Keri Hilson’s “In A Perfect World”

You have seen her in videos with Usher and Timbaland, and you have heard her on the radio – her name is Keri Hilson, and she is the next big thing to hit the music scene. Hilson is from Atlanta, a Mecca for talent. The songstress has been writing songs since the age of twelve and performed throughout her school years. After collaborations with some of the biggest artists in the business – the singer is well on her way to becoming a household name. Her creative chemistry with producer Timbaland on tracks such as “The Way I Are” is unmistakable. When the two collaborate the results are revolutionary: contagious beats and choruses.

Hilson’s album, “In A Perfect World” is inspired and inventive. The project will be available in March and if her single, “Turnin Me On” is any indication, the project is destined to become a commercial success. She has proven herself to be an artist that defies categorization – a valuable distinction amidst a sea of entertainers. Current fans and new fans alike can expect to see great things from Hilson in the future – and with someone as talented as she – this is only the beginning.

Katrina-Kasey Wheeler: Tell me about your new album.

Keri Hilson: The new album is called, “In A Perfect World.” It will be out in March. It is full of production by Timbaland and Polow da Don. I am anxiously waiting to see what the world will think of it – we have been working on it for quite some time. I’m very proud of it.

KW: You certainly have great chemistry with Timbaland – it translates to the music.

KH: Thank you. I have worked with him both as an artist and as a writer. He is incredible – very inspiring. We are always competing to see if we can top the last record that we did together, and so far we have been able to do that.

KW: Will there be many ballads on the album as well?

KH: There is a good balance on the album. I got really emotional on the ballads and light on the club joints. I think that this album successfully blends everything about popular culture, and how women really think. It is a well rounded album. I put my all into it as did Timbaland and Polow da Don. Then of course, there is Jimmy [Iovine] putting everything behind me. I am very proud that all of these power houses feel the way that they do about my project. The label has been great. They want to make sure that the project is released in the best timing and that it is the best product available.

KW: This album will really show the world the various sides of you as an artist. How is the “I Am Music” tour going? The tour also features Lil Wayne, Keyshia Cole, and Gym Class Heroes.

KH: The tour is going really well – I am having the time of my life. We live it up every night on stage and backstage we’re just clowning!

KW: Lil Wayne is featured on your video, “Turnin Me On.” Him being one of the hottest performers on the scene right now, it must be great to work with him.

KH: Wayne is great, we have great chemistry. I’m looking forward to doing more records with him.

KW: You are from Atlanta, and there have been so many amazing artists that have emerged from the city, how has that shaped your musicality?

KH: That is a great question. I think the wonderful thing about Atlanta is that – even though we have had so much success – there are still undertones of going through the grind, that underdog mentality. That is how we have become so successful, because everyone who is there is constantly grinding, no one ever feels like they have made it. I think that is what really keeps the music fresh. Artists like OutKast and Usher and so many other great artists have come out of Atlanta.

KW: With so many great artists striving for more it must create an inspiring atmosphere to be the best one can be.

KH: Another great thing is that it isn’t competitive – there is such a sense of camaraderie. On any given day you can see a producer take their artist to another producer. For example, you could see someone in Lil John’s camp working with someone in Dallas Austin’s camp or Jermaine Dupri.

KW: The song, “The Way I Are” turned out to be a huge hit. Were you surprised?

KH: You never quite know what the outcome will be with a song. I was just as surprised as everyone else. Obviously it was a track that was really special to us – it sounded great to us. We jammed it in our cars and we hoped that the world would feel the same.

KW: When the album drops you will be touring extensively?

KH: The plan is to be able to tour as much as possible, not so much to solely promote the album, but because it is part of the dream. I have spent so many years in the studio recording, but it is a different thing when I get to see and feel the energy of the fans.

Nylon Tv

Keri was interviewed by Nylon Tv, video and caps below

Keri Hilson’s ‘Perfect World’ Set for Spring

After numerous delays, it looks like Keri Hilson’s debut album finally has a solid release date.

The singer-songwriter is scheduled to release her debut album In a Perfect World… on March 24, Rap-Up.com has learned. The album has been pushed back several times since September 2008.

Keri’s Lil Wayne-assisted single “Turnin’ Me On” is quickly climbing the Billboard Hot 100, entering the top 50 this week at No. 43.

Lexus Listening Lounge

Keri Hilson performs at the Lexus Listening Lounge in Washington, DC. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, Tony Rich, was also in attendance.

The event honored Hilson for her achievements in music and noted her embodiment of the pursuit of perfection. She performed songs from her highly anticipated debut album, In a Perfect World, now scheduled for a February release.

Show

Performance

Photo Updates

Pepsi Blue Carpet MTV VMA After Party (x2)

Pepsi Blue Carpet MTV VMA After Party Performance

MAC Backstage Lounge at Bryant Park

Luda and Common Do Hip Hop 101 + NAACP Nominees

Grammy Award winning and multi-selling recording artist, Ludacris, has just closed a deal to headline Hip Hop 101, February 21, 2009 at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Common, Keri Hilson, Janelle Monae and Mix Master Mike (of the Beastie Boys) will also be featured:

HH101 will provide a bevy of entertainment, to celebrate what is probably the most important and significant Black History month ever with the appointment of Barack Obama as President of the United States of America. There will be guest speakers on hand that will range from entertainment to prominent leaders in the community to discuss the history of Black History Month.

Inside This Essence Issue: February 2009

CULTURE
57 Breaking Out: Is Taraji P. Henson on the verge of a mainstream breakthrough?
58 Gazette: The life and legacy of Biggie Smalls finally comes to a theater near you; Keri Hilson grabs the mic
62 Black History Month Special: Relive and discover moments from the past, both legendary and little known
66 The Arts: A new orchestra changes the bounds of classical music; a gospel spin on a Broadway standard; Africa in pictures
68 Books: The return of the prisoner’s wife; hot reads for a cold winter; Patrik’s Obama lit picks and more

New Old Shoots

My dear Necy send me amazing Keri’s photoshoots! She looks HOT!

Lee Broomfield 2007

James White 2008

New Captures

I made new captures from the Lexus Lounge, Interview on the set of RTF, and new commercial for Zune

Keri Hilson Celebrates “A New Day”

With Barack Obama as the fresh face leading the charge in Washington, the same can be said about Keri Hilson and her foray into the R&B world. Currently starring alongside Lil Wayne, T-Pain, and Gym Class Heroes on the “I Am Music” tour, Ms. Hilson sat down with GIANT to discuss the inauguration of our new president.

GIANT: What does Obama’s presidency mean to you?

Keri Hilson: It means a lot, it really does stand for hope. I remember being a kid in elementary school and there was always some black kid who was really studious, made great grades, and would probably be qualified to be the future President of the United States. But the teacher would say, “What do you wanna be when you grow up?” and he would say, “I wanna be the President.” The teacher and the students—the whole class—would be uproariously laughing. I guess I didn’t think much of it then and what was really wrong with that picture. Even the teacher would say, “No, you gotta choose something else, that’s not possible.” And the kid would sit there thinking, “Why?” Now we can really say to kids, “You can be anything.’” Obama was that kid, and he changed it for us all.

How would you describe Obama’s swagger?

(Laughs) I saw some old pictures of him and Michelle, and he was holding a cigarette—I think his critics were trying to say it was a joint or something—but he was holding it with such swagger. It was amazing. He’s so cool. Even when he’s doing his speeches, he has an air of just coolness, of just his own grown-man, mature, metrosexual swag. He gets it in.

You’re a budding style idol yourself. How would you describe your own swagger?

It’s very natural, it’s really not calculated. If they bring a rack, then I pick what I like and that’s it. It’s always a mix of who I am and a more feminine style because I am a tomboy at heart. You know, I don’t love heels—I love the way they look, but I don’t love the way they feel. I do appreciate them for what they do for your whole demeanor, for a certain look. If I had to put it in a nutshell, I’m a great mix between very tomboy and very chic.

Do you have any plans for Inauguration Day?

Actually, I do have the day off and I have a show in D.C. the next day. So I’ll try to make it to the Inauguration. I’ll be one of the 5 million, hopefully, out there.