‘Everything,’ by Kehlani, Is a Sentimental, Honest Celebration of Queer Love

‘Everything,’ by Kehlani, Is a Sentimental, Honest Celebration of Queer Love. The music video for the tune was dubbed “a rap video for a ballad” by the R&B artist.

Kehlani is completely over heels in love with her new single, “Everything,” and she’s not hesitant to show it. The song is off the Grammy-nominated singer’s new studio album, Blue Water Road, which came out on Friday.

Kehlani, who uses she/they pronouns, is seen in the accompanying music video for “Everything” having a crazy night with pals, replete with a noisy house party and binge-watching movies. They described the video as “a rap video for a ballad” in an Instagram story, and the strong 1990s hip-hop vibes can be seen everywhere from the costuming, which is dominated by black puffy coats and white sneakers, to the big group shots outside a liquor shop and in parking lots. Nonetheless, the video contains glimpses of the song’s tender-hearted subject matter; a harpist performs in the middle of a noisy gathering, while a female dancer twirls alone in a parking lot.

In a December interview with Byrdie, Kehlani claimed that Blue Water Road “talks about love and growing into gayness,” and that sentiment drives the major storyline on “Everything.” Kehlani shares her affection for a boyfriend who is “everything but traditional” against sweeping string arrangements and the laid-back deep descending scales of a Rhodes piano, musing on how the relationship has transformed each of them for the better. “And how many girls in the globe can say they had it?/And how many bitches who became your missus can keep the status?” they enquire. “That was before me, it’s childish/Now you can be wild with me, run that mile with me/Catch some flights out with me.”

Following the Justin Bieber collaboration “Up All Night,” the uptempo ballad “Little Story,” and the lead single “Altar,” “Everything” is the fourth single from Blue Water Road.

“I’d like you to hear how much time, effort, joy, and heart we put into it.” There’s a strong pulse in the room. In a statement, Kehlani stated about Blue Water Road, “I’m at peace now.” “I’m a completely different person than I ever imagined myself to be, even in my wildest aspirations.” I sincerely hope that when you listen to this, you feel like you were there with me on Blue Water Road.”