Kehlani’s 2025 single “Folded” stands out as one of the year’s defining R&B releases, combining emotional honesty with warm, minimalist production. Released on June 13, 2025, the track blends gentle guitar layers and mellow strings with Kehlani’s expressive delivery, creating a mid-tempo breakup anthem rooted in longing and reflection. Using the imagery of clothes left behind and neatly folded, the song captures the tension between closure and a desire for reconnection, showcasing Kehlani’s talent for intimate, relatable storytelling.

For Kehlani, “Folded” marks a significant moment in a career built on authenticity and genre-bending artistry. Long celebrated for her ability to fuse vulnerability with modern R&B sensibilities, she saw the song quickly gain widespread traction beyond her usual audience. Its popularity sparked a viral moment on social media, inspired an a cappella counterpart titled “(un)Folded,” and led to a special “Folded Homage Pack” featuring reinterpretations from R&B icons including Brandy, Toni Braxton, and Ne-Yo — further emphasizing the song’s influence and Kehlani’s respected status within the industry.

On the charts, “Folded” became Kehlani’s most successful mainstream hit, breaking new ground in her career. It debuted strong and eventually climbed into the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 7, while also securing her first No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song also charted well internationally, resonating with listeners across multiple countries. Its strong streaming numbers, radio support, and cultural impact helped it earn Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance, solidifying “Folded” as one of the standout R&B moments of 2025.