With the release of Kehlani‘s latest single “Next 2 U,” the R&B singer/songwriter gives a masterclass on the right way to use one’s voice to draw attention to and demand change through art. Using the release of this uplifting and impassioned love song — the second track to be shared off her forthcoming album Crash, out June 21st via Atlantic Records — to draw more eyes and donations to the horrific genocide being perpetrated against the Palestinian people.
Quoting writer, filmmaker, and activist Toni Cade Bambara, Kehlani shared a lengthy post on Instagram that coalesced around her struggle to find value in releasing new music amidst the sweeping atrocities taking place in places like Gaza, Congo, and Sudan. “The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible,” she begins, eventually concluding that “a love song IS a protectors song IS revolution.”
On the surface “Next 2 U” is just that — an alluring espousement of devotion that unfolds silkily along a throbbing beat and raptly radiant backing vocals. Its deep grooves and even deeper pronouncements of love speak to not just the passions of romance but also a fervent desire to keep those we care about safe.
“They gon’, they gon’ have to come get me / They gon’ have to see about me / To get next to you,” she reassures. “They gon’, they gon’ have to call the law / I don’t care what they offer, I’m protecting you.” Her words ring true whether spoken from lover to lover or simply by one human being to another. Given the horrors of the current genocide and attempts to either ignore or outright lie about it, stoking fear and hatred toward Palestinians in the process, that sentiment is more pivotal now than ever before.
Kehlani has long been vocal about Israel’s apartheid oppression of Palestine and has continued to use her platform as a tool for education and donation through the recent genocide. But she backs up her internal wrestling of whether or not to release “Next 2 U” in fundamental ways, including hiring Palestinians to work on the music video set for the track.
Directed by Cole Santiago the film opens with a quote by Palestinian-American writer Hala Alyan (her work was also featured in The Olive Tape mixtape): “Keep your moon we have our own. Keep your army we have our name. Keep your flag we have fruit and in all the right colors.”
The first half of the video unfolds as a hot and heavy explosion of stunning choreography as Kehlani and her dancers leap, slow dance, pump out pull-ups, and arm wrestle in suspenders and white tank tops. But the latter half of the video is devoted to the raising and waving of the Palestinian flag, its red, black, white, and green hues the sole bit of color amidst the monochromatic outfits.
A first draft for the music video was supposed to end on a scrolling list of the thousands of children who’ve been killed in the genocide. Unfortunately, it was so long that it became impossible to include it in a way that would properly honor and acknowledge the victims. She did however include a link to the list compiled by Al Jazeera where you can view all the names and pay your respects.
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Kehlani has also partnered with Palestinian artist @simsim.jpeg and Palestine-based Nöl Collective to design and print a new t-shirt. All of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to Operation Olive Branch and distributed to Palestinian, Congolese, and Sudanese families.
Today also marked the first of three concerts Kehlani will be performing at LIV inside the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Following her album drop, Kehlani will perform at LIV on Sunday, July 21, and Friday, August 2.
Visit Kehlani on her website and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
Watch the music video for “Next 2 U” the new single from Kehlani below!
