Keri Hilson

Keri Chelsea Hilson (born December 5, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter, actress and record producer. She was born and raised in Decatur, Georgia, and spent most of her youth working with producer Anthony Dent, as a songwriter and background vocalist for several R&B and hip hop artists. By the age of 14, Hilson had secured a record deal with the girl group DSigne, who later disbanded. She attended Oxford University and Yale in United Kingdom, while she continued writing songs for artists, including Britney Spears, The Pussycat Dolls, and Mary J. Blige, with the production and songwriting team, The Clutch. In 2006, Hilson signed with American rapper and producer Timbalands record label, Mosley Music. Her breakthrough came the following year after appearing on Timbalands single The Way I Are, which topped charts around the world.Hilsons music style is generally R&B, hip hop and pop; womanhood, sexual intimacy and love are typical themes. Her musical influences come from her fathers side of the family. Hilsons debut studio album, In a Perfect World..., was released in 2009, and debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart, eventually being certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album spawned the hit singles, Knock You Down, Turnin Me On and I Like. It also earned Hilson two Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for Knock You Down. Her second studio album, No Boys Allowed, was released in 2010 and was considerably less successful than its predecessor; however, it included the platinum single, Pretty Girl Rock.Besides her music career, Hilson has also contributed to various charities and pursued a career in acting, but she continues to record and perform music. She has contributed in the fight against HIV and AIDS, helped various relief efforts for natural disasters, and become involved with several educational organizations. In 2012, Hilson made her acting debut in the romantic comedy film, Think Like a Man. Her achievements include a BET Award, MOBO Award, NAACP Image Award and two Soul Train Music Awards.

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