Kehlani, Next 2 U | Song Review 🎵

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kehlani is bold, unapologetically queer, and pro-Palestine on “Next 2 U,” the second single from her fourth LP, Crash.

“You know, you know I’ll be down, down, down.” Word, Kehlani (Kehlani Parrish).  Following “After Hours”, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer returns with the bold “Next 2 U”. “Next 2 U” appears on their fourth studio album, Crash (arrives June 21, 2024). They penned “Next 2 U” alongside Ant Clemmons and Darius Dixson. Dixson also produced the track, which runs under three minutes.

Initially, “Next 2 U” is enigmatic and nebulous.  It commences with a robust, malicious-sounding synth that catches the ear instantly. Soon enough, Parrish’s vocals enter, drenched in reverb. Eventually, a groove settles in giving “Next 2 U” stability.  This is a song that appeals even more with successive listens.  As always, Kehlani brings the heat. Their tone is gorgeous, and they command the track. There is no shortage of lush vocal moments, particularly the layered, harmonized vocals.  Beyond the ear-catching backdrop and fabulous vocals, the lyrics also intrigue.  The theme is L-O-V-E which is always relatable. The first verse is repetitive, while the second features more lyrical variance. The dedication is real:

“If you ain’t around to catch me when I’m fallin’

I’ma fuck around and tat angel wings

On my back, just in case

If you ain’t around when I’m around, I’ma fuck around and (Promise that).”

Of course, the chorus is key too, where Parrish asserts, “They gon’ have to see about me to get next to you.” The boldness of “Next 2 U” goes beyond the audio.  The music video is queer 🏳️‍🌈 and pro-Palestine.  Parrish has been vocal about Palestine, criticizing celebrities for not condemning the genocide. Queerness and politics only ‘ups the ante’ on “Next 2 U”, a bold and well-rounded R&B cut.

Kehlani // Crash // TSNMI / Atlantic // 6.21.24

[📷: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; TSNMI / Atlantic; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]