Kehlani has released a video for their new single, “After Hours,” directed by Amber Park.
The dance-packed video, filmed at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, pleasantly captures the essence of the blazing summer anthem. From the bar to the scenic outdoor pool, and everywhere in between, Kehlani keeps their body moving to the “Coolie Dance Rhythm“-sampled production.
Speaking of the latter tune, Cordell “Scatta” Burrell makes a special cameo in the vivacious video.
“Wish i could tell the story of how much it took for this video to happen but all i can say is im super grateful for everyone that came together for it, it was a true labor of JOY. jus havin fun widdit lets go @amberpark,” Kehlani wrote in an Instagram post.
“After Hours” was released April 4 via Atlantic Records, marking the launch of a new era.
Regarding the song’s inspiration, Kehlani told Zane Lowe of Apple Music, “Coming out of this pandemic to global tragedy, to global tragedy to global tragedy, I was like, ‘I’m not really in a space of wanting to make something that feels super jarring or super sad.’”
They added, “I’m very outspoken about these things, but I want my art to provide some kind of life and fun, and I want to go outside. I want to hear this outside, and I want to feel good. So I focused just on making something that feels really good. The second we finished it, we just couldn’t stop listening to it. Then we tested it at the club and in the car. It was so fun.”
“After Hours” is Kehlani’s first single since their 2022 album, blue water road. The project featured Justin Bieber, Jessie Reyez, Syd, Blxst, Thundercat, and Ambré.
Blue water road was featured in Rated R&B’s 30 Best R&B Albums of 2022 list. “This album sees Kehlani in their most vulnerable light yet, while still retaining their trademark sensualness that listeners love to indulge,” wrote Edward Dave.
Watch Kehlani’s “After Hours” video below.