Kehlani is making it clear that there is no bad blood between her and Aaliyah’s devoted fanbase. After releasing the music video for her latest single, “Out the Window,” some viewers noticed visual and dance elements that reminded them of the late R&B icon. Instead of taking offense, Aaliyah’s official posthumous X account even celebrated the moment, sharing a playful message that praised Kehlani for drawing inspiration from the legendary singer.
Kehlani quickly embraced the love, revealing on Instagram that the video intentionally included a tribute to Aaliyah’s classic “Try Again” visual from 2000. She also shared a heartfelt note acknowledging how much Aaliyah’s influence means to her, reinforcing the respect behind the creative choice.
Fans Question, Kehlani Responds
Despite that, not everyone saw it the same way. A few critics revisited an old 2017 interview where Kehlani spoke about not growing up listening to Aaliyah, which led to speculation that the new video might be throwing subtle shade. That’s when Kehlani decided to step in and set the record straight.
In an Instagram Story, the singer explained that her recent “reheated nachos” comment — which some fans interpreted as a dig — was actually about herself, not Aaliyah. She clarified that the phrase was never meant to diminish the late star in any way.
She also addressed the old interview, reminding people that she was just 19 at the time and being honest about her musical journey. While Aaliyah wasn’t a childhood staple in her household, Kehlani said she discovered her later in her teens and quickly fell in love with her sound and artistry.
Aaliyah’s Influence Runs Deep
Kehlani went on to say that she has paid homage to Aaliyah many times throughout her career, both in her music and in her visuals. For her, drawing from Aaliyah’s legacy is about admiration, not competition or criticism. As she put it, there’s no reason she would ever try to disrespect someone she genuinely loves and looks up to.
Even in that 2017 interview, Kehlani mentioned that she didn’t start listening heavily to artists like Aaliyah and Brandy until she got older — something she now sees as part of her growth as an artist and fan.
At the end of the day, Kehlani clarifies that Aaliyah was honored in her “Out the Window” video, not shaded, and she wants fans to understand that the reference came from a place of deep respect. For Kehlani, celebrating Aaliyah’s legacy is simply another way of saying thank you to an artist who helped shape her creative world.