"RPG" by Kehlani featuring 6LACK is a poignant and introspective song that delves into themes of communication, emotional vulnerability, and the complexities of love. Through heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, the artists paint a vivid picture of the struggles and frustrations experienced within a relationship.
The song opens with Kehlani expressing her desire for affirmation from her partner. She longs to be told she is beautiful and to be physically and emotionally connected with. Kehlani's repetition of the phrase "you don't" suggests a lack of fulfillment in these areas, leading her to communicate her needs to her partner. She recognizes that her partner's actions may be influenced by their own insecurities and responsibilities, resulting in a lack of attention towards the relationship.
In the chorus, Kehlani pleads for her partner to show her love. This repetition emphasizes her longing for genuine affection and validation. The repetition also reflects her frustration at not being able to experience the love she desires despite vocalizing her needs.
In the first verse, Kehlani questions the validity of playing games in a relationship. She implies that they have faced challenges and grown together, but the current circumstances call for honesty and change. Kehlani suggests that her partner's tendency to manipulate situations may stem from the fear of losing her, as she swiftly sees through their actions and recognizes their intentions. The fairytale lies allude to their attempts to mask their true emotions, but Kehlani is perceptive enough to understand the dishonesty within. Her refusal to speak conveys a sense of disappointment and resignation, indicating that their actions have spoken louder than words.
The second pre-chorus reintroduces Kehlani's longing for affirmation, but now in the context of her partner staying with her. She believes their excessive work commitments have strained their relationship and prevented them from showing adequate love and care. While her partner's words may provide temporary reassurance, Kehlani seeks tangible acts of affection.
6LACK enters during the second verse, providing a counter perspective to the narrative. He acknowledges the shortcomings in their relationship and how his own past and struggles have impacted their connection. He desires her pride and feels that their initial bond has influenced his emotions deeply. However, he also expresses his own emotional dilemmas, implying the difficulty he faces in expressing his love communicatively. The line "love is shown, you think love is spoken" highlights the differing ways they both perceive love, suggesting a fundamental mismatch in understanding.
In the bridge, 6LACK emphasizes that each song he writes serves as a personal message, not only to himself but also to a higher power and his partner. He acknowledges his flaws and struggles with mental health, revealing the weight he carries. Despite his faults, he maintains that his love for her is unwavering, comparing it only to his love for his daughter.
The chorus repeats once again, with both Kehlani and 6LACK underscoring the plea for love and understanding. Their harmonies blend together, signifying a shared sense of longing and vulnerability. The repetition reinforces the desire for a genuine display of love, one that surpasses empty promises and reaches the depths of their emotional connection.
"RPG" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of love, dissecting the impact of emotional availability, past traumas, and differing expectations. Kehlani and 6LACK's collaborative effort presents a heartfelt conversation about these challenges, highlighting the importance of open communication and genuine acts of love in a relationship.