Keri Hilson
Keri Lynn Hilson, an American actress, R&B, pop singer, and songwriter, earned two Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Knock You Down".
Her debut studio album, In a Perfect World, peaked at #4 on the US Billboard 200 chart, being certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Early Life And Education Of Keri Hilson
Keri Hilson was born on December 5, 1982. This Decatur, Georgia-born and bred artist is most known for her songs like Knock you down, I like, Turnin' me on, etc. She is an American with black ethnicity.
Hilson's mother owns and runs a daycare center and her father is a developer who served in the army. She was raised in an African-American neighborhood and comes from a middle-cla s s family. Her brother is Kip and her sisters are Kelly, Kelsee, Kye, and Kaycee.
Hilson and her siblings did not attend a school within the neighborhood because her parents cared a lot for their education, stating that "they shipped us off for an hour to get to school every day. It was just that important for us to maintain the life that they had created".
From the age of 12, Hilson wanted to pursue a musical career, after watching the television talent shows Star Search and Showtime at the Apollo.
Her mother then hired a piano teacher to give her piano lessons; however, Hilson wanted to become a singer and therefore "converted those sessions into vocal lessons, accompanying the teacher on the piano”.
By the age of 14, Hilson had secured a record deal with the girl group D'Signe, who later disbanded. She attended Oxford College of Emory University and Emory University in Atlanta.
Keri Hilson's Career
She started 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 D'Signe, who later disbanded.
She attended Oxford College of Emory University and Emory University in Atlanta, while she continued writing songs for artists, including Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige, with the production and songwriting team, The Clutch.
In 2006, Hilson signed with American rapper and producer Timbaland's record label, Mosley Music. Her breakthrough came the following year after appearing on Timbaland's single, "The Way I Are", which topped charts around the world.
Hilson's music style is generally R&B and pop, and includes themes around womanhood, sexual intimacy, and love. Her musical influences come from her father's side of the family.
Hilson's 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-Song 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 single, "Pretty Girl Rock" which became quite popular.
Besides her musical 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 to 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. Keri takes Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, and Aaliyah as inspirations.
Keri Hilson's Net Worth
Keri Hilson's estimated net worth is $25 million at present. She has made an incredible amount of money from her successful musical career.
Her music awards include BET Award for Best New Artist (2007), MOBO Award for Best R&B/Soul Act (2009), Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist (2009), Soul Train Music Award for Best Collaboration (2009 – with Kanye West and Ne-Yo), NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist (2010) and Get Schooled Award (2011).
Keri Wilson's Personal Life
Keri is married to Samuel Soba since 17 March 2002. She is a tall attractive woman, with a height of 5 ft 9 inches and statistics of 32C-25-34, Keri is a visual delight as well.
Besides music, she is also active in several charities. She teamed up with Akon in January 2010 on the charity single, Oh Africa.