Let’s just keep it 100: If you’re still making a list of potential Song of the Year contenders, you’re playing yourself. Because Kehlani already dropped the winner, and it’s “Folded.”
This isn’t just about streams,although, let’s talk about those rising numbers, okay? It’s about the cultural shift this single represents. Kehlani has been on a decade-long trajectory of making nothing but fire, delivering banger albums and classic tracks, but “Folded” is the moment she crosses the final threshold. She’s no longer just a major artist; she’s officially a core R&B powerhouse on the national stage, and this track is her crown.
The Return of The Vibe with Kehlani
What makes “Folded” instantly undeniable is the throwback energy. Kehlani didn’t just write a song; she tapped directly into the nostalgic soul of early 2000s R&B, the kind you could actually sing and relate to. The pen game is lethal, the structure is perfect, and her vocal delivery? Flawless. It’s mature, vulnerable, and yet somehow still has main character energy. She’s singing about folding up a toxic ex’s clothes, but doing it in a cute little outfit, basically screaming, “I hate that I love you, now come get this smoke.” Iykyk.
And no cap, when this song drops on the radio, traffic stops. I’ve seen it. Everyone collectively pauses to soak in that perfect melody and those relatable lyrics. It’s a whole mood that connects with everyone, regardless of their dating status.
Kehlani: The Ultimate R&B Co-Sign
You know a song is certified classic status when your favorite artists start paying homage. The fact that industry muvas like Brandy, alongside other R&B greats and every talented upcoming vocalist on TikTok, felt compelled to do their own covers of “Folded” is the biggest co-sign of the year. When your idols become your students, you’re not just winning; you’re setting a new curriculum.
“Folded” is currently dominating the charts, already hitting No. 1 on Urban Radio, and those streaming numbers are only going up. By the time this year wraps, this track is going to be sitting comfortably in the R&B history books alongside records like Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable” and Rihanna’s “Take A Bow.” It has that staying power, that emotional stickiness, that defines a classic.
Kehlani’s growth has been organic and well-deserved. She put the work in, perfected her craft, and now she’s enjoying the fruits of a career built on authenticity. This is her biggest moment yet, and honestly? We love to see the success for her!
Written By: Khalinah Ellick
