Kehlani, Valentine’s Day (Shameful) | Track Review 🎵

Post-“Konclusions,” Kehlani lets the world know how she feels about her ex, YG, on the brutally honest single, “Valentine’s Day (Shameful).”

Following the arrival of “Konclusions” (with YG) on Valentine’s Day, well, let’s just say ‘shit went down’ with Grammy-nominated R&B artist Kehlani. For just a bit of background, prior to the arrival of the single at hand, “Valentine’s Day (Shameful),” Kehlani and YG were a couple.  That said, things became rocky when YG was caught cheating.  In “Konclusions,” he addresses the incident: “I had us lookin’ crazy in front of the club / That cameraman got me fucked up / Even though it wasn’t what they said it was / Red roses down your hallway, lead you to your tub.” Hmm… On “Valentine’s Day (Shameful),” the break-up is final this time, and the R&B singer gives listeners nearly a five-minute explanation.

Safe to say, lyrically, Kehlani doesn’t think very highly of YG anymore.  On the first verse, she sings:

“I am making amends with myself
Forgiving me for loving you
I took a risk loving loudly
Ignored all the signs, yeah, it’s true.”

Quite relatable, if I do say so myself.  On the second verse, she’s has no regrets, but she feels wronged:

“I got to give myself credit for loving as hard as I did
I helped you fight your addiction and change your whole life
Just to find myself played in the end.”

Of course, the biggest moment occurs on the chorus, where Kehlani essentially slaughters her ex – lyrically!

“I’d say your name but you don’t deserve recognition
You played the hero but you really are the villain
There ain’t a bone in me that wants to spare your feelings
You called me crazy, but it was my intuition
Used me for status and the fame and recognition
It’s fucking crazy what they do for recognition
I’d say your name but you don’t deserve recognition
I’d say your name but I won’t, uh.”

Wow.  In regard to production, “Valentine’s Day” is idiomatic of a contemporary R&B cut, particular one about the end of love, and, seemingly, a total a$$hole.

Final Thoughts 

As always, on “Valentine’s Day (Shameful),” Kehlani sounds superb vocally.  Lyrically, she’s honest about where she stands post-YG and why they are no more (“Hope you live happily ever after with the bitch”). Is this the greatest, most memorably R&B song I’ve ever heard? Nope, plus, it’s too long.  That said, it’s definitely relevant within pop culture, and easily more heartfelt and more well-rounded than “Konclusions.” Also, seems like Kehlani made the right choice.

Kehlani • “Valentine’s Day” – Single • Atlantic • Release: 2.19.20

Photo Credit: Atlantic