Today, Kehlani marks her birthday with the release of her fifth studio album, KEHLANI. The self-titled record signals a personal turn, with the singer leaning into direct storytelling while continuing to blend genre lines across R&B, pop, and soul.
The rollout began with “Folded,” a track that quickly became a major record across radio and streaming platforms. Its success carried through awards season, earning two GRAMMY wins for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. The song’s impact extended beyond charts, with reinterpretations from established artists and a televised performance that placed it in front of new listeners.
Subsequent releases such as “Out The Window” pushed Kehlani’s success further, while “Back and Forth” with Missy Elliott added a different energy ahead of the album’s arrival. Each track offered a preview of the direction she takes across this full project, and features many of the industry’s stars, such as Usher, Lil Wayne, Cardi B, Leon Thomas, Clipse, and more.
The release follows a stretch of high-profile appearances, including a surprise moment during Giveon’s Coachella set earlier this month, and a separate performance during festival weekend. Kehlani’s catalog now spans billions of streams and multiple certifications, placing her among the most consistent voices in contemporary R&B. With KEHLANI now out, attention turns to the stage. She is set to perform at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture this summer, where the new music will meet a live audience for the first time, so stay tuned.
KEHLANI TRACKLIST
1. Intro
2. Anotha Luva (feat. Lil Wayne)
3. No Such Thing (feat. Clipse)
4. Folded
5. I Need You (feat. Brandy)
6. Oooh
7. Back and Forth (feat. Missy Elliott)
8. Shoulda Never (feat. Usher)
9. You Got It
10. Out The Window
11. Still
12. Call Me Back (feat. T-Pain & Lil Jon)
13. Pocket (feat. Cardi B)
14. Lights On (feat. Big Sean)
15. Sweet Nuthins (feat. Leon Thomas)
16. Cruise Control
17. Unlearn
TOPICS: 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture Kehlani new music
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