatory nature of her rhetoric, with pro-Israel groups and event organizers interpreting phrases like "long live the "—which Kehlani has invoked—as endorsing violence against , leading to boycotts such as Jewish organizations withdrawing from San Diego Pride in June 2025 after her booking. Kehlani has maintained that her views target state actions rather than Jewish people, amid broader industry repercussions including event cancellations tied to security concerns over protests.

Controversies

2016 cyberbullying and suicide attempt rumors

In March 2016, Kehlani experienced severe online harassment after rumors emerged alleging she had cheated on her boyfriend, NBA player , with Canadian rapper . The speculation, fueled by posts and public speculation about her relationships, led to widespread slut-shaming and misogynistic targeting the 20-year-old singer. Kehlani later described the attacks as relentless, contributing to her emotional distress amid the public scrutiny. On March 29, 2016, Kehlani was hospitalized following a , which she confirmed in a now-deleted Instagram post from her hospital bed, showing herself connected to an IV drip. She attributed the attempt directly to the and feelings of isolation from the cheating accusations, stating in the post that she felt "unloved" and overwhelmed by the online backlash. Authorities placed her on a psychiatric hold as a precaution, and she was released shortly after. The incident drew further controversy when singer publicly criticized Kehlani on , suggesting her actions were a "sympathy ploy" to garner support rather than a genuine crisis, and expressing support for Irving. Brown's comments, which included remarks like "All these thots want attention," amplified the online discourse and highlighted divisions in public reactions to the event. Kehlani did not directly respond to Brown at the time, but the episode underscored broader issues of celebrity accountability and the impact of amplification on personal crises. In subsequent reflections, Kehlani addressed the ordeal in interviews, emphasizing resilience and rejecting a victim narrative while acknowledging the toll of public shaming. No criminal charges or formal investigations into the were reported, though the incident raised awareness about online harassment's role in struggles among public figures.

2024 custody battle and cult allegations

In July 2024, Javaughn Young-White, the father of Kehlani's five-year-old daughter Adeya Nomi, filed a paternity and custody petition in seeking full physical and legal custody, alleging that Kehlani's involvement in a spiritual group endangered the . Young-White claimed the group, led by a man identified as Neto, operated as a where Adeya was bathed by unrelated adults, slept in the same bed as group members, and underwent unsupervised "religious ceremonies" performed by the leader, including exposure to fire and other rituals. He further asserted that Kehlani viewed Adeya as an "indigo " with special spiritual powers and left her in the care of "random strangers" from the group, prioritizing communal activities over the 's safety. Kehlani publicly addressed the cult allegations on August 7, 2024, via Stories, describing them as "deeply hurtful" and denying any cult involvement, instead characterizing the group as a supportive spiritual community focused on healing and growth without harm to Adeya. She emphasized her commitment to co-parenting and stated that the claims misrepresented personal spiritual practices. On August 9, 2024, Young-White issued a public apology and retraction through his attorney, expressing regret for the "hurtful" and unsubstantiated elements of the filing, claiming he did not approve the document's final wording, and specifically apologizing to the group's leader for the cult label. He affirmed his desire for rather than full, citing miscommunications with his legal team. The dispute escalated when Kehlani filed for a temporary restraining order against Young-White on August 15, 2024, which was granted by the court, allowing her to retain full physical and legal custody of Adeya pending further hearings; she accused him of emotional abuse, , and unauthorized recording of the child. By November 2024, additional claims emerged in court filings alleging Kehlani maintained an inappropriately close relationship with Adeya, including shared sleeping arrangements and texts interpreted as blurring parental boundaries, which Kehlani denied as distortions of affectionate co-parenting. The custody proceedings remained ongoing as of late 2024, with no final resolution reported.

Business ventures

Entrepreneurial efforts in activism and branding

Kehlani co-founded the wellness technology startup FLORA in 2017, aimed at promoting health and positive lifestyle changes among younger demographics through a mobile app focused on mental and physical well-being. The venture received $50,000 in seed funding from Backstage Capital, a firm specializing in investments for underrepresented founders, including people of color. By 2018, FLORA expanded to include features encouraging environmental and personal habit improvements, aligning with Kehlani's public emphasis on self-care and social responsibility. In June 2024, Kehlani launched limited-edition "Next 2 U" merchandise, including T-shirts, to generate funds for in , , and the of Congo, raising over $555,000 through sales tied to the single's release. The initiative directed proceeds to verified aid organizations, such as , amid Kehlani's vocal advocacy for these regions, though it coincided with reported losses of commercial partnerships due to the associated political stance. These efforts reflect Kehlani's integration of branding with , leveraging personal artistic output for revenue generation that supports targeted causes, though the scale remains modest compared to core music revenue streams. No further independent brands or sustained ventures beyond and episodic merch campaigns have been publicly launched as of 2025.

Artistic style, influences, and reception

Musical evolution and themes

Kehlani's musical output originated with the mixtape Cloud 19, released on August 1, 2014, comprising eight tracks that emphasized youthful romance and self-discovery, as exemplified by songs like "FWU." This early work established a foundation in with upbeat, playful elements reflective of emerging adulthood. The 2015 mixtape You Should Be Here, issued on April 28, explored intricate relational dynamics through sensual, introspective tracks influenced by contemporaries like and , achieving commercial breakthrough with a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album. Recurring motifs of love, loss, and emotional vulnerability began to solidify, marking a shift toward more focused narrative depth in her songwriting. Her debut studio album SweetSexySavage, released January 27, 2017, integrated swagger with candid examinations of regret and resilience, presenting a self-assured evolution from prior mixtapes through blunt, exuberant expressions of personal turmoil. The production leaned into sunny, pop-infused R&B, contrasting later introspective phases while maintaining themes of identity and relational accountability. Subsequent releases like the 2019 mixtape incorporated motherhood's transformative influence, evident in tracks such as "Footsteps," before (May 11, 2020) adopted a cloudier, groove-oriented R&B style to dissect isolation, emotional risks, and relational breakdowns, diverging from the prior album's triumphant tone toward greater subtlety and immersion in unresolved tensions. Kehlani's fourth album Crash, released June 21, 2024, signifies further stylistic expansion, fusing R&B with rock, country, and dance elements to convey unapologetic self-expression amid themes of , , identity shifts, and resilience. This progression underscores a trajectory from raw, personal mixtapes to genre-blending maturity, consistently threading and growth through lived experiences like parenthood and relational flux.

Critical assessments and commercial performance

Kehlani's music has received generally positive critical reception, with reviewers frequently praising her emotive vocal delivery and introspective lyrics exploring themes of relationships, mental health, and personal growth. Her debut studio album You Should Be Here (2015) earned a Metascore of 71/100 on Metacritic based on six reviews, with critics like The New York Times noting its "calm swagger" amid tracks blending R&B and soul influences. SweetSexySavage (2017) followed with acclaim for its personal storytelling, as outlets highlighted Kehlani's ability to humanize R&B tropes through vulnerability. Subsequent releases showed mixed but improving aggregate scores, reflecting evolving production and thematic maturity. It Was Good Until It Wasn't (2020) aggregated 77/100 on , with praise for transforming vulnerability into strength, though some reviews critiqued inconsistent pacing at a 60/100 level. Blue Water Road (2022) achieved 83/100, lauded for revelation and growth in a live-band infused sound. Crash (2024) was described as establishing Kehlani as a "reigning of sultry, seductive, hot R&B," emphasizing strengths in sensuality and hooks. Overall, critics from sources like and have commended her consistency in R&B innovation, though occasional detractors point to formulaic elements in mainstream appeal. Commercially, Kehlani has achieved solid success in R&B and streaming metrics, with over 1 million albums sold globally, led by SweetSexySavage exceeding 500,000 units. Her albums consistently chart on Billboard: You Should Be Here debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, SweetSexySavage at No. 3, It Was Good Until It Wasn't at No. 2, Blue Water Road at No. 13, and Crash at No. 25, also hitting No. 5 on Top R&B Albums. Singles like "Gangsta" (2017) amassed 576 million Spotify streams, contributing to her total of 9.25 billion artist streams as of October 2025. Breakthrough streaming hits underscore her digital-era viability, particularly "Folded" (2025), which marked her first top-20 Hot 100 entry at No. 20, first top-10 on at No. 9, and generated over 268 million global streams with 179 million on alone. This track's performance—fueled by 11.1 million U.S. streams in one week and 800 digital downloads—represents her biggest streaming debut, peaking her monthly listeners at 25 million. While not dominating pop charts historically, her R&B niche dominance is evident in certifications and features, such as on Cardi B's tracks boosting visibility.

Works

Discography

Kehlani's discography encompasses four studio albums, four , and various extended plays and singles released primarily through following their early independent . Their debut Cloud 19 (2014) marked an entry into R&B and hip-hop circles, while subsequent releases like You Should Be Here (2015) gained commercial traction, debuting at number 38 on the 200. Studio albums such as SweetSexySavage (2017) achieved higher chart peaks, with It Was Good Until It Wasn't (2020) reaching number 2 on the same chart. Later works, including Crash (2024), continued to blend R&B with pop and alternative influences, often featuring collaborations and thematic explorations of relationships and personal growth.

Studio albums

TitleRelease dateLabelPeak chart positions
SweetSexySavageJanuary 19, 2017AtlanticUS BB200: 3
It Was Good Until It Wasn'tMay 29, 2020AtlanticUS BB200: 2
April 29, 2022AtlanticUS BB200: 13
CrashJune 21, 2024AtlanticUS BB200: 25 US R&B/HH: 8

Mixtapes and EPs

Early mixtapes were self-released before signing with Atlantic, emphasizing raw production and covers of contemporary tracks. While We Wait (2019) served as a stopgap between albums, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard 200 and featuring tracks like "Nights Like This" with Ty Dolla $ign. Its sequel, While We Wait 2 (2024), released on August 28, extended this format with seven tracks recorded over two weeks, focusing on introspective R&B. The Folded Homage Pack (2025), an EP of remixes for the single "Folded," dropped on October 24 and includes features from artists like Brandy, Toni Braxton, and Ne-Yo, paying tribute to R&B predecessors.
TitleRelease dateLabelPeak chart positions
Cloud 19 (mixtape)March 4, 2014Independent—
You Should Be Here (mixtape)May 28, 2015IndependentUS BB200: 38
While We Wait (mixtape/EP)February 22, 2019AtlanticUS BB200: 9
While We Wait 2 (mixtape)August 28, 2024Atlantic—
Folded Homage Pack (EP)October 24, 2025Atlantic—

Singles

Kehlani has released over 20 singles as lead artist, with several achieving top-40 status on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Gangsta" (2016) from the Suicide Squad soundtrack, which peaked at number 13 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and "Nights Like This" (2019) featuring Ty Dolla $ign, reaching number 9 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. "CRZY" (2016) marked an early breakout, while recent single "Folded" (June 11, 2025) became their first top-10 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at number 9, driven by viral streaming and nostalgic appeal. Featured appearances, such as on Cardi B's "Ring" (2018), have also charted, peaking at number 17 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Certifications from the RIAA include platinum status for tracks like "Gangsta" and multi-platinum for collaborative singles.

Filmography and tours

Kehlani has appeared in a limited number of acting roles outside of music videos. In 2022, she guest-starred as Ivy on season 3 of the Showtime series The L Word: Generation Q. In 2023, she made a cameo appearance as herself in the sports drama film Creed III, directed by Michael B. Jordan. Kehlani has headlined multiple concert tours in support of her albums. Her first major headlining tour, the SweetSexySavage World Tour, supported her 2017 album of the same name and ran throughout 2017, featuring stops across , , and other regions. Following the release of her 2022 album , she conducted the Blue Water Road Trip tour, which included performances in major cities and festival appearances. The Crash World Tour, launched in 2024 to promote her album Crash, began with dates in and expanded internationally, with opening acts including and Destin Conrad; as of October 2025, it continued with scheduled shows through 2026. Additionally, Kehlani has served as an for other artists' tours, such as Demi Lovato's Tell Me You Love Me World Tour in from February to April 2018.

Awards and nominations

Major accolades

Kehlani received the Rule Breaker Award at 's Women in Music 2017 event on November 30, 2017, recognizing her innovative impact on R&B and . She has garnered multiple Grammy Award nominations without securing a win. In 2016, for the 58th Annual Grammy Awards, Kehlani was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album for her mixtape You Should Be Here. For the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in 2025, she received three nominations: Best Progressive R&B Album for Crash, Best R&B Song for "After Hours", and Best Melodic Rap Performance for "KEHLANI" (featuring Jordan Adetunji). Additional nominations include Favorite Female Soul/R&B Artist at the 2017 and Best Female R&B Artist at the 2025 , though she did not win either. Kehlani has also been nominated for in the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020, and for Outstanding Music Artist at the 2018 Media Awards.

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  100. https://soundcloud.com/kehlanimusic/collect-call-produced-by-hardy-indiigo
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  104. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2025-04-28/kehlani-responds-to-cornell-backlash
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  113. https://nypost.com/2025/05/02/us-news/nyc-blasted-for-tapping-anti-israel-performer-kehlani-for-taxpayer-funded-central-park-pride-concert/
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  115. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-35924323
  116. https://news.yahoo.com/kehlani-latest-female-celebrity-face-180300937.html
  117. https://www.marinij.com/2016/03/30/oakland-singer-kehlani-on-psychiatric-hold-following-suicide-attempt-over-kyrie-irving-cheating-rumors/
  118. https://www.bet.com/article/4pud0o/kehlani-on-partynextdoor-drama-backlash
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  120. https://www.thecut.com/article/kehlani-cult-allegations-explained-who-is-neto.html
  121. https://pagesix.com/2024/08/05/entertainment/kehlanis-ex-claims-singer-is-in-a-sex-cult-files-for-full-custody-of-their-5-year-daughter/
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  128. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2024-08-15/kehlani-temporary-restraining-order-ex-boyfriend-custody-battle
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  130. https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/kehlani-alleged-inappropriate-relationship-daughter-texts-response-1234943694/
  131. https://www.instagram.com/p/DCXGU2QtzIw/
  132. https://www.reddit.com/r/LAinfluencersnark/comments/1go7lrw/kehlani_coparenting_court_case/
  133. https://i-d.co/article/kehlani-has-been-secretly-working-on-a-tech-startup/
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  135. https://www.revolt.tv/article/2017-11-09/34609/kehlanis-tech-startup-receives-50k-in-funding-from-investors
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