Kehlani, Toxic | Track Review 🎵

Despite delaying her sophomore album, Kehlani returns with an alluring new single, her second of 2020, “Toxic.”

“And that damn Don Julio made me a fool for you…” Kehlani has been on a tear in 2020, releasing several singles, some attributing her as the lead artist, while others she plays a collaborative or featured role.  All indications, based on her prolific release schedule, suggested that her sophomore album was ‘just around the corner.’  Unfortunately, the Grammy-nominated musician delayed her sophomore project, due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Not thinking about music at the moment, focused on how to just be a good citizen to society at this time,” she tweeted.  Despite the delay, she’d follow up late 2019 single “All Me” (featuring Keyshia Cole) and “Valentine’s Day (Shameful)” with “Toxic.”

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. Like the two aforementioned singles during the release cycle for her now delayed sophomore album, the focus 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 – that’s TMI.  Adding to the colorful nature of “Toxic” are uncredited vocals by Ty Dolla $ign, during the pre-chorus, bridge, and chorus in certain parts.

Final Thoughts 

We’ll have to wait longer for the sophomore album to arrive, but Kehlani has been releasing some relative strong singles all in all.  “Toxic” is another welcome offering, period.  Does she reinvent the wheel? No, but “Toxic” is enjoyable, featuring a well-rounded vocal performance, sound production – nothing too flashy – and alluring songwriting, particularly that risqué second verse, and catchy pre-chorus and chorus sections.

Kehlani • “Toxic” • TSNMI / Atlantic • Release: 3.12.20

Photo Credits: TSNMI / Atlantic