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Keri Hilson Makes a Triumphant Return with New Album
R&B artist Keri Hilson has taken a significant hiatus from her music career over the past decade, shifting her focus toward acting in film and television. As we approach the 15-year mark since the release of her sophomore effort, No Boys Allowed, Hilson is set to return with her eagerly anticipated third studio album, We Need to Talk: Love.
Last month, Hilson announced the album’s release alongside the single “Bae,” which features a sampling of Hurricane Chris’s 2007 track “A Bay Bay.” Reflecting on her time away from music, Hilson shared that stepping back was crucial after the overwhelming success of her hit “Pretty Girl Rock,” which marked her last notable chart presence on the Billboard Hot 100 over ten years ago. In an interview, she opened up about her struggles, stating that the fame she experienced took a toll on her mental health.
“I was just not okay. I was not well; I needed a break,” Hilson explained. “Fame was a beast for me, and I fell into a really dark place. I thought I’d be gone for just a year, not 14, but that time away proved necessary for my personal growth.” Hilson acknowledged that despite the difficulties, she does not regret the extensive break she took.
During her extended absence, Hilson faced moments of doubt about her place in the music industry. “There was uncertainty in my mind. I still love creating and performing music, but the environment was changing, and I found myself uncomfortable with the weight of criticism. It felt threatening,” she shared. “Reaching rock bottom was a part of rebuilding, and that’s what I embraced.”
Now back with renewed confidence, Hilson is eager to share her journey through her work. Her new video series, WNTT, supports the album’s release. Hilson candidly stated, “I no longer want to entrust my life or art to those who don’t care about me. I cherish my humanity on my terms but fear it when subjected to others’ opinions. I aspire to succeed, yet I want to maintain ownership of my identity.”
We Need to Talk: Love is merely the beginning of a three-album project from Hilson. The current album explores themes of love, whereas her upcoming installments will navigate through drama and redemption. She expressed her desire to offer an abundance of music to her fans, compensating for her time away. “I’ve been gone for too long, and I wanted to create enough music to feel like I’m giving back to my audience,” Hilson remarked. “Once I clarified how to present this album, the narrative of love, drama, and redemption emerged. It’s reflective of my own experiences in music.”
In addition to her music revival, Hilson is scheduled to perform with other esteemed R&B and hip-hop artists at the Girls Night Out event in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on April 26, followed by another performance in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 9.
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