You Should Be Here (mixtape)

Last updated
You Should Be Here
Kehlani - You Should Be Here cover.png
Mixtape by
ReleasedApril 28, 2015 (2015-04-28)
Genre R&B [1]
Length46:12
Label TSNMI [2]
Producer
Kehlani chronology
Cloud 19
(2014)
You Should Be Here
(2015)
SweetSexySavage
(2017)
Singles from You Should Be Here
  1. "The Way"
    Released: July 27, 2015 [3]

You Should Be Here is the second and debut commercial mixtape [4] by American singer and songwriter Kehlani. [5] It was self-released through the iTunes Store on April 28, 2015. [6] You Should Be Here features guest appearances from Lexii Alijai, Chance the Rapper, and BJ the Chicago Kid. [7] It peaked at number 36 on the US Billboard 200. [8] Mixed by Joe Fitzgerald, the mixtape predominantly features production by Jahaan Sweet, along with production from JMike, Madmax, Geoffro Cause and Ted Digtl, among others.

Contents

In July 2015, Kehlani embarked on a tour to promote the mixtape. The tour visited cities; including North America and Europe. [9] Music videos were created for "You Should Be Here", [10] "The Way", [11] and "Alive". [12] The mixtape received a nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. [13]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 80/100 [14]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [15]
Billboard Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [16]
Complex Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [17]
HipHopDX Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [18]
The New York Times favorable [19]
Pitchfork 7.4/10 [2]

At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average score to reviews from mainstream critics, You Should Be Here received an average score of 80 based on 6 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". [14]

Matthew Ramirez of Pitchfork commented that "You Should Be Here's dynamism and generosity is something to be amazed by, especially considering Kehlani is all of 19 years old." [2] Andy Kellman of AllMusic said: "While the singer and songwriter has fashioned [themself] into a contemporary R&B artist comparable to the likes of Jhené Aiko and Tinashe, [they] have retained the charming, down-to-earth qualities they displayed with their band." [15] Elias Leight of Billboard described it as "an intense, focused exploration of all, or nearly all, the relationships the singer is involved in, both romantic and familial." [16]

Accolades

PublicationAccoladeRankRef.
Complex Best Albums of 2015
12
Noisey 50 Best Albums of 2015
16
Rolling Stone 20 Best R&B Albums of 2015
16

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro"
Kehlani2:19
2."You Should Be Here"
  • Parrish
  • Alexander Castillo
  • Jeremy Coleman
  • JMIKE
  • A.C.
  • I.T.M.G
2:37
3."How That Taste"
  • Parrish
  • Jahaan Sweet
Jahaan Sweet2:32
4."Jealous" (featuring Lexii Alijai)
Sweet3:38
5."Niggas"
  • PP
  • Sweet
  • Parrish
Jahaan Sweet2:54
6."Wanted"
  • Parrish
  • Ricky Witherspoon, Jr.
  • Coleman
  • Graham Muron
  • JMIKE
  • MadMax
  • KillaGraham
2:10
7."The Way" (featuring Chance the Rapper)
  • Jahaan Sweet
  • Eryck Bry
  • KillaGraham
4:22
8."Unconditional"
2:36
9."The Letter"
  • Parrish
  • Joshua Blaxon
Ted Digtl3:52
10."Runnin' (Interlude)"
  • Parrish
  • Sweet
Jahaan Sweet2:17
11."Be Alright"
  • Parrish
  • Coleman
  • Mathieu Jomphe
  • JMIKE
  • Billboard
2:54
12."Down for You" (featuring BJ the Chicago Kid)
Jahaan Sweet3:47
13."Yet" The Featherstones 2:29
14."Bright"
  • Parrish
  • Earley
Geoffro Cause4:17
15."Alive" (featuring Coucheron)
  • Parrish
  • Sebastian Kornelius Gautier Teigen
Coucheron3:07
Total length:46:12

Sample credits

• "Down For You" interpolates "Just Friends (Sunny)" by Musiq Soulchild

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2015)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [8]
36
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums ( Billboard ) [23]
5

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [24] Gold500,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teyana Taylor</span> American singer and actress

Teyana Me Shay Jacqueli Shumpert is an American singer, songwriter, actress, model, dancer, choreographer, and music video director. After choreographing the video for Beyoncé's 2006 single "Ring the Alarm," she signed a recording contract with the Neptunes' Star Trak Entertainment, an imprint of Interscope Records to embark on a career as an recording artist the following year. Taylor appeared on MTV's My Super Sweet 16 prior to the release of her 2008 debut single, "Google Me." Despite lukewarm commercial response, she later gained wider attention in 2010 for her uncredited guest performances on the songs "Dark Fantasy" and "Hell of a Life" by Kanye West, from his highly-acclaimed album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). She parted ways with Star Trak and Interscope in favor of signing with West's GOOD Music, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings two years later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tinashe</span> American singer (born 1993)

Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe, known mononymously as Tinashe, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Tinashe moved to Pasadena, California as a child, where she pursued work in entertainment. Her notable roles include a motion-capture performance in the animated film The Polar Express (2004), Robin Wheeler in the Cartoon Network television series Out of Jimmy's Head (2007–2008), and a recurring role in the CBS series Two and a Half Men (2008–2009).

<i>Section.80</i> 2011 studio album by Kendrick Lamar

Section.80 is the debut studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on July 2, 2011, by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). In the years leading up to its release, Lamar previously produced various mixtapes under the moniker K.Dot. In 2010, Lamar released Overly Dedicated, his fourth solo mixtape. Shortly after its release, he began working on Section.80.

<i>Trilogy</i> (The Weeknd album) 2012 compilation album by the Weeknd

Trilogy is the first compilation album and major label debut by Canadian singer the Weeknd. It was released on November 13, 2012, through XO and Republic Records. It is composed of remixed and remastered versions of the songs contained in his 2011 mixtapes House of Balloons, Thursday and Echoes of Silence, and three previously unreleased songs, "Twenty Eight", "Valerie", and "Till Dawn " were included as bonus tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Freebandz</span> American record label

Freebandz is an American record label founded by American rapper Future in 2011. The label's releases are distributed through Epic Records. Freebandz has signed artists including Real Boston Richey, Lil Double O, Doe Boy, Young Scooter, and Future's personal mixtape compiler, DJ Esco.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iamsu!</span> American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer

Sudan Ameer Williams, better known by his stage name Iamsu!, is an American rapper and record producer from Richmond, California. He is the lead member of the hip hop group the HBK Gang, which he formed with fellow Bay Area artists including Kehlani and Sage the Gemini in 2008. He is best known for his guest appearances on Sage the Gemini's 2013 single "Gas Pedal" and LoveRance's 2011 single "Up!," both of which peaked within the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100. He signed with Alternative Distribution Alliance to release his debut studio album Sincerely Yours (2014), which moderately entered the Billboard 200 and received mixed reviews.

<i>Aquarius</i> (Tinashe album) 2014 studio album by Tinashe

Aquarius is the debut studio album by American singer Tinashe, released on October 3, 2014, by RCA Records. In 2011, after the disbandment of the girl group The Stunners, Tinashe announced that she would begin pursuing a solo career. The following year she released her debut mixtape In Case We Die. After raising her profile with the mixtape, Tinashe met with RCA Records where she subsequently signed a recording contract. Following her signing a record deal, Tinashe immediately began working on the album. During the recording process for the debut album, she released two other mixtapes, Reverie (2012) and Black Water (2013).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kali Uchis</span> American singer and songwriter (born 1993)

Karly Marina Loaiza, better known by her stage name Kali Uchis, is an American singer and songwriter from Alexandria, Virginia. After releasing her debut mixtape Drunken Babble (2012), she gained recognition for enlisting rapper Tyler, the Creator and Diplo to produce for her debut extended play, Por Vida (2015). She signed with Virgin EMI Records to release her debut studio album Isolation (2018), which peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200 and saw widespread acclaim. She then signed with Interscope Records to release her second studio album and first Spanish-language project, Sin Miedo (2020). It spawned the single "Telepatía", which first gained virality on TikTok and marked her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 25, also receiving double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her third studio album, Red Moon in Venus (2023) peaked at number four on the Billboard 200, while her fourth album and second Spanish-language project, Orquídeas (2024) peaked at number two.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tink (musician)</span> American rapper and singer

Trinity Laure'Ale Home , better known by her stage name Tink, is an American rapper and R&B singer from the Chicago area in Illinois. She is best known for the single "Treat Me Like Somebody" and for the collaboration with singer and producer Jeremih on "Don't Tell Nobody". Since 2012, she has released seven mixtapes and has gone independent due to label issues regarding the release of her debut album. Her 2014 mixtape, Winter's Diary 2: Forever Yours, was featured as a top 10 R&B album in both Rolling Stone and Billboard magazines.

<i>Amethyst</i> (mixtape) 2015 mixtape by Tinashe

Amethyst is the fourth mixtape by American singer Tinashe, released on March 16, 2015. The mixtape, named for her birthstone, follows the release of her debut album Aquarius (2014). Tinashe wrote and recorded the mixtape in her bedroom over the 2014 Christmas vacation and released it as a "thank you" to her fans.

<i>Barter 6</i> 2015 mixtape by Young Thug

Barter 6 is the debut commercial mixtape by American rapper Young Thug. It was released on April 17, 2015, by 300 Entertainment and Atlantic Records. Barter 6 features guest appearances from Birdman, T.I., Boosie Badazz, Young Dolph, Yak Gotti, Lil Duke, Moussa Assuom and Jacquees, while the production was handled primarily by in-house producers London on da Track and Wheezy, among others. Barter 6 received generally positive reviews and peaked at 22 on the US charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kehlani</span> American singer (born 1995)

Kehlani Ashley Parrish is an American singer and songwriter. Kehlani is originally from Oakland, California, and achieved initial fame as a member of the teen pop group Poplyfe in 2011.

<i>This Thing Called Life</i> 2015 studio album by August Alsina

This Thing Called Life is the second studio album by American R&B recording artist August Alsina. It was released on December 11, 2015, by Def Jam Recordings. The album was supported by five singles: "Hip Hop", "Why I Do It" featuring Lil Wayne, "Song Cry", plus two promotional singles "Been Around the World" featuring Chris Brown, and "Dreamer".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dvsn</span> Canadian R&B duo

Dvsn is a Canadian R&B duo composed of singer Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85. The duo is signed to Canadian rapper Drake through his label OVO Sound.

Kamaiyah Jamesha Johnson is an American rapper and singer from Oakland, California. Her debut mixtape, A Good Night in the Ghetto, was released in 2016 to critical acclaim. In 2017, Kamaiyah was named as one of the ten of XXL's 2017 Freshman Class. She released her second mixtape, Before I Wake, in 2017. In 2020, she launched her own label, GRND.WRK, releasing her third mixtape, Got It Made, through the label.

<i>SweetSexySavage</i> 2017 studio album by Kehlani

SweetSexySavage is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Kehlani. The album was released on January 27, 2017, by Atlantic Records. Kehlani started work on the album shortly after the release of their mixtape You Should Be Here, with work proceeding into 2016. Kehlani described the album as having three elements; Sweet, Sexy and Savage, which are intended to be reflected in the album's lyrical content and production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kehlani discography</span>

The discography of American singer Kehlani consists of three studio albums, three mixtapes, and 70 singles. Kehlani released their debut commercial mixtape, Cloud 19, exclusively on August 26, 2014, and released it on streaming services on its seven-year anniversary in 2021. They released their second commercial mixtape, You Should Be Here, on April 28, 2015, which reached number 36 on the Billboard 200. On January 27, 2017, Kehlani released their debut studio album, SweetSexySavage, which reached number three on the Billboard 200. In 2018, Kehlani was featured on American rapper Cardi B's single, "Ring", from her debut studio album, Invasion of Privacy, which reached number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. They released their third commercial mixtape, While We Wait, on February 22, 2019, which reached number nine on the Billboard 200. On May 8, 2020, Kehlani released their second studio album, It Was Good Until It Wasn't, which debuted and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. On April 29, 2022, they released their third studio album, Blue Water Road, which debuted and peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Faking It (song)</span> 2017 single by Calvin Harris featuring Kehlani and Lil Yachty

"Faking It" is a song written and performed by Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris featuring American singer Kehlani and American rapper Lil Yachty. It was released as the fifth and final single from Harris's fifth studio album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 (2017). It was written by Harris, Lil Yachty, and Jessie Reyez, being produced by Harris himself, and was released to contemporary hit radio in the US on 17 October 2017 through Columbia Records. It was sent to radio in Italy on 24 November 2017 through Sony.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucky Daye</span> American singer-songwriter from New Orleans

David Debrandon Brown, professionally known as Lucky Daye, is an American singer-songwriter from New Orleans. He is signed to Keep Cool Records and RCA Records. He released his first EP, I on November 9, 2018, and his second EP, II on February 6, 2019. The EPs were part of a series leading up to his debut studio album Painted which was released on May 24, 2019. His third EP, Table for Two, won the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album. His second album, Candydrip, was released on March 10, 2022.

India Ambré Perkins, known mononymously as Ambré, is an American singer and songwriter. She is currently signed to Roc Nation. She has released three full-length projects with Wanderlust (2015), 2090's (2016), and 3000° (2022). Her debut major label EP, Pulp, was released in November 2019, by Roc Nation. She first gained recognition after collaborating with Kehlani on a cover of Drake's "Preach" in 2015. She also co-wrote two tracks which featured on H.E.R.'s 2017 self-titled album, which was nominated for multiple Grammy Awards.

References

  1. Leight, Elias (April 29, 2015). "Kehlani Releases the Year's First Great R&B Album With 'You Should Be Here'". Billboard . Retrieved December 15, 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 Ramirez, Matthew (May 6, 2015). "Kehlani: You Should Be Here". Pitchfork . Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  3. "Kehlani: You Should be Here". Pitchfork .
  4. "Kehlani Interview - Talks new mixtape, "You Should Be Here", Tour, Fans & More!". YouTube. 2015-06-18. Retrieved 2016-03-06.
  5. Freeman, Macy (July 9, 2015). "With second mix tape, Kehlani is a rising star". The Washington Post . Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  6. Alexis, Nadeska (April 28, 2015). "Double Up On Kehlani With You Should Be Here Album And Video". MTV . Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  7. Robinson, Will (April 28, 2015). "Kehlani releases delightful mixtape You Should Be Here". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  8. 1 2 "Kehlani - Chart history". Billboard 200. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  9. "Tour". Kehlani. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  10. Gollayan, Christian (September 30, 2015). "Song I Have on Repeat: "You Should Be Here" by Kehlani". InStyle . Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  11. Adams, Gregory (July 27, 2015). "Kehlani: "The Way" (ft. Chance the Rapper) (video)". Exclaim! . Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  12. Leight, Elias (October 2, 2015). "Kehlani Shares "Alive" Video". The Fader . Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  13. "2016 Grammy Awards: Complete List of Nominations | E! Online". M.eonline.com. 7 December 2015. Retrieved 2016-03-06.
  14. 1 2 "You Should Be Here by Kehlani". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  15. 1 2 Kellman, Andy. "Kehlani - You Should Be Here". AllMusic . Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  16. 1 2 Leight, Elias (April 29, 2015). "Kehlani Releases the Year's First Great R&B Album With 'You Should Be Here'". Billboard . Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  17. Mistry, Anupa (May 2, 2015). "Review: Kehlani Is Wounded But Not Weak on Her Impressive New Mixtape, 'You Should Be Here'". Complex . Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  18. Dowling, Marcus (May 20, 2015). "Kehlani - You Should Be Here". HipHopDX . Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  19. Caramanica, Jon (May 24, 2015). "Kehlani and Nick Catchdubs Release New Albums". The New York Times . Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  20. "The Best Albums of 2015". Complex . December 2, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  21. "The 50 Best Albums of 2015". Noisey . December 3, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  22. "20 Best R&B Albums of 2015". Rolling Stone . December 16, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2016.
  23. "Kehlani - Chart history". Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  24. "American album certifications – Kehlani – You Should Be Here". Recording Industry Association of America.