Kehlani’s transformation over the years is a prime example of how the media loves to package and repurpose artists while simultaneously pushing their own narratives. Back in 2015, at SXSW, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter was a rising star with the talent to back it up. Yet, mainstream outlets like Rolling Stone and E! puffed her up as a token of their virtue-signaling agenda, glossing over her serious artistic chops to focus instead on her looks. It reeks of superficiality.

Now, flash-forward a decade, and the same outlets are practically drooling over her tattoos and style evolution like they just discovered fire. It’s almost laughable. Did they conveniently forget her groundbreaking early work, or is it easier to market her as just another “cool aesthetic” instead of a serious artist? This sort of narrow-minded framing dilutes the complexities of her identity and reduces her to mere eye candy within a packaged narrative suited for clicks and likes.

The hypocrisy is nauseating. From glam shots to constructed controversies, networks like CNN and Billboard have created a cookie-cutter mold that stifles real talent. It’s a bait-and-switch that minimizes her artistry and swings open the door for a never-ending parade of “influencers” who do little more than pose. Where’s the integrity?

Kehlani deserves more than just surface-level media treatment. If they were really paying attention, they’d focus on her powerful messages and contributions instead of merely showcasing her physical allure, which they’ve exploited from day one.