Day 4: Kehlani, Toxic | 30-Day Song Challenge 🎶

The toxicity is real on Day 4 of the 30-Day Song Challenge thanks to “Toxic,” courtesy of Grammy-nominated R&B singer, Kehlani.

Embracing the trendiness of social media, The Musical Hype unleashes its own, month-long version of the 30-Day Song Challenge.

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Day 4 Prompt: A song that reminds you of someone you’d rather forget

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“And that damn Don Julio made me a fool for you…” Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kehlani has been on a musical tear in 2020, releasing numerous singles including the song hand, “Toxic”.

“Toxic” served as the second single from her initially delayed sophomore project, due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Ultimately, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t saw the light of day on May 8, 2020.  Kehlani knows this guy is bad news, even as she participates in his ‘toxic’ sexual endeavors.  For me, fulfilling the prompt of Day 4 of the 30-Day Song Challenge, I think more along the lines of the title itself, and how there’s always somebody in your life you know is ‘toxic’ and detrimental to your well-being.  Yeah, Kehlani enjoys the toxicity here, but in the long run, toxicity is just that – toxic… Okay, I’m repeating myself, moving on!

The lush “Toxic,” set in a minor key, is produced by G.ry and K.Beazy.  Keyboard serves as the primary instrument, yielding moody backdrop which perfectly supports the theme of the record. The focus of the song is matters of the heart.  Look no further than the chorus for how Kehlani is affected by love:

“All of this love is toxic
All of this love is toxic
All these kisses and hugs is knock shit
You a damn drug, you’re toxic.”

That definitely sums it up.  The verses provide additional details, particularly the second verse, which keeps it 100. “Uh, all the sex on replay / Run it back like a DJ,” she sings, continuing, “Surfin’ on your face while you eat that / Tryna make a bad bitch behave, no…” Wow, and this is the opener for It Was Good Until It Wasn’t! Adding to the colorful nature of “Toxic” are uncredited vocals by Ty Dolla $ign, during the pre-chorus, bridge, and chorus in certain parts. Ultimately, “Toxic” is enjoyable, featuring a well-rounded vocal performance, sound production, and alluring songwriting, particularly that risqué second verse, and the catchy pre-chorus and chorus sections.

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Kehlani • It Was Good Until It Wasn’t • Atlantic • 2020

Day 4: Kehlani, “Toxic” (30-Day Song Challenge) [Photo Credits: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Pixabay]

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