Kehlani by Jordan Adetunji: A Viral Hit Celebrating Confidence and Cultural Impact

10th July, 2024

Jordan Adetunji’s breakout single Kehlani has taken the music world by storm, captivating listeners with its infectious blend of R&B and hip-hop.

Released on May 19, 2024, through Indigo Kid/300 Entertainment, this track has rapidly climbed the charts and garnered widespread attention.

Let’s dive into the story behind this viral sensation, explore its lyrical content, and unpack why it’s resonating with so many fans.

The Rise of a Viral Phenomenon

Kehlani first gained traction when Adetunji shared a snippet on TikTok, teasing, “Bro wrote a whole song about Kehlani, but why it kinda go hard.”

This preview sparked immediate interest, prompting the Belfast-born artist to quickly record a new verse and release the full track just two days later.

The song’s popularity exploded on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.

As of June 2024, the official “Kehlani” sound had been used in over 287,000 TikTok videos, with another version featured in more than 315,000 clips.

This viral momentum propelled the track onto the Billboard charts, where it debuted at No. 70 on the Hot 100 dated July 6, 2024.

Chart Success and Industry Recognition

Kehlani has achieved impressive milestones in a short time. It debuted at No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100, reached No. 17 on Hot Rap Songs, and climbed to No. 20 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

The track peaked at No. 3 on the U.S. Shazam Chart and hit No. 1 on the U.S. Spotify Viral Chart.

This rapid ascent caught the attention of major labels, leading to Adetunji signing with 300 Entertainment for North America and partnering with Warner Records UK globally.

Behind the Music: Production and Influences

Produced by Prodbyli & VillaBeatz, Kehlani features a sparse drill beat that provides the perfect backdrop for Adetunji’s fast-paced R&B vocals.

The track samples “Potential” by Summer Walker, adding depth to its sonic landscape.

Adetunji’s music is described as a hybrid of “hip-hop, R&B, alternative, and post-punk,” with elements of Afrobeats that nod to his Nigerian heritage.

Lyrics Breakdown: Celebrating Confidence and Beauty

The song’s lyrics are an ode to confident, ambitious women, with R&B star Kehlani serving as the primary muse.

The opening lines set the tone, expressing admiration for both physical beauty and self-assurance.

Adetunji emphasises that confidence is attractive and brings positive energy.

He directly compares the song’s subject to Kehlani, praising her looks and attitude.

The repetition reinforces the comparison and creates a catchy hook. Adetunji suggests that the subject’s presence alone creates an atmosphere worth celebrating, regardless of the actual location.

The artist name-drops several other talented women, including rising Afrobeats star Tyla.

This section expands the song’s scope, celebrating a diverse array of influential female artists.

The lyrics also praise financial independence and self-motivation, themes that resonate strongly with many listeners.

Visual Storytelling: The “Kehlani” Music Video

Directed by Ovie, the official music video for Kehlani enhances the song’s appeal with vibrant visuals.

The stylish production brings Adetunji’s lyrics to life, showcasing his charisma and reinforcing the track’s energetic vibe.

Fans of Jordan Adetunji’s music should definitely check out the Kehlani video to fully appreciate the artist’s vision for this breakout hit.

Kehlani’s Response and Impact

The song’s namesake, R&B star Kehlani, has shown support for Adetunji’s tribute.

On May 18, she posted a flame emoji on one of his social media posts, and later shared TikTok videos of herself vibing to the track.

This endorsement from Kehlani herself has undoubtedly contributed to the song’s viral success.

Interestingly, Kehlani released her own album, “Crash,” on June 21, 2024, shortly after Adetunji’s single gained traction.

This timing may have created a synergistic effect, boosting interest in both artists simultaneously.

Why “Kehlani” Resonates with Listeners

The success of Kehlani can be attributed to several factors. Its catchy melody and production, relatable themes of confidence and admiration, and clever references to popular artists have all contributed to its appeal.

The song’s viral social media presence and endorsement from Kehlani herself have further amplified its reach.

Jordan Adetunji’s fresh perspective and unique blend of musical styles have clearly struck a chord with audiences seeking new sounds in the R&B and hip-hop scenes.

What’s Next for Jordan Adetunji?

With Kehlani marking his first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, Jordan Adetunji is poised for a bright future in the music industry.

Fans eagerly anticipate his next releases, wondering if he can build on this momentum to establish himself as a major player in the global music scene.

As Kehlani continues to climb the charts and captivate listeners worldwide, it’s clear that Jordan Adetunji has created something special.

Whether you’re drawn to its infectious beat, clever lyrics, or celebration of confidence, Kehlani is a straight banger.

For those who haven’t experienced the viral hit yet, now’s the perfect time to give Kehlani a listen.

Dive into Jordan Adetunji’s breakout single and discover why it’s become one of the most talked-about tracks of 2024.

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Jordan Adetunji KEHLANI Lyrics

Intro: Summer Walker
(Wock)
You got, you, you got potential
You got, you, you got potential

Chorus: Jordan Adetunji
I like the way your body is (I do), is that too obvious?
Okay, I like your confidence (I do), oh, that’s what good karma is, okay
Like-like Kehlani is (Uh-huh), bad just like Kehlani is, okay (Uh-huh)
I don’t care where the party is (Uh-huh), right here where the party is
You ’bout to, you ’bout to start a whole fire, uh (Fire)
Now I’m on fire, uh, I need some water, need Tyla, uh
I need Romani, Rebecca, Serena, Selena, let’s start a whole choir, uh
I like the way that you get your own bag, you don’t need no one help you inspire, huh

Verse 1: Jordan Adetunj
But I’ma add to you, I’ma give you somе bands, I’ma add to you (To you)
Been on the avenue and I ain’t nеver seen no one bad as you (Nobody bad)
Baby, I’m savage too, they can’t disrespect you, I’ll gladly shoot (Uh-huh)
I don’t play about mine, I don’t care, I’m addicted to you and it’s clear

Chorus: Jordan Adetunj
I like the way your body is (I do), is that too obvious?
Okay, I like your confidence (I do), oh, that’s what good karma is, okay
Like-like Kehlani is (Uh-huh), bad just like Kehlani is, okay (Uh-huh)
I don’t care where the party is (Uh-huh), right here where the party is
You ’bout to, you ’bout to start a whole fire, uh (Fire)
Now I’m on fire, uh (Uh-huh), I need some water, need Tyla, uh (Uh-huh)
I need Romani, Rebecca, Serena, Selena, let’s start a whole choir, uh
I like the way that you get your own bag, you don’t need no one help you inspire, huh

Verse 2: Jordan Adetunj
Baby, let’s make movie (Let’s make movie)
Come and seduce me (Uh-huh)
Know that I’m choosy (Uh)
I need to you to back it up
Make it clap, that ain’t fast enough
You know I’m man enough
And I don’t play about it
You know that I’m ’bout it

Chorus: Jordan Adetunj
I like the way your body is (I do), is that too obvious?
Okay, I like your confidence (I do), oh, that’s what good karma is, okay
Like-like Kehlani is (Uh-huh), bad just like Kehlani is, okay (Uh-huh)
I don’t care where the party is (Uh-huh), right here where the party is
You ’bout to, you ’bout to start a whole fire, uh (Fire)
Now I’m on fire, uh, I need some water, need Tyla, uh
I need Romani, Rebecca, Serena, Selena, let’s start a whole choir, uh
I like the way that you get your own bag, you don’t need no one help you inspire, huh

Outro: Summer Walker
You got, you
You got, you