FRATPACKER WORLD.

Kehlani has made a soulful return with her new single “Folded,” released on June 13, 2025, via Atlantic Records. The track marks a notable shift in tone for the genre-bending artist, leaning into stripped-back, vulnerable R&B that recalls the emotional intensity of her early mixtape days.

“Folded” explores the emotional wreckage left behind after a relationship crumbles. Kehlani’s voice, often a balm in its own right, rides a sparse but warm instrumental — all soft guitar plucks, ambient textures, and slow-burning bass. The production team, which includes Khris Riddick-Tynes, Andre Harris, Don Mills, and D.K. the Punisher, creates an intimate atmosphere that allows Kehlani’s lyricism to shine.

The lyrics cut deep: “You left my heart unfolded / Now I’m folding into myself.” It’s a line that sums up the song’s tone — tender, wounded, but ultimately self-aware. There’s no dramatic climax, just the quiet ache of someone sitting with their feelings and finding a sliver of peace in the process.

Fans might be surprised by the contrast between “Folded” and Kehlani’s recent high-energy collaborations like “Think of Me,” a club-ready track with David Guetta and HUGEL. Where that track leaned into dance-pop euphoria, “Folded” is all about stillness and reflection. It’s a testament to Kehlani’s range that both songs feel authentic, simply different shades of the same emotionally intelligent artist.

Coming off the success of her 2024 album Crash and the follow-up mixtape While We Wait 2, “Folded” suggests that Kehlani is entering a new chapter — one where vulnerability isn’t just an aesthetic choice, but a form of storytelling power. The single is already climbing streaming charts and gaining critical praise for its lyrical honesty and understated production.

It will be interesting to see how she further down she goes into this bag on her next full length project. One thing is certain: Kehlani has found strength in stillness, and she’s inviting her listeners to pause and feel alongside her. Stream Folded on your preferred DSP.

FRAT!