Article by Emina Sotto / Graphics by Jillian Bueno
If you haven’t heard about the up-and-coming R&B artist Kehlani, then you’ve truly been missing out.
Reminiscent of ‘90s R&B, Kehlani brings about a fresh new sound with her rich and silky croons. This Grammy-nominated artist is also known for her versatility, collaborating with different artists such as Eminem and Charlie Puth.
With a unique sound and raw lyricism, Kehlani can hit you right in the feels or make you dance on your feet! Here are five songs by Kehlani that you should listen to ASAP:
5 Songs by R&B Singer Kehlani that You Should Listen to ASAP
5. “You Should Be Here”
Baby you should be here, right here
Don’t know where you went but you’re lost now
Don’t know where you went but you’re gone now
The title track of Kehlani’s 2015 Grammy-nominated mixtape (“You Should Be Here”), this song is guaranteed to hit you where it hurts! Kehlani sings about feeling disconnected to her lover who has lost interest in her. “You should be here,” she pleads.
4. “Gangsta”
You got me hooked up on the feeling
You got me hanging from the ceiling
Got me up so high I’m barely breathing
So don’t let me, don’t let me, don’t let me, don’t let me go
Featured in the 2016 film Suicide Squad soundtrack, “Gangsta” is Kehlani’s first-ever Billboard 100 hit. This powerful yet haunting ballad perfectly describes the film’s romance between The Joker (Jared Leto) and Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) – a song so emotional, thanks to Kehlani’s pure vocals.
3. “Distraction”
I need you (you, oh) to give me your time (give me your time)
I need you (you, oh) to not wanna be mine
Are you down to be a distraction, baby?
“Distraction” will definitely remind you of ‘90s R&B with its incessant drum strikes and driving bass line. In this track, Kehlani sings about wanting a relationship with no strings attached.
2. “CRZY”
Live for the challenge, only make me stronger
One more reason to turn up on ’em
I go, I go, I go, I go crazy, crazy
Kehlani’s sure to make you celebrate you with this confidence-boosting anthem. Don’t let failure bring you down; keep going and keep learning!
1. “Honey”
All the pretty girls in the world
But I’m in this space with you
Colored out the lines
I came to find, my fire was fate with you
A personal favorite, “Honey” is a track from Kehlani’s 2017 album SWEETSEXYSAVAGE. The acoustic guitar played in the background goes perfectly with Kehlani’s rich and silky vocals. “Honey” is personal and raw, revealing Kehlani’s natural talent.
Without a doubt, Kehlani is an R&B artist that you should listen to ASAP and she is definitely worth seeing live. Thanks to MyMusicTaste, a fan initiated live event-making service, Kehlani’s coming to Manila this month! Listen to her feather-like vocals live as she performs during a one-night-only event on Friday, May 25, 2018 at The Island at the Palace.
(READ: Grammy-Nominated Singer Kehlani is Coming to Manila)
Graphic by Jillian Bueno
For more information about the tour and tickets, visit https://mmt.fans/Fyst and MyMusicTaste’s social media channels. Buy your tickets now!
