Said it’s something about my city, something about my city The only moment where she does acknowledge her hometown roots is on “ Runnin,” in which she sings the following in the track’s first and only verse: Songs like “ Wanted” and the Chance the Rapper-assisted lead single “The Way” find the Oakland singer rejoicing in the thrill of romantic relationships, the latter track becoming one of her most popular songs to date.Īlthough it’s not overtly expressed throughout the album, Oakland is the backdrop for You Should Be Here. However, that doesn’t mean the artist isn’t hopeful about love and the euphoria that can come with it. She’s been through too much to have anyone - especially a man - diminish her greatness. It’s a line that’s direct in its delivery, as well as a reminder of how far Kehlani has come in championing for herself. “Too damn strong to let you get the best of me / took way too long to find the light inside of me / fuck all these niggas,” she sings on the latter track. She airs out her grievances with trifling ex-lovers on back-to-back songs “ Jealous” - which features her late friend and rapper, Lexii Alijai - and “ Niggas.” But the mixtape also showcased the young artist’s ability to candidly speak on themes of heartbreak and romantic relationships, too. Navigating life amid tragedy and triumph is a focal point for You Should Be Here. On You Should Be Here, she expresses the resentment she felt toward not having her mother on “The Letter.” Her songwriting shines on the track as she sings, “And every girl needs a mother and damn it I needed you / Instead, you ducked for cover and ran from the truth.” Kehlani’s unflinching admission of feeling abandoned by her mother is felt even more by her audible crying, as if she’s confiding in the listener as a longtime friend. Written and released when she was 19-years-old, You Should Be Here showcased her ability to tell tales of self-realization in a way that was charming, candid, and vulnerable, propelling her career as an R&B singer and helping to solidify her as one of Oakland’s most promising stars.ĥ YEARS OF YSBH! HISTORY! □ glory to God forreal □ Released five years ago this week, You Should Be Here served as the follow-up to the singer’s 2014 debut mixtape, Cloud 19. I added the mixtape to my library and spent the rest of my high school days drowning in the project. I saw myself in Kehlani: a young woman sitting at the edge of the world before her, ready to face what’s ahead. I had just subscribed to Apple Music when I came across its illustrated cover art - Kehlani overlooking her Oakland hometown and the Golden Gate Bridge as a plane flies above in the distance, the then-teenage singer surrounded by her essentials: a pair of Vans Sk8-Hi’s, an open laptop, and a MIDI controller. Kehlani’s second mixtape, You Should Be Here, dropped when I was in high school.
Its her beautiful voice for me Comment by Maria StricklandĬant stop lisining to it Comment by jaelynn.Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage You Should Be Here showcased Kehlani’s ability to tell tales of self-realization in a way that was charming, candid, and vulnerable. If you look on my channel comments, everyone is satisfied :) Comment by Kennatre I make and do EVERYTHING myself! I'm only 15 years old and you will be very surprised, it takes so much hard work and it's hard to get noticed even if it is good quality. Hi! I hate doing this but if you like this, take a minute to listen to my music. Comment by Maggie ArmstrongĬountry Comment by mhm Comment by UGottaStep My baby brother sings this song all the time Comment by Baby-girl-megīut youre not there.
That shit was so beautiful□ Comment by UGottaStep □i listen to this song cuz my i been heart broken so many timezz Comment by Cecelia Francillon This song is hella good Comment by □□Taniah Ellis □□□□□ Come take me baby □❤️□ Comment by □□
Ur Nehi is here baby, Im locked up baby they wont let me out. Miss your presence ❤️ Comment by NEHI_007 Follow me on ig Comment by Cheetah Baby87