Kehlani may experiment with other genres, but their soulful voice lends itself nicely to a smooth, R&B track. Their last album Crash, which dropped in June and reached No. 25 on the Billboard 200, had mixed reviews as it was a bit more alternative than many fans were expecting. However, with the release of the brand-new mixtape While We Wait 2 – the sequel to the fan-favorite 2019 mixtape While We Wait – Kehlani fully leans into R&B and returns to their sweet spot.
While We Wait 2 arrives only two months after Crash and was created shortly after the album dropped. “We made this tape in my back house in two weeks with all the people I really dearly love,” the singer shared in an Instagram post about the mixtape. “It was a breezy process and nobody thought hard.”
Opening the set is “Love Like,” a song about the kind of love connection Kehlani yearns for with addicting melodies and a hard-knocking beat. This track sets the scene for the rest of the mixtape. “When He’s Not There,” the only single from the project, follows with a feature from previous collaborator Lucky Daye. This kind of song seems to be one of Kehlani’s specialties, as she sings about a relationship with a love interest who is involved with another partner. Along the lines of “Ur Best Friend” with Kiana Ledé or “more than i should” featuring Jessie Reyez, the Oakland native is unapologetically stealing your girl and then writing a song about it as usual.
One of this tape’s most endearing qualities is its use of nostalgic samples that we all know and love. On “S.I.N.G.L.E.,” Kehlani spins Brandy’s classic “Sittin’ Up In My Room” on the second verse. While on “Know Better” with Lil’ Mo and Vince Staples, not only is Mo’s 2003 hit “4 Ever” sampled, she even hops on the track. “Kehlani, you crazy for this one!” Lil’ Mo proclaims at the beginning of the song. Kehlani’s nods to R&B greats who came before them are a subtle yet respectful way to pay homage and introduce the current generation.
The singer gives listeners a glimpse at their softer side with “Border” and “Let Me Down (San Diego Interlude),” which both have intimate, raw lyrics that make you feel as though you can hear Kehlani’s emotion in every note.
Another element that makes Kehlani’s projects so unique is the use of spoken word. Since their debut album, they’ve created several tracks incorporating spoken word poetry, including “Butterfly” from While We Wait. So it was only right to include this art form in its sequel.
“Form of You” showcases poet Childofnines delivering a heart-warming poem about how a special someone has changed their life for the better. Kehlani comes through with velvety smooth vocals over the jazzy track. Longtime collaborator DESTIN CONRAD comes in on his verse scatting as he elevates the song with his effortless riffs and runs. “Who knew all these blessings could come in the form of you,” he sings. This song seems to be about a love interest, but Kehlani and DESTIN don’t explicitly mention romance, so you can apply these beautiful, poetic lyrics to any connection that may be similar in your life.
Kehlani also gets sensual on the mixtape on the songs “Clothes Off” featuring kwn and “Slow Dance” alongside DIXSON. On both of these tracks, the songstress doesn’t hold back vocally or lyrically with vivid storytelling and harmonies you’ll want to go back and play over and over again.
- Advertisement -The artist keeps it sweet on “Around,” where they aim to convince a new love interest that there’s no ulterior motive just genuine interest. “What if I’m just around to be around,” Kehlani asks on the chorus through airy, soft vocals over the percussion-heavy beat. The track “Ballin’” follows and details how a love interest matches energy with clever basketball metaphors and references. They slow it down on “First Life,” a song about not being afraid to get involved with a new lover even after a heartbreak. Kehlani sings to their lover and tries to convince them to let go of her inhibitions.
Two remixes of Crash tracks close out the set. There’s a remix of “8” featuring a fresh collab with UK girl group FLO who are joining Kehlani on the Crash Tour this fall. Kehlani gets Brazilian singer-songwriter LUDMILLA to jump on a remix to “After Hours,” and she adds a spicy, Latin twist to Crash’s lead single.
- Advertisement -While We Wait 2 shows that although Kehlani may dabble with other sounds and genres, they’ll never stray far from their R&B roots. With irresistible vocals, captivating storytelling, superior production and first-class features, this album-quality mixtape is a fine follow-up that gives its predecessor a run for its money. Once again, Kehlani delivers and gives listeners a versatile project that showcases their undeniable artistry.
Kehlani While We Wait 2 [Amazon][Apple Music][TIDAL]
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