Folded (song)

Last updated
"Folded"
Kehlani - Folded.jpg
Single by Kehlani
ReleasedJune 11, 2025
Genre R&B
Length3:58
Label Atlantic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Andre Harris
  • D.K. The Punisher
  • Don Mills
  • Riddick-Tynes
Kehlani singles chronology
"Think of Me"
(2025)		"Folded"
(2025)		"Sugar Sweet"
(2025)
Music video
"Folded" on YouTube

"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.

Contents

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 performance for "Folded"
Chart (2025)Peak
position
Australia (ARIA) [6] 52
Australia Hip Hop/R&B (ARIA) [7] 5
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [8] 62
Global 200 ( Billboard ) [9] 39
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) [10] 7
Philippines (IFPI) [11] 5
Philippines (Philippines Hot 100) [12] 4
South Africa (TOSAC) [13] 27
Suriname (Nationale Top 40) [14] 23
UK Singles (OCC) [15] 48
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [16] 10
US Billboard Hot 100 [17] 35
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [18] 5
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay ( Billboard ) [19] 14
US Rhythmic ( Billboard ) [20] 10

Certifications

Certifications for "Folded"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
New Zealand (RMNZ) [21] Gold15,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Joyelle, Zsana (June 13, 2025). "Kehlani's 'Folded' Is About More Than Laundry". Soul Bounce. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 Horvath, Zachary (June 11, 2025). "Kehlani Is Waiting For Someone Special On "Folded"". HotNewHipHop . Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  3. 1 2 Daw, Stephen (June 13, 2025). "Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Kehlani, Kevin Abstract, Blondshell & More". Billboard . Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 Samuels, Keithan (June 16, 2025). "Kehlani's 'Folded' Neatly Packs Longing and Sensuality: Listen". Rated R&B . Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  5. ↑ Murray, Robin (June 12, 2025). "Kehlani Sparkles On New Single 'Folded'". Clash . Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  6. ↑ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 11 August 2025". The ARIA Report. No. 1849. Australian Recording Industry Association. August 11, 2025. p. 4.
  7. ↑ "ARIA Top 40 Hip Hop/R&B Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. August 11, 2025. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Kehlani Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 12, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Kehlani Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Official Top 40 Singles". Recorded Music NZ. June 20, 2025. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  11. ↑ "The Official Southeast Asia Charts – This Week's Official Philippines Chart Top 20 from 08/15/2025 to 08/21/2025". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry . Retrieved August 26, 2025. [Select 2025 Week 34]
  12. ↑ "Philippines Hot 100 (Week of August 30, 2025)". Billboard Philippines . August 27, 2025. Archived from the original on August 27, 2025. Retrieved August 27, 2025.
  13. ↑ "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 50 Week 32-2025". The Official South African Charts. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Top 40 – 28 augustus tot 04 september 2025" [Top 40 – 28 August to 04 September 2025] (in Dutch). Nationale Top 40 Suriname . Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  15. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
  17. ↑ "Kehlani Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  18. ↑ "Kehlani Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
  19. ↑ "Kehlani Chart History (R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Kehlani Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  21. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Kehlani – Folded". Radioscope. Retrieved August 15, 2025.Type Folded in the "Search:" field.
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