The Breakfast Club Best of full interview: Kehlani Talks New Music, AI 'Artists', Strategic Activism, Motherhood + More
Apr 6, 2026
Kehlani, contemporary R&B singer-songwriter known for emotive vocals and candid presence, talks new music, mental health and motherhood. She discusses AI in music, concerns about AI ‘artists’ and calls for transparency. She also covers strategic activism, public scrutiny, and how she raises her daughter in a high-tech world.
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Accidental Creation Of Folded
- Kehlani described how her hit song "Folded" was accidental, born from a week-long Miami session with producers Don Mills and Dre Harris after a stalled feature session.
- The track wasn't intended as a summer banger but became the emotional introduction to her matured sonic direction, played repeatedly by the camp until it took off.
Mental Health Treatment Enabled Creative Maturity
- Kehlani links stability from therapy and medication to artistic growth, saying treatment gave her a 'tool belt' to process emotions instead of only reacting.
- After a year of medication and therapy she regained consistency, enabling mature songwriting and healthier choices.
Courage To Speak Doesn't End A Career
- Kehlani argues that speaking out politically can carry heavy professional and personal costs but doesn't necessarily end a career; quality music still reaches audiences.
- She notes bans and safety threats followed her Palestine support, yet her new success shows artists can still thrive after taking controversial stands.