From vulnerable lyrics that speak to love and heartbreak to an affinity for fashion and neck-turning tattoos, Oakland-bred songstress Kehlani is beloved by many. Her grounded personality and quick wit leave fans always wanting more and, most importantly, incessantly wondering who she’s currently dating.
The R&B singer came out as gay in 2021, becoming one of the prominent voices for the queer community and an ally for tolerance and acceptance. So who is Kehlani’s girlfriend now? We did some digging and have everything you need to know.
Who Has Kehlani Dated?
When it comes to Kehlani’s dating history, she’s got a pretty star-studded list of ex-girlfriends and boyfriends, from Demi Lovato, to Dave East, to Shaina Negrón. But before all of them, Kehlani was linked with NBA player Kyrie Irving as far back as 2016. Even though she gushed over him, this was short lived when the singer was later caught in a cheating scandal with PARTYNEXTDOOR. This was one of her most public and tumultuous relationships was with OVO singer PartyNextDoor, a connection that was pretty tumultuous. From disses via song lyrics to fighting over social media, their relationship was also a short chapter in her love life.
She eventually moved on to NBA star Kyrie Irving, who both weren’t shy about sharing their love and adoration for one another via social media. Their relationship took a pretty rocky turn in early 2016, though, when cheating allegations surfaced. after this, there were a string of short dalliances. First up was Shania Negron between July and November in 2017. In 2018, fans speculated that Kehlani and Demi Lovato were an item after the two were spotted smooching on stage. Later that year she dated fellow musician and longtime friend, Javie Young-White. While the pair didn’t last, they did welcome a child in 2019 that they named Adeya.
Kehlani also partook in a highly publicized yet short-lived relationship with 33-year-old rapper YG between 2019 and 2020 after being spotted at fashion week together in September 2019. While it inspired music from both parties, the relationship wasn’t meant to last. He eventually moved on to date rapper Saweetie. Finally, she officially announced her relationship with 070 Shake in May 2021 after constantly being seen out in public together. The two split in 2022.
Kehlani Comes Out
In a now-deleted TikTok in 2021, Kehlani officially confirmed she’s a lesbian, sharing, “They’re like, ‘Kehlani, what’s new?’ I’m like, ‘I finally know I’m a lesbian.’ I am gay, gay, gay, gay, gay.” Upon the reveal, her public relationships with women have suddenly become the center of attention. Kehlani admitted to having a crush on 070 Shake in April 2022 and the two were spotted holding hands only later that month. They two split later in the year, leaving Kehlani to enjoy a single era, though certainly not for long.
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Who is Kehlani’s Girlfriend Now?
An open-hearted songwriter inspired by love, Kehlani never goes too long without someone new by her side, and it’s hard to guess who may be next on Kehlani’s roster.
Kehlani debuted her new lover around the holiday season in late 2022, basketball star Kiara Russell. However, rumors imply that the two paired up shortly after the singer split from 070 Shake. The couple made their debut in a since-deleted TikTok video, where they exchanged several kisses in front of the camera. This was later confirmed when Russell released a photo dump on Instagram labeled “love n happiness dump” that included photos of her riding alongside Kehlani while the singer drove the car.
The 24-year-old grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and currently works as a graduate assistant for the Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team. She tends to stay relatively away from the spotlight, though her relationship with Kehlani has led to a boost in eyes and followers.
We’re Rooting For You, Sis
When it comes to love, Kehlani has had her fair share of heartbreak. After pouring much of love’s aching into her music, fans ultimately just want to see Kehlani comfortable and cared for; so here’s to hoping that Kehlani’s girlfriend, Kiara Russell, may finally be her happily ever after.
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