Keri Lynn Hilson (born December 5, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. Raised in Decatur, Georgia, she worked as a songwriter and background vocalist for R&B and hip hop artists during her youth. By age 14, she had a record deal with the girl group D'Signe. Hilson attended Oxford College of Emory University and Emory University while writing songs for artists like Britney Spears, The Pussycat Dolls, and Mary J. Blige with the production team The Clutch. In 2006, she signed with Timbaland's Mosley Music, gaining recognition in 2007 through the hit single "The Way I Are."
Her debut album, In a Perfect World... (2009), reached number four on the US Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA, featuring singles such as "Knock You Down," "Turnin Me On," and "I Like." It earned her two Grammy nominations. Her second album, No Boys Allowed (2010), was less successful but included the platinum single "Pretty Girl Rock." Hilson has also acted, debuting in the 2012 film Think Like a Man, and has been involved in charity work related to HIV/AIDS, disaster relief, and education. Her awards include a BET Award, MOBO Award, NAACP Image Award, and two Soul Train Music Awards.
United States
