Kehlani is stepping into a new era, this time with a major assist from Missy Elliott.
The Grammy-winning R&B star just dropped her latest single, “Back and Forth,” featuring Missy Elliott, serving as the final preview ahead of her self-titled album KEHLANI, set to arrive on April 24. The track brings together Kehlani’s emotional, soulful style with Missy’s playful and genre-bending energy, creating a collaboration that effortlessly bridges different generations of R&B. It feels both natural and intentional as Kehlani continues to grow while paying homage to the legends before her.
Missy’s contribution goes beyond just star power—it adds a nostalgic touch as well. In her verse, she subtly references the late Aaliyah, a meaningful nod considering their long creative history. Missy played a major role in shaping Aaliyah’s early sound, making the reference feel like a full-circle moment for the genre.
The single drops as excitement continues to build for KEHLANI, which is shaping up to be one of Kehlani’s most personal projects to date. Described in a press release as “an intimate and fearless body of work,” the album reflects a mindset grounded in clarity, confidence, and full creative freedom.
A self-titled album often marks a defining moment, and Kehlani seems to be embracing that fully—delivering music that captures her at her most raw and authentic.
The rollout comes off the back of a strong run, with her 2025 hit “Folded” taking over streaming platforms and performing well on the charts, including landing in the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
