This week’s From The Vault comes courtesy of an artist who hasn’t released new music in six years. ‘Turnin Me On’ by Keri Hilson is our latest selection.
After penning songs for your favorite artists and enjoying worldwide success with Timbaland thanks to monster hit ‘The Way I Are’ in 2007, the tide was oh so high for Hilson when time came to prove herself as a bonafide solo act.
Following two false starts (see: ‘Return The Favor’ and ‘Energy’), she finally struck gold with edgy cut ‘Turnin Me On.’ If ‘Energy’ saw the beauty keeping it classily clean, ‘Turnin’ saw her play dangerously dirty.
Produced by Polow Da Don with additional production from Danja, the slice of gritty R&B featured Lil’ Wayne and finally garnered Keri her first solo hit after peaking at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Hot Hip-Hop/R&B.
Erik White was chosen to direct the track’s visual and came up with a simple yet effective performance video which showed Ms. Hilson serving attitude, sass and commendable choreography.
With cameos from Rich Boy, Polow and Leah Labelle, the clip drew comparisons to Aaliyah’s work as well as Destiny’s Child’s ‘Soldier’.
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It’s hard to believe that it’s already six years since Ms. Keri Baby was doing the ‘Pretty Girl Rock.’ A tad too long ago if you ask us. In order to keep the masses “turned on,” one shouldn’t step away from the spotlight for too long.
With a new project in the pipeline to be released this year, let’s hope Keri can remind the world – and by the world we mean her fanbase, radio and iTunes – why they chose to ride with her in the first place.