Leon Thomas sits down with Kehlani for a Billboard Cover Interview to reflect on a friendship that goes back to their teen years — and the creative chemistry that’s kept them connected ever since. Kehlani opens up about the practices that keep her grounded, from the gym and yoga to getting outside, praying and building a relationship with God, and how routine helps her stay balanced while navigating life and work. The two revisit Kehlani’s early days — skateboarding, art school and a teen band — plus the neo-soul and R&B voices that shaped her taste (from Stevie Wonder to Brandy, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and more). Kehlani also gets candid about what it’s like growing up in the public eye, how her relationship to privacy has changed over time, and why she believes the “R&B is dead” narrative is simply untrue. Kehlani also shares memories from Grammy night, talks protecting her voice and body on tour (including recovering from sinus surgery), and highlights the artists she’s excited about right now.
KehlaniBut like I have to do those things. Mm. I have to go to the gym. It is not an option. I have to do yoga. I have to take walks. I have to spend time in nature. I have to build a relationship with God.
Leon ThomasSo first and foremost, how you feeling today?
KehlaniI’m good. It’s hot.
Leon ThomasI know. It’s definitely hot, and I wanna say how- [laughs] … proud of you I am. You’ve had such an amazing, an amazing year.
KehlaniThank you.
Leon ThomasAnd we’ve been rocking for a long time.
KehlaniYeah.
Leon ThomasWe’ve known each other since we were…
Kehlani-kids. … Teenagers.
Leon ThomasTeenagers.
KehlaniYeah. [laughs] Yeah, yeah. I remember our first studio session. Mm-hmm. I just saw the picture the other day.
Leon ThomasReally? Yeah.
KehlaniYeah.We look crazy. [laughs]
Leon ThomasAbsolutely, just fried. But [laughs] listen, um, I want you to take me back to teenage Kehlani.
KehlaniHmm.
Leon ThomasWho were you back then, and what was on repeat at the house?
KehlaniTeenage me, I was skateboarding, in and out of art school, managing, trying to figure out I’m in this teen band. We’re like traveling all over the place, going from doing shows, driving up here, you know, driving down here to Los Angeles in a van, to back to the Bay, into class, into school.
Watch the full video above!
