Who's That Girl?--Keri Hilson

It takes years of hard work and dedication to be successful in life but when you’re as naturally talented as Keri Hilson, things seems to come easy. As 1/3 of the songwriting collective known as “The Clutch”, Keri has lent her talents to some of today’s biggest hits. From Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Usher, to Omarion, Keri has made quite a name for herself only to have her talent go mostly unnoticed. That being said, it’s only fitting that her star will eventually shine bright and it seems that now is better than never.

Just in my observations, Keri has this “girl next door” appearance that exudes sensuality, but in a tasteful way. It’s all about the music first and appearance second but still, that is in and of itself. I find it refreshing that artists like Keri would much rather sell their music than their body but it’s a double edge sword. On one hand, you have talent which will transpire into great record sales if deemed exceptional (i.e. Alicia Keys) and then on the other, you have to get people to listen. Plain and simple, sex sells so artists succumb to pressure from record companies in order to bring in revenue (i.e. Kelis). I don’t consider it so much a lack of creativity but it is what it is. Nobody can put a label on creativity but if you’re going to do something…then just be different. We’ve heard all the innuendos known to man so instead of relying on looks to get you by, be “original” and focus on the music for a change.

Keri Hilson is “original“. Her talent as a songwriter is unmatched, in my opinion, and that speaks volumes because you know what she will bring to the table as an artist. Whether or not people will respond to her is another story but being backed by super producer Timbaland, I figure she can’t very well lose. Timbaland single-handedly helped propel Justin Timberlake to heights unimaginable last year and if he’s able to work that same magic again then Keri Hilson will surely enjoy the fruits of her labor. All her hard work has paid off and as she preps her major label debut, In A Perfect World, the limelight of it all is so surreal. Call it due diligence but Keri Hilson has made it. No signature of approval is needed but for further proof, look out for her first single “Henny and Apple Juice” featuring Snoop Dogg and Ludacris.

For more of Keri Hilson, check out her MySpace page here.