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

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