Kehlani Releases New Single 'Back and Forth' with Missy Elliott

The track is a preview of Kehlani's upcoming self-titled album, set to release on her 31st birthday.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:00pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of glittering sequins and shattered disco glass, capturing the vibrant, high-fashion aesthetic of Kehlani's new single.Kehlani's new single 'Back and Forth' with Missy Elliott exudes confidence and high-energy through its glamorous, textural visuals.Philadelphia Today

Kehlani has released a new single, 'Back and Forth,' featuring a collaboration with Missy Elliott. The high-energy track blends smooth R&B with an assertive edge and serves as a preview of Kehlani's upcoming self-titled album, set to release on April 24 - the singer's 31st birthday. The album marks Kehlani's fifth studio release and follows 2024's 'Crash,' which included the Grammy-nominated single 'After Hours.'

Why it matters

Kehlani's new single and album release continue to showcase her evolution as an artist more than a decade into her career. The collaboration with Missy Elliott adds another high-profile feature to Elliott's legacy, following recent work with artists like Skrillex and Anitta. The release also comes ahead of Kehlani's performance at the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, where she'll join a lineup including Erykah Badu, Jay-Z, and Brandy.

The details

The song 'Back and Forth' finds Kehlani and Missy Elliott trading lines before uniting on the hook, delivering a message of independence and self-assurance. Kehlani has emphasized her desire to create music that resonates emotionally and energizes listeners, while also continuing to evolve her artistic identity.

  • Kehlani's new self-titled album is set to release on April 24, 2026 - her 31st birthday.
  • Kehlani is scheduled to perform at the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia in May.

The players

Kehlani

A Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who is releasing her fifth studio album, 'Kehlani,' on April 24, 2026.

Missy Elliott

A legendary rapper and producer who has collaborated with Kehlani on the new single 'Back and Forth.' Elliott is a recent inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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What they’re saying

“I ain't goin' back and forth tonight/ I'm goin' out”

— Kehlani and Missy Elliott, Performers

“I wanted to create music that resonates emotionally and energizes listeners, while also continuing to evolve my artistic identity.”

— Kehlani, Singer-songwriter

What’s next

Kehlani is set to take the stage at the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia this May, joining a lineup that includes Erykah Badu, Jay-Z, and Brandy.

The takeaway

Kehlani's new single 'Back and Forth' featuring Missy Elliott showcases the singer's continued evolution as an artist, blending smooth R&B with an assertive edge. The collaboration adds to Elliott's legacy of high-profile features, while also building anticipation for Kehlani's upcoming self-titled album release and festival performance.