Keri Lynn Hilson is an American
R&BContemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
singer-songwriterSinger-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
. Born and raised in
Decatur, GeorgiaDecatur is a city in, and county seat of, DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. With a population of 19,335 in the 2010 census, the city is sometimes assumed to be larger since multiple zip codes in unincorporated DeKalb County bear the Decatur name...
, Hilson began her music career as a songwriter, penning tracks for several artists in the mid-2000s as part of the five-person production and songwriting team,
The ClutchThe Clutch is an American collective of songwriters responsible for a series of successful singles including Omarion's "Ice Box", Ciara's "Like a Boy", Timbaland's "The Way I Are", Britney Spears' "Radar" and Raven-Symone's "Double Dutch Bus".-History:...
. In 2006, she signed a recording contract with
TimbalandTimothy Zachery Mosley , better known by his stage name Timbaland, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper....
's record label,
Mosley MusicMosley Music Group is a record label created by producer Tim "Timbaland" Mosley. It operates as an imprint of, and is distributed through, Universal Music Group's Interscope Records.-History:...
.
In 2009, Hilson released her debut studio album,
In a Perfect World...In a Perfect World... is the debut studio album of American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, released March 24, 2009 on Zone 4. Originally planned for a 2007 release, it was pushed back numerous times into 2009, amid her label's budget issues and minor single releases...
, which debuted at number four on the
Billboard 200The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, and spawned the hit singles "
Knock You Down"Knock You Down" is a song by American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, taken from her debut studio album, In a Perfect World... . The song features guest vocals from American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo and American rapper Kanye West. The song was written by Hilson, West, and Ne-Yo along with Kevin...
" and "Turnin Me On". The album debuted number one on the US
Top R&B/Hip-Hop AlbumsTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999...
chart and was certified Gold by the
Recording Industry Association of AmericaThe Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
(RIAA). The re-released edition of
In a Perfect World... included the hit single "I Like", which reached number one in Germany. Hilson earned two Grammy Award nominations for the album, including
Best New ArtistThe Grammy Award for Best New Artist has been awarded since 1959. Years reflect the year in which the Grammy Awards were handed out, for records released in the previous year. The award was not presented in 1967...
and
Best Rap/Sung CollaborationThe Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration is an honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, to recording artists for quality songs on which rappers and singers collaborate...
for "Knock You Down". As a prominent guest vocalist in both the R&B and
hip hopHip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
genres, Hilson has featured on several singles by other artists, including "
The Way I Are"The Way I Are" is a song by Timbaland, released as the second single from his second album, Timbaland Presents Shock Value. The song is known in part for its incorrect grammar. The song samples "Push it", a 1987 hit by group Salt-n-Pepa, and features R&B singer Keri Hilson and uncredited vocals...
" with Timbaland and "
Superhuman"Superhuman" is the second single released by Chris Brown from the album Exclusive: The Forever Edition, and the sixth, last single overall off Exclusive. The song features Keri Hilson.-Music video:...
" with Chris Brown. In 2010, she released her second studio album,
No Boys AllowedNo Boys Allowed is the second studio album by American recording artist Keri Hilson, released on December 17, 2010 through Mosley Music and Zone 4 Records. On the album, Hilson is reunited with Timbaland and Polow da Don, who executively produced the album, as they did with her debut release...
, which spawned the hit single "
Pretty Girl Rock"Pretty Girl Rock" is a mid-tempo R&B and pop song, that incorporates an interpolation of "Just the Two of Us" by Grover Washington, Jr.. The song makes use of heavy drums and slinky piano and is built on bouncy R&B beats...
".
1982–2007: Early life and career beginnings
Keri Lynn Hilson was born in 1982 in
Decatur, GeorgiaDecatur is a city in, and county seat of, DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. With a population of 19,335 in the 2010 census, the city is sometimes assumed to be larger since multiple zip codes in unincorporated DeKalb County bear the Decatur name...
. At a young age, Hilson became addicted to TV talent shows,
Star SearchStar Search is a television show that was produced from 1983-95, hosted by Ed McMahon, and created by Alfred Masini. A relaunch was produced in 2003-04. The show was originally filmed at the old Earl Carroll Theatre at 6230 Sunset Blvd...
and
Showtime at the ApolloShowtime at the Apollo is a syndicated music television show, first broadcast on September 12, 1987 to May 24, 2008 with 1093 episodes, and is produced by the Apollo Theater...
, which inspired her to begin plotting a career in music at the age of twelve. Hilson's mother hired a piano teacher to encourage those talents, however, she mainly wanted to sing. Hilson then converted those sessions into vocal lessons, accompanying the teacher on
pianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
. In her mid-to-late teens, she began her career as a
songwriterA songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
and
background vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
, working under producer Anthony Dent, who is known for his work with
Destiny's ChildDestiny's Child was an American R&B girl group whose final line-up comprised lead singer Beyoncé Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Formed in 1997 in Houston, Texas, Destiny's Child members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name Girl's Tyme...
and
DiddyDiddy may refer to:*Sean Combs, an American rap mogul also known as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Puff, Puffy and Sean John*Diddy-Dirty Money, an American hip hop group featuring Diddy...
. Together, they formed two failed girl groups, Pretty Toni and D'Sign, and Hilson met
UsherUsher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
,
LudacrisChristopher Brian Bridges , better known by his stage name Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings...
,
Kelly RowlandKelendria Trene "Kelly" Rowland is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and television personality. She rose to fame as one of the founding members of the American girl group Destiny's Child...
,
CiaraCiara Princess Harris , known mononymously as Ciara, is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, actress and fashion model. Born in Austin, Texas, she traveled around the world during her childhood, only to land in Atlanta, Georgia where she met music producer, Jazze Pha...
and producer
Polow da DonPolow-Freache Jamal Fincher Jones , better known by known by professional name Polow da Don or Awesome Jones, is an American record producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer. His cousin is Atlanta singer Monica. He has produced for a variety of artists including Usher, Nelly, Christina Aguilera, T.I...
, many of whom she wrote songs or did backup vocals for.
After Hilson graduated from high school, she enrolled at
Emory UniversityEmory University is a private research university in metropolitan Atlanta, located in the Druid Hills section of unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia, United States. The university was founded as Emory College in 1836 in Oxford, Georgia by a small group of Methodists and was named in honor of...
in Atlanta. She eventually stopped working for Dent and began working more with Polow. Hilson also became part of the five-person production and songwriting team,
The ClutchThe Clutch is an American collective of songwriters responsible for a series of successful singles including Omarion's "Ice Box", Ciara's "Like a Boy", Timbaland's "The Way I Are", Britney Spears' "Radar" and Raven-Symone's "Double Dutch Bus".-History:...
, while still attending school. In 2006, Polow introduced Hilson to
TimbalandTimothy Zachery Mosley , better known by his stage name Timbaland, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper....
, who signed her to his record label, Mosley Music. As a member of The Clutch, Hilson co-wrote numerous hit singles, including
Mary J. BligeMary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has...
's "Take Me as I Am",
OmarionOmari Ishmael Grandberry better known as Omarion, is an American R&B singer, actor, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and former lead singer of the R&B group, B2K. Omarion was spotted at a young age by a manager, Christopher B. Stokes, who took a liking to his vocal abilities...
's "
Ice Box"Ice Box" is the second single from Omarion's second album, 21. The song features backing vocals by Timbaland. The song peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it his most successful solo single to date. The liner notes credit the production to Timbaland, King Logan, and Johnkenun Spivery...
", The
Pussycat DollsThe Pussycat Dolls are an American pop girl group and dance ensemble based in Los Angeles; currently consisting of Lauren Bennett, Vanessa Curry, Kristal "Lyndriette" Smith, Tiffany "Taz" Zavala, Kia Hampton and Paula Van Oppen. The Pussycat Dolls were founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995...
' "Wait a Minute",
Britney SpearsBritney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
' "
Gimme More"Gimme More" is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears from her fifth studio album, Blackout. It was released on September 27, 2007 by Jive Records as the lead single of the album. The song was written by Jim Beanz, Marcella "Ms. Lago" Araica, Nate "Danja" Hills and Keri Hilson...
",
NasNasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
' "
HeroA hero , in Greek mythology and folklore, was originally a demigod, their cult being one of the most distinctive features of ancient Greek religion...
", and
CiaraCiara Princess Harris , known mononymously as Ciara, is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, actress and fashion model. Born in Austin, Texas, she traveled around the world during her childhood, only to land in Atlanta, Georgia where she met music producer, Jazze Pha...
's "
Like a Boy"Like a Boy" is a song performed by American singer Ciara for her second album Ciara: The Evolution . Written by Ciara, Candice Nelson, Balewa Muhammad, J. Que, Ezekiel Lewis, and Calvin Kenon, it is the third release in the U.S...
".
In 2007, Hilson made several appearances on Timbaland's second solo album,
Shock Value, including the singles, "
Scream"Scream" is the fifth single in the U.S. from Timbaland's second album, Shock Value . The song features R&B singers Keri Hilson and Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls. It was released to the iTunes Music Store on February 24, 2008.-Music video:...
" and "
The Way I Are"The Way I Are" is a song by Timbaland, released as the second single from his second album, Timbaland Presents Shock Value. The song is known in part for its incorrect grammar. The song samples "Push it", a 1987 hit by group Salt-n-Pepa, and features R&B singer Keri Hilson and uncredited vocals...
", which reached number three on the US
Billboard Hot 100The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
. She also featured on
Rich BoyMarece Richards , better known by his stage name Rich Boy, is an American rapper from Mobile, Alabama. He is best known for the hit single "Throw Some D's". His self-titled debut album was released in early 2007.- Early career :...
's song, "Lost Girls", which appeared on his
self-titled debut albumRich Boy is the self-titled debut album by southern rapper Rich Boy. The album was released on March 13, 2007. The original title was "Product of tha Hustle" when "Throw Some D's" played on Music Choice. A promo/street single released in 2005 was "Get to Poppin'." His debut single is "Throw Some...
. In 2008, Hilson made cameo appearances in the
music videoA music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
s for Usher's "
Love in This Club"Love in This Club" is a song by American R&B singer Usher. Featuring rapper Young Jeezy, it was released on February 22, 2008 as the lead single from Usher's fifth studio album, Here I Stand. The song was written by Usher, Polow da Don, Young Jeezy, Darnell Dalton, Ryon Lovett, Lamar Taylor and...
" and
Ne-YoShaffer Chimere Smith, Jr. , better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario...
's "
Miss Independent"Miss Independent" is a 2008 single by American pop/R&B singer Ne-Yo. It is the second single from his album Year of the Gentleman and was produced by Stargate. It samples the song "Forget About Me" by Lil Bit. The song was written by Ne-Yo and co-written by Stargate...
".
2008–2009: In a Perfect World...
After several pushbacks, Hilson's debut studio album
In a Perfect World...In a Perfect World... is the debut studio album of American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, released March 24, 2009 on Zone 4. Originally planned for a 2007 release, it was pushed back numerous times into 2009, amid her label's budget issues and minor single releases...
was released on March 24, 2009. In the United States, the album debuted at number four on the
Billboard 200The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
and number one on the
Top R&B/Hip-Hop AlbumsTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999...
chart, with first-week sales of 94,000 copies sold. "
Energy"Energy" is the debut single by American recording artist Keri Hilson. The song was written and produced by The Runaways, consisting of Louis Biancaniello, Sam Watters, Rico Love, and Wayne Wilkins, for her studio album In a Perfect World… and In a Perfect World.....
" was released as the album's first single in July 2008. In October 2008, Hilson collaborated with fellow singer Chris Brown on his single, "
Superhuman"Superhuman" is the second single released by Chris Brown from the album Exclusive: The Forever Edition, and the sixth, last single overall off Exclusive. The song features Keri Hilson.-Music video:...
". "Return the Favor", featuring Timbaland, was released as the second international single from Hilson's debut album, and charted well in some European territories. "Turnin Me On", featuring
Lil WayneDwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
, served as the third single in the US. It peaked at number fifteen on the
Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop SongsHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
chart.
"
Knock You Down"Knock You Down" is a song by American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, taken from her debut studio album, In a Perfect World... . The song features guest vocals from American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo and American rapper Kanye West. The song was written by Hilson, West, and Ne-Yo along with Kevin...
", featuring
Kanye WestKanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
and
Ne-YoShaffer Chimere Smith, Jr. , better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario...
, was released as the album's fourth single in the US, and later as the third international single. It serves as Hilson's most successful single to-date as a solo artist. "Knock You Down" peaked at number three on the
Billboard Hot 100, and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart. Additionally, it attained top-ten positions in Canada, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. On October 21, 2009,
In a Perfect World... was certified Gold by the
Recording Industry Association of AmericaThe Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
(RIAA), for selling 500,000 copies. A re-released edition of the album, included the single "I Like", which reached number one in Germany. At the
52nd Grammy AwardsThe 52nd Annual Grammy Awards took place on January 31, 2010, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Neil Young was honored as the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year on January 29, two days prior to the Grammy telecast. Only ten of the 109 awards were received during the broadcast...
, Hilson received two nominations for
Best New ArtistThe Grammy Award for Best New Artist has been awarded since 1959. Years reflect the year in which the Grammy Awards were handed out, for records released in the previous year. The award was not presented in 1967...
and
Best Rap/Sung CollaborationThe Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration is an honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, to recording artists for quality songs on which rappers and singers collaborate...
for "Knock You Down".
2010–present: No Boys Allowed
In January 2010, Hilson collaborated with
AkonAliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
on the charity single "
Oh Africa"Oh Africa" is a song performed by the artist Akon featuring Keri Hilson. The song is a charity single and was released to raise funds for Akon's charity 'Konfidence' to aid underprivileged children in Africa. The song was released as a digital download on 52nd Grammy Awards night, January 31,...
", to raise funds benefitting underprivileged African youth. In February 2010, she was part of the extended A-list of artists during the recording session of "
We Are the World 25 for Haiti"We Are the World 25 for Haiti" is a charity single recorded by the supergroup Artists for Haiti in 2010. It is a remake of the 1985 hit song "We Are the World", which was written by American musicians Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and was recorded by USA for Africa to benefit famine relief in...
". All proceeds from the song went to the victims of the
2010 Haiti earthquakeThe 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake, with an epicentre near the town of Léogâne, approximately west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital. The earthquake occurred at 16:53 local time on Tuesday, 12 January 2010.By 24 January, at least 52 aftershocks...
. Hilson made guest appearances on Trina's single "Million Dollar Girl" and
T.I.Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....
's "
Got Your Back"Got Your Back" is a song by American rapper T.I. The song features American R&B singer-songwriter Keri Hilson who he wrote the DJ Toomp-produced track with. Preceeded by the street singles "I'm Back" and "Yeah Ya Know ", "Got Your Back" is on T.I.'s studio album, No Mercy and can be found as a...
". In April 2010, it was revealed that Hilson was the new face of
AvonAvon Products, Inc. is a US cosmetics, perfume and toy seller with markets in over 140 countries across the world and sales of $9.9 billion worldwide as of 2007.-Business Model:...
, replacing singer
Jennifer HudsonJennifer Kate Hudson is an American recording artist, actress and spokesperson. She came to prominence in 2004 as one of the finalists on the third season of American Idol coming in seventh place...
.
On December 2, 2010, Hilson was amongst one of the many female artists who performed at the VH1 Divas Salute the Troops concert. Hilson performed "Turnin Me On", "Knock You Down" and "
Pretty Girl Rock"Pretty Girl Rock" is a mid-tempo R&B and pop song, that incorporates an interpolation of "Just the Two of Us" by Grover Washington, Jr.. The song makes use of heavy drums and slinky piano and is built on bouncy R&B beats...
", before joining Sugarland to cover
Aretha FranklinAretha Louise Franklin is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Although known for her soul recordings and referred to as The Queen of Soul, Franklin is also adept at jazz, blues, R&B, gospel music, and rock. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All...
's single "Think". Her second studio album,
No Boys AllowedNo Boys Allowed is the second studio album by American recording artist Keri Hilson, released on December 17, 2010 through Mosley Music and Zone 4 Records. On the album, Hilson is reunited with Timbaland and Polow da Don, who executively produced the album, as they did with her debut release...
, was released on December 21. The album debuted at number eleven on the
Billboard 200 and number seven on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first-week sales of 102,000 copies sold. "
Breaking Point"Breaking Point" is song by American recording artist Keri Hilson. It was released as the lead single from her second studio album, No Boys Allowed on September 7, 2010 in the United States...
" was released as the album's
lead singleA lead single is usually the first single released by a musician or a band before the release of its home album.During the era of the grammophone record, all music arrived in the marketplace as what is now termed a single, one potential hit song backed by an additional song of generally less...
in the United States on September 7, 2010, and peaked at number forty-four on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
"Pretty Girl Rock" was released as the album's second single on October 12, 2010. It peaked at number twenty-four on the
Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song's music video received critical acclaim and praise for its homage to musical icons of the past, which included
Josephine BakerJosephine Baker was an American dancer, singer, and actress who found fame in her adopted homeland of France. She was given such nicknames as the "Bronze Venus", the "Black Pearl", and the "Créole Goddess"....
,
Dorothy DandridgeDorothy Jean Dandridge was an American actress and popular singer, and was the first African-American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress...
,
The Andrews SistersThe Andrews Sisters were a highly successful close harmony singing group of the swing and boogie-woogie eras. The group consisted of three sisters: contralto LaVerne Sophia Andrews , soprano Maxene Angelyn Andrews , and mezzo-soprano Patricia Marie "Patty" Andrews...
,
Diana RossDiana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, record producer, and actress. Ross was lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s. After leaving the group in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included successful ventures into film and Broadway...
,
Donna SummerLaDonna Adrian Gaines , known by her stage name, Donna Summer, is an American singer/songwriter who gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s. She has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. Summer is a five-time Grammy winner and was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach...
,
Janet JacksonJanet Damita Jo Jackson is an American recording artist and actress. Known for a series of sonically innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows, television and film roles, she has been a prominent figure in popular culture for over 25 years...
and
TLCTLC is an American musical trio whose repertoire spanned R&B, hip-hop, soul, funk, and new jack swing. Originally consisting of singer Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, rapper-singer Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and singer Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas it found success in the 1990s while also enduring a series of spats...
. Hilson appears as each singer in a well-known scene from the era depicted. "
One Night Stand"One Night Stand" is a song by American recording artist Keri Hilson, taken from her second studio album, No Boys Allowed. It features American R&B singer Chris Brown who co-wrote the song alongside Kevin McCall and Charlie Bereal, who also produced the track...
" featuring Chris Brown, was sent to
urban contemporaryUrban contemporary is a music radio format. The term was coined by the late New York DJ Frankie Crocker in the mid 1970s. Urban contemporary radio stations feature a playlist made up entirely of hip hop/rap, contemporary R&B, pop, electronica such as dubstep and drum and bass and Caribbean music...
radio on March 8, 2011, as the album's third single. It peaked at number nineteen on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Lose Control / Let Me Down" featuring
NellyCornell Iral Haynes, Jr. , better known by his stage name Nelly, is an Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor. He has performed with the rap group St. Lunatics since 1993 and signed to Universal Records in 1999. Under Universal, Nelly began his solo career in 2000 with his debut album...
, was released as the album's fourth single. In April 2011, Hilson traveled to Australia to be part of its largest urban music festival, Supafest. In July 2011, she served as a support act on the second leg of Lil Wayne's I Am Still Music Tour in North America. Hilson previously toured with Wayne on the first leg of the tour in 2009.
During an interview with
BETBlack Entertainment Television is an American, Viacom-owned cable network based in Washington, D.C.. Currently viewed in more than 90 million homes worldwide, it is the most prominent television network targeting young Black-American audiences. The network was launched on January 25, 1980, by its...
's
106 & Park106 & Park is a Top Ten Hip-Hop and R&B music video show, set up in a countdown format, that airs weekdays at 6:00 PM on BET . Since its inception, it was the network's #1 rated show...
in October 2011, Hilson revealed that she's currently working on her third studio album. She explained, "There's some people in the world that aren't gon' like this album coming from me ... As I was experiencing the world, there were things that I was also experiencing on a personal front, and in my music it's coming out. There's a specific few people who ain't gon' like to listen to this album. Very emotional, I'll say that." Hilson is also deciding whether to release another single from
No Boys Allowed. "You guys let me know whether you want to see another single off of No Boys Allowed ... We're still trying to figure out 'All the Boys', 'Buyou' ... We're trying to figure out if we want to release another single or move on to the third, but I'm always in the studio."
Discography
- In a Perfect World...
In a Perfect World... is the debut studio album of American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, released March 24, 2009 on Zone 4. Originally planned for a 2007 release, it was pushed back numerous times into 2009, amid her label's budget issues and minor single releases...
(2009)
- No Boys Allowed
No Boys Allowed is the second studio album by American recording artist Keri Hilson, released on December 17, 2010 through Mosley Music and Zone 4 Records. On the album, Hilson is reunited with Timbaland and Polow da Don, who executively produced the album, as they did with her debut release...
(2010)
Awards and nominations
|-
| style="text-align:center;"|2007
|"
The Way I Are"The Way I Are" is a song by Timbaland, released as the second single from his second album, Timbaland Presents Shock Value. The song is known in part for its incorrect grammar. The song samples "Push it", a 1987 hit by group Salt-n-Pepa, and features R&B singer Keri Hilson and uncredited vocals...
"
(TimbalandTimothy Zachery Mosley , better known by his stage name Timbaland, is an American record producer, songwriter and rapper....
featuring D.O.E.D.O.E. is an American rapper/songwriter, born in North Side Queens.-Biography:Growing up in North side Queens, D.O.E. looked up to Hip-Hop legends like Slick Rick, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur and Wu-Tang Clan for years before deciding to showcase his passion for rap music...
and Keri Hilson)
|
MTV Video Music AwardThe 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, honoring the best music videos from the previous year, took place on September 9, in Las Vegas at The Palms. The 2007 VMAs were the smallest VMAs ever held in MTV history, eliminating 13 awards, re-naming many of the remaining awards, and having only four...
for Monster Single of the Year
|
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|rowspan="14" style="text-align:center;"|2009
|rowspan="4"|Herself
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American Music AwardThe 37th American Music Awards took place on November 22, 2009 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California. The nominees were announced on October 13, 2009. For the first time in history, there was no host for the year's ceremony. Instead, various celebrities introduced the performers similar...
for Favorite Female R&B/Soul Artist
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|American Music Award for Breakthrough Artist
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BET AwardThe BET Awards were established in 2001 by the Black Entertainment Television network to celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. The awards are presented annually and broadcast live on BET...
for Best New Artist
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|BET Award for Best Female R&B Artist
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|rowspan="2"|"Turnin Me On"
(Keri Hilson featuring Lil WayneDwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
)
|BET Award for Viewer's Choice
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|BET Award for Best Collaboration
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In a Perfect World...In a Perfect World... is the debut studio album of American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, released March 24, 2009 on Zone 4. Originally planned for a 2007 release, it was pushed back numerous times into 2009, amid her label's budget issues and minor single releases...
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Urban Music AwardIn 2009, The Urban Music Awards USA is set to return to New York in 2009 alongside the launch of America's Next Urban Superstar. The US version of the successful UK show Britain's Next Urban Superstar...
for Best Album
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|rowspan="4"|Herself
|Urban Music Award for Best Female Act
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MOBO AwardThe Music of Black Origin Awards, established in 1995 by Kanya King MBE and Andy Ruffell, are held annually in the United Kingdom to recognise artists of any ethnicity or nationality performing black music....
for Best International Act
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|MOBO Award for Best R&B/Soul Act
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Soul Train Music AwardThe Soul Train Music Awards is an annual award show which previously aired in national television syndication, and honors the best in Black music and entertainment...
for Best New Artist
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|"Turnin Me On"
(Keri Hilson featuring Lil Wayne)
|Soul Train Music Award for Song of the Year
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|rowspan="3"|"
Knock You Down"Knock You Down" is a song by American singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, taken from her debut studio album, In a Perfect World... . The song features guest vocals from American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo and American rapper Kanye West. The song was written by Hilson, West, and Ne-Yo along with Kevin...
"
(Keri Hilson featuring Kanye WestKanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
and Ne-YoShaffer Chimere Smith, Jr. , better known by his stage name Ne-Yo, is an American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer and actor. Beginning his career as a songwriter, Ne-Yo penned the hit "Let Me Love You" for singer Mario...
)
|Soul Train Music Award for Best Collaboration
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|Soul Train Music Award for Record of the Year
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|rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;"|2010
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Grammy AwardThe 52nd Annual Grammy Awards took place on January 31, 2010, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Neil Young was honored as the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year on January 29, two days prior to the Grammy telecast. Only ten of the 109 awards were received during the broadcast...
for
Best Rap/Sung CollaborationThe Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration is an honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, to recording artists for quality songs on which rappers and singers collaborate...
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|rowspan="2"|Herself
|Grammy Award for
Best New ArtistThe Grammy Award for Best New Artist has been awarded since 1959. Years reflect the year in which the Grammy Awards were handed out, for records released in the previous year. The award was not presented in 1967...
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|NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist
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|"
Got Your Back"Got Your Back" is a song by American rapper T.I. The song features American R&B singer-songwriter Keri Hilson who he wrote the DJ Toomp-produced track with. Preceeded by the street singles "I'm Back" and "Yeah Ya Know ", "Got Your Back" is on T.I.'s studio album, No Mercy and can be found as a...
"
(T.I.Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....
featuring Keri Hilson)
|Soul Train Music Award for Best Hip Hop Song
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|rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;"|2011
|"
Pretty Girl Rock"Pretty Girl Rock" is a mid-tempo R&B and pop song, that incorporates an interpolation of "Just the Two of Us" by Grover Washington, Jr.. The song makes use of heavy drums and slinky piano and is built on bouncy R&B beats...
"
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BET AwardThe 2011 BET Awards took place at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California on June 26, 2011. The awards recognized African-Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year. Actor Kevin Hart hosted the event for the first time. ...
for Video of the Year
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|Herself
|BET Award for Best Female R&B Artist
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|"Pretty Girl Rock"
|Soul Train Music Award for 'Best Dance Performance'
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External links