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Kehlani Releases 'Back and Forth' With Missy Elliott Ahead of Self-Titled Album

Elliott’s verse salutes Aaliyah, signaling a cross‑generational R&B statement.

Overview

  • Kehlani released Back and Forth featuring Missy Elliott on Friday as the final preview of her self‑titled album due April 24 on Atlantic Records.
  • The low‑lit R&B track was produced by Khris Riddick‑Tynes and The Stereotypes, highlighting a whispery lead and playful guest bars.
  • Elliott’s verse closes with a direct nod to the late Aaliyah, echoing the chorus that riffs on Aaliyah’s 1994 hit Back & Forth.
  • The rollout leaned on weeks of social snippets before release, and Kehlani publicly thanked Elliott in an Instagram note praising her influence.
  • Press materials frame the album as intimate and fearless, while recent wins like 2025’s hit Folded lead into high‑profile dates including a Billboard Women in Music honor on April 29 and a Roots Picnic set in May.