Kehlani Parrish has become one of the most grounded, inspiring voices in modern R&B, preaching messages of self-care and sexual fluidity in ways that feel frank, funny, and real. Born in Oakland, California, in 1995, they embarked on a solo career after leaving the teen-pop group Poplyfe. Since then, they have proven to be a master of contrasts across a series of mixtapes and albums that match heartfelt revelations with an increasing degree of futuristic musical and production flourishes. Collaborations ramped up their star power in a big way, with Kehlani thriving opposite the likes of Chance the Rapper, G-Eazy, Charlie Puth, and Ty Dolla $ign. Following the induction into parenthood tackled on 2020’s It Was Good Until It Wasn’t and the overt healing themes of 2022’s blue water road, they took a more empowering turn on 2024’s CRASH. “For once, I’m not attached to some story or some public thing or some trauma or some deep explanations,” Kehlani told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe. “I have nothing but joyful things to say to you. I’m in such a happy place.” The songs on CRASH were also specifically designed to be performed live, giving them a spontaneous edge. That heightens the tender offer of romantic communion on both the percolating “After Hours” and the country-leaning ballad “Better Not.” By contrast, Kehlani reminds us of their enduring swagger on the Christina Aguilera-sampling “What I Want,” a brash statement of female desire. Through it all, their authenticity rings out loud and clear.