Two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B superstar Kehlani has unveiled the highly anticipated music video for her electrifying single “Back and Forth” featuring legendary rapper and producer Missy Elliott. The track appears on Kehlani’s chart-topping self-titled album, Kehlani, and arrives as the latest visual chapter in what has become one of the singer’s most successful eras to date.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Director X, the vibrant visuals transform a lively house party into an immersive celebration of music, community, and self-expression. Blending Kehlani’s signature emotional authenticity with Missy Elliott’s unmistakable charisma and groundbreaking presence, the video creates a dynamic atmosphere filled with energy, nostalgia, and star power.
Set against the backdrop of a packed party, the video seamlessly transitions between choreographed dance moments, intimate interactions, and spontaneous celebrations. Through a first-person perspective that places viewers directly in the action, Kehlani invites audiences into her world, creating a uniquely engaging experience. Adding to the excitement is a surprise appearance from R&B icon Monica, whose cameo further elevates the video’s celebration of Black musical excellence and generational influence.
The release follows the arrival of Kehlani’s highly acclaimed self-titled album, which was released in April on the artist’s birthday. The project debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, earning 69,000 equivalent album units and securing the biggest debut for a female R&B album this year.
The album’s commercial performance further underscores Kehlani’s continued impact within contemporary R&B. In addition to becoming her fourth top-ten entry on the Billboard 200, Kehlani marked her third project to debut within the chart’s top five. The album also launched at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart while securing strong positions across multiple categories, including Top Albums, Vinyl Albums, Top Streaming Albums, and Independent Store charts.
Driving much of the album’s momentum is the monumental success of “Folded,” one of the defining R&B records of the year. The song earned Kehlani two GRAMMY® Awards for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song, further cementing its place among the most celebrated releases of her career. Beyond critical recognition, the track has enjoyed historic chart success, becoming the longest-running No. 1 song in the history of Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, where it has remained atop the rankings for an unprecedented 17 weeks and counting.
The song’s impact has extended far beyond radio, achieving double-platinum certification and resonating with audiences worldwide through its heartfelt songwriting and emotional depth. Its success has helped propel Kehlani into one of the year’s standout R&B releases while reinforcing the artist’s reputation for creating music that balances commercial appeal with personal vulnerability.
The self-titled project represents Kehlani’s first full-length album since her 2024 mixtape, While We Wait 2, and signals the beginning of a fresh creative chapter. Throughout the album, she continues to expand her artistic range while remaining rooted in the soulful storytelling and emotional honesty that have defined her career.
With the release of the visually captivating Back and Forth video and the ongoing success of Kehlani, the singer continues to solidify her standing as one of the most influential voices in modern R&B. By pairing innovative visuals with powerful music and meaningful collaborations, she demonstrates once again why she remains at the forefront of contemporary music culture.
