Oakland-born singer-songwriter Kehlani has established herself as one of the most influential voices in contemporary R&B since emerging from the teen pop group PopLyfe in 2014. With a career spanning four studio albums, four mixtapes, and over five billion streams, the Grammy-winning artist has built an impressive catalog that showcases emotional depth, vocal prowess, and genre-blending innovation. From her breakthrough mixtapes to her Grammy-winning success with tracks like her most recent hit, Kehlani consistently delivers music that resonates with authenticity and vulnerability. This comprehensive guide explores the twenty most exceptional tracks that define her artistic journey and cement her legacy in modern music.
Folded
Released in June 2025, this track became Kehlani’s first song to enter the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number six. The song represents a masterful blend of nostalgic R&B elements with contemporary production, featuring strings, guitar, and drums that create an intimate sonic landscape. Created during a recording session in Miami that was originally intended for a different feature, the track was initially meant for rapper Wale before Kehlani and producers realized its potential. The song’s themes of romantic reconciliation and vulnerability struck a chord with listeners worldwide, earning critical acclaim and securing two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
After Hours
This 2024 single served as the lead track from Kehlani’s fourth studio album “Crash” and showcased their evolution as an artist. The joyous dance-floor ready track samples drums from Nina Sky’s 2004 hit “Move Ya Body,” which itself borrows from Cordel “Scatta” Burrell. The song marked a deliberate shift toward creating music designed specifically for live performance, reflecting Kehlani’s desire to craft uplifting, energetic music after years of introspective material. With production by Khris Riddick and Alex Goldblatt, the track garnered over 170 million streams and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album as part of the “Crash” project.
Gangsta
Featured on the Suicide Squad soundtrack and released in August 2016 by Atlantic Records, this song explores the desire for unconditional love from a gangster’s perspective, specifically referencing the relationship between The Joker and Harley Quinn. The haunting ballad showcases Kehlani’s ability to convey complex emotions through restrained, emotive vocals. The accompanying music video features multiple references to the film, including scenes of Kehlani performing aerial acrobatics, lying in broken glass next to Harley’s bat, and swimming in water resembling acid. The track reached number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of their most recognized songs, demonstrating their capacity for cinematic storytelling through music.
Nights Like This
This collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign from the 2019 mixtape “While We Wait” combines atmospheric production with deeply personal lyrics about heartbreak and betrayal. The song’s moody synth melody and pulsing beat create a dreamy soundscape that perfectly complements the emotional weight of the narrative. The track seamlessly blends emotive lyrics and a sultry R&B vibe, showcasing Kehlani’s ability to craft deeply personal narratives about love and deception. The chemistry between Kehlani’s vulnerable delivery and Ty Dolla $ign’s smooth harmonies elevates the track beyond a typical duet, creating a standout moment that resonated with fans and critics alike.
CRZY
Released in October 2016 from the album “SweetSexySavage,” this track peaked at number 85 on the US charts and number 34 on R&B charts. The energetic, trap-inspired R&B song features fierce vocals and confident attitude that showcase Kehlani’s ability to blend genres seamlessly. The dynamic production with heavy bass and trap drums complements bold lyrics about overcoming adversity and embracing personal power. As one of the defining tracks from their debut album, it established Kehlani’s signature sound and demonstrated their versatility as an artist who could navigate both vulnerable ballads and assertive anthems with equal skill.
Distraction
From the “SweetSexySavage” album released in December 2016, this track peaked at number 85 on the US charts and number 42 on R&B charts. The song fuses soulful R&B rhythms with deeply emotive lyrics that explore themes of seeking solace in love amidst life’s chaos. Its relatable theme of seeking solace in love amidst life’s chaos perfectly accentuates the artist’s ability to tap into universal emotions. The production showcases introspection and longing through carefully layered instrumentation, while Kehlani’s vocal delivery captures the complexity of using romance as an escape from personal struggles.
Honey
This standout track from “SweetSexySavage” features rich acoustic guitar loops and intimate, soulful lyrics that create a timeless R&B aesthetic. The laid-back R&B vibe, combined with sincere vocals, creates a timeless feel. The song’s production strips away unnecessary elements to focus on Kehlani’s voice and the organic instrumentation, resulting in a warm, inviting sonic experience. The track’s simplicity becomes its strength, allowing the emotional authenticity to shine through and connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
Toxic
This track captures the essence of Kehlani’s nuanced lyricism paired with their velvety vocal tone. The song blends R&B and hip-hop vibes with candid lyrics about complex relationships and introspection paired with a sultry melody and infectious beat. From the album “It Was Good Until It Wasn’t” released in 2020, the song explores the complicated dynamics of unhealthy relationships with remarkable honesty. The production balances contemporary R&B sensibilities with hip-hop influences, creating a sound that feels both familiar and fresh, while Kehlani’s performance conveys the internal conflict of recognizing toxicity while struggling to let go.
Can I
This sensual neo-soul track stands out for its luxurious, seductive beat and exploration of intimate relationship complexities. The track’s interpolations of Aaliyah’s classic “Come Over” add a nostalgic twist, making it a compelling blend of modern and classic vibes. Featured on “It Was Good Until It Wasn’t,” the song demonstrates Kehlani’s ability to honor R&B traditions while creating something distinctly contemporary. The production choices and vocal arrangements pay homage to the genre’s golden era while maintaining relevance in today’s musical landscape, showcasing their deep understanding of R&B’s evolution.
Good Life
This collaboration between Kehlani and G-Eazy was featured on the soundtrack for the 2017 action film The Fate of the Furious. The upbeat, feel-good anthem celebrates living life to the fullest and enjoying success. Kehlani’s smooth vocals and G-Eazy’s playful rap verses make for a fun, infectious listening experience, while the catchy chorus and vibrant production make it a perfect addition to any summer playlist. The track’s energetic production and positive messaging made it a commercial success, demonstrating Kehlani’s ability to create music that works both as a standalone track and as part of a larger cinematic experience.
Beautiful Lies
From the 2021 album “Moon Boy,” this collaboration showcases Kehlani’s versatility in working with other artists. The track explores themes of deception in relationships with sophisticated production and layered vocals. The song demonstrates growth in Kehlani’s songwriting approach, tackling complex emotional territory with maturity and nuance. The production creates an atmospheric backdrop that allows both artists to showcase their strengths, resulting in a cohesive and memorable track that highlights the power of well-executed musical collaboration.
Next 2 U
Released as a single from the 2024 album “Crash,” this devotional track showcases Kehlani’s spiritual side. The song features heartfelt lyrics expressing deep connection and reverence, with production that balances intimacy with expansiveness. The music video premiered on May 31, 2024, and began with a poem by Palestinian-American writer Hala Alyan, demonstrating Kehlani’s commitment to using their platform for social awareness. The track represents another facet of their artistic identity, combining personal expression with broader cultural commentary in a way that feels authentic rather than forced.
Water
This track from “It Was Good Until It Wasn’t” demonstrates Kehlani’s ability to create ethereal, flowing soundscapes. The song uses water as a metaphor for emotional fluidity and healing, with production that incorporates aquatic sonic elements. The gentle, meditative quality of the track provides a contemplative moment within the album’s narrative arc. Kehlani’s vocal performance is restrained yet powerful, allowing the metaphorical lyrics and atmospheric production to create an immersive listening experience that invites reflection and introspection.
You Know Wassup
Released in 2019, this single showcased Kehlani’s ability to blend contemporary R&B with nostalgic elements. The track features confident lyrics and groovy production that became a fan favorite. The song demonstrates their skill at creating music that feels both current and timeless, with production choices that nod to classic R&B while maintaining modern appeal. The vocal performance balances swagger with vulnerability, creating a multidimensional track that reveals new layers with repeated listening.
GrooveTheory
From the “Crash” album, this track embodies late-night intimacy with its slinking rhythm and seductive lyrics. The song captures effervescent slices of life through its lyrics, with Kehlani purring lines that embody the titillation of a late-night tryst. The production creates a hypnotic groove that perfectly matches the song’s sensual themes. The track showcases Kehlani’s ability to create mood-driven music that transports listeners to specific emotional and physical spaces, demonstrating sophisticated production choices and nuanced vocal delivery that elevate the material beyond simple seduction.
Everything
This track from the 2022 album “Blue Water Road” represents Kehlani’s exploration of comprehensive love and acceptance. The song features introspective lyrics paired with production that balances minimalism with emotional impact. The track demonstrates artistic growth, showing Kehlani’s evolution from their earlier work toward more mature, contemplative material. The vocal performance conveys depth and sincerity, while the production choices support rather than overshadow the emotional core of the song, resulting in a track that rewards attentive listening.
Crash
The title track from their fourth album explores themes of healing love with emotive vocals, featuring fuzzed-out electric guitars in a rock ballad format. The song represents a bold departure from typical R&B production, incorporating rock elements that showcase Kehlani’s genre-bending approach. The raw, emotional delivery paired with the heavier instrumentation creates a powerful listening experience that stands out in their catalog. The track demonstrates artistic fearlessness, showing willingness to experiment with different sounds while maintaining the emotional authenticity that defines their work.
Altar
This 2021 release showcases Kehlani’s spiritual exploration through music. The track combines reverent lyrics with production that creates a sacred, contemplative atmosphere. The song represents another dimension of their artistic identity, exploring faith and spiritual connection with the same vulnerability they bring to songs about romantic relationships. The production choices support the devotional themes, creating space for reflection and connection that distinguishes it from more conventional R&B tracks while maintaining accessibility and emotional resonance.
Out The Window
Released on November 7, 2025, with the official music video premiering on November 27, this single represents Kehlani’s most recent work. The track continues their exploration of relationship dynamics with contemporary production and mature songwriting. The song demonstrates ongoing artistic evolution, showing that Kehlani continues to push creative boundaries while maintaining the core elements that make their music distinctive. The production balances modern R&B sensibilities with their signature emotional depth, creating a track that feels fresh while remaining true to their artistic identity.
What I Want
This rap-R&B hybrid from “Crash” references Y2K pop royalty Christina Aguilera, showcasing Kehlani’s brash statement of female desire. The track combines assertive lyrics with dynamic production that shifts between singing and rap delivery. The song represents Kehlani’s confident embrace of sexuality and personal agency, delivered with swagger and precision. The production choices honor the early 2000s pop-R&B aesthetic while updating it for contemporary audiences, demonstrating how Kehlani draws from diverse influences to create something uniquely their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kehlani’s biggest hit song?
“Folded” is Kehlani’s biggest hit to date, becoming their first song to enter the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 where it peaked at number six in 2025. The track also won two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, marking their first Grammy wins after multiple nominations throughout their career. The song’s success represents a significant commercial breakthrough while maintaining the artistic integrity that defines their work.
How many albums has Kehlani released?
Kehlani’s discography consists of four studio albums, four mixtapes, and 72 singles including 28 as a featured artist. Their studio albums include “SweetSexySavage” released in 2017, “It Was Good Until It Wasn’t” from 2020, “Blue Water Road” in 2022, and “Crash” released in June 2024. Each album represents distinct artistic phases, showing evolution from their early mixtape work through their current status as an established R&B artist with a dedicated global following.
What album is Gangsta on?
“Gangsta” was released on August 1, 2016, as the fourth and final single from the Suicide Squad soundtrack. The song was also included on the deluxe edition of Kehlani’s debut studio album “SweetSexySavage,” which was released in January 2017. The track became one of their most recognized songs, introducing many listeners to Kehlani’s music through its prominent placement in the film and on streaming platforms.
Has Kehlani won any Grammy Awards?
Kehlani won their first two Grammy Awards at the 68th Grammy Awards ceremony held on February 1, 2026, both for the single “Folded”. The wins came after receiving seven career nominations spanning nearly a decade. In her acceptance speech, Kehlani reflected emotionally on being first nominated for a Grammy ten years prior to this win. The awards represent recognition for both artistic excellence and commercial success, validating years of consistent work and artistic development.
What genre of music does Kehlani make?
Kehlani primarily creates contemporary R&B music but frequently incorporates elements from various genres including hip-hop, soul, neo-soul, trap, and even rock. Their 2024 album “Crash” ventures in several directions across its tracks, including amapiano influences, Y2K pop references, rock ballads, and country’s acoustic simplicity. This genre-blending approach has become a signature aspect of their artistic identity, allowing them to explore diverse sonic landscapes while maintaining cohesive artistic vision across projects.
When did Kehlani start making music?
Kehlani began their music career as a member of the teen pop group PopLyfe, which was a finalist on America’s Got Talent in 2011. After leaving the group, they self-released the mixtape “Cloud 19” in 2014, which was listed as one of Complex’s “50 Best Albums of 2014”. Their follow-up mixtape “You Should Be Here” was released in 2015 and marked their first entry on the Billboard 200, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album and establishing them as a solo artist.