Kehlani has finally released the official music video for her summer smash, “After Hours.” Shot at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas and directed by Amber Park, the video boasts a special appearance by Cordel “Scatta” Burrell. Notably, Burrell’s iconic “Coolie Dance Rhythm” is sampled in the track, produced by Khris Riddick and Alex Goldblatt. The eagerly anticipated visual adds another layer of vibrancy to the chart-topping anthem, promising fans a captivating visual experience to accompany the infectious beats of “After Hours.”
Multi-platinum and GRAMMY-nominated artist Kehlani returns with her latest single, “After Hours.” The dance anthem, featuring a sample from Cordel “Scatta” Burrell’s “Coolie Dance Rhythm,” is produced by Khris Riddick and Alex Goldblatt. This release marks Kehlani’s first solo track since her 2022 album Blue Water Road, which featured collaborations with industry stars like Justin Bieber, Jessie Reyez, and Thundercat.
Kehlani stands out in the music industry not only for their undeniable talent but also for their candid approach to life and love. With their soulful voice and introspective lyrics, she has secured the love of fans worldwide. Yet, it is not just Kehlani’s music that keeps people talking. It’s also their intriguing dating history that has been the subject of much attention and fascination. From public romances to private affairs, Kehlani’s romances have been notably popular.
Previously, Kehlani has been in relationships with individuals of various genders, identifying as queer and pansexual. However, in a now-deleted TikTok video she posted in 2021, she openly acknowledged the realization that she identifies as a lesbian. “I’m just gonna fucking say it because everyone keeps bringing it up to me,” she started. “They’re like, ‘Kehlani, what’s new?’ I’m like, ‘I finally know I’m a lesbian.’ Well, it’s fucking true. I am gay, gay, gay, gay, gay.” So from PartyNextDoor to Kiara Russell, let’s take a closer look at all of Kehlani’s romances.
PartyNextDoor (2013-2016)
PARTYNEXTDOOR at Billboard Presents The Stage at SXSW held at the The Four Seasons on March 14, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Karl Walter/Billboard via Getty Images)
Kehlani’s romances have often played out in the public eye. Among their early relationships was the one with fellow singer-songwriter, PartyNextDoor. The two were first linked in 2013 but chose to keep things under wraps. The couple’s relationship was short-lived however, as they reportedly broke up in 2015 before the R&B singer began dating Kyrie Irving.
In March 2016, PartyNextDoor infamously posted an Instagram photo that seemingly showed him and Kehlani interlocking hands. He captioned it: “After all her shenanigans, still got the r&b singer back in my bed.” While it was unknown when the photos were taken, the post ignited rumors that Kehlani was cheating on Irving, and she soon became embroiled in rumors of infidelity. Fortunately, she emerged stronger and more resilient.
SANTA MONICA, CA – JUNE 16: Professional baskbetball player Kyrie Irving attends the 2018 MTV Movie And TV Awards at Barker Hangar on June 16, 2018 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Following their relationship with PartyNextDoor, Kehlani found love with NBA star Kyrie Irving. In February 2016, Kehlani revealed to ILY Magazine that they had been friends for some time before their relationship turned romantic. “I think this is the first time that I’ve ever been able to really be myself at all times,” she said. “In the sense of being incredibly goofy with someone and being based on a best friendship.” This relationship was short-lived as well. Irving also emphasized just a month later that he was not dating Kehlani at the time of PartyNextDoor’s post.
Shaina Negrón (2017)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 12: SexxyStaceFace, Mapy, Katherine Nunez and Toushai attend “Scream” Advanced Screening Dinner & A Movie Hosted By DJ Suss One on January 12, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Despite the setbacks she faced in past romances, Kehlani remained open to the possibility of finding love again. This time, she found companionship with the talented painter and tattoo artist, Shaina Negrón. The relationship, though mostly private, occasionally emerged into the public eye, notably through Instagram Live and joint appearances at award shows. It is even rumored that Negrón served as the muse behind Kehlani’s “Honey.” While the details about their breakup are vague, Kehlani revealed during a 2018 interview on Nicki Minaj’s podcast, Queen Radio, that they are still friends. “We’ve been just friends since then,” she said. “That relationship actually wasn’t very long, but me and her are super cool now.”
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: (L-R) Jaboukie Young-White and Javaughn Young-White attend the 51st NAACP Image Awards, Presented by BET, at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Alongside Kehlani’s pregnancy announcement came news about the romance she shares with guitarist Javaughn Young-White, whom she collaborates with often. During a Queen Radio appearance, when questioned about the father of their child, she provided some context on why Young-White was the perfect partner. “When I found out that I can get a break from touring because I’ve been primarily a touring artist, that’s when I planned for it for this time,” she said.
“It was planned so we had a short time frame of having to actually have sex every day. And we were excited that it didn’t start feeling like a chore,” she continued. “I started dating women before I ever dated men. Then, I was lucky to find a partner who was a bisexual male. And he really understands my queerness and my fluidity, and I really understand his. It’s very awesome to be understood.” Despite their breakup, she revealed to British Vogue in 2020 that she and Young-White maintain a close friendship and continue to co-parent.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 12: YG and Kehlani attend the 5th Annual Diamond Ball benefiting the Clara Lionel Foundation at Cipriani Wall Street on September 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)
Kehlani and YG’s brief relationship was one of the more memorable romances in both artists’ dating history. Their memorable hand-in-hand entrance at a September 2019 New York Fashion Week show significantly made headlines. However, their whirlwind romance was marked by several breakups. Their final split occurred on Valentine’s Day in 2020, coinciding with the release of their joint track, “Konclusions.” In response, she released “Valentine’s Day (Shameful),” which delved into the pain of discovering infidelity after checking YG’s phone. During a May 2020 appearance on The Breakfast Club, she described the song as literal, capturing the breakup “word for word.”
Victoria Monét (2020)
TOPSHOT – US singer-songwriter Victoria Monet poses in the press room with the Grammys for Best New Artist, Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical and Best R&B Album for “Jaguar II” during the 66th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 4, 2024. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
One of Kehlani’s hidden romances was with none other than Victoria Monét. There had been speculation about the two women dating for years, but not until 2023 did Monét confirm that they were an item in 2020. During her appearance on Emily Ratajkowski’s podcast High Low, Victoria Monet recounted an anecdote concerning her boyfriend, John Gaines’ lack of jealousy. She stated: “While pregnant, I did a ‘Touch Me’ remix with Kehlani, and the song is about her. We went in the studio, [and] there was no jealousy.” Monét also said that although things between Kehlani and her had ended, they were still friends.
070 Shake (2021-2022)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 21: (L-R) 070 Shake and Kehlani attend the Bottega Veneta Salon 03 Presentation at Michigan Theater on October 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Bottega Veneta)
Rumors about Kehlani’s relationship with 070 Shake began when they were seen getting cozy with each other. The relationship was subsequently confirmed in May 2021. The pair had been friends for six years and took the leap to becoming partners. However, the couple eventually broke up in 2022. Breakup rumors began when fans noticed that they had unfollowed each other on social media and had deleted all their shared photos. To add fuel to the fire and confirm the breakup, the singer posted on Instagram, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.”
Speculation suggests that Kehlani and Kiara Russell’s relationship began shortly after the singer’s breakup with 070 Shake. In late 2022, Kehlani introduced their new partner, basketball star Kiara Russell, to the public through a now-deleted TikTok video, showcasing intimate kisses. Confirmation followed as Russell shared a collection of photos on Instagram titled “love n happiness dump,” which featured a moment of her and Kehlani eating together. They’ve been a couple since then.
Although Kehlani dropped her last album Blue Water Road in 2022, it seems she might have some new music on the way. A recent video finds her potentially teasing a new track that samples Nina Sky’s “Move Ya Body.” After a groovy instrumental, Kehlani can be heard singing “You gotta take it slow” at the end of the clip.
Is Kehlani’s New Album Coming Out In 2024?
In a separate Instagram Story post, Kehlani also shared that her next album will be more upbeat and full of club anthems. “We couldn’t dance to the last album,” she captioned. “We outside this go around.”
Last year, Kehlani was thinking back about her 2017 debut album Sweet Sexy Savage, and shared with fans that this next record would be a similar energy. “sweet.Sexy.Savage. 2.0. back in my bag. tour over, it’s album time,” she captioned a now-deleted Instagram post of some throwback photos, as she revealed she was getting back to work.
Considering she’s now cleared her profile to just five photos, with the preview of a new song being among them, it seems likely that something is coming very soon. Only time will tell what Kehlani has in store. As of right now though, there is not an official release date.
Until then, check out Kehlani’s snippet of her new music above.
Kehlani is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Though Hollywood power couples can often be incredibly messy, rappers and R&B singers can sometimes go together like peanut butter and jelly. Artists such as A$AP Rocky and Rihannahave proven success in this field, while the likes of YG and Kehlani were only officially dating for a few short months. Though the “Konclusions” vocalists stunned media outlets with their undeniable charisma, their brief fling ultimately failed to last long enough to join the ranks of Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Here’s a full timeline of YG and Kehlani’s short-lived relationship.
2014: The Pair Meet As Their Careers Begin To Reach New Heights
Although the precise details of their initial encounter are unclear, rumors suggest YG and Kehlani first connected during music industry events in 2014. Kehlani confirmed this once the pair began dating in 2019, stating she had known the rapper for over five years, since the respective releases of their 2014 albums Cloud19 and My Krazy Life.
In fact, Kehlani stated that YG hollered at her long before they started seeing each other. However, she had no interest in dating him at the time due to her aversion to celebrity couples and “industry people.”
September 6, 2019: YG & Kehlani Confirm That They Are Dating
The pair stepped out at New York Fashion Week in September 2019, holding hands and showing each other affection in front of the cameras. When asked if they were an official couple, Kehlani coyly offered an affirmative response. This shocked some fans, as each of the musicians had recently welcomed children with other people. Kehlani gave birth to her first child in March 2019, whom she shares with guitarist Javie Young-White. YG conversely welcomed his second daughter with Catelyn Sparks in July of the same year.
October 2019: YG Is Caught Cozying Up With Another Woman
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 12: YG and Kehlani attend Rihanna’s 5th Annual Diamond Ball Benefitting The Clara Lionel Foundation at Cipriani Wall Street on September 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Diamond Ball)
After unveiling their relationship to the world, the Compton, California rapper caught attention by canoodling with a female fan on camera in Los Angeles. Reps for YG took to The Shade Room to make a statement on his behalf, while the rapper himself shared a now-deleted Instagram story that read, “I love Kehlani I would never.” According to his PR team, YG “was drunk, got carried away and it was very regretful for putting himself in that situation and hurting Kehlani. He has no romantic connection to the girl, just a drunken moment carried away.”
Though Kehlani didn’t comment publicly about the situation, she took to social media to delete several images of the pair spending time together. However, the controversy didn’t end their relationship, as they continued to see each other without problems for at least another month.
In early December, roughly a month and a half after the Los Angeles incident, Kehlani announced her breakup to the world. The singer, who was 24 years old at the time, took to social media to assure fans, “I am single. and focused.” This announcement came after some fans speculated Kehlani had become romantically involved with Tory Lanez, which she voraciously denied. Kehlani clarified that she met Lanez to collaborate on a song, though the two never shared a romance of any kind.
YG and Kehlani would get back together shortly after this time, though the exact date is unknown to the public. Suffice it to say, their December breakup didn’t last long, as the couple were once again in each other’s arms before February.
February 13, 2020: The Pair Reconcile & Release A Song Together
YG and Kehlani got back together and released a lovey-dovey song titled “Konclusions” on February 13, 2020, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The song confirmed to the public that their relationship was officially back on, substantiating earlier rumors that the rapper had gotten Kehlani’s name tattooed on his wrist just a week before. The song features lyrics such as “When I say I love you, that means I love you. No matter what conclusion we come to, I’m the one you run to” highlighting their dedication to one another.
February 17, 2020: Kehlani Announces Her Breakup From YG With A New Song
Just days later, Kehlani released a heartbreaking song titled “Valentine’s Day (Shameful),” which features lyrics regarding infidelity in a relationship. The singer would go on to express to fans that the lyrics are very literal to her relationship with YG and describe the events leading to their ultimate breakup. Further, Kehlani has since clarified that she and YG ended on good terms and have agreed to not make things awkward when they cross paths in public or at music events. Though the pair made such a splash as a couple, they are no longer close following the breakup.
January 16, 2024: YG Flirts In Kehlani’s Instagram Comments
Now, nearly four years after the split, YG has ignited rumors that the pair might get back together. This news comes as reports stated YG and Saweetie have split, though the rapper now denies that this is the case. During the time these reports were circulating, YG commented on a gym selfie from Kehlani, using just the “OK” hand emoji. Though this flirtatious comment aroused confusion from fans, YG claims he and Saweetie are still together, so nothing ultimately came of the interaction.
Earlier this week reports first emerged that YG and Saweetie had broken up. The pair had been dating for 7 months and details on the situation are still a bit murky. A statement made explaining the situation saw both rappers claiming that they were mutually parting ways. It included statements about how they thought they’d work better as friends and both wanted to focus on their careers. But one particular part of the statement was getting new attention from fans today.
Part of the statement that reps for both artists shared included a part about how they aren’t focusing on finding new partners. That claim was back in the limelight after YG showed up in the comment section of one of Kehlani’s Instagram posts earlier today. The picture she posted is a mirror shot in some kind of gym and the “FDT” rapper used it as an opportunity to shoot his shot in the comments. In the comments, fans took some shots at the rapper for his reply. “Kehlani got a whole girlfriend, YG giving thirsty vibes now,” one of the top comments on the post reads.
Just a few days ago, YG was featured on a newly released single. He teamed up with Stunna Girl for the song “Stand Up.” The track saw the pair jumping on a hard-hitting beat and delivering some sexually charged bars. They’ve both been known to do just that pretty well in the past so the results felt like a perfect match.
Last year YG teamed up with Tyga for a full new collaborative project. The album was called Hit Me When You Leave The Klub. It also featured appearances from Lil Wayne, Busta Rhyme, and Blxst. The pair were supposed to go on tour together alongside Saweetie, but the dates were canceled. What do you think of YG shooting his shot in Kehlani’s Instagram comments just a day after his breakup from Saweetie? Let us know in the comment section below.
On Friday, December 29, the “Up At Night” singer teased that their next project will drop sometime next year. In a post on Instagram, Kehlani hyped their follow-up by captioning pictures of them in the studio. “Describing the year would take more words than I have,” they wrote. “Everything led to this. I accept all of God’s plan for me: twists, turns, and gifts alike. ’24, my luckiest number. See you then.”
Initially, Kehlani suggested that the project would be a sequel to their 2017 album SweetSexySavage. However, that might have changed based on Kehlani’s upload last month. “Been transforming (again) for six months straight,” they wrote. “Reimagining what 100% looks like… Lately, I’ve sat with what I have to offer and what I have to give. The artist’s role is to add beauty to the world & contribute joy, power, and strength amidst the pain.”
Kehlani’s next album seems to align more with Blue Water Road.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Dave has shown his humanitarian side by supporting three countries facing human rights crises – Palestine, Congo, and Sudan. Through his latest track, “Peace Dream,” the UK rapper raised over $500,000 to aid those in need.
Dave Raises $500K For Those In Need
Dave took to his Twitter (X) account on Dec.19 to announce his initiative and share the purpose behind his single, “Peace Dream.”
This song served as a means to generate financial support for the ongoing genocides in Palestine, Congo, and Sudan. Thanks to the generosity of his fans, Dave has managed to raise over $500,000 towards these causes.
“We raised close to £500,000 factoring everything in last Sunday for the charities in Palestine, Congo, and Sudan. Massive love to all. Thanks for playing a part and allowing me to play my part also. Will keep you updated on the journey the donations take to those in need.”
What Happened In Palestine?
The response from users on Twitter (X) has been overwhelmingly positive, with words of admiration and respect directed towards Dave for his charitable efforts.
One user named @NuJhayhne commented, “That’s why you’re the goat God will keep blessing you.” Another user named @UTD_MNM commented “Absolute legend!!! Respect to you King!”
Palestine is dealing with bombings from Israel that started on October 7 after Palestinian-led Hamas invaded Israel, and so far over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed. The initial conflict between Israel and Palestine has existed since the 1940s.
Congo & Sudan
The Democratic Republic of Congo, on the other hand, is facing political tensions due to national elections, leading to increased violence.
Clashes between militant groups, territorial disputes, extrajudicial killings by security forces, and tensions with neighboring Rwanda have resulted in a deadly conflict. Over 7 million Congolese citizens have been displaced as a result.
Meanwhile, Sudan is grappling with a genocide in its Darfur region. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, have been engaged in a power struggle with Sudanese Armed Forces(SAF) forces loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
This internal conflict has claimed the lives of more than 9,000 people and displaced over 7 million Sudanese citizens.
Updated By: Chris Samuel (12/22/23 at 4:45 pm)
The Game Joins The Conversation On Israel-Palestine Conflict: ‘How Are We Allowing This?’
The Game has joined the growing list of artists using their platforms to speak out against the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The Los Angeles rapper took to his social media, revealing deep concern.
The Game Talks Israel-Palestine Conflict
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Dec. 5, The Game revealed his deep concern for the children caught in the crossfire of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Referring to his children, he admitted that he couldn’t fathom the pain of losing one of them and empathized with the parents in Gaza who were witnessing their children being murdered.
”Some people don’t want to see this …some do want to very much so be aware but can’t stomach the images. I have children. 3 to be exact & I’m sorry to say that if anything happened to 1 of them I don’t know if I could pull it together for the other 2,” he said.
The Game reflected on his upbringing, stating that he was “surrounded by everything that strips a child of harmony.” He also expressed sorrow for the parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents witnessing their children being killed in Gaza.
“I don’t know the exact number of those babies who have perished at this point but last time I checked it was nearing or over 10,000. I can’t say I’m the most religious…I can’t say I’m on any side other than that of these children.”
‘How Are We Allowing This?’
The conflict started on Oct. 7 when Palestinian-led Hamas led an invasion of Israel. Since then, Israel has responded by constantly bombing Palestinians in Gaza, which has resulted in over 16,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Reuters.
The Game would later plead by asking why adults put children in those dangerous and deadly situations.
“How are we allowing this as a human race?? What kind of people…ADULT people in positions of power from any country in this world chilling while these kids are getting blew to pieces?!?!?”
The “How We Do” rapper ended the post by saying:
“Truly saddened by everything that I’m witnessing & have witnessed over the past almost 2 months. Hard to enjoy my day knowing someone out there might never enjoy another one as long as they live.”
Users in the comment section reacted to The Game’s statements. One user named @tvctara commented “Finally someone with a large platform speaking up,” and one other user named @sj_d93 commented “THANK YOU GAME! FREE PALESTINE. ITS A GENOCIDE GOING ON!.”
Updated By: Chris Samuel (12/6/23 at 6:20 pm)
Kid Cudi Joins Drake, Kehlani & Others To Advocate For Peace In Palestine: ‘I’ll Always Encourage Peace’
Kid Cudi has recently expressed his support for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. His stance aligns with artists like Drake and Kehlani, who are part of the Artists 4 Ceasefire initiative, which recently penned an open letter to President Joe Biden and the United States Congress. The letter appeals for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, condemning the loss of lives in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
Artists Team Up To Call For Ceasefire
Kid Cudi has recently spoken out and called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. This comes amidst artists such as Drake and Kehlani, who joined the initiative called Artists 4 Ceasefire, penning an open letter to President Joe Biden and the United States Congress.
Other artists who have signed the petition include Killer Mike, Vic Mensa, Victoria Monét, and many others. Mensa posted on his Instagram on October 27, simply commenting, “Ceasefire” and promoting the open letter.
The letter appeals for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, condemning the loss of lives in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The letter states:
“Dear President Biden,
We come together as artists and advocates, but most importantly as human beings witnessing the devastating loss of lives and unfolding horrors in Israel and Palestine. We ask that, as President of the United States, you and the US Congress call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost. More than 5,000 people have been killed in the last week and a half – a number any person of conscience knows is catastrophic. We believe all life is sacred, no matter faith or ethnicity and we condemn the killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians.”
Kid Cudi Speaks Out
Kid Cudi took to Instagram on Nov. 5 to express his heartfelt sentiments, stating that he cannot remain silent in the face of such devastation and that as an artist, he feels responsible for giving voice to the unheard.
“The things I’ve been seeing in the news have been breaking my heart,” he began. “I can’t watch what’s happening in the world and remain silent. I can’t imagine the pain people are feeling. “I know some people are gonna disagree with me, but that’s ok. As a Black man, I stand against all forms of oppression. And as an artist, I feel responsible to give a voice to the unheard, and to celebrate the spirit of all people through my work and my presence. It matters to me that my art represents my deepest beliefs about what I think humanity can look like.”
The “Day ‘n’ Nite” rapper also hoped that both nations could have peace and that the loss of lives would stop:
“I’m hopeful we won’t attack each other on the basis of upholding basic human rights. I’ll always encourage peace for everyone – physical peace, mental peace, spiritual peace. No matter the religion or ethnicity, the loss of innocent lives is never acceptable.” Kid Cudi also condemned any violence towards the Jewish people and that Anti-Semitism is “never welcome.”
Kid Cudi would later end his post by calling for a ceasefire and wishing for freedom for Palestine:
“I stand with the people of Palestine as they demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the ongoing genocide. My heart goes out to all my brothers and sisters of all faiths and backgrounds who are suffering. Free Palestine!! With Love, Scott. [Kid Cudi’s real name].”
In a recent interview with SOHH, hip-hop legend KRS-ONEshared his perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict, stating that “everybody wrong,” and that Israel should not control Palestine’s land.
On a more positive note, Kid Cudi is set to return to the stage as the hip-hop headliner for ComplexCon, an event set to take place in Long Beach, California. The event is set to take place between November 18-19.
DJ Khaled Faces Backlash
Amidst the artists openly supporting Palestine, DJ Khaled, of Palestinian descent, faced criticism for his silence regarding the Israel-Palestine war. Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, questioning why he had not spoken up on the matter.
The Game has joined the growing list of artists using their platforms to speak out against the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The Los Angeles rapper took to his social media, revealing deep concern.
The Game Talks Israel-Palestine Conflict
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Dec. 5, The Game revealed his deep concern for the children caught in the crossfire of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Referring to his children, he admitted that he couldn’t fathom the pain of losing one of them and empathized with the parents in Gaza who were witnessing their children being murdered.
”Some people don’t want to see this …some do want to very much so be aware but can’t stomach the images. I have children. 3 to be exact & I’m sorry to say that if anything happened to 1 of them I don’t know if I could pull it together for the other 2,” he said.
The Game reflected on his upbringing, stating that he was “surrounded by everything that strips a child of harmony.” He also expressed sorrow for the parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents witnessing their children being killed in Gaza.
“I don’t know the exact number of those babies who have perished at this point but last time I checked it was nearing or over 10,000. I can’t say I’m the most religious…I can’t say I’m on any side other than that of these children.”
‘How Are We Allowing This?’
The conflict started on Oct. 7 when Palestinian-led Hamas led an invasion of Israel. Since then, Israel has responded by constantly bombing Palestinians in Gaza, which has resulted in over 16,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Reuters.
The Game would later plead by asking why adults put children in those dangerous and deadly situations.
“How are we allowing this as a human race?? What kind of people…ADULT people in positions of power from any country in this world chilling while these kids are getting blew to pieces?!?!?”
The “How We Do” rapper ended the post by saying:
“Truly saddened by everything that I’m witnessing & have witnessed over the past almost 2 months. Hard to enjoy my day knowing someone out there might never enjoy another one as long as they live.”
Users in the comment section reacted to The Game’s statements. One user named @tvctara commented “Finally someone with a large platform speaking up,” and one other user named @sj_d93 commented “THANK YOU GAME! FREE PALESTINE. ITS A GENOCIDE GOING ON!.”
Updated By: Chris Samuel (12/6/23 at 6:20 pm)
Kid Cudi Joins Drake, Kehlani & Others To Advocate For Peace In Palestine: ‘I’ll Always Encourage Peace’
Kid Cudi has recently expressed his support for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. His stance aligns with artists like Drake and Kehlani, who are part of the Artists 4 Ceasefire initiative, which recently penned an open letter to President Joe Biden and the United States Congress. The letter appeals for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, condemning the loss of lives in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
Artists Team Up To Call For Ceasefire
Kid Cudi has recently spoken out and called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. This comes amidst artists such as Drake and Kehlani, who joined the initiative called Artists 4 Ceasefire, penning an open letter to President Joe Biden and the United States Congress.
Other artists who have signed the petition include Killer Mike, Vic Mensa, Victoria Monét, and many others. Mensa posted on his Instagram on October 27, simply commenting, “Ceasefire” and promoting the open letter.
The letter appeals for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel, condemning the loss of lives in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The letter states:
“Dear President Biden,
We come together as artists and advocates, but most importantly as human beings witnessing the devastating loss of lives and unfolding horrors in Israel and Palestine. We ask that, as President of the United States, you and the US Congress call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost. More than 5,000 people have been killed in the last week and a half – a number any person of conscience knows is catastrophic. We believe all life is sacred, no matter faith or ethnicity and we condemn the killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians.”
Kid Cudi Speaks Out
Kid Cudi took to Instagram on Nov. 5 to express his heartfelt sentiments, stating that he cannot remain silent in the face of such devastation and that as an artist, he feels responsible for giving voice to the unheard.
“The things I’ve been seeing in the news have been breaking my heart,” he began. “I can’t watch what’s happening in the world and remain silent. I can’t imagine the pain people are feeling. “I know some people are gonna disagree with me, but that’s ok. As a Black man, I stand against all forms of oppression. And as an artist, I feel responsible to give a voice to the unheard, and to celebrate the spirit of all people through my work and my presence. It matters to me that my art represents my deepest beliefs about what I think humanity can look like.”
The “Day ‘n’ Nite” rapper also hoped that both nations could have peace and that the loss of lives would stop:
“I’m hopeful we won’t attack each other on the basis of upholding basic human rights. I’ll always encourage peace for everyone – physical peace, mental peace, spiritual peace. No matter the religion or ethnicity, the loss of innocent lives is never acceptable.” Kid Cudi also condemned any violence towards the Jewish people and that Anti-Semitism is “never welcome.”
Kid Cudi would later end his post by calling for a ceasefire and wishing for freedom for Palestine:
“I stand with the people of Palestine as they demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the ongoing genocide. My heart goes out to all my brothers and sisters of all faiths and backgrounds who are suffering. Free Palestine!! With Love, Scott. [Kid Cudi’s real name].”
In a recent interview with SOHH, hip-hop legend KRS-ONEshared his perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict, stating that “everybody wrong,” and that Israel should not control Palestine’s land.
On a more positive note, Kid Cudi is set to return to the stage as the hip-hop headliner for ComplexCon, an event set to take place in Long Beach, California. The event is set to take place between November 18-19.
DJ Khaled Faces Backlash
Amidst the artists openly supporting Palestine, DJ Khaled, of Palestinian descent, faced criticism for his silence regarding the Israel-Palestine war. Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, questioning why he had not spoken up on the matter.
” – Kehlani 
