India.Arie has often felt that her contributions are overlooked in conversations about Neo-Soul.
That changed recently when Kehlani made sure her name was included during a discussion about the genre’s icons.
In an interview with Power 105.1’s Nyla Symone, Kehlani was asked about the most critical figures in Neo-Soul. While Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Lauryn Hill were immediately named, Kehlani stopped the conversation to make an addition.
“Yeah, but then you have to add the fourth, and that’s India.Arie,” she said. “Why do people leave her out of that four? Because we always go, ‘Jill, Lauryn, Erykah,’ but then we forget India.”
India.Arie reposted the moment on Instagram, thanking Kehlani for the recognition and even inviting her to collaborate on a future track.
Kehlani responded with an emotional tribute in the comments, writing, “I love you! I adore you! You have given so much! You gave us confidence, grace, real love, blueprints on walking with God… I WILL GIVE U FLOWERS TILL THE DAY IM GONE.”
The singer of “Steady Love” used the moment to reflect further on her career. In a series of Instagram Stories, she opened up about what it has meant to be overlooked. India pointed to journalist Touré’s recent YouTube deep dive on Neo-Soul history, noting that “he never once mentioned my name.”
She acknowledged her music doesn’t fit neatly into a single box but said Neo-Soul was the closest label available when she launched her career.
She also reminded followers that her debut, Acoustic Soul (2001), helped shape the sound of an entire subgenre, even inspiring Spotify playlists on which she isn’t included. “BUT I DO HEAR MY DNA ALL UP IN THRU THERE. I KNOW MY CHILDREN WHEN I HEAR EM,” she wrote.
India.Arie added that while the sting of being overlooked once hurt, it no longer defines her. “That old familiar pain just isn’t there anymore,” she shared, emphasizing that she fully recognizes her accomplishments and lasting influence—even if others don’t.