Rhythm and blues, also known as R&B, is a rich genre of music that has its roots dating back to the 1940s. Since then, it has undergone many facelifts. The current sound of R&B borrows a lot from hip-hop, while its pioneers are mostly soul music. From Marvin Gaye to Brandy to Frank Ocean, R&B has seen its fair share of superstars. But when we talk about modern R&B, there is someone who’s left out of the conversation—it's time to end that.

Who is Kehlani?

Kehlani has dipped her toes into more traditional R&B sounds, and kills the game with her sultry, modern hits. Artists like Drake and The Weeknd get credited for changing the sound of modern R&B, but Kehlani should be credited too. She's been around for a decade and it's time she gets recognized for her contribution to the genre.

R&B’s History

According to the R&B Hall of Fame, R&B began as a genre that was mostly blues music. From the 40s to the 60s, R&B was heavily based on jazz, blues and even some rock ‘n’ roll. From the 60s through to the late 70s, R&B took on a more soulful quality. In the 80s, we see the emergence of what might be considered modern R&B, taking heavy inspiration from hip-hop. The 90s and 00s continued with a similar sound. The 10s onward pull from all the previous faces of R&B, with more alternative and electronic influences.

R&B’s Divide

I grew up on the soulful tunes from the 60s and 70s, singing along to Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. As I grew older, I branched out to the 90s and 00s, growing a love for artists like Brandy and New Edition. But I was not around for either of these phases of R&B as they emerged. I was around for the R&B of the 10s to present. Artists like SZA, Tinashe and Summer Walker showed me how influential the past expressions of R&B were on the new generation. But Kehlani stands out to me the most. She has flawlessly shown how a modern artist can pay homage to the classic landscape of their genre, while retaining a fresh sound.

Kehlani’s Discography

Artists like Tinashe and SZA have a strictly modern feel. Snoh Aalegra and FLO have that quintessential old school vibe. But Kehlani seamlessly does both. Her debut mixtape, You Should Be Here, is chock full of old school R&B songs, like the syrupy ballad, “Bright.” Her debut album, SweetSexySavage, is also full of old school vibes, like “In My Feelings,” which samples, “If It Isn’t Love,” by New Edition.

Her newer music is perfectly fresh-sounding, too. It Was Good Until It Wasn’t, her pandemic album, is full of new-generation dark R&B. “Hate the Club,” is a sexy and suave tune that would rival a slow jam from the 90s. “Open (Passionate),” a two-part song (a marker of new R&B thanks to The Weeknd) is badass, yet vulnerable.

Her newest mixtape, While We Wait 2, showcases her ability to seamlessly walk the line of both faces of R&B. “S.I.N.G.L.E,” with a Brandy sample and two octave changes, is bouncy and upbeat. “When He’s Not There” is a rhythmic jam about cheating. It understands the assignment of typical R&B classics—cheating is OK as long as you write a song about it.

Why Kehlani?

Certain artists have too much of a hold on R&B and hip-hop. Drake is touted as the poster child for blending the two genres. The Globe and Mail hailed The Weeknd for starting the wave of dark R&B. While these men are deserved in their titles, we should make room for fresher faces. In the LA Times, Tinashe said, “women in general have a harder time taking their well-deserved crowns.” Kehlani herself also said that, “with a female singer of color, there’s so much pressure on us.” It can be hard to step into the spotlight when there is so much against these artists. But Kehlani has what it takes. With her raw vocal talent, ability to walk the line between old and new school R&B, and to boot, her insane stage presence, she should absolutely be a part of the trailblazers of R&B. She is too often left out of conversations. R&B needs Kehlani—let her lead the way.

Lashanda Forsberg is a student of Professional Writing at Algonquin College. When she isn’t curled up with a book or going down a YouTube rabbit hole, she has music playing. From R&B to reggae to rap, music is an important part of Lashanda’s life. Coming from a musical family chock full of guitarists and songwriters helps Lashanda relate to and appreciate music. Find her other blog writings at lashandaforsberg.com or read her poetry on instagram @writingsfromsaturn.