That Grape Juice Interviews Keri Hilson

Published: Monday 9th Sep 2013 by Rashad

With an array of chart hits under her belt, R&B star Keri Hilson is making a foray into film.

Much like her music, the singer-songwriter seems to have a knack for picking wisely. For, she follows her role in last year’s smash ‘Think Like A Man’ with a part in box-office smash ‘Riddick’. The high-octane Sci-Fi flick, which also stars Vin Diesel, opened at #1 upon release this past weekend.

That Grape Juice caught up with the Atlanta-bred beauty recently, chatting it up about her big-screen efforts, upcoming album, and much more. As ever, we ask the questions you really want answers to; ever frank, Miss Keri answered them all.

Our interview with Keri Hilson awaits below…


We’ve seen you on the big screen before, but what can we expect different from this venture?

Before, when I was in “Think Like a Man”, it was a character very much like myself. But, this one was a deviation from Keri in a lot of ways.

Is it fun having that release? It’s easy to be yourself, but how do you approach being someone else?

Yes, it was. It was like stepping outside of yourself and escaping my daily normal routine. Anytime I get a chance to be a student I really welcome the opportunity to grow and learn.

We hear the premiere was the first time you got to see the movie. What were your thoughts of yourself?

It [the scene] went by much quicker than we shot it (laughed). There were parts they decided to go without and it’s interesting to see how your days actually play out in a movie.

I loved all of the special effects. The world we were physically in [when we shot it] was nothing compared to the world they made it after CGI, green screens, and special effects. They really transformed and made it something much bigger than I expected.

Well, we saw the movie and can say you were looking very sexy even as you looked like you were running for your life (laughs)!

Ha! That wasn’t something I was expecting to hear (laughs). With bruises and blood on my face, I remember feeling so dirty. They put dirt on me, under my nails, and all kinds of things. I felt the furthest from sexy I could ever be.

Now, let’s talk music. What can we expect there?

Right now I’m in Virginia working with Timbaland and wrapping the album up. I’ve said before, I don’t rush anything. This one has to do things for me, especially that the other albums didn’t do.

I want to accomplish things with this one that I didn’t with the last.

What kinds of things?

Choosing the right singles, making sure it’s a seamless sonic effort, definitive sound, and lane-setting. These are things I need to accomplish.

We hear there’s a Kanye West collaboration. Who else should we expect?

Doing interviews makes me really understand how many ways people can take a sentence or a phrase. The question was, “have you worked with Kanye West lately”? The answer was “yes”. But, it was assumed he was on my album or I was on his. We actually worked for another artist on his label.

Hilson (cont):  Although, he’s been a part of my first two albums and I would love to have him on the third. I think we work well together. He’s a genius and I love him as a person. I welcome the idea.

So, who are you working with?

I want to see Timbaland do for Keri that he does for others. A “big record”. The last time you really saw a successful record between the two of us was “The Way I Are”.

That’s what I’m looking to accomplish with this record.

Your “take no sh*t” personality is awesome because you push people to make sure they give you the best.

Yes, this is a business. I feel in a lot of ways I’ve been failed. I put in my all. Yes, I can do more. I’m not placing blame at all, however, I need everyone to give me the same amount of effort that I’m going to give.

I’m appreciative of people, but how loyal are you supposed to before you get what you’re needing or “too much of a compromise”. I refuse to be loyal to my own demise. I am pushing them [Timbaland and Polow Da Don] to give me their best.

So, have you heard the album’s first single? Do you have it yet?

We think we do, but I’ve been gone so long I don’t think it would be wise to rush now.

What’s the feel of it sonically?

I don’t want to label anything because I would hate for us to deviate from that. At this phase, I will not put a label on what people will here. But, I do think my fans will pleased.

Well, we at That Grape Juice are definitely fans of both albums. Highlights for us were your visit to our very own ‘The Splash’ to perform songs you’d never performed before.

Yes! I was a little nervous because I’d never performed songs like “All The Boys”. I really wish it was a single. That’s one of my professional regrets…not fighting for that song over others.

Cool. Now, going back to Timbaland, we’ve also heard of your involvement with his new album. Can you tell us about that?

I’ve heard the music and it’s dope. He and Jay-Z have a record and I’m on it.

Any truth to the “apology” song that’s been causing commotion?

That track really got misrepresented though. Whoever filmed that video cut him off and faded the video off to make it seem like it was the end of the sentence.

Maybe his intention was to clear up what he previously said. I’m not sure if that record will even make the album.

Last, but not least, with ‘Think Like A Man’ and ‘Riddick now under your belt, can we expect any more acting from you in the near future?

Yes, we can expect it in my future but not the near future. I’m so engulfed in music at the moment and did ‘Riddick’ while on break from it.

Interview by:  Patrick B. (@PatricklySpeakn)

Transcription:  Rashad Taylor (@blueeyedsoul517)

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Click here to visit Riddick’s Official Website

Your thoughts?

 

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  1. LoveU September 9, 2013

    Meet and Date wealthy people, Just @@@@@ RichFishes.org. Our members include CEOs, pro athletes, doctors, lawyers, investors, entrepreneurs, beauty queens, fitness models and Hollywood celebrities, just to name a few.2,000,471 Attractive Singles Now!

  2. cake like lady gaga September 9, 2013

    When will TGJ interview S*** Del Ray?

    NEVER!!!! Because the alcoholic s*** is a non factor, no one knows her.

    @HOsie and the rest of his gay loose-p**** brigade will just have to deal

    • beyawnce September 9, 2013

      B**** shut up , Lana doesnt have to resort to desperate measures to sell.

  3. Beyawnce September 9, 2013

    I like Keri but the amounts of hate she gets is ridiculous

  4. Beyawnce September 9, 2013

    I want to hear this new album , hope it is good.

  5. ABC September 9, 2013

    I want Keri to win. She is actually talented. Her debut album slays most of these other R&B chicks debut, sophomore, third and tenth albums.

    • yooooooooo (keristan) September 9, 2013

      i completely agree!!!!!!!! ‘in a Perfect World’ is truly great R&B album, I hope the second sounds more like that, as well as songs like ‘breaking point’ and ‘all the boys’ She’s got amazing vocals to match her songwriting skills as well

  6. yooooooooo (keristan) September 9, 2013

    IM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITD FOR THAT THIRD ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need it right now hahhaha but its good that keri is being patient. I really hope keri has none of the ratchet club banger nonsense that has taken over some R&B alubms lately, and I know she isn’t gonna do the pointless dance-pop crap lol. She gotta give me those soothing mid-tempos, and down-tempos like ”make love’, ‘slow dance’,’where did he go’, ‘breaking point’, ‘tell him the truth’ and ‘all the boys’. She’s just gotta be truthful and soulful and I know it will be amazing 🙂 especially with her brilliant songwriting skills. Plus her vocals are really beautiful, especially her head voice. I cant wait for the quality R&B music!!!

  7. pat September 9, 2013

    she always has nice singles, solid albums, and I love the tone of her voice…im here for it

  8. Bey Fan September 9, 2013

    Love the hair. Her smile is gorgeous. Not sure whats goin on with those feet tho?

    Please don’t bombarded her with Beyonce questions.

    No Boys Allowed had some pretty dope tracks…but I absolutely hated the track with Nelly. Ughh.

  9. Bey Fan September 9, 2013

    MY BAD…. didn’t read the post… yall already did the interview… #ReadingISFundamental

  10. bena September 9, 2013

    make love shoulda been her third single from her debut and all the boys shoulda been the first single from her sophomore

  11. channel_ROMAN September 9, 2013

    I LOVED No Boys Allowed … *Plays Beautiful Mistake*

  12. IKNOWTHETRUTH September 9, 2013

    I’m glad she’s playing no games this go ’round. She clearly knows that there have been mistakes in the past as far as singles go. She should have released certain singles from her first two albums that she didn’t. “Alienated” from the first and “Toy Soldier” from the second. That’s just to name a few. I’m glad she’s taking her time and not rushing. She’s a great writer and can sing and dance. She’s also gorgeous. She could be lanes above many others. She’s written for all of them. I don’t want to see her end up like Mya, Christina Milian, or Amerie, and just end up a pretty face.

    • yooooooooo (keristan) September 10, 2013

      I agree,plus she’s soooooooooooooo much more talented to end up like those girls. and yeeeeeeess!! ‘toy soldier’ should have been a single, or maybe ‘beautiful mistake’.

      • yooooooooo (keristan) September 10, 2013

        or ‘all the boys’, that song is truly FLAWLESSS

  13. it’s Carry- BAY BAY September 9, 2013

    saw this b**** in “Riddick” last night and laughed… her ass lasted longer in the movie than any of her singles lasted on the charts. BAHAHAHA #cameo #killed #deadinunderamin

    • yooooooooo (keristan) September 10, 2013

      why are you so pressed about her success when her net worth is 25 million dollars? smdh she makes goood, real honest music, so why should we judge her success

  14. bitchplease September 9, 2013

    brave thing to do considering that TGJ works for King Bey!

  15. sterling infinity #SayHey2LOVE September 9, 2013

    She looks hot and she knows it!

  16. HIVE September 9, 2013

    take brandys braids out, and bow. NOW~!!!!!!!!

  17. HOWYOULIKEIT September 9, 2013

    I used to love her. But aint no way in the world a h** can diss the Queen. B**** deserves her floppage

    • yooooooooo (keristan) September 10, 2013

      Your logic is stupid. Support someone if they make good music, if you don’t like keri’s music then all good but why you visiting her interviews? lol

  18. TeeKay September 9, 2013

    Keri: “hey you guys.. its me keri hilson… see… its me..”
    Everyone else: “who?! i dont know her”
    #noshade
    you are attractive AND talented, keri. [rare these days] i want better for her.. rooting for ms hilson

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