A New Chapter for Kehlani's "Folded"
In recent months, Kehlani's "Folded" has become the R&B star's highest-charting song to date. Over the course of its rise, some of the genre's most beloved voices have put their own (wash, rinse, and) spin on the romantic hit. Now, the singer has dropped a Folded Homage Pack EP of remixes that venerated musicians Brandy, Toni Braxton, JoJo, Tank, and Mario had previously teased on social media, with a new addition from Ne-Yo as well. "This has been the highest honor," Kehlani wrote in an Instagram caption announcing the EP.
Toni Braxton’s Birthday Gift
Toni Braxton surprised fans with her snippet of "Folded" on Oct. 7, her 58th birthday. The clip has earned 2.9 million views on Instagram. "My birthday gift to you…" she wrote in the caption. Her "Folded" remix is the "He Wasn't Man Enough" powerhouse's first single on streaming since 2020. "Don't let his body decide/It’s time to use your mind/Already folded it for him," Braxton sang, flipping Kehlani's original hook, "I'll let your body decide/If this is good enough for ya/Already folding it for you/Already folding up for you."
Tank's Unique Take
That same day, Tank shared a version of his own. Meanwhile, Brandy, often called the "Vocal Bible" by other singers, and Jojo, who first debuted her stunning voice as a young teen in 2004, posted their remixes in September; Mario was the first of the pack to share his remix in August.
The Folded Homage Pack
On the Folded Homage Pack, each artist sings a re-written version of Kehlani's original. Across the web, singers - professional, aspiring, and recreational - have shared their own covers of the popular song as well.
Chart Success and Personal Challenges
Despite critical acclaim and dedicated listenership, "Folded" marks Kehlani's first song to break the top 20 of the Billboard 200 across her decade-long career. It currently sits at Number One on the R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart as well. This summer, Kehlani faced several concert cancellations following her public defense of Palestinians amid Israel's war in Gaza. "I was supposed to headline about seven different prides, and this is the online f–king one that did not give up on me," she said on stage at San Diego Pride in July, where she performed "Folded" a little over a month after its debut.
The Impact of "Folded"
The success of "Folded" has not only solidified Kehlani's place in the R&B scene but also highlighted the power of collaboration and reinterpretation in music. The Folded Homage Pack showcases how a single track can inspire a multitude of artists to put their unique stamp on it, creating a rich tapestry of sounds and styles.
A Growing Legacy
As Kehlani continues to navigate the challenges of her career, the support from both established and emerging artists demonstrates the deep respect she has garnered within the industry. The remixes and covers of "Folded" serve as a testament to the song's universal appeal and its ability to resonate with a wide audience.
Looking Ahead
With the continued success of "Folded" and the release of the Folded Homage Pack, Kehlani is poised to make even more waves in the music world. Fans and critics alike are eager to see what the future holds for the R&B star, who has proven time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with.
Conclusion
Kehlani's journey with "Folded" has been nothing short of remarkable. From its initial release to the numerous remixes and covers that followed, the song has become a cultural touchstone. As the music industry continues to evolve, Kehlani's work stands as a powerful example of how art can transcend boundaries and bring people together.
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