Folded (Kehlani) x Good Ones Go (Drake) - piano cover by Matt Bovenzi

Piano ballad mashup of "Folded" by ⁨‪@kehlani‬ (2025) and "Good Ones Go" by ‪@DrakeOfficial‬ (2011), arranged and performed by Matt Bovenzi. ______________________________________ If one had to choose a single, mainstream R&B song that defined the genre in 2025, I think it would have to be Kehlani’s “Folded.” Kehlani's voice is stunning for its dynamic range and emotional depth, painting the picture not of a chaotic, messy breakup, but rather of the mixed emotions that she's left with as a relationship ends. The instrumentation harkens back to classic 2000's R&B, with strings and guitars backing her powerhouse vocals and impressive runs. It's no surprise it became such a hit. I’ve had the intention of covering this for a while now, and glad I finally got around to recording it. When listening to it, the chorus reminded me of another song: "Good Ones Go"—a somewhat obscure, second half of an “interlude” track from a 15yr-old Drake album, because the chord progression matched. I remember seeing a video cover of that song by a musician named ‪@ConorMaynard‬ over a decade ago, and his gentle treatment of it has stuck with me, enough to be pulled from the recesses of my brain to inspire the piano ballad mashup here with Kehlani's "'Folded." In a way, “Good Ones Go” could be thought of as the partner's response to Kehlani (or "Folded" could be the partner's response to Drake...); a mashup seemed appropriate. Not only are the songs musically related, but lyrically they share themes as well, of regret and remorse in heart-wrenching breakups. In “Folded,” Kehlani knows ending the relationship was the right thing to do, but she’s torn; she's still attracted to her partner, and leaves the door open for a future connection, perhaps hoping that circumstances will one day allow for it [when he gets his act together - "I don't need no more empty promises..."]. Despite her setting necessary boundaries and pushing her partner away, there are still lingering feelings ("I would still choose you through it all; that's the crazy part"): she had his laundry folded, after all. Meanwhile, in “Good Ones Go,” Drake outlines his emotional and physical unavailability…telling his partner that she should go, as he’s not ready for a commitment now. He states "but the good ones go if you wait too long," a message to himself that if he waits too long to be available for her, she might be gone...Or perhaps it's also a message to her, implying that he's not one of the "good ones" at the moment, and he doesn't want to [continue to] be selfish by staying in a relationship he can't commit to. He secretly hopes she doesn't go "get married" or "get engaged," while understanding it's not fair of him to ask her to wait for him to be ready. Thus, the two songs work together as thematic and lyrical dialogue -- there are points in my mashup where I play both melodies at the same time, trying to imply a conversation between the two partners, the narrators of Kehlani's and Drake's songs. I hope you enjoy my mashup of these two songs - please subscribe for more! 🎹🎶 ___________________ Background piano music for working, studying, relaxing, or reflecting. Keyboard: Yamaha P140 used as MIDI controller for Pianoteq 9 VST's (Steinway Model D "Sombre")