Kehlani is taking a stand against the narrative that R&B is fading away, asserting that the genre is alive and thriving, particularly in 2026. As the cover star of Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players issue, the talented artist engages in a candid conversation with Leon Thomas, where she expresses her frustration over the perception that R&B is no longer relevant.
The Oakland native believes that fans who claim R&B is dying simply lack the motivation to explore the vast array of new artists emerging in the genre. In her words, “We’re in a cool space right now. There’s so much R&B and so many different routes. You can pick who you want to be a fan of and what cross-genre mixes you want to experience.” Kehlani emphasizes that the genre has never truly disappeared; it’s just a matter of effort in discovering the new voices that are shaping its future.
She further reflects on the dual nature of music accessibility today. While platforms like TikTok and social media allow artists to share their music easily, leading to a rapid rise in popularity, Kehlani acknowledges that sustaining a long-lasting career in such an environment can be daunting. “It’s hard to maintain; to build a long-lasting career because of the things it takes to sustain,” she explains, recognizing that not every artist has the resources or opportunities needed to tour or reach wider audiences.
Kehlani’s recent release, “Folded,” achieved significant success, marking her first top 10 entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and propelling her to victory at the Grammy Awards, where she won two prestigious awards for best R&B song and best R&B solo performance. Reflecting on these achievements, she notes, “For as long as I’ve been working, and as long as things have been going left, people have been telling me, ‘You deserve more.’” This recognition serves as validation of her hard work and commitment to her art.
Her self-titled album, released in April, has also made a significant impact, debuting at No. 1 on the Top R&B Albums chart and landing in the top five on the Billboard 200. Kehlani has kicked off her world tour this August, with an exciting performance scheduled at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
As she continues to break barriers and defy expectations, Kehlani remains a vital force in the music industry, ensuring that R&B’s heartbeat continues to resonate. For the latest updates and insights from the world of music and celebrities, stay connected with hiphopraisedmetheblog.com.
