By Collin Kelley
Editor
You probably heard Keri Hilson’s music before you actually saw her perform. The Decatur native and Emory theater major penned “Gimme More” for Britney Spears and “Take Me As I Am” for Mary J. Blige as well as songs for Kelly Rowland, Usher, Ciara and the Pussycat Dolls. Then, in 2007, she burst onto the performance scene with Timbaland and the massive hit, “The Way I Are.” Her career as a solo artist was certain, but Hilson said it’s been four years of hard work.
Hilson will be onstage tomorrow night (Aug. 6) at Aaron’s Lakewood Amphitheater with Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross and Far East Movement on her first proper tour for the album No Boys Allowed. The tour has been crisscrossing the country for three weeks before arriving in Atlanta, which Hilson still calls home.
“I lived in LA for a year, but now I’m full-time back in Atlanta,” Hilson said. “All of my family is here and I happily moved back.”
For tomorrow night’s show, Hilson said fans can expect songs from both her solo albums, sharing the stage with Lil’ Wayne and a few surprises. “I can’t say who or what, but you can count on some surprises,” she laughed.
Hilson is also ready to showcase her music to a hometown crowd. “I think people will see me in a different light, a bit more aggressive. I also want to make this show very engaging for women. I’m excited every night to get out on stage and sing these songs.”
No Boys Allowed was written with women in mind, featuring empowering songs in the pop, R&B, electro and dancehall genre that will also make you want to dance. Hit singles from the album include “Pretty Girl Rock,” “Breaking Point” and “Lose Control.”
Having a career in music and acting were always Hilson’s goals, even as a student at Tucker High School. She performed in a couple of girl groups that never went anywhere, and considered songwriting her “Plan B.” As she became a sought-after songwriter, it was only a matter of time before she fully stepped out from behind the pen.
With a hectic schedule, Hilson said she’s learned to write songs just about anywhere. “There’s no protocol or blueprint for my songs,” she said. “I know a lot of writers have methods, but my environment changes so fast, that I’ve learned to write in the studio, in a car, on a tour bus. I’ve learned to adapt to my surroundings.”
Hilson will soon return to acting and said she’s been cast in a couple of movies, but couldn’t discuss the details yet. “I was bitten by the acting bug a long time ago, so the movies are giving me the chance to get back to that side of myself.”
She’s also interested in connecting with her fans. For tomorrow night’s show, you can purchase a Keri Hilson VIP ticket, which will give you a chance to meet the performer and even come out onstage with her. “I love meeting the fans,” she said. “It’s inspiring and fantastic, especially during a show.”
The VIP tickets are available at www.kerihilsonvip.com. General admission tickets for the concert with Hilson are available through Ticketmaster.
