Kehlani’s “Back and Forth” music video featuring Missy Elliott is a vibrant visual that’s already getting attention for its nostalgic early 2000s energy and a surprise cameo from R&B icon Monica.
The Grammy-nominated singer has officially dropped the video for “Back and Forth,” one of the standout tracks from her self-titled album KEHLANI, which was released in April on her birthday. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, earning 69,000 equivalent album units in its first week and securing the biggest debut for a woman in R&B this year.
Directed by Director X, the “Back and Forth” visual unfolds inside a lively house party setting that leans heavily into playful nostalgia and warm, immersive storytelling. Kehlani brings her signature emotional depth to the screen, blending seamlessly with Missy Elliott’s unmistakable charisma and creative edge, while the overall aesthetic pays clear homage to early 2000s R&B culture.
As the video moves between dance sequences and intimate party moments, viewers are pulled into a world that feels both cinematic and familiar. The energy shifts again when R&B legend Monica makes a surprise appearance, adding another layer of star power to an already stacked collaboration. The visual has been praised by fans for its cohesive throwback feel and its celebration of R&B lineage across generations.
The release continues Kehlani’s rollout of her self-titled project, which has been widely noted for its blend of vulnerability and confident experimentation. “Back and Forth” stands out not only for its production but also for the chemistry between Kehlani and Missy Elliott, who brings her signature playful delivery and boundary-pushing presence to the track.
Missy’s verse also includes a subtle nod to the late Aaliyah, a moment that fans have quickly picked up on. The reference carries added weight given Missy Elliott’s long creative history with Aaliyah, having helped shape much of her early sound and artistic identity. The moment has been described by listeners as a quiet but meaningful tribute woven into the record’s nostalgic tone.
Online reactions have been swift and enthusiastic, with fans praising both the visual and the collaboration. One viewer wrote, “Ahhhhhhhh Missy killed it with that Aaliyah line,” while another added, “The visuals brought it together for me. Yessss.” Others focused on the performance energy, with comments like, “I be singing the hell outta Missy part, I love it so much.”
With “Back and Forth,” Kehlani continues to outdo herself!
