Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club — Best of Full Interview: Kehlani Speaks On New Album, Motherhood, Mental Health, Fitness Journey + More

Date: January 7, 2026
Host(s): DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: Kehlani

Episode Overview

This spirited and candid episode of The Breakfast Club features singer-songwriter Kehlani, who joins DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God for an in-depth conversation. The topics span her new album “Crash,” her evolving sense of self, motherhood, mental health, the music industry, and her outspoken advocacy. Throughout, Kehlani’s newfound confidence, vulnerability, and willingness to tackle difficult subjects shine through, making this interview both enlightening and entertaining.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kehlani’s Current State of Mind and Growth

• Kehlani expresses feeling better than ever, emphasizing personal growth and contentment.
  • “I’m super good. I’m like probably the best I’ve ever been.” — Kehlani (01:11)
• Her confidence is described as markedly stronger by Charlamagne, attributed to both maturity and her mental health journey.
  • “I know how to prioritize and take care of myself differently now.” — Kehlani (02:33)

2. The New Album: “Crash”

• Concept and Reception:
  • The title refers to “the height and the peak of a moment...this clusterfuck… this thing that happens.” (03:00)
  • “I knew this album wasn’t going to make sense to most people. I knew that it would be something that you either loved or that you hated...that’s kind of been the reception.” — Kehlani (03:06)
• Creative Process:
  • Initially intended as a self-titled album to reflect her core, the sessions evolved with contributions from diverse locations and influences.
  • “Once it started taking its own life, I was like, oh, okay, it’s just me as an album.” (03:58)
• Variety of Genres:
  • “This album is pop, there’s country, there’s house music, there’s reggae music.” — DJ Envy (18:03)
  • Kehlani welcomes both positive and negative reactions to the album’s eclecticism, seeing it as a genuine artistic pivot. (18:16, 20:30)
• Standout and ‘Toxic’ Tracks:
  • “Lose My Wife” described as “such a toxic record” by Charlamagne. Kehlani explains the album’s anti-hero narrative and letting her “shadow side” out in songwriting. (05:06–05:45)

3. Motherhood

• Kehlani shares joyful stories about her 5-year-old daughter’s personality, musical interest, and features on Kehlani's track “Deep.”
  • “She's on the album. She actually sounds so good that you can't really tell that is her.” (07:07)
• On industry exposure:
  • “I don't really post my daughter...if I'm just subjecting my child to her home video...being widely known all over the Internet...that’s on me as a parent.” (07:35)
• Open to more children:
  • “Whatever God wants to bless me with, I receive.” (08:33)

4. Industry & Advocacy

• Collaborations & Features:
  • Kehlani discloses challenges with features due to timing, alignment, and, significantly, fallout from her open advocacy for Palestine.
  • “There were artists that I did reach to…someone on the team was like, we don’t fuck with her...” (26:05)
• Record Label Flexibility:
  • Kehlani praises her label for respecting boundaries and her needs around mental health. (14:12–14:50)
• Advocacy for Palestine and Social Issues:
  • The interview explores how speaking out cost her magazine covers, brand deals, and industry support.
  • “At the end of the day… I can go to sleep knowing that I did the right thing.” (25:24)
  • Recognizes that not all artists feel safe to speak out, and explains her nuanced understanding (27:48).
  • Stresses the impact of influence: “They can’t cancel all of us… The people united, that’s the quote.” (28:40)

5. Mental Health, Fitness & Self-Care

• Journey to Clarity:
  • Kehlani is open about her mental health—diagnosis, psychiatry, and medication—and how transformative proper psychiatric care has been for her.
  • “I got a psychiatrist and I got a proper diagnosis after what felt like years...and I’m able to get medicated help...the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.” (15:01)
• Substance Use:
  • She quit smoking weed five years ago for her health, especially vocal health, and channelled energy into fitness and self-care. (16:49–17:01)
• Body Shaming & Social Media:
  • Kehlani discusses being body-shamed, including rumors of cosmetic surgery and negative online scrutiny.
  • “I have diastasis recti and a hernia from being pregnant, so my muscles are split down the middle…” (21:27)
  • Over time, she’s developed thick skin and boundaries, using social media only selectively for positive interactions with fans. (23:41)

6. Artistry, Identity & Legacy

• Not every song or album is autobiographical; Kehlani enjoys playing with perspective and narrative for storytelling. (06:05, 12:06)
• “For the first time in my life, I’m not over here trying to prove anything different…I’m so at peace with who I know I am.” (36:19)

7. Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On fan response:
  • “These are actually the craziest signings I’ve ever had so far...it’s growing and that’s all you can pray for.” (01:51)
• On artistry and genre:
  • “If I make the same album again, I’m not an artist.” (20:30)
• On musical influence in politics and community:
  • “They keep showing us how powerful we are…people will learn about anything going on in the world if their favorite person tells them.” (28:00)

8. Tour and What’s Next

• Kehlani confirms a “Crash” tour, emphasizing live performance as the heart of her career. (33:28)
  • “Touring is the epicenter of my…career…my shows are huge, everybody has a great time, feels safe…” (33:32)
• Hints at a future, more R&B-rooted “Kehlani” album. (04:50)

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Personal Growth:

  • “I know how to prioritize and take care of myself differently now.” — Kehlani (02:33)

• Album Theme:

  • “A crash is the height and the peak of a moment... just this clusterfuck.” — Kehlani (03:00)

• On Music Industry & Advocacy:

  • “At the end of the day…I did the right thing.” — Kehlani (25:24)
  • “They can’t cancel all of us… The people united, that’s the quote.” — Kehlani (28:40)
  • “I really do believe in our power as people with influence.” — Kehlani (27:58)

• On Mental Health:

  • “I got a psychiatrist and I got a proper diagnosis...and I’m able to get medicated help. I would absolutely recommend it...” (15:01)
  • “Now...I’m so at peace with who I know I am and my core foundation that it's not going to be rocked by anything else going on.” — Kehlani (36:19)

• On Tour:

  • “Touring is the epicenter of my…career…my shows are huge, everybody has a great time, feels safe…” (33:32)

Segment Timestamps

• Intro & How Kehlani’s Feeling: 01:01–01:16
• Album “Crash”: Inspiration & Process: 02:19–04:50
• Album Tracks (“Lose My Wife,” toxicity): 04:53–06:11
• Motherhood: 06:27–08:33
• On Collaborations & Features: 11:00–12:05
• Mental Health Journey: 14:12–16:49
• Body Shaming & Social Media: 21:11–24:25
• Advocacy & Industry Pushback: 24:26–29:26
• Role of Artists in Social Change: 27:48–29:26
• Upcoming Tour Announcement: 33:28–34:18
• Kehlani’s Era — Self-acceptance: 35:19–36:35

Conclusion

Kehlani’s interview with The Breakfast Club goes well beyond typical album promo, instead offering an honest and multifaceted portrait of an artist who has embraced growth, authenticity, and activism. She speaks openly about artistic risks, personal struggles, motherhood, and her commitment to both her fans and her values, leaving listeners with a resonant sense of self-possession and hope for what’s next in her journey.