Keri Hilson



Keri Lynn Hilson (born December 5, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter and actress. 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 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 certifiedgold 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 single, "Pretty Girl Rock".

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 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.



Contents
[hide]  *1 Biography  ==Biography[edit] == ===1982–2007: Early life and career beginnings[edit] === Keri Lynn Hilson was born on December 5, 1982 in Decatur, Georgia.[1] [2]  Hilson's mother owns and runs a day care center and her father is a developer who served in the army.[3] [4] [5]  She was raised in an African-American neighborhood and came from a middle class family.[6]  Her brother is Kip and her sisters are Kelly, Kelsee, Kye and Kaycee.[7]  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".[6]  From the age of 12, Hilson wanted to pursue a musical career, after watching television talent shows, Star Search and Showtime at the Apollo.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-allmusic_1-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[1]  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 piano".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-allmusic_1-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[1]  By the age of 14, Hilson had secured a record deal with the girl group D'Signe, who later disbanded.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-allmusic_1-3" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[1] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-complexstory2_8-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[8]
 * 1.1 1982–2007: Early life and career beginnings
 * 1.2 2008–09: In a Perfect World...
 * 1.3 2010–11: No Boys Allowed
 * 1.4 2012–present: Acting debut and yet-to-be-released third studio album
 * 2 Artistry
 * 3 Philanthropy
 * 4 Discography
 * 5 Filmography
 * 6 Tours
 * 7 Awards and nominations
 * 8 References
 * 9 External links

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Hilson spent most of her teenage years working with producer Anthony Dent, as a songwriter and background vocalist for the likes of Usher, Ludacris, Kelly Rowland, Toni Braxton, Ciara and Polow da Don.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-allmusic_1-4" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[1]  After graduating from high school, Hilson attended Oxford College of Emory University and Emory University in Atlanta for three years and studied a course in theater.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-complexbio_6-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[6]  She continued working as a songwriter and background vocalist during her schooling years.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-allmusic_1-5" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[1]  Hilson eventually stopped working with Dent, and began working more with Polow da Don.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-allmusic_1-6" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[1]  She also became a member of the songwriting and production team, The Clutch.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-allmusic_1-7" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[1]  Together, they wrote Mary J. Blige's "Take Me as I Am" (2006), Omarion's "Ice Box" (2006), Ciara's "Like a Boy" (2006), The Pussycat Dolls' "Wait a Minute" (2007) and Britney Spears' "Gimme More" (2007).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-allmusic_1-8" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[1] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-complexstory2_8-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[8]  In 2006, Polow introduced Hilson to American rapper and producer Timbaland, who then signed her to his record label, Mosley Music Group.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-allmusic_1-9" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[1]  In November 2006, Hilson was featured on American rapperLloyd Banks' single, "Help", for his album Rotten Apple (2006).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-9" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[9]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">The following year, Hilson was featured on three singles; in June, on Timbaland's song "The Way I Are", the second single from his album Shock Value (2007); on Rich Boy's "Good Things" with Polow da Don; and thereafter, in December, on Timbaland's song "Scream" with Nicole Scherzinger, the fifth single from Shock Value.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-airplayarchives_10-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[10]  Out of the three singles, "The Way I Are" achieved the most success, topping nine charts around the world.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-11" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[11] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-12" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[12] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-13" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[13] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ukcharts_14-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[14] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-15" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[15] ===2008–09: In a Perfect World...<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;padding-right:0.25em;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[edit] === Hilson in April 2009<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">In 2008, Hilson appeared in the music videos for Usher's single, "Love in This Club", and Ne-Yo's single, "Miss Independent".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-16" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[16] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-17" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[17]  Her debut studio album, In a Perfect World..., was released on March 24, 2009.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-18" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[18]  The album contained pop-oriented R&B songs.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-inaperfectworldallmusic_19-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[19]  It was initially planned to be released the previous year; however, the album was delayed several times because Hilson wanted to make sure it came out to her liking, stating "I'm just a perfectionist. I have had many [release dates], but it's all for a good cause. The label wants to make sure the album has its proper release, and I'm thankful for that. Very grateful, even though fans look at it like it's a bad thing."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-20" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[20]  In the US, In a Perfect World... debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 chart, and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first-week sales of 94,000 copies.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-21" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[21] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-22" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[22]  By October 2009, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-RIAA_23-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[23]  Its first single, "Energy", released in May 2008, peaked at number 78 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 21 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-billboardsingles_24-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[24]  It reached the top fifty in the United Kingdom, and peaked the highest in New Zealand at number seven, and was certified gold in that country.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ukcharts_14-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[14] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nzcharts_25-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[25] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nzcerts_26-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[26]  Hilson also featured on three singles in 2008; in June, on rapper Nas' song "Hero"; in September, onKardinal Offishall's "Numba 1 (Tide Is High)"; and thereafter, in October, on Chris Brown's song "Superhuman".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-airplayarchives_10-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[10] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-27" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[27] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-28" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[28]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">"Return the Favor", featuring Timbaland, served as the second international single from Hilson's In a Perfect World... album, while "Turnin Me On" featuring Lil Wayne, was released as the second US single. The latter achieved commercial success, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, eventually being certified platinum in the US.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-RIAA_23-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[23] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-billboardsingles_24-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[24]  "Turnin Me On" spent 10 weeks on the Hot 100.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hot100_29-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[29]  Hilson and Lil Wayne performed the song on ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Kimmel_Live! Jimmy Kimmel Live!]on March 27, 2009.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-30" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[30]  The next single, "Knock You Down" featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo, achieved more success, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, eventually being certified two times platinum.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-RIAA_23-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[23] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-billboardsingles_24-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[24]  The song spent 31 weeks on the Hot 100 and 30 weeks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hot100_29-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[29] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-r.26bhiphop_31-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[31]  It also reached the top ten in Canada, Ireland, The Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ukcharts_14-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[14] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-billboardsingles_24-3" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[24] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nzcharts_25-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[25] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-32" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[32]  Hilson and West performed "Knock You Down" on the Late Show with David Letterman'' on May 4, 2009.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-33" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[33]  "Make Love", "Slow Dance", and "Change Me" featuring Akon, were released as the album's fourth, fifth and sixth US singles, respectively. Hilson performed "Slow Dance" with The Roots on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on September 18, 2009.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-34" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[34]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Hilson, along with Gym Class Heroes, Gorilla Zoe and T-Pain, were supporting acts on Lil Wayne's I Am Music Tour in North America.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-35" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[35]  At the 2009 BET Awards, she was nominated in four categories, including Best New Artist, Best Female R&B Artist, as well as Viewer's Choice and Best Collaboration for "Turnin Me On" with Lil Wayne.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2009betawardnoms_36-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[36]  She eventually won the Best New Artist category.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2009betawardwon_37-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[37]  In 2009, Hilson was featured on five singles; "Number One" with R. Kelly, "She Don't Wanna" with Asher Roth, "Everything, Everyday, Everywhere" with Fabolous, "Medicine" with Plies, and on the remix of Sean Paul's song, "Hold My Hand".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-airplayarchives_10-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[10] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-38" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[38]  Hilson was nominated for Breakthrough Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist at the 2009 American Music Awards, but lost to Beyoncé Knowles.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2009amas_39-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[39]  The re-released edition of In a Perfect World..., in January 2010, included the single "I Like", which reached number one in Germany, Poland and Slovakia, and peaked within the top ten in Austria, Norway and Switzerland.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-40" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[40] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-41" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[41] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-42" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[42] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-43" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[43]  At the 52nd Grammy Awards, Hilson was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Knock You Down" with Kanye West and Ne-Yo.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-grammys2010_44-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[44] ===2010–11: No Boys Allowed<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;padding-right:0.25em;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[edit] === Hilson performing at the 2010 VH1 Divas Salute the Troops concert<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">During the first half of 2010, Hilson guest featured on rapper Trina's single, "Million Dollar Girl", and on T.I.'s single, "Got Your Back".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-airplayarchives_10-3" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[10]  In April 2010, it was made known that she had replaced Jennifer Hudson as the new face of the cosmetics and personal care products company, Avon.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-45" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[45]  "Breaking Point" was released as the first single from Hilson's second studio album, No Boys Allowed, in September 2010; it only appeared on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart at number 44, and spent two weeks on the chart.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-billboardsingles_24-4" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[24] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-r.26bhiphop_31-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[31]  On December 2, 2010, Hilson was among one of the many female artists who performed at the VH1 Divas Salute the Troops concert, where she sang "Turnin Me On", "Knock You Down", "Pretty Girl Rock", and a duet with American country music duo, Sugarland, on the Aretha Franklin song, "Think".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-vh1_46-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[46]  No Boys Allowed was released on December 21, 2010.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-47" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[47]  Described as a "girl power album", No Boys Allowed was primarily of the R&B and pop genres.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-48" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[48] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-noboysallowedallmusic_49-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[49]  Despite the album's title, Hilson stated "it's not about excluding men. It's more about women understanding that there comes a time in your life when you want a man. A real man. A grown up. Not a boy. And that's not a bad thing."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nbainterview_50-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[50]  Speaking of the songs on the album, she explained "I write from a female perspective, but I'm also telling men what women are really thinking and feeling about them".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nbainterview_50-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[50]  In the US, No Boys Allowed debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200, and number seven on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first-week sales of 102,000 copies.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nbachartdebut_51-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[51] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-52" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[52]  Although the album sold 8,000 copies more than Hilson's debut album In a Perfect World..., it failed to match that album's debut chart position of number four on the Billboard 200, due to No Boys Allowed being released during the festive season with several Christmas albums debuting inside the top-ten.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nbachartdebut_51-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[51]  As of February 2011, the album has sold 205,500 copies in the United States.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-53" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[53]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Hilson achieved success with the album's second single, "Pretty Girl Rock", which reached number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart, eventually being certified platinum.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-RIAA_23-3" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[23] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-billboardsingles_24-5" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[24]  The song spent 14 weeks on the Hot 100 and four weeks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-hot100_29-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[29] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-r.26bhiphop_31-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[31]  It reached the top twenty in Germany and New Zealand, and top thirty in Austria and Slovakia.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-nzcharts_25-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[25] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-54" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[54] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-55" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[55] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-56" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[56]  Hilson promoted "Pretty Girl Rock" with live performances on televised shows, including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Late Show with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-57" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[57] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-58" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[58] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-59" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[59]  "One Night Stand" featuring Chris Brown, and "Lose Control (Let Me Down)" featuring Nelly, were released as the album's third and fourth singles, respectively. In 2011, she was featured on British rapper Chipmunk's single "In the Air", for his albumTransition (2011).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-60" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[60]  In April 2011, Hilson, along with many other R&B and hip hop acts, traveled to Australia to be part of its biggest urban music festival, Supafest.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-61" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[61]  At the2011 BET Awards, Hilson was nominated for Best Female R&B Artist and Video of the Year for "Pretty Girl Rock".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2011betawards_62-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[62]  In July 2011, she was a supporting act on the second leg of Lil Wayne's I Am Still Music Tour in North America, before embarking on her first headlining European tour in October.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-iam_63-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[63] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-64" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[64] ===2012–present: Acting debut and yet-to-be-released third studio album<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;padding-right:0.25em;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[edit] === <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">During an interview on 106 & Park on October 25, 2011, Hilson revealed that she has already begun recording her third studio album.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-thirdalbumrapup_65-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[65]  She explained, "There's some people in the world that aren't gon' like this album coming from me. As I was experiencing the world, there were things that I was also experiencing on a personal front, and in my music it's coming out. There's a specific few people who ain't gon' like to listen to this album. Very emotional, I'll say that."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-thirdalbumrapup_65-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[65]  She further explained in an interview with The Boombox that she's working on a new sound for the album, and described it as a mixture of her first two albums with some surprising elements thrown in.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-boomboxinterview_66-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[66]  Hilson also said a release date has not been confirmed yet, saying "I just write about my experiences and keep the release dates far, far from me. When I feel that I have [good material] is when I will give it to the label. But I'm not quite there yet. I'm still working."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-boomboxinterview_66-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[66]  Hilson made her acting debut in the romantic comedy film, Think Like a Man, released on April 20, 2012.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-67" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[67] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-68" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[68]  She also appeared alongside Vin Diesel in the sci-fi action film, Riddick (2013), in a brief role as a prisoner allowed to escape to make room for Riddick.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-69" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[69]  Timbaland has announced that he will release an apology song with Hilson. In this song Hilson will finally after five years apologise to Beyoncé and Ciara whom she "allegedly" dissed in a remix she made for her song "Turnin' Me On".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-70" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[70] ==Artistry<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;padding-right:0.25em;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;">[edit] == <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Hilson's music is generally R&B and pop. Her debut album, In a Perfect World..., consists of a pop/R&B style, with elements of electro music.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-inaperfectworldallmusic_19-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[19] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-71" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[71]  Many of the album's themes deal with relationships, physical attraction and lovemaking.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-72" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[72]  Hilson said, "lyrically it's a very vulnerable album. You know, I definitely didn't want to paint myself as perfect on this project. Instead, I wanted it to be something that was very relatable, especially to women".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bluesandsoulinterview_5-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[5]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Her second album, No Boys Allowed, displays a wide variety of styles, including pop, R&B, hip hop, soul, acoustic, electronic and reggae.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-noboysallowedallmusic_49-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[49] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-73" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[73] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-74" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[74] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-75" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[75]  Hilson describes the album as "more self assured. It's a lot more aggressive".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-76" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[76]  Kristin Macfarlane of The Daily Post noted that the album is "pure girl power and about being sexually confident, and confident as a woman; not putting up with crap relationships and getting your way".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-77" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[77]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Hilson sings with "smooth vocals".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-78" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[78]  Following the release of her debut album, Sophie Bruce of BBC Music expressed that, "there's no denying Hilson has a great voice, but it lacks the feisty edge of [Nicole] Scherzinger, [Mary J.] Blige or [Beyoncé] Knowles".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-79" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[79]  Mark Nero of About.com commented, "Keri's voice, while strong, isn't particularly distinctive or memorable".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-80" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[80]  Hilson has stated that her musical influences come from her father's side of the family. "My grandmother would sing in the choir; while my dad—while he was in college—sang and recorded with a quartet. ... it was definitely my dad's Southern side that impacted on me musically". Hilson's father also introduced her to artists, including Sade Adu, Anita Baker, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Lisa Stansfield, Take 6 and Stevie Wonder.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-bluesandsoulinterview_5-2" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[5]  In addition, she cites Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hilland late singer Aaliyah as inspirations.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-81" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[81] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-82" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[82] ==Philanthropy<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;padding-right:0.25em;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;">[edit] == <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Besides her career in music, Hilson has also been involved with several charities. In January 2010, she teamed up with Akon on the charity single, "Oh Africa".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ohafricarapup_83-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[83]  All proceeds of the single benefited underprivileged African youth.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ohafricarapup_83-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[83]  The following month, Hilson joined the extended list of artists during the recording session of the single, "We Are the World 25 for Haiti", to benefit victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-84" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[84]  On May 25, 2010, she performed at the Virginia Stand Up! A Call to Action benefit concert, organized by Chris Brown to help with continued relief efforts in Haiti.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-85" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[85]  On October 21, 2010, Hilson attended Collins Academy High School in Chicago as part of the Get Schooled National Challenge and Tour, a "program aimed at increasing high school and college graduation rates and promoting the importance of education".<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-86" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[86] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-87" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[87]  A year later, she received a Get Schooled Award for her involvement with the program.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-getschooled_88-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[88]  In 2011, Hilson contributed in the fight against AIDS by posing in retail-clothing company H&M's celebrity-driven collection for Fashion Against AIDS.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-h.26mrapup_89-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[89]  25% of all sales from the collection were donated to the Designers Against Aids charity.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-h.26mrapup_89-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[89]  Hilson contributed to the It Gets Better Project, a project which aims to prevent suicide among LGBT youth.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-90" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[90] <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-91" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[91]

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;margin-bottom:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">In June 2011, Hilson became an ambassador for MTV Staying Alive, a foundation which raises awareness and prevention of HIV and AIDS.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-92" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[92]  In September 2011, she lent her support to US First Lady Michelle Obama's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let%27s_Move! Let's Move!] campaign, which aims to combat childhood obesity.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-letsmoverapup_93-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[93]  She made t-shirts for the campaign that read "Pretty Girls Sweat", and exercised with the young women at The Educational Alliance's Sirovich Senior Center in New York on September 24.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-letsmoverapup_93-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[93]  During Hilson's visit in Africa in November 2011, she stopped by an orphanage to visit her young fans who had lost their families during the 2010–2011 Ivorian crisis.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ivory_94-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[94]  She gave each orphan a "care" package, which consisted of bookbags, t-shirts, sunglasses, notebooks and an electric keyboard.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ivory_94-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[94]  In April 2012, Hilson worked with DoSomething.org to encourage young people to take part in the nationwide Epic Book Drive by bringing books to local people in need.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-dosomethingrapup_95-0" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[95]  In a press release, she stated: "Joining DoSomething.org's newest effort to provide for people in need with Epic Book Drive was the easiest decision ever!. I truly believe providing access to those who want to learn is the key to bettering lives around the country. And helping kids find healthy outlets, such as books, has always been a passion of mine. So my involvement here is a natural fit."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-dosomethingrapup_95-1" style="line-height:1;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;">[95] ==Discography<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;padding-right:0.25em;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;">[edit] == Main article: Keri Hilson discography*In a Perfect World... (2009) ==Filmography<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;padding-right:0.25em;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;">[edit] == ==Tours<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;padding-right:0.25em;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;">[edit] == <p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Headlining
 * No Boys Allowed (2010)

<p style="margin-top:0.5em;line-height:22.399999618530273px;color:rgb(37,37,37);font-family:sans-serif;">Supporting
 * European Tour (2011)

==Awards and nominations<span class="mw-editsection" style="-webkit-user-select:none;font-size:small;margin-left:1em;line-height:1em;display:inline-block;white-space:nowrap;padding-right:0.25em;unicode-bidi:-webkit-isolate;font-family:sans-serif;">[edit] ==
 * I Am Music Tour (2009) (with Lil Wayne)
 * I Am Still Music Tour (2011) (with Lil Wayne)