Folded (song)
| "Folded" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Kehlani | ||||
| Released | June 11, 2025 | |||
| Genre | R&B | |||
| Length | 3:58 | |||
| Label | Atlantic | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) |
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| Kehlani singles chronology | ||||
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"Folded" is a song by American singer Kehlani, released on June 11, 2025. It was produced by Andre Harris, D.K. The Punisher, Don Mills and Khris Riddick-Tynes.
Background
Kehlani teased the song during the two weeks before it was released. The post-chorus went viral, with fans also dancing to it on the video-sharing app TikTok.[1]
Composition and lyrics
"Folded" is an R&B song. Over an instrumental composed of strings, guitar and drums,[1][2] Kehlani hopes to rekindle a romantic relationship with their lover.[1][2][3][4] They acknowledge that they may have overreacted in leaving their ex ("I know I didn't have to walk away / All I had to do was ask for space"),[4] before asking them to come pick up their clothes that they have left behind, which have also not been folded, yet.[1][3][4]
Critical reception
Upon its release, “Folded” received positive reviews by contemporary music critics, who singled out the song’s lyricism and vocals for praise. Robin Murray of Clash called it "sensual and alluring".[5] Zachary Horvath of HotNewHipHop commented "Not only is it well written and conveys the proper emotions, the rhythm on it is infectious. The guitar melody hanging underneath the drums adds a sensual element that takes things up a notch. Of course, the vocals are buttery smooth making this a complete record overall."[2] Zsana Joyelle of Soul Bounce wrote "Lyrics like, 'I know it's getting cold out, but it's not frozen,' and, 'I don't need roses / Just need some flowers from my garden / Can't you go back to how you loved on me when you started?,' aren't just poetic, they truly capture the theme of longing. Sonically, the strings and the guitar loop under the beat complement Kehlani's voice perfectly. As always, the Oakland native brings smooth, captivating vocals and layered backgrounds that sound heaven-sent." She added, "A standout moment comes on the second hook. Kehlani makes a few changes to make this one different from the first with new riffs and runs, changes in rhythm and even holding out some notes longer than others. They even flirt with a key change as they shift tones on the lyrics, 'Meet me at my door while it's still open.'"[1]
Charts
| Chart (2025) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia Hip Hop/R&B (ARIA)[6] | 10 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[7] | 93 |
| Global 200 (Billboard)[8] | 148 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[9] | 7 |
| Philippines (IFPI)[10] | 15 |
| Philippines (Philippines Hot 100)[11] | 11 |
| South Africa (TOSAC)[12] | 67 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[13] | 76 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[14] | 18 |
References
- ^ a b c d e Joyelle, Zsana (June 13, 2025). "Kehlani's 'Folded' Is About More Than Laundry". Soul Bounce. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ a b c Horvath, Zachary (June 11, 2025). "Kehlani Is Waiting For Someone Special On "Folded"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ a b Daw, Stephen (June 13, 2025). "Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Kehlani, Kevin Abstract, Blondshell & More". Billboard. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ a b c Samuels, Keithan (June 16, 2025). "Kehlani's 'Folded' Neatly Packs Longing and Sensuality: Listen". Rated R&B. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ Murray, Robin (June 12, 2025). "Kehlani Sparkles On New Single 'Folded'". Clash. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
- ^ "ARIA Top 40 Hip Hop/R&B Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. July 7, 2025. Retrieved July 5, 2025.
- ^ "Kehlani Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
- ^ "Kehlani Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
- ^ "Official Top 40 Singles". Recorded Music NZ. June 20, 2025. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
- ^ "The Official Southeast Asia Charts – This Week's Official Philippines Chart Top 20 from 06/27/2025 to 07/03/2025" (Select 2025, Week 27). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- ^ "Philippines Hot 100: Week of July 12, 2025". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- ^ "Top New Releases of the Week: Local & International Streaming". The Official South African Charts. Archived from the original on June 29, 2025. Retrieved June 29, 2025.
- ^ "Kehlani Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
- ^ "Kehlani Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 8, 2025.