"Kehlani, you crazy for this one!" (shout out to Lil' Mo) is the sentiment all should have upon completing this sheer body of art.
Not even 3 months after releasing the captivating spectacle, CRASH, and Kehlani has already done it AGAIN folks. She has delivered yet another beautifully crafted masterpiece. Released Wednesday (Aug. 28), the sequel tape, While We Wait 2 comes 5 years after its flawless predecessor. If Kehlani is not on your music list, it's time to go back to the drawing board, do your research, and improve your quality of life.
Created in her back house within a mere two weeks, the mixtape features 14 tracks and various collaborations that seamlessly enhance the overall coherence of the project. WWW 2 collects Kehlani's current moods, mindset, and energy and generates a much-needed oasis within R&B. One of Kehlani's strengths lies in her ability to innovate from the past. In contrast to many contemporary artists who attempt to use nostalgia to create new sounds, Kehlani excels in this aspect. While We Wait 2 evokes a pleasant early 90's R&B vibe, striking a balance between nostalgia and paving the way for a promising future in the genre.
The tape's first track "Love Like," contains this mid-tempo 90's production that utterly compliments Kehlani's buttery vocals with ease. The track's aura is very reminiscent of SweetSexySavage's opener, "Keep On." Kehlani sings about a love that is only definable between her and her partner. It is not meant to be understood by outsiders. She is smitten and fine with that. The tape's lead single, "When He's Not There," is what we call "triflin' Kehlani" and boy does triflin' Kehlani hit the nail on the head every time she appears. Recruiting none other than the incomparable Lucky Daye (by the way, the duo has simply NOT missed since beginning their collaborative partnership) the two create the grooviest sneaky link anthem ever.
The speed of WWW 2 is noteworthy as the project immensely heats up on the carnal, salacious "Clothes Off." If CRASH's "Sucia" made you sweat, meet her older sister who taught her everything she knows, "Clothes Off." Listeners are greeted with out-of-body moans that your mother should never hear. What kwn and Kehlani do here is simply enchanting. The vocal display is unparalleled. The two make doing the nasty just sound so good. The Dixon-produced "S.I.N.G.L.E" is nothing short of 90s nostalgia. The break-up/anti-love anthem samples the iconic Musiq Soulchild's "143" while simultaneously paying homage to the unmatched, untouchable Brandy and her 1995 hit, "Sittin' Up in My Room." Kehlani declares that they just might never fall in love again (yeah, we'll see about that). Despite the thought of being done with love, Kehlani goes back and forth with the idea of toying with what she knows isn't right for her on the PURELY good feeling, nostalgia-driven "Know Better."
Enlisting no other than the OG herself, Lil' Mo as well as the Compton phenom Vince Staples, the three take us back to the days of 2003 when Lil' Mo had the world wanting to be in love 4everrr. What the trio does here is truly refreshing. From Lil' Mo's gospel ad-libs and Kehlani's sultry wordplay to Vince's calm yet cool verses, R&B wins again. Again, Kehlani (correctly) reaches back to the past and invents a brand new vibe that is undeniable.
WWW 2's second half reaches uncharted levels in its artistic presentation and delivery. "Border," one of Kehlani's most personal records finds the singer valiantly navigating through mental health struggles. Reclaiming her power, she highlights the ways that BPD has taken from her life but maintains her faith as she runs forward to freedom, grace, and light. Her angelic display can bring listeners to tears. And if the tears don't fall, "Form of You" will leave you in a puddle. Teaming with her family, Destin Conrad, and CHILDOFNINES, Kehlani delivers one of her absolute best records yet. "Form of You" is spiritual, moving, and emotional. She sings about finding the very best version of herself in the very sight of her partner. Everything that she has been praying for arrived in the very form of her lover. Mr. Destin "never missing" Conrad lends his heavenly voice to aid this divine body and creates an unforgettable moment on WWW 2.
The song "Let Me Down" conveys a sense of pleading, as Kehlani passionately implores her partner not to disappoint her once more. Similar to the tone of "Better Not," Kehlani urges her lover to handle her heart and love with care. In the enchanting track "Around," a personal favorite, Kehlani expresses her contentment with the present moment, reassuring her partner, who may not be officially hers, that she is fine with whatever dynamic exists between them. Despite not being in an exclusive relationship with Kehlani, she remains unfazed and composed. Conversely, "Ballin" evokes a feeling reminiscent of a scene from Love and Basketball. Kehlani has met someone who matches her coolness, swag, and vibe. Their relationship is defined by their mutual understanding, regardless of how others perceive it. Kehlani's voice, with its captivating texture, envelops listeners as she delivers this unforgettable, dreamy melody.
As listeners reach the end of the journey they are welcomed by the slow-burning "First Life." Here Kehlani stops singing and SANGS. She assures her lover that she's true to this game, not new to it. She has done her dirt, she is not perfect, but she is authentically herself. While she is pursuing this love, she does not NEED anyone. Whatever the vibe is, Kehlani is on even if it's just for the night. From there, we reach the Crème de la crème that is "Slow Dance." Kehlani and Dixon are disgusting for the harmony they create together on this swirling, intoxicating number. This is premier R&B. Kehlani's delivery has an Aaliyah-ish appeal and Dixon's (THE ARTIST) pen/voice is unlike anything I've ever heard before.
Kehlani ends their mixtape with two brand new invigorating remixes to both "8" and "After Hours." If you've never heard of FLO, run don't walk, and listen to them. The way they reinvented 8 is noteworthy and such ear candy. Every background vocal, adlib, and note takes listeners to paradise. LUDMILLA lends some spicy Brazillian energy to the already uptempo "After Hours."
Overall, there is nothing more to say than While We Wait 2 is honestly without flaws. What is the most scary part of this is that Kehlani effortlessly crafted this in 2 weeks. What was created in 2 weeks, some artists never achieve in their entire tenure. To go and create a (contagious) experimental project such as CRASH and then follow it with an R&B showpiece such as WWW 2 lets the world know that Kehlani has SO MUCH more to show as an artist. There is no box that they can be confined in. Her vocal register and choices take listeners to the days of Brandy and Aaliyah. Her vocal texture is so buttery. And the pen? The pen is not to be toyed with. Kehlani will for sure go down as one of the most incredible artists to ever grace the world.