Keri Hilson's latest album marks her return to music after 15-year absence
Hilson, the 42-year-old R&B star known for late 2000s hits like 'Knock You Down,' featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo. and 'Pretty Girl Rock,' released 'We Need To Talk: Love' on Friday. It's her third album, following 2010's 'No Boys Allowed,' and is the first of a trilogy set for release this year. Led by the sultry single 'Bae,' the nine-track album delves into romance and introspection.
'I feel resolved, both with the art and within about stepping back into the light. So, I think that resolve kind of had to be found before I felt confident enough to release the body of work and also unleash myself to the world again,' explained Hilson, who said she's never stopped recording. 'There were songs in my past that I felt were political moves, songs I didn't really love that I had to sing ... I didn't want to feel like that this time around.'
One of those songs was a leaked remix to her popular 2009 single 'Turnin Me On' featuring Lil Wayne, which peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. Lyrics included a diss fans perceived to be aimed at Beyoncé. Hilson, who had yet to drop her introductory album, 'In A Perfect World,' which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200 and No. 1 on Top R&B albums, claimed that she was forced to sing the lines, 'She can sing / But she need to move it to the left, left,' assumed to reference Beyoncé's 'Irreplaceable.' She says she was threatened her album might not be released if she refused.
Last week, Hilson trended on social media following an interview with iHeartMedia's 'The Breakfast Club' after recalling the incident. While she has talked about it several times in the past, during that interview, the singer publicly named those involved, including producer Polow Da Don who she was signed to. She did not name singer-songwriter Ester Dean. However, after social media users tagged Dean in posts, she later identified herself.
The ending of a decadelong relationship, a lack of control over her career and the intense, never-ending backlash from the BeyHive triggered depression and led to her retreat from music. During her time away, the Georgia native embarked on a journey of healing that included therapy, journaling and spiritual retreats.
Associated Press
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Coldplay's Chris Martin to retain kiss cam at concerts despite Astronomer scandal
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin seems to have no plans to give up the famous "kiss cam" at the band's shows, even after it led to a viral scandal involving former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and the company's ex-human resources head, Kristin Cabot. According to Page Six, Martin, during Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour stop in Hull, England, addressed the crowd about the incident that unfolded last month in Massachusetts. "We've been doing [the Jumbotron] for a long time, and it is only recently that it became a... yeah," Martin told the crowd, hinting at the viral incident. "Life throws you lemons, and you've got to make lemonade. So, we are going to keep doing it because we are going to meet some of you," he added. The singer also interacted with fans, reading out signs from the crowd. Spotting one fan who had attended multiple shows, Martin thanked him for attending the show "three times in three months." "You were at that Boston gig," the Fix You singer said. "Well, OK, thank you for coming again after that debacle," he added, referring to the moment when Byron and Cabot were spotted canoodling on the "kiss cam" during the band's tour stop at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts last month. The drama began on July 16 when Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot appeared on the "kiss cam" during a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium. Byron was seen putting his arms around Kristin, and both appeared to quickly hide their faces after realising they were being shown on the big screen. The woman was seen briskly covering her face, while Byron ducked out of sight. Their awkward reaction, as they tried to dodge the camera after Martin joked from the stage, "Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy." The clip exploded on social media, forcing Astronomer to place Byron and Cabot on leave. Within a day, Byron resigned as CEO.
Emirates Woman
12 hours ago
- Emirates Woman
30 resort-inspired picks for your end of summer staycation
Summer is the perfect time to embrace effortless elegance, whether you're jetting off to a tropical resort escape or enjoying a chic staycation at home. This season's resort wear is all about clean lines, timeless silhouettes, and a curated mix of monochromatic staples and subtle prints that exude understated luxury. From high-street favorites like Massimo Dutti to iconic labels like Toteme, YSL, Dior, and Alaïa, as well as emerging brands like Murrakshi Life, the key is balancing comfort with sophistication. The beauty of minimalist summer dressing lies in its versatility—each piece transitions seamlessly from lazy poolside lounging to elegant evening dinners. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hannah (@cocobeautea) Here's how to style these resort-ready pieces for a polished staycation look that feels just as luxurious as a getaway: The Effortless Slip Dress: A sleek monochrome slip dress is the ultimate piece for understated glamour. Layer delicate gold jewelry and pair it with minimalist sandals for an elevated loungewear moment. Throw on an oversized linen shirt for a relaxed cover-up that adds effortless sophistication. Tailored Linen Ease: Nothing says summer like a perfectly tailored linen set in soft neutrals—beige, ivory, or slate gray. This polished yet breathable ensemble works just as well for a rooftop brunch as it does for a sunset stroll. Keep accessories simple with woven leather slides and a dainty bracelet stack. Printed Sophistication: For those who love a touch of pattern, opt for a softly printed midi skirt or a flowing blouse with delicate motifs. Stick to muted tones—think charcoal stripes, abstract brushstrokes, or tonal florals—to maintain a refined aesthetic. Balance the look with solid separates, like a crisp white tank or tailored shorts. Accessorize with Ease: The right accessories can elevate even the simplest outfit. A structured straw tote adds a touch of vacation-ready charm, while oversized sunglasses lend instant glamour. Finish with barely-there sandals or sleek mules to keep the look polished yet relaxed. Whether you're unwinding at home or dreaming of your next escape, this season's resort wear proves that minimalist dressing can still make a statement. The curated selection of pieces—from understated neutrals to delicate prints—offers endless styling possibilities. High-street finds bring accessibility, while luxury investments ensure timeless appeal. With these effortlessly chic looks, your staycation wardrobe will feel just as indulgent as a seaside retreat. Embrace the season with clean, elegant silhouettes, and let these refined pieces inspire your summer aesthetic. After all, true luxury lies in simplicity. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pinterest
Khaleej Times
13 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Did Apoorva Mukhija's ex-boyfriend, Utsav Dahiya, take a dig at her?
Popular YouTuber Apoorva Mukhija, known as The Rebel Kid, is back in the headlines. At a time when India's Got Talent controversy appears to have died down, Mukhija's ex-boyfriend, Utsav Dahiya, seems to be taking a sharp dig at her. Taking to Instagram, Dahiya shared a video of him singing for the "cute little red flag", a phrase Apoorva often uses in her videos. Mentioning that the relationship lasted twenty weeks, Dahiya asked his former partner to stop targeting him. "I asked why you called me disgusting in front of the world, you said, 'This is all business for me,'" Dahiya sang at one point. Dahiya captioned his post, "Never try to gain sympathy by fabricating lies or pushing false narratives just to make content and assassinate someone's character online. Having a big following doesn't give you the right to bully your way by rage-baiting your audience and unleashing them on others." The video instantly became a topic of discussion for many, as social media users joined in to connect the dots. One wrote, "Life really said plot twist. Now she's the Taylor Swift fan, but he's the one dropping breakup tracks." Dahiya, however, refrained from mentioning her name in his post. The YouTuber, who reportedly broke up with Dahiya in January last year, is yet to comment. Apoorva was recently seen in the first season of The Traitors.
