While We Wait

Released in February 2019, While We Wait served as a bridge between Kehlani's debut studio album SweetSexySavage and their sophomore effort It Was Good Until It Wasn't. Despite being categorized as a mixtape, the production quality and thematic cohesion rival a full studio release. The project was notably recorded during Kehlani's pregnancy, which many critics noted contributed to the more tempered, soulful, and mature tone of the record. Sonically, it moves away from the 90s-pop-R&B influences of their earlier work toward a more contemporary, trap-inflected neo-soul sound. Featuring collaborations with 6LACK, Ty Dolla $ign, and Musiq Soulchild, the album successfully navigates themes of boundary-setting, heartbreak, and self-actualization. It was met with critical acclaim for its honesty and vocal arrangements, further solidifying Kehlani's position as a central figure in the modern R&B landscape.