Kelis

Introduction:

Kelis (born Kelis Rogers, August 21, 1979) is an American singer, songwriter, and chef. Known for her distinctive voice and genre-defying style, Kelis rose to prominence with hits like "Caught Out There," "Milkshake," and "Bossy." With a career spanning over two decades, Kelis has released six studio albums and collaborated with numerous notable artists, including OutKast, Busta Rhymes, Foxy Brown, and The Neptunes. In addition to her musical career, Kelis has pursued ventures in the culinary world, becoming a certified chef and authoring a cookbook.

Early Life and Background:

Kelis was born in Harlem, New York City, to Kenneth and Eveliss Rogers. Her name, a combination of her parents' names, reflects her diverse heritage. Kenneth, a Jamaican jazz musician and Pentecostal minister, influenced Kelis's musical upbringing, while Eveliss, a Chinese-Puerto Rican fashion designer, encouraged her creative pursuits. Growing up, Kelis sang in church choirs and learned to play piano, saxophone, and violin.

Kelis attended the private Manhattan Country School before enrolling in the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where she honed her vocal talents and began pursuing a career in music. During her time at LaGuardia, she formed the R&B trio BLU (Black Ladies United), which helped her connect with the music industry.

Music Career:

Kelis’s professional music career began when she met Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, who helped her secure a record deal with Virgin Records. Her debut album, Kaleidoscope (1999), featured the breakout single "Caught Out There," which became a global hit and earned her critical acclaim. The album achieved gold certification in the UK.

In 2001, Kelis released her second album, Wanderland, which featured a more experimental sound. While the album was not released in the U.S., it gained a cult following and included the single "Young, Fresh n' New." Her collaborations with artists like Gwen Stefani and Richard X during this period showcased her versatility.

Kelis’s third album, Tasty (2003), propelled her to international fame with the hit single "Milkshake," which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy nomination. The album also included successful singles like "Trick Me" and "Millionaire."

Her fourth album, Kelis Was Here (2006), marked a departure from her previous work with The Neptunes, featuring collaborations with CeeLo Green, Nas, and Too Short. The album debuted at number ten on the Billboard 200 and earned her another Grammy nomination.

In 2010, Kelis released Flesh Tone, an electronic dance album that showcased a new musical direction. The album’s lead single, "Acapella," topped the U.S. Hot Dance Club Songs chart and solidified Kelis’s reputation as a musical innovator.

Her sixth studio album, Food (2014), drew inspiration from soul and funk and was praised for its maturity and warmth. The album reflected Kelis’s love of cooking and her training as a chef, incorporating themes of nourishment and connection.

Personal Life:

Kelis married rapper Nas in 2005, and the couple welcomed a son, Knight, in 2009. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2010 amid allegations of abuse, which Kelis publicly addressed in later years. In 2014, she gave birth to her second son, Shepherd, with real estate agent Mike Mora, whom she married in 2014. Mora sadly passed away in 2022 after a battle with cancer.

Outside of music, Kelis pursued her passion for cooking, graduating from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school. She launched a line of sauces called "Bounty & Full" and authored a cookbook, My Life on a Plate (2015).

Legacy and Influence:

Kelis has had a profound impact on the music industry, blending genres like R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. Her bold style and innovative approach have inspired artists across multiple genres. Songs like "Milkshake" remain cultural touchstones, and her influence extends to the culinary world, where she has carved out a unique space as a chef and food entrepreneur.

Recent Activities:

In recent years, Kelis has focused on her culinary ventures and family life while continuing to perform and record music. She released a reissue of Kaleidoscope in 2020 to celebrate its 20th anniversary and has teased the possibility of new music. Kelis has also been active on social media, sharing her cooking expertise and engaging with fans through live sessions and events.

Conclusion:

Kelis continues to defy expectations and reinvent herself, leaving a lasting legacy in both music and the culinary arts. Her dedication to creativity and authenticity has solidified her status as a multifaceted artist and cultural icon.