Leon Thomas & Kehlani Talk R&B’s Future, Wellness & Friendship | Billboard Cover Interview

Leon Thomas sits down with Kehlani for a Billboard Cover Interview to reflect on a friendship that goes back to their teen years—and the creative chemistry that’s kept them connected ever since. Kehlani opens up about the practices that keep her grounded, from gym and yoga to getting outside, praying and building a relationship with God, and how routine helps her stay balanced while navigating life and work. The two revisit Kehlani’s early days—skateboarding, art school and a teen band—plus the neo-soul and R&B voices that shaped her taste (from Stevie Wonder to Brandy, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and more). Kehlani also gets candid about what it’s like growing up in the public eye, how her relationship to privacy has changed over time, and why she believes the “R&B is dead” narrative is simply untrue. Kehlani also shares memories from Grammy night, talks protecting her voice and body on tour (including recovering from sinus surgery), and highlights the artists she’s excited about right now. 00:00 Intro 00:55 Teenage Kehlani + early hustle 01:36 Neo-soul & R&B influences (Stevie, Brandy, Badu) 02:20 Juilliard dream, dance school + the pivot to singing 03:37 Starting young: pros, cons + growing up in public 05:28 The state of R&B + “R&B isn’t dead” 07:15 Breaking through in 2026 + industry changes 09:40 How a song starts + their writing chemistry 11:02 Heartbreak sessions + studio memories 12:07 Protecting your voice + staying honest in the industry 13:57 Grammy night + what winning meant 16:53 Who Kehlani’s favorite new artists (Destin Conrad, Ambré, Ezra) 20:56 Balance, routine + protecting personal life 23:31 Tour prep, sinus surgery + vocal health 24:56 What “home” means now: community 26:50 Protecting perspective + wanting songs to feel like a “hug” 29:03 Outro ►► Subscribe for more music news: http://blbrd.cm/Proracf ►► See our latest videos: http://blbrd.cm/xOgw6VQ About: Billboard is the world's most influential music media brand, with an unmatched authority among artists, fans and the industry. Billboard powers the ultimate global music destination and magazine, featuring unrivaled reporting on music news, issues and trends, the industry’s definitive charts, encompassing the most complete and well respected database of charts across all music genres, and elite conferences and events which regularly convene the industry and consumers around important conversations. Connect with Billboard Online: Visit the website: http://blbrd.cm/s5w4vTm Likes us on Facebook: http://blbrd.cm/ks26yg5 Follow us on Twitter: http://blbrd.cm/uRNqRoN Follow us on Instagram: http://blbrd.cm/6QaTrhn #Kehlani #LeonThomas #RNB #BillboardCover #BillboardCoverInterview Leon Thomas & Kehlani Talk R&B’s Future, Wellness & Friendship | Billboard Cover Interview Billboard https://youtube.com/billboard