The Oakland native reflects on her hardest relationships and traumas.

We first met an almost unrecognizable 16-year-old Kehlani when she first auditioned with a group on America’s Got Talent in 2011. Less than 3 years later in 2014, the now 25-year-old Taurus released her very first studio-produced mixtape, ‘Cloud 19’; and since then, it’s been hard for fans not to keep up with Kehlani and her artistry. 

Released just months after the mixtape, ‘While We Wait’, Kehlani’s second official studio album, ‘It Was Good Until it Wasn’t’, followed just months after a very public break-up with successful rapper, YG, and the birth of her first child, Adeya.

Although ‘While We Wait’ featured lighter tones and highlighted Kehlani’s excitement and pleasantries associated with her pregnancy, ‘It Was Good Until it Wasn’t’ takes a deeper look at what was going on behind the scenes and inside of Kehlani’s head.

On brand with the name of the album, the first song featured is titled, “Toxic”, which takes us through a snippet of her unhealthy relationship with rapper, YG. Kehlani starts off by singing,

“Damn right, we take turns being grown. I get real accountable when I’m alone.”

This line sets the theme for the entire album which is a constriction between confusion and clarity. Throughout the song, you can hear dull chimes and deep synths throughout as Kehlani repeats throughout the song, “Don Julio made me a fool for you,” referencing the alcoholic drink, 1942 Don Julio Tequila. 

The third song continues with a similar theme. Titled, “Bad News”, Kehlani takes us through an anxiety-filled partnership with someone who has a relationship with both Kehlani, and the streets, at the same time.

She almost pleads as she sings, “Don’t wanna get no call with no bad news, I know all the stories from your tattoos…” She struggles with loving the excitement of the risk and the dangers associated with that same risk. This destructive love song highlights overlaps of vocal harmonization over a simple beat with light cymbal drum taps. 

Similar themes of isolation, distance, and loneliness continue throughout the album and with song nine, “Hate The Club” featuring Masego.

Produced by Jahaan Sweet and Yussef Dayes, the beat features a sultry saxophone intro and notes of it throughout the entire song as Kehlani sings, “Damn, you know I hate the club. But I came ‘cause I knew you’d show up.”

She continues to struggle with her crave for affection and the toxicity of her personal relationships. “Can You Blame Me?” featuring Lucky Daye, follows a similar theme, as Kehlani begs for her lover to stay. She sings,

“Rather go at it than not speak at all. How you made me feel, it was dangerous. I would rather argue than me sleep alone, rather call you out than no one call my phone, hold my grudge instead of having none to hold.”

This song has drawn out synths that creates an eclectic slow melody and a light beat.

Although most of the album showcases Kehlani’s confusion while yearning for a problematic lover, song six on the album, “Change Your Life” featuring Jhene Aiko, shows her realizations of her worth.

Kehlani boasts, “I’m trying to switch up your cadence, book flights and vacations, tequila and relations, kissing on new places. Baby, let me change your life.”

The song features a more up-beat production, differing from the more seductive and mellow tones from the rest of the album. In this song, Kehlani realizes she is the one that brings something to the table and that she doesn’t need to depend on anyone for happiness or security.

The on-repeat album takes you through the intense emotions of iconic R&B songstress, Kehlani Parrish. From the artist’s highs and lows, ‘It Was Good Until it Wasn’t’ allows you to experience, grieve, and grow along with Kehlani over and over again.