Keri Hilson

Keri Lynn Hilson is an American R&B, hip hop, and pop singer-songwriter and actress. Born and raised in Decatur, Georgia, she first gained prominence as a songwriter and background vocalist before establishing a successful solo recording career. Over her career, she has released hit singles and studio albums, pursued acting roles in feature films, and supported various charitable causes. Her accolades include two Grammy Award nominations, a BET Award, a MOBO Award, an NAACP Image Award, and two Soul Train Music Awards.

Hilson was born on December 5, 1982, and grew up in a middle-class family with a brother and three sisters. Encouraged by her interest in television talent shows, she began taking piano and vocal lessons as a child. At age 14, she secured a record deal with the girl group D'Signe, which later disbanded without releasing any material. After graduating from Tucker High School, she attended Oxford College of Emory University and Emory University, studying theater while working in the music industry. In 2002, she began writing songs and providing backing vocals under producer Anthony Dent. She later joined the songwriting and production team The Clutch in 2004, contributing to material for artists such as Britney Spears, Usher, Ciara, The Pussycat Dolls, and Mary J. Blige.

Hilson made her first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2004 as a featured performer on Xzibit's single "Hey Now (Mean Muggin)". In 2006, she signed with Polow da Don's Zone 4 and Timbaland's Mosley Music Group, both imprints of Interscope Records. Her mainstream commercial breakthrough arrived in 2007 when she featured on Timbaland's single "The Way I Are", which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped international charts. Preceded by singles such as "Energy", "Return the Favor", and the platinum-certified "Turnin Me On", Hilson released her debut studio album, In a Perfect World..., in March 2009. The album debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 and achieved gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album's single "Knock You Down", featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo, reached number three on the Hot 100 and earned a Grammy Award nomination.

In December 2010, Hilson released her second studio album, No Boys Allowed, which debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 and contained the platinum-certified single "Pretty Girl Rock". She expanded into acting with her film debut in the 2012 romantic comedy Think Like a Man, followed by roles in the sci-fi action film Riddick in 2013 and For the Love of Money in 2021. After a 14-year hiatus, she self-released the single "Bae" in 2025 ahead of her third studio album, We Need to Talk.

Hilson's music frequently explores themes of womanhood, intimacy, romance, and independence. Beyond her musical and acting projects, she became the face of the cosmetics company Avon in 2010 and has engaged in philanthropic efforts addressing HIV and AIDS, natural disaster relief, and educational organizations.