Singer/songwriter Keri Hilson - File
When producer Polow Da Don asked American singer/songwriter Keri Hilson which producer she believed would take her where she wanted to be as an artiste, she had no idea that destiny had come knocking at her door - and in the form of hit-maker Timbaland. After dreaming of stardom since she was a child, Hilson is living now in her own 'perfect world' of music.
When The Gleaner spoke with an upbeat Hilson briefly via telephone, she was coming offstage in Liverpool in the United Kingdom while on tour with fellow Reggae Sumfest performer Ne-Yo. The singer will be gracing the Reggae Sumfest stage tomorrow for International Night One and the event will mark her first time in Jamaica.
"I can't wait. Fans can definitely expect some good energy," she said. "I don't take myself too seriously. I really enjoy the stage so I have a lot of fun. A lot of times I just wing it and do what I feel in the moment and that's the best part when people receive me really well, and lately that's been the case. I've been seeing incredible responses, and I can't wait to see what Jamaica has got for me."
Writing before singing
Breaking on to the music scene as a singer in 2008, Hilson's swagger has got her the attention of the top producers and artistes in the hip hop and R&B world. After singing for Timbaland over the phone on Polow Da Don's recommendation, Timbaland and Hilson began working together and in 2007 she made several appearances on Timbaland's solo effort Shock Value, including on the singles The Way I Are and Scream. The Way I Are reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Prior to that, Hilson was a noted songwriter for the songwriting group, The Clutch, where she penned lyrics for Britney Spears, Ciara, Usher, Toni Braxton and Ludacris.
Climbing to the top
Now the singer is busy promoting her debut album, In A Perfect World, which has spawned hits such as the soulful Energy, the sassy Turnin' Me On, featuring Lil Wayne and Knock You Down, featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo. The album debuted at number four on Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums. She also has a new music video for Slow Dance to be released shortly. Inspired by everyday situations such as a conversation over a glass of wine with her 'home girls' or past relationships, Hilson has never imagined herself doing anything but music.
Beginning in church
Singing in the church from an early age and visiting studios since she was a teenager, the singer has always been focused on her goal to create her own music style. "I am a person who fell in love with music at a very young age. I am a very blessed individual who was able and blessed enough to pursue it and not have to do anything else to get to this point. Music was my first big dream growing up," she said.
A former athlete and a secret juggler, Hilson keeps herself fit for those sexy performances and guest spots in music videos such as playing the lead girl in Usher's Love In The Club, as well as Ne-Yo's Miss Independent. When she's not behind the scenes writing or behind the consoles, Hilson loves performing, saying, "this is my passion. I really wanted to perform and that is a part of my life. When you can feel the energy of the crowd, there's no better feeling than that."
Working with the best
Hilson is currently listening to a lot of Michael Jackson, but admitted to enjoying reggae music from the likes of Elephant Man and in high school said she had a Bounty Killer CD.
While she has worked with superstars like Chris Brown and 'big brother' Timbaland, Hilson said she would love to collaborate with Estelle and was happy to work recently with one of her idols, Brian Lesley.
None, however, would have topped Michael Jackson.
"I will always say Michael Jackson and Lauryn Hill. I always said I wanted to write his (Jackson's) comeback song. Since Michael Jackson won't happen, Lauryn Hill then," she said.