Kehlani made their official debut as a singer-songwriter in 2014 with the mixtape Cloud 19. In a collection of seven songs, they broke into the scene with a blazing, fiery spirit, unshakable confidence, and a soulful voice that demanded to be heard. Eleven years later, now at 30, the award-winning artist continues to chart new territory with their music — this time with a renewed perspective.
In an exclusive interview, Kehlani tells Billboard Philippines the message behind “Folded”: “Honestly, we just really wanted to have raw emotion, and it was important that we got to kind of grow up with my perspective.” To Kehlani, this particular point of view marks a chapter of growth in the way they’d approach her songwriting — one that’s marked by a spurt in maturity. “I feel like it’s such a grown-up perspective to not be like, ‘You’re so trash, I’ll throw all your clothes out, or please come get them and please I’m begging, I’m pleading and I need you.'”
They continue, “It’s a very nuanced topic like, ‘You hurt me and it sucks, and I’m probably going to tell you about yourself when you get here. But I do have your clothes, and I cared about you enough to fold them. It’s a weird space to be in, but, obviously, I love you.'”
“Folded” itself is a quiet and infectiously catchy R&B song where they’re slowly coming to accept a breakup. “Meet me at the door / while it’s still open / I know it’s getting cold out, but it’s not frozen / So come pick up your clothes / I have them folded,” they croon, letting a wistful vulnerability seep through. Even as they try to put on a strong front, affection peeks through the cracks. “I’ll let your body decide if this is good enough for you / Already folding it for you / Already folding up for you.“
Such themes resonate strongly with Filipino listeners and their affinity for heartbreak. As such, the song continues to climb the Billboard Philippines Hot 100, now at the No. 11 position of the Chart (dated July 12, 2025) ) — a testament to the country’s deep connection with Kehlani’s music.
Part of the track’s success also comes from its production. The renowned Andre “Dre” Harris worked on it as the main producer. “Andre Harris has made probably all of the Philippines’ favorite songs of all time. He’s the R&B guy,” Kehlani says. Known for his work with Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Usher, and more, Dre’s mastery of classic R&B paired seamlessly with Kehlani’s modern take on the genre, creating a track that begs to be played on repeat.
Beyond her chart success, it’s no secret that Kehlani holds a special place for the Philippines. Earlier this year, they returned to the Philippines as a headliner for the PLUS63 Festival among fellow R&B hitmakers like Jenevieve, James Reid, and others, and even hosted an afterparty for the event at Uma Nota. “I can’t wait to come back and do a headlining show,” they share. Recalling the energy of the crowd, they smile. “There’s this video that went viral of people doing an entire choreography breakdown of the song while at the festival. I was like, ‘You know what, this is why I love y’all!’”
“You guys are such a joyful, prideful people that know how to have a good time and take pride in having a good time. You don’t ever have to worry about it [like,] ‘Oh, I went to the Philippines and they were all standing there and they didn’t really wave their hands or anything.'” They continue, “No, the Filipinos are going to have a good time and be the loudest crowd.”
For Kehlani, visiting feels like reuniting with family. Growing up in the Bay Area, where Filipino culture is deeply rooted, they never felt distant from it: “It just doesn’t feel foreign to me. It feels like I’m coming to see a bunch of my cousins.”
At its core, “Folded” is a testament to Kehlani’s growth — not just as an artist navigating heartbreak, but as a person learning to stand firmly in who they are. Reflecting on their journey from mixtapes to global tours, Kehlani shares that what they embrace most right now is a sense of radical acceptance. “I think something happens when you become like a grown woman where you’re not picking yourself apart. You’re not overanalyzing your past. You’re not being super anxious about your future. You’re just like, I radically accept myself. I love myself. I know myself. I love my body, I love my abilities, I love, you know, all the facets. I have love for all the versions of myself that I’ve been, and that brings this sense of peace and calm.”
This message resonates beyond the music as an invitation to embrace growth, without letting it overshadow the quiet joy of simply being. As Kehlani continues to share their journey through songs like “Folded,” they remind listeners everywhere — from the Bay to Manila — that there is power in loving every version of yourself along the way.