Kehlani Releases Self-Titled Album With Star-Studded Collaborations

Kehlani has arrived with fresh material. The 31-year-old Grammy-winning artist released her self-titled album Kehlani on Friday, April 24, bringing together an impressive lineup of collaborators on the project.

The album features some major names in music, with Cardi B, Brandy, Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, and Usher all making appearances across the tracklist.

Following the release, Kehlani shared her gratitude on Instagram, writing: "I am honored to present you with the album. Enjoy it. Live in it. Love through it. I love you, thank you God. out everywhere now ??"

In a conversation with Complex, the artist discussed the two-year journey behind the album's creation. She revealed that the process began with an introspective period where she worked through unresolved emotions.

"I went and locked myself in the room, and I started randomly processing a bunch of things from 2020," Kehlani explained. "I started making all this weird music. All this dark, weird, and emotional s–t with my engineer."

Once she had worked through that initial creative phase, Kehlani shifted gears and moved forward with the album's development.

"When I went back to Los Angeles, I knew what time it was," she said. "Weeks later came 'Folded.' I knew, 'Oh, something's happening.'"

The timing of the album release comes as Kehlani is poised for recognition at the upcoming American Music Awards. She earned three nominations for the ceremony, which will take place on May 25 with Queen Latifah serving as host. Kehlani is nominated for Best Female R&B Artist, while "Folded" received nods for both Song of the Year and Best R&B Song.