Kehlani released the single “Next 2 U” and this track is part of their upcoming album and has garnered significant attention not only for its musicality but also for its bold political stance.
The song, originally about a lover, has been repurposed to express solidarity with Palestine amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The music video for “Next 2 U” features Kehlani and dancers wearing keffiyehs and performing in front of Palestinian flags. It opens with an anti-war quote from Palestinian poet Hala Alyan and concludes with a poignant message about the children killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
The lyrics, such as “They gon’ have to come get me / They gon’ have to see about me / to get next to you,” have been transformed into a declaration of defense and solidarity. Kehlani announced the song’s release on Instagram, quoting Toni Cade Bambara: “The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible.”
They expressed their nervousness and determination to use their platform to highlight the human cost of the conflict. The song’s trap beat and Kehlani’s delivery make for a heartfelt yet stern declaration, urging listeners to acknowledge and act upon the ongoing humanitarian crisis
