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

The track previews Kehlani's upcoming self-titled album, set for release on her 31st birthday.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of glittering sequins in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting, capturing the luxurious, celebratory energy of a new musical release.Kehlani's new single 'Back and Forth' with Missy Elliott exudes a confident, high-energy glamour ahead of the singer's self-titled album release.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 drop 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 showcase the artist's continued evolution and artistic growth more than a decade into her career. The Missy Elliott collaboration also adds to Elliott's legacy of standout features with both up-and-coming and established artists.

The details

On 'Back and Forth,' Kehlani and Missy Elliott trade 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 as she continues to develop her artistic identity. Beyond the new music, Kehlani is also set to perform at the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia this May, joining a lineup that includes Erykah Badu, Jay-Z, and Brandy.

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

The players

Kehlani

A singer-songwriter who is releasing her fifth studio album, 'Kehlani,' on April 24, 2026, her 31st birthday.

Missy Elliott

A legendary rapper and producer who has collaborated with Kehlani on the new single 'Back and Forth,' adding to her legacy of standout features with both up-and-coming and established artists.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Kehlani and Missy Elliott, Performing on 'Back and Forth'

“I wanted to create music that resonates emotionally and energizes listeners, while also continuing to evolve my artistic identity more than a decade into my career.”

— Kehlani

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 and the upcoming self-titled album showcase the artist's continued evolution and artistic growth, blending smooth R&B with an assertive edge and collaborating with a legendary rapper to deliver a message of independence and self-assurance.