Keri Lynn Hilson is a well-known American singer and actress who gained prominence with the release of her debut album ‘In a Perfect World’. Keri, who comes from a middle-class African-American family, has risen to prominence in the entertainment industry via sheer determination, aided by her excellent looks and lovely voice. She began singing at an early age with a neighborhood girl band and quickly rose to international stardom. She has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Australia, and Europe, where her music is quite appreciated. In the United States, her collaboration with Lil Wayne, ‘Turning Me On,’ was published as a song and peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Hip – Hop / R&B charts. She performed live at VH1 Divas Salute the Troops and made several appearances on talk shows, including ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno’. She made her acting debut in the comedy film ‘Think Like a Man’ and co-starred in the action film ‘Riddick’ alongside Vin Diesel. She was honored with the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist and the Get Schooled Award for her charity work in the field of underprivileged education.
Childhood & Adolescence
Keri Lynn Hilson was born in Decatur, Georgia, USA, on December 5, 1982, into a middle-class African-American family. Her father was a member of the United States Army, and her mother was the director of a daycare center. Kelsee, Key, and Kaycee are her sisters, while Kip is her brother. They all received a musical ear from their father, who spent his spare time singing and recording in a quartet.
She was fascinated by music from an early age and aspired to be a singer. Her mother supported her by hiring a piano tutor to teach her music. Kip took advantage of the chance by learning to play the piano in addition to singing.
She was an avid viewer of television talent programs and joined the girl band ‘D’Signe’ at the age of 14. Additionally, she began working with producer Anthony Dent, creating songs and providing backup vocals for artists such as Kelly Rowland and Toni Braxton.
She worked during her high school years and later earned a degree in theatre from Emory University’s Oxford College. During her college years, she began working with Polow da Don and became a member of the songwriters and record producers collective known as ‘The Clutch,’ which produced songs for Britney Spears, Ciara, and The Pussycat Dolls.
She later met and signed with rapper and producer Timbaland’s record company, Mosley Music Group. She also performed on rapper Lloyd Bank’s 2006 album ‘Rotten Apple’ and on a number of Timbaland tracks.
Keri Hilson’s Career
Keri Hilson released ‘In a Perfect World,’ her debut pop-oriented R&B studio album, in 2009. The album reached #4 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top R&B / Hip Hop Albums chart. Within six months, it sold over 94,000 copies and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Her single ‘Energy’ peaked at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 21 on the Hot R&B / Hip Hop chart in the United States. Additionally, it peaked at number 50 in the United Kingdom and at number seven in New Zealand, where it was certified ‘Gold’.
In the United States, her collaboration with Lil Wayne, ‘Turning Me On,’ was released as a single and peaked at the 15th spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it lasted for ten weeks. It reached #2 on the Hip-Hop/R&B charts and was certified ‘Platinum’ in the United States. The song was also performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where it was a crowd favorite.
Her other chart-topping single, ‘Knock You Down,’ was performed with Kanye West and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the R&B / Hip Hop charts. The track earned a double ‘Platinum’ certification. The song reached the top of the charts in Canada, Europe, and Australia, establishing it as an international smash. In 2009, she sang the song on the talk show ‘Late Show with David Letterman.’
She toured North America as a support act for Lil Wayne and collaborated with musicians like Gym Class Heroes, T-Plan, and Gorilla Zoe on her way to becoming a US sensation. She received the Best New Artist title at the 2009 BET Awards and has since made a name for herself in the music industry. The following year, she was nominated for the 52nd Grammy Awards’ Best New Artist award.
In 2010, she was named Avon’s brand ambassador and released her second studio album, ‘No Boys Allowed,’ which is all about girl power. She performed live at the ‘VH1 Divas Salute the Troops’ concert, which drew record-breaking audiences. She also made appearances on several talk shows, including ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live,’ to promote her record, which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart.
In 2011, she traveled to Australia and Europe, where she was hailed by adoring admirers. During her tour, the song ‘Pretty Girl Rock’ became her signature, with audiences swaying to the beat.
She made her acting debut in 2012 with the comedy film ‘Think Like a Man’ and followed that up with a role alongside Vin Diesel in the action film ‘Riddick’ in 2013. She took a break from music for a period before returning in 2016 with her album ‘Love is a Religion’ (LIAR).
Her Significant Works
She has three studio albums to her credit: ‘In a Perfect World’ (2009), ‘No Boys Allowed’ (2010), and ‘Love is a Religion’ (2012). (2016).
She starred in the films ‘Think Like a Man’ (2012), ‘Riddick’ (2013), and ‘Almost Christmas’ (2014). (2016).
Keri Hilson has featured on a variety of television talk shows and starred in the television film ‘Love by the Tenth Date.’
Awards and Accomplishments
In 2009, she earned the BET Awards’ Best New Artist award, as well as the Soul Train Music Awards’ Best New Artist award. Additionally, the same year, she won the MOBO Award for Best R&B / Soul Act and the Soul Train Music Award for Best Collaboration.
In 2010, she received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist.
She received the Get Schooled Award in 2011 for her philanthropic work in the industry.
Her Private Life
Keri Hilson was briefly involved with basketball player Serge Ibaka before marrying Samuel Soba in March 2002. She has been living happily ever since with him and their kid, Jayden.
She has volunteered for a variety of humanitarian causes, including education, AIDS awareness, and the advancement of poor African kids. Proceeds from her recordings have been donated to victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the 2010-2011 Ivory Coast conflict. She was also a driving force behind Michelle Obama’s anti-obesity program, ‘Let’s Move.’
Estimated Net worth
Keri Hilson is a singer, songwriter, and actor from the United States of America. She has a net worth of $5 million dollars. Keri Hilson began her career as a songwriter, penning chart-topping songs for other artists.
Trivia
She wore H&M’s ‘Spring Unisex Collection’ to an H&M-hosted event to support the brand’s ‘Fashion Against AIDS campaign.