Keri Hilson
A powerhouse songwriter who penned hits for pop's biggest names before stepping into the spotlight with her own brand of confident, kinetic R&B.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American singer and songwriter·Birthday: December 5·Millennials
Biography
Keri Hilson's voice was a behind-the-scenes staple of 2000s pop and R&B long before she claimed the microphone for herself. Hailing from Decatur, Georgia, she honed her craft as a sharp lyricist and vocalist in the songwriting collective the Clutch, supplying sleek, chart-topping anthems for the likes of Britney Spears, Usher, and Mary J. Blige. When she launched her solo career, that insider's knowledge of a perfect hook was unmistakable. Her debut, 'In a Perfect World...', delivered massive hits like 'Knock You Down' and 'Turnin Me On,' blending contemporary production with her assertive, versatile delivery. While her recording output has been selective, Hilson's impact is dual-faceted: she represents the skilled architect of pop music and the compelling performer who proved she could own the stage she helped build.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Keri was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Keri Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Keri's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-wrote the US number-one hit 'The Way I Are' for Timbaland featuring D.O.E. and herself.
- Earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2010 following the success of her debut album.
- Penned hits for major artists including Britney Spears ('Gimme More'), Usher ('Love in This Club'), and Ciara ('Like a Boy').
- Her debut single 'Energy' and follow-up 'Knock You Down' (featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo) became top-ten Billboard hits.
Did You Know?
She was a member of the short-lived girl group D'Signe as a teenager, which was formed by producer Anthony Dent.
She attended Oxford College of Emory University, studying theater and business, while simultaneously writing songs professionally.
She provided the singing voice for the character Myrtle in the 2006 animated film 'The Fox and the Hound 2'.
She has a black belt in Taekwondo.
“I'm not the girl next door. I'm the girl you have to go a couple blocks to find.”
