Entertainment
10 Things you don’t know about Keri Hilson
- She was born on born December 5, 1982
- She spent most of her youth working with producer Anthony Dent, as a songwriter and background vocalist for several R&B and hip hop artists
- Growing up she wrote songs for Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige
- 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.
- She has contributed in the fight against HIV and AIDS, helped various relief efforts for natural disasters, and become involved with several educational organizations.
- Hilson’s mother owns and runs a day care center and her father is a developer who served in the army.
- She was a songwriter and background vocalist for artists likes of Usher, Ludacris, Kelly Rowland, Ciara and Polow da Don.
- Keri Hilson attended Emory University in Atlanta for three years and studied a course in theater.
- She is part of the group that penned 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)
- In January 2010, she teamed up with Akon on the charity single, “Oh Africa”.[82] All proceeds of the single benefited underprivileged African youth.
- In June 2011, Hilson became an ambassador for MTV Staying Alive, a foundation which raises awareness and prevention of HIV and AIDS.
- In September 2011, she lent her support to US First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign, which aims to combat childhood obesity
- In 2007 she won BET’s Award for Best New Artist
- She cites Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill and Aaliyah as inspirations
