In a bold and timely gesture, R&B artist Kehlani Ashley Parrish, known simply as Kehlani, has released a pro-Palestine song titled “Next 2 U,” making a powerful statement while many musicians remain silent about Israel’s assault on Gaza. The music video features Kehlani and dancers wearing keffiyehs and performing in front of Palestinian flags, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The song’s lyrics, originally about a romantic partner, have been reimagined as a declaration of defense.
After releasing “After Hours” in April, Kehlani is back with their new single “Next 2 U.” Co-written with DIXSON and Ant Clemons, the song’s trap beat and Kehlani’s impassioned delivery create a heartfelt yet assertive declaration. The intriguing choir intro quickly transitions into a chant that lacks specificity about the cause, but the potent visuals compensate for the occasional shortcomings in songwriting. The strong imagery ensures the message resonates, even within the framework of a love song.
The video closes with a message stating, “We tried to make a scroll honoring the names of thousands of deceased children. The list was so long that our fastest scroll at three minutes was illegible.” Rather than displaying the names in the video, Kehlani urges viewers to read the extensive list “at your own pace,” encouraging them to recognize the human cost of the conflict. “Next 2 U” is not just a statement but also a call for awareness, amplifying the voices of those affected by Israel’s relentless bombing of Gaza.
