Kelly Glow is stepping into a new chapter with her latest single, “Watch Out,” a record that represents nearly a decade of personal growth, healing, and perseverance. What began as a promising studio session in 2016 has become a powerful reminder of her ability to overcome adversity and continue moving forward.
The song was originally recorded at Ichiban Studio in Atlanta with producer and engineer Dantae “Black” Smith. It was Kelly’s first and last time working with him. Tragically, less than a week after their session, Black was struck and killed by a motor vehicle while helping someone on the side of the road.
His passing left Kelly devastated, and the song remained unfinished.
At the time, Kelly was also coming out of a deep depression, a period she describes as her “Winter Season.” Through her faith, the support of family and friends, and guidance from a therapist, she found her way through the darkness. She was beginning to regain her confidence when the loss of Black brought another difficult chapter into her life.
Years later, Kelly connected with producer Zona Simz, who helped her revisit the record and finally bring it to completion. With additional production from Trevoris Scott, the song came together in a way that honored the original vision while allowing Kelly to take it somewhere new.
The finished record reflects two different seasons of her life. It begins with a smooth, melodic sound before building into heavy bass and an energetic second half. The transition represents her journey from a period of darkness into a season of strength, confidence, and renewed purpose.
For Kelly, “Watch Out” is more than a song. It is also a dedication to Black and a celebration of how far she has come.
Throughout the track, she repeatedly reminds listeners to “Watch out for that glow!” The message extends beyond her own name and identity. Kelly wants anyone who has ever felt overlooked, misunderstood, or underestimated to recognize their own light and refuse to let the world dim it.
One of her favorite lines captures that message perfectly: “Things are just things and they all go away, but the light that I shine overcomes hate.”
It is a reflection of her belief that material things are temporary, but the impact someone leaves behind can continue to shine long after they are gone.
The single also introduces listeners to Kelly’s evolving sound, which she calls “Dragon Mode.” Known for her versatility, she uses the record to showcase her ability to move between different flows, tempos, and lyrical styles. Rather than limiting herself to one sound, she is embracing the freedom to create music that represents every side of her artistry.
That same sense of identity carries into the music video, which was filmed in both Los Angeles and Atlanta. Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles before moving to South Metro Atlanta in 1991, Kelly recognizes both cities as important parts of her life and artistic development.
The visuals feature her riding around an Atlanta country club in her uncle’s red golf cart, cruising through Southern California in a red convertible lowrider with her cousins, and dancing alongside Yeek pioneers Ant Francis and Gary Watson in Atlanta.
Each scene represents a different part of her journey, bringing together the people, places, and experiences that helped shape the woman and artist she is today.
Now, with “Watch Out,” Kelly Glow is ready to share a record that has been years in the making. It is a reminder that growth takes time, healing is a journey, and sometimes the strongest version of yourself is the one that emerges after the darkest seasons.
Whether listeners are playing it during their daily commute or taking a short road trip, Kelly hopes the song leaves them feeling empowered, energized, and ready to move forward.
With her new “Dragon Mode” sound officially introduced, Kelly Glow is stepping into her next chapter with confidence.
The message is simple: Keep shining, keep growing, and watch out for that glow.
