Hilson has been writing music for other artists since 2001, including Britney Spears, Ciara, Usher, and Ludacris. Despite having made a name for herself as an arranger and background vocalist, lending her vocal talents to many of the songs she wrote on, Hilson remained behind the scenes for the most part until 2004, when she was featured on Xzibit's single, "Hey Now (Mean Muggin)" and made her performing debut singing the track live at the 2004 MTV Europe Awards.
In 2006, Hilson reappeared on the music scene in the video for Nelly Furtado's single "Promiscuous". Meanwhile, she signed as an artist with Timbaland's newly formed Interscope associated label Mosley Music Group and the pair started work on her debut album '"In A Perfect World...". The same year, she was featured on "After Love" from Diddy's album Press Play which was originally written for Danity Kane. She also wrote "Right Now" for Danity Kane as well as "Help", the second single from Lloyd Banks' Rotten Apple.
In 2007, Hilson made several appearances on Timbaland's solo effort, Shock Value where she featured heavily on the singles "The Way I Are" and "Scream" and the tracks "Miscommunication" and "Hello". Furthermore, she was featured on the track "Lost Girls" on Rich Boy's debut album and its second single "Good Things" and was credited as a writer and backing vocalist on Britney Spears' album Blackout. She also worked on Spears' follow-up "Circus", but the tracks didn't appear on the album.
A promotional video for her song "Where Did He Go" was released in 2008 and she went on to further promote herself as a solo artist on "Get It Girl", a track produced by Timbaland & Danja and recorded for a Verizon ringtone promotion and available also through iTunes.
She also played the lead role in Usher's music video for "Love in This Club", (as well as co-writing its "Pt. II" remix) appeared as one of the "independent women" in Ne-Yo's music video for "Miss Independent" and appeared briefly on Nelly's "Party People" music video wearing a T-Shirt with the slogan 'Hip Hop aint dead'. She soon after featured on Nas' debut single from his controversial album Untitled, "Hero".
After many pushbacks, Hilson's debut solo album In a Perfect World... has now been set for an early 2009 release. The album's first single was "Energy" and its music video was released July 14, 2008. "Energy" has peaked at a low #78 on the Billboard Hot 100.
A second single "Return The Favor" features Timbaland was released officially as a digital download on October 7, 2008 and the video, directed by Melina, premiered on October 23, 2008. In the meantime, she also featured on Chris Brown's single "Superhuman" and Kardinal Offishall's 2008 single "Numba 1 (Tide Is High)", which was originally featured Rihanna. This single failed to chart on the Hot 100.
The track "Turnin Me On" features rapper Lil' Wayne and was released as the third official single as a digital download on November 25. The video, which was directed by Erik White after he and Hilson met on the set of the "Superhuman" video, premiered on November 20, 2008. "Turnin Me On" has so far peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and recently hit #2 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming Hilson's most successful single as well as her first Top 50 single in the U.S.. It also peaked as the #1 Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop track. "Turnin Me On" also stood as the #1 video on BET's 106 & Park for about a week and currently is the #5 video request on that show, flucuating between the Top 5.
Recently, Keri Hilson's track "Alienated" was played exclusively on UK radio station Kiss 100 after winning the Fresh 40 mixtape deck battle with 51% against Maino's "All The Above".
It was announced on March 10th that the video for "Knock You Down"(featuring Ne-Yo & Kayne West) was in production and would be released as the fourth single.
Hilson's music has been favorably received, appearing on list of "Top Year Singles" with the songs, "Energy" and "Turnin Me On". The first was on Blender magazine list of the "The Top 144 Songs of 2008", at #61, and the latter was on Vibe magazine's "The 80 Best Songs of '08" at #67. Vibe also praised her voice and called her "ridiculously hot".
In 2010 saw the birth of No Boys Allowed and comes out on the 21st of December 2010. The First Single was Breaking Points and received positive and negative reviews, however failed to chart well. The second single Pretty Girl Rock saw more success and went on to chart respectably well. The song got that much attention that a official remix was made featuring Kanye West, which made the album too. The Suspected third Single is The Way You Love Me and a full length video (short film) appeared on Vevo. The video got mixed reviews, one side saying the video was a side to Keri that had never saw before (a more seductive side). However, some said that this side was too out there and was a bit too much.
DISCOGRAPHY:
ALBUMS:
2009: In A Perfect World...
2010:No Boys Allowed
SINGLES:
2004: Hey Now (Mean Muggin) [Xzibit feat. Keri]
2006: Help [Lloyd Banks feat. Keri]
2007: The Way I Are [Timbaland feat. Keri & D.O.E.]
2007: Good Things [Rich Boy feat. Polow Da on & Keri]
2008: Scream [Timbaland feat. Keri & Nicole Scherzinger]
2008: Hero [Nas feat. Keri]
2008: Energy
2008: Superhuman [Chris Brown feat. Keri]
2008: Return The Favor [feat. Timbaland]
2008: Numba 1 (Tide Is High) [Kardinal Offishall feat. Keri]
2008: Turnin Me On [feat. Lil Wayne]
2009: Knock You Down [feat. Kanye West & Ne-Yo]
2009: Slow Dance
2010: I Like
2010:Got Your Back [T.I feat. Keri]
2010:Breaking Point
2010:Pretty Girl Rock
2010:The Way You Love Me
Help
Keri Hilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh, a one two, a one two
Uh, a one two, a one two
Yeah
Uh, a one two, a one two
Excuse me miss, you must be some kind of a model
Enough to make a shopper run out of the column
Guess what you strong as rum out of the bottle
God bless you when he made me
I mean he blessed me when he made you I got a little game to
They know me everywhere I go that's what fame do
Where we can get it on the low what's your name blue?
You stuck in your ways but I know how to change you
Arrange you tell you things like your my angel
There's no rules when it comes to this, write down your number miss
They call me Banks, my government is Chris
They feel me in the burbs, love me in the bricks
Four inch whips, on a buggy six
First class trips and the bubbly's Cris
I work so hard to live like this
My past make me so weak
But you make me stronger
'Cause everything was upside down
Now I'm right back where I belong
Help, I think Cupid got me
Shock me all over my body
I think I'm losin' my cool
So I'm doin' things I don't do
Yeah, I got it hop in the ride so I could holla
My favorite girl outside of my Impala
I ain't gon' say you a dream I don't gotta
You could walk around in the street with no problems
I pick up all the G that he speaks so don't bother
The innocent role ain't workin' work harder
I ain't tryin' to lock you down I'm no father
But maybe we can go for it if you just listen
It's hard as hell for a man in my position
They pickin' your girl out you gotta know the difference
I wonder if it's even in one in existence
Enough to keep my attention to go the distance
And I'm have to look hard to find a better one
'Cause you sex is a 187 'hon
You get a nigga doin' shit I ain't never done
So now even when I'm on tour I let her come
My past make me so weak
But you make me stronger
'Cause everything was upside down
Now I'm right back where I belong
Help, I think Cupid got me
Shock me all over my body
I think I'm losin' my cool
So I'm doin' things I don't do
You're not the ones like I'm used to
I see us happy in our future
I'm givin' you all I have
My heart, my soul, my laugh
'Cause you are the only thing I need
I could have everything and more
Give you the feelin' you can't ignore
My past make me so weak
But you make me stronger
'Cause everything was upside down
Now I'm right back where I belong
Help, I think Cupid got me
Shock me all over my body
I think I'm losin' my cool
So I'm doin' things I don't do
The first verse of Keri Hilson's "Help" features a rap from G-Unit member Lloyd Banks. The song opens with Banks approaching a woman and complimenting her beauty, likening her to a model. He continues to express his interest in her, assuring her that he knows how to "change" her and promising the possibility of a private relationship. Despite acknowledging that "there's no rules when it comes to this," he eventually concludes that he is willing to work hard for the lifestyle to which he has become accustomed and that he can only do so with her by his side.
In turn, the chorus of "Help" conveys Keri Hilson's apparent infatuation with a new love interest. She suggests that Cupid's arrow has struck her, leaving her feeling "shocked" all over her body and causing her to act in ways she "doesn't do." However, she is unconcerned about the changes, revealing that the new person in her life is unlike anyone she has ever known and that she sees a happy future with them. Ultimately, she asserts that this person is the only thing she needs to feel satisfied in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Excuse me miss, you must be some kind of a model
The singer is acknowledging the beauty and allure of the listener, comparing her to a model.
Enough to make a shopper run out of the column
The listener's beauty is so captivating that it could stop people in their tracks and affect their decision-making.
Enough to make a weak nigga go mano why mano
The listener's beauty is so powerful it could provoke even the weakest of men to match her strength.
Guess what you strong as rum out of the bottle
The listener's strength is being likened to that of rum, which is known for its intense and strong flavor.
God bless you when he made me
The artist is expressing gratitude for the listener's existence, and sees her as a blessing from God.
I mean he blessed me when he made you I got a little game to
The singer views finding the listener as a blessing, and sees an opportunity to showcase his charm and charisma.
They know me everywhere I go that's what fame do
The singer is acknowledging his status and fame, which has led to people recognizing him wherever he goes.
Where we can get it on the low what's your name blue?
The artist is expressing interest in the listener, and is asking for her name so they can connect in a more private manner.
You stuck in your ways but I know how to change you
The artist recognizes that the listener may be stubborn, but expresses confidence that he can change her ways.
Arrange you tell you things like your my angel
The artist is expressing his intentions to take care of the listener and treat her like an angel.
There's no rules when it comes to this, write down your number miss
The singer is emphasizing that there are no set rules when it comes to relationships and is asking for the listener's number to connect with her.
They call me Banks, my government is Chris
The artist is introducing himself and stating his nickname and his real name.
They feel me in the burbs, love me in the bricks
The singer is acknowledging his popularity among different types of neighborhoods and communities.
Four inch whips, on a buggy six
The singer is describing his luxurious lifestyle, including his fancy cars.
First class trips and the bubbly's Cris
The singer is describing the type of lifestyle he leads, which includes expensive trips and champagne.
I work so hard to live like this
The artist is acknowledging that his luxurious lifestyle is the result of hard work and determination.
My past make me so weak
The artist is expressing that his past has made him vulnerable and unsure of himself.
But you make me stronger
The singer is expressing that the listener has given him strength and has helped him overcome his weaknesses.
'Cause everything was upside down
The singer is describing a past period in his life where things were difficult and uncertain.
Now I'm right back where I belong
The artist is expressing gratitude for being in a better place and feeling more secure and confident.
Help, I think Cupid got me
The artist is acknowledging that they have fallen in love, and are now under the spell of Cupid.
Shock me all over my body
The artist is expressing the physical sensations of being in love, which can be described as a shock to the system.
I think I'm losin' my cool
The singer is acknowledging the emotional impact of falling in love, and how it can be overwhelming and cause them to lose their composure.
So I'm doin' things I don't do
The artist is describing their behavior in response to being in love, which includes taking risks and behaving outside of their usual behavior.
Yeah, I got it hop in the ride so I could holla
The singer is expressing confidence and offers to give the listener a ride so they can talk more privately.
My favorite girl outside of my Impala
The singer is expressing that the listener is their favorite girl, and compares her to one of their prized possessions (their car).
I ain't gon' say you a dream I don't gotta
The singer is expressing that the listener is not just some dream, but is real and tangible.
You could walk around in the street with no problems
The artist is expressing that the listener is strong and capable enough to handle herself in any situation.
I pick up all the G that he speaks so don't bother
The artist is saying that they understand the listener, so others should not bother trying to speak to her or understand her.
The innocent role ain't workin' work harder
The singer is expressing that the listener should stop acting innocent and need to strive harder to express herself authentically.
I ain't tryin' to lock you down I'm no father
The singer is saying that they are not trying to control or restrict the listener, and are not acting like a father figure.
But maybe we can go for it if you just listen
The artist is expressing their desire to pursue a relationship with the listener, and is asking her to consider it.
It's hard as hell for a man in my position
The artist is acknowledging the difficulties that come with their position of fame and popularity, and how it can impact their relationships.
They pickin' your girl out you gotta know the difference
The artist is acknowledging that the listener is highly sought after, and is telling her to discern between true intentions and superficial motives.
I wonder if it's even in one in existence
The singer is expressing that they wonder if there is truly anyone else like the listener out there who they could connect with.
Enough to keep my attention to go the distance
The artist is expressing that the listener's unique qualities are enough to keep them interested for the long haul.
And I'm have to look hard to find a better one
The singer is acknowledging that the listener is the best person for them, and that it would be difficult to find someone better.
'Cause you sex is a 187 'hon
The singer is describing the listener's sexual prowess, using slang to express it as being amazing.
You get a nigga doin' shit I ain't never done
The singer is acknowledging that the listener has inspired them to engage in behaviors or actions that they have never done before.
So now even when I'm on tour I let her come
The artist is expressing that they have allowed the listener to accompany them on tour, indicating a serious commitment and desire to be with them.
You're not the ones like I'm used to
The artist is expressing that the listener is different from people they have been with before.
I see us happy in our future
The singer is expressing a positive outlook and sees a future with the listener that is happy and fulfilling.
I'm givin' you all I have
The singer is expressing that they are giving their all to the listener in terms of their emotions and their self.
My heart, my soul, my laugh
The artist is expressing that they are giving the listener everything that makes them who they are, including their emotions and their personality.
'Cause you are the only thing I need
The artist is expressing that the listener is the only person they need to feel complete and fulfilled.
I could have everything and more
The artist is acknowledging that they have achieved a lot of material success, but that it means nothing without the love and companionship of the listener.
Give you the feelin' you can't ignore
The singer is expressing their desire to give the listener a feeling of happiness and contentment that they cannot resist or ignore.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER CHARLES LLOYD, MICHAEL J. CLERVOIX, RONDELL EDWIN TURNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@treyfactz7926
This song didn't get the proper push. This should've been a chart topper.
@blkknight1698
FrFr.
@rodneychawota1997
Word!!
@toreytownsend611
I second that!!!
@diontescott8499
MOST DEFINITELY
@sellyboy727
This was my shit shit fr man. Omg
@LittleLisaMa
I miss laid back hip hop like this...music you could just chill to. β€οΈ Keri Hilson
@toreytownsend4705
YES YES & YES!!! Mis lady I agree with you and just wish with all of the life in me that Hip Hop & RnB could get back to where it once was. #GoodDay & #GODBLESS
@hiphopdagame
for real.. and less sexualizing of Women...
@Barber747
This is definitely a classy song right here. I seriously hate how great music like this often gets overlooked, yet trash is promoted every single time. No wonder I'm the ultimate cherry picker when it comes to music.