Kehlani Explains Importance of R&B for Kids

The singer stresses the emotional benefits of exposing children to the genre early on.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In a recent episode of 'Celebrity Substitute', singer Kehlani discussed the vital role R&B music plays in the development of children. Kehlani believes that exposing kids to R&B helps them learn to embrace and express their emotions in a healthy way, rather than bottling them up. The 30-year-old singer specifically highlighted Brandy as an R&B icon that every child should be listening to.

Why it matters

R&B has taken a backseat to other genres in recent years, leading to concerns that future generations may miss out on some of the most emotionally powerful music. Kehlani's comments underscore the importance of keeping R&B alive and ensuring children have access to the genre, which can provide them with crucial tools for emotional intelligence and expression.

The details

In the episode, Kehlani explained that R&B music 'helps you express big feelings' and 'teaches certain people that aren't always offered the space to be vulnerable, to be vulnerable.' The singer believes that by listening to R&B, children can learn to 'hoot and holler and beg and plead and feel those feelings' in a healthy way. Kehlani specifically highlighted Brandy as a 'vocal GOAT' and 'R&B singer' that every child should be listening to.

  • Kehlani appeared on a February 2026 episode of 'Celebrity Substitute'.
  • In a November 2025 interview, Kehlani stressed that Brandy should be on everyone's 'Mount Rushmore of R&B singers'.

The players

Kehlani

A 30-year-old R&B singer who believes it is vital for children to grow up listening to the genre.

Brandy

An R&B icon that Kehlani believes every child should be listening to, describing her as a 'vocal GOAT' and one of the 'greats' of the genre.

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What they’re saying

“It helps you express big feelings. It taught me that I can be vulnerable and, in lot of cases, teaches certain people that aren't always offered the space to be vulnerable, to be vulnerable. Being able to have those spaces where they can just hoot and holler and beg and plead and feel those feelings.”

— Kehlani (VICE)

“I don't think I would ever call my greats my peers. Would never call her a peer. We'll always call her a mother. Would always call her in my Mount Rushmore of R&B. Every R&B singer that you ask if you're talking about vocal GOATs, they're gonna say Brandy. I would never, respectfully, get into an argument about Brandy Norwood. I would never be explaining Brandy Norwood to anyone.”

— Kehlani (VICE)

The takeaway

Kehlani's comments highlight the emotional and developmental benefits of exposing children to R&B music early on, emphasizing the genre's ability to help kids learn to embrace and express their feelings in a healthy way. The singer's high praise for Brandy as a vocal and R&B icon underscores the importance of ensuring the next generation has access to the genre's greatest artists.