Kehlani Taps Missy Elliott for ‘Back and Forth’

Kehlani and Missy Elliott have joined forces for a new anthem, “Back and Forth.”

Produced by Khris Riddick-Tynes and The Stereotypes, “Back and Forth” dismisses any attempts at drama stirred by an estranged lover in favor of a night on the town.

“I’ma need you to cool down for me / Check your insecurities / Leave ’em at the door of our home,” Kehlani warns. She sings in the chorus, “I ain’t going back and forth tonight, I’m going out.” 

Missy’s verse dramatizes an argument between a partner who questions everything, from her destination to her outfit. She remains unfazed by the nonsense, rapping, “I ain’t doing this tonight / I’m ’bout to drive off, oh you mad? Yeah, aight / You know I be home, I’ma see ya when I see ya.” She closes her verse with a nod to Aaliyah: “All that back –, back and forth got me feeling like Aaliyah.” 

Kehlani took to Instagram on Friday to share a heartfelt message about her new collaboration with Missy. Not only did she thank her, but she also reminded her 17.1 million followers about her contributions to the R&B space. 

“Missy; your contribution to art.. of EVERY genre never goes unnoticed. but especially to RnB… from your own songs, to features, the direction, the writing, the backs & your push to visually take it ON ONE.. you’ll always be a hero of mine,” Kehlani wrote. “i dreamt as a little girl to hear a ‘New Kehlaniiiiii’ and you slid with ease. as you always do. flowers you deserve to smell everyday.”

“Back and Forth” is the third offering from Kehlani’s self-titled fifth album, which drops on her birthday (April 24) via Atlantic Records. She launched the era with her Grammy-winning hit “Folded,” which also topped several Billboard charts, followed by “Out The Window.” 

According to press materials, KEHLANI represents “an intimate and fearless body of work that reflects her clarity, confidence, and creative freedom.”

KEHLANI will follow her Grammy-nominated fourth album, Crash.

Stream Kehlani’s “Back and Forth” featuring Missy Elliott below.