Released: 2020
“Can I” by Kehlani is a provocative, seductive song that speaks candidly about the sexual tension and irrepressible desire within a passionate, intimate relationship. Using explicit language and graphic details, Kehlani paints an unabashed picture of her sexual escapades and experiences with an intriguing love interest.
The first verse sets the tone with language that’s simultaneously playful and explicit. Phrases like “this shit’s so good, should be illegal” and “hit the backboard like a free throw” convey the intense level of pleasure she experiences with her partner. Notably, Kehlani uses a sports analogy to depict her sexual endeavors, further emphasizing the spirited, competitive dynamic in their relationship. The repeated question “Can I come over?” underscores her urgent desire to connect with her lover, physically and emotionally.
In the second verse, Kehlani continues to express this insatiable desire, using even more evocative language. Lines like “leave with juices on your t-shirt” and “sextape crazy, need the bloopers” reflect the uninhibited nature of their relationship. Her use of the phrase “Sniper gang, no Bradley Cooper” is a reference to the movie “American Sniper,” adding to the song’s raw intensity and adding a layer of cultural context. When she says “Hi, I’m Hell, it’s nice to meet ya’/Know you fuckin’ with a demon,” Kehlani is presenting herself as a tantalizing, irresistible temptation – the sort of temptress that you can’t help but be drawn towards, even though you know she might lead you astray.
In the song’s final verse, Kehlani introduces a more emotional element to their relationship. The line “If these walls could talk/ They’d tell you don’t pull out” suggests a deeper level of intimacy and attachment, hinting at potential long-term plans and commitments. The phrase “Can I-I-I-I?” underlines her persistent, unyielding urge to bridge the distance between her and her love interest, wrapping up the song with a poignant echo of longing and desire.
All in all, “Can I” is a bold dispatch from the frontier of modern love, showcasing Kehlani’s candid lyricism and fearless exploration of sexual dynamics within relationships. It’s a testament to her ability to fuse raw, explicit details with emotional depth, bringing an unprecedented level of realism and authenticity to the complex world of love and intimacy in hip-hop and R&B music.
