Kelis: Biography

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• Biography
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• Neneh Cherry
• Solange
• Brandy
• Faith Evans
• Monica
• Jazmine Sullivan
• Electrik Red

• TLC
• Betty Davis
• Funkadelic
• Raphael Saadiq
• Tina Turner
• Janet Jackson
• The Pointer Sisters

• Teyana Taylor
• Naira
• Clipse

• The Neptunes
• Loco Dice
• Pharrell Williams

• Pharrell Williams

Birth Name:

Kelis Rogers

Genres:

R&B and Soul Music, Contemporary R&B Music, Rap & Hip-Hop Music, Rock Music, Alternative Rock Music

Decades Active:

1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Low

Cultural Impact

Low

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

Harlem-bred hip-hop chanteuse Kelis is a strong woman. This singer/songwriter has the fire of Alanis Morissette, the sassiness of Queen Latifah, and a poise all her own. The daughter of a jazz musician and minister father, Kelis was encouraged to discover music by her mother. Whether it was singing with the Harlem Boys Choir, taking violin lessons, or worshipping the talents of her musician father, Kelis was practically destined to make music. She left home at 16 to pursue her own goals, and four years later Kelis had a deal with Virgin. In mid-1999, Kelis was beatboxing alongside rap troublemaker Ol' Dirty Bastard on his cut "Got Your Money" and her signature technicolor spiraled afro sparked critics' interests. Her brooding vocals blend sensible RB additives, and the hip-hop layers are funky. Kelis captured feminist desires on her debut Kaleidoscope, released in December 1999.

- MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide