Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer Kehlani marked her birthday last April with the release of her self-titled fifth studio album.
Featuring 17 tracks, the album includes collaborations with Big Sean, Brandy, Cardi B, Clipse, Leon Thomas, Lil Jon, Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott, T-Pain, and Usher.
“A self-titled album is often an artist’s most personal statement, and KEHLANI is no exception. The project captures her at her most honest, blending soul-baring storytelling with the lush, genre-bending sound that has made her one of modern R&B’s most influential voices,” said in the press release.
Among the standout tracks are “Folded,” which earned her multiple recognitions, including the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance, as well as the iHeartRadio Music Award for R&B Song of the Year. Other notable songs include “Out the Window” and “Back and Forth” featuring Missy Elliott.
The album also features “Anotha Luva” (feat. Lil Wayne), “No Such Thing” (feat. Clipse), “I Need You” (feat. Brandy), “Oooh,” “Shoulda Never” (feat. Usher), “You Got It,” “Still,” “Call Me Back” (feat. T-Pain & Lil Jon), “Pocket” (feat. Cardi B), “Lights On” (feat. Big Sean), “Sweet Nuthins” (feat. Leon Thomas), “Cruise Control,” and “Unlearn.”
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Courtesy: Kaio Cesar
On the same day as the album’s release, Kehlani shared a heartfelt birthday message dedicated to her younger self.
“I love you, little one. I’m so proud you never gave up. I'm so honored to make this album for you. because of you. You inspired this. You sang this. You wrote this. You are walking in this. 31. I don’t take a single thing for granted, and I wouldn’t change a single thing no matter how painful. I love you, Kehlani Ashley. Don’t ever stop thanking God. It’s all above us. Amen,” she said.
The singer also announced the release of an uncut version of selected songs from the album, available exclusively on iTunes“This one is really just from me to you. I wanted to share something more personal—something that lets you hear these songs the way they first existed. Before the layers, before the final versions… just the feeling, the words, and the moment they were created,” the singer expressed.
Describing the stripped-down versions, Kehlani added, “These acapella and demo versions are a glimpse into my world. The early takes, the raw ideas that eventually became the records you know. There’s something really special about that stage to me—it’s where everything is the most honest. Some of them before the features with exclusive second verses.”
“This is my way of saying thank you. For listening, for growing with me, for holding these songs the way you do. I hope you can feel where it all started.”
According to reports, the album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Prior to this, Kehlani was honored with the Impact Award at Billboard’s Women in Music 2026.
“thank you @billboard Women In Music for awarding me with the Impact award. i’ve been ripping and running around so much when i wrote my speech i didn’t get to dive into who truly impacted me the most. the women of the WORLD.”
“The women raising families alone. The women surviving impossible conditions. The mamas who’ve had to keep going after immense loss. The daughters who’ve had to become mothers for the entire family. My auntie. her sisters. My daughter. My grandmother. The women who work and go to school through the night and get up in the morning and do it again. You guys deserve the awards and the praise, the love. Thank you for showing me what’s possible,” she said in a post.