Quick may refer to:

Quick (automobile), an American automobile

Quick (1993 film), an 1993 American film

''Quick'' (2011 film), a 2011 South Korean film

''Quick'' (newspaper), a defunct weekly tabloid spin-off of ''The Dallas Morning News'' in Texas

Quick (restaurant chain) a French fast-food restaurant chain similar to McDonald's

Quick (sportswear), a Dutch manufacturer of sportswear

Quick clay, a unique form of highly sensitive marine clay

Quick kick, a kick in American football and Canadian football

''Quick & Flupke'', a comic book series by Hergé

USS ''Quick'' (DD-490), a US Navy ship during World War II

Quick, an informal name for the hyponychium, a sensitive region of skin at the junction between the fingertip and the free edge of the nail

Quizz for evaluation of Crew knowledge used on railway crew management in India for evaluation of crew knowledge

Quick (German magazine) published 1948–1992

Places[link]

Quick, British Columbia, a train station and hamlet 29 km south of Smithers, British Columbia

Quick, West Virginia, a small unincorporated community in Kanawha County, West Virginia

People[link]

Bob Quick (basketball) (born 1946), retired American National Basketball Association and American Basketball Association player. He was selected by the Baltimore Bullets with the 18th overall pick (2nd round) of the 1968 NBA Draft

Bob Quick (police officer), QPM is a former Assistant Commissioner (Specialist Operations) of London's Metropolitan Police Service responsible for counter terrorism within the United Kingdom

Diana Quick (born 1946), English actress

Eldon Quick (born 1937), American character actor, an alumnus of the American Shakespeare Festival

Glenys Quick (born 1957), New Zealand long-distance runner

Harry Quick (born 1941), Australian politician

Jim Quick (born 1943), Major League Baseball umpire

Johan Quick, who plays with the pseudonym "Toxjq", a professional gamer from Norrköping, Sweden

John Quick (disambiguation)

Johnny Quick, two distinct DC Comics characters

Jonathan Quick (born 1986), American professional ice hockey goaltender

Joseph Quick (Medal of Honor) (1877–1969), United States Navy coxswain awarded the Medal of Honor for rescuing a shipmate

Kevin Quick (born 1988), American ice hockey defenseman

Little Miss Quick, a Little Miss character

Mike Quick (born 1959), American Football player

Preston Quick (born 1978), American squash player

Rebecca Quick (born 1972), nicknamed Becky, an American television journalist/newscaster

Richard Quick (1943–2009), American swimming coach

Robert Hebert Quick (1831–1891), English educator and writer on education

Thomas Quick (born 1950), Swedish serial killer

Music[link]

''Quick'' (album), a 1994 independently released album by Far

The Quick (U.S. band), a rock band from Los Angeles

The Quick (UK band), a pop band from England

See also[link]

Quickening (disambiguation)

de:Quick fr:Quick nl:Quick ja:クイック ru:Куик sv:Kvick

name	The Weeknd
birth name	Abel Tesfaye
birth date	February 16, 1990
birth place	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
background	solo_singer
education	Birchmount Park C.I.
genre	Contemporary R&B;, post-dubstep, downtempo
instruments	Vocals, keyboards
years active	2010–present
label	XO
associated acts	Drake, Doc McKinney, Illangelo
website
current members	}}

Abel Tesfaye (born February 16, 1990), better known by his stage name The Weeknd, is an R&B; Canadian recording artist and record producer from Toronto ; he is of Ethiopian descent. He began recording songs under ''The Weeknd'' and uploading them to YouTube in late 2010, though the identity of the individual behind the project was initially unknown. In March 2011, The Weeknd released a nine-song free album, ''House of Balloons'' which was critically acclaimed. The title track is based on a sample of Siouxsie and the Banshees' hit single "Happy House. The first album is a part of a trilogy which includes ''Thursday'' released in August of the same year and ''Echoes of Silence'' issued in December. In June, ''House of Balloons'' was named as one of ten shortlisted nominees of 2011 Polaris Music Prize but eventually lost to Arcade Fire's ''The Suburbs''. On December 21, 2011 at 11:07 p.m. EST Tesfaye released his highly anticipated third mixtape ''Echoes of Silence''. The Weeknd's site crashed shortly after due to the large number of downloads. The Weeknd quickly provided a Hulkshare link to keep the album available while the official site was down.

Since hitting the scene, The Weeknd has received praise from a number of musical publications, including those of ''Pitchfork'', ''MTV'', ''BET'', ''Rolling Stone'', ''XXL'', ''The Source'' and ''2DopeBoyz'', who have all dubbed him the "Songbird of his Generation", as well as the "best musical talent since Michael Jackson" (John Norris, MTV).

History[link]

''House of Balloons''[link]

In late 2010, Abel Tesfaye uploaded three songs: "What You Need," "Loft Music," and "The Morning" to YouTube. A nine-track free album titled ''House of Balloons'' was digitally released on 21 March 2011 through the artist's official website. The title track is based on the sample of Siouxsie and the Banshees' 1980 hit single "Happy House" with Tesfaye covering the chorus. Tesfaye’s eclectic music also blends other samples ranging from Beach House to Aaliyah. Hip-hop artist Drake has been partly credited for generating public awareness for The Weeknd, after he quoted a line from the track "Wicked Games" via Twitter and linked to the singer's music on his website.

''House of Balloons'' was met with universal critical acclaim. ''Pitchfork'''s Joe Colly wrote that "all the thematic and sonic pieces fit together - these weird, morning-after tales of lust, hurt, and over-indulgence ... are matched by this incredibly lush, downcast music. It's hard to think of a record since probably The xx's debut ... that so fully embodies such a specific nocturnal quality." Frontier Psychiatrist's L.V. Lopez claimed the album was "brilliant, disturbing, and not safe for work," calling the song "Loft Music" a song that is "so unsafe it should come with a child-proof cap, so dirty that you’ll feel guilty the next time you see your wife." Tom Ewing of ''The Guardian'' said that although the singing and songwriting on ''House of Balloons'' "aren't especially strong by R&B; standards," the Weeknd is receiving "so much attention" as a result of its "command of mood." Sean Fennessey of ''The Village Voice'' called the album "impressive" and added, "It's patient, often gorgeous, and consistently louche ... with the sort of blown-out underbelly and echo-laden crooning that has already made Drake's less-than-a-year-old ''Thank Me Later'' such an influential guidepost." Maegan McGregor of ''Exclaim!'' also praised the album: "Packed full of sex, drugs and some downright killer production, this easily stands as one of the year's best debuts so far, hipster, Top 40 or otherwise." Sputnik Music's Tyler Fisher said that "despite being a free album, ''House of Balloons'' feels like a true album, a true labor of love."

In July, The Weeknd then went on tour and gave his first performance at the Mod Club on College Street in Toronto. The hour-and-a-half long performance created a lot of buzz about the young R&B; singer. Tesfaye’s next performance took place at Toronto’s Molson Canadian Amphitheatre. He collaborated with rapper Drake and appeared as one of the special guests to Drake’s 2nd Annual OVO Fest on July 31, 2011 That same month, the song "High for This" was featured in the promo for the final season of the HBO show ''Entourage''.

During the summer, the press noted that Tesfaye refused to give interviews and choose to only communicate via Twitter.

When ''House of Balloons'' was named #1 album of 2011 by ''Complex magazine'', it beat both Drake's Take Care and Watch the Throne by Jay-Z and Kanye West for the number 1 spot.

''Thursday'' [link]

''Thursday'' is the second mixtape released by The Weeknd . The mixtape was released shortly after ''House of Balloons'' on August 18, 2011. ''Thursday'' was released on XO's label along with his other two mixtapes. Although the mixtape was released for free on his website as a digital download, the feedback it received was enormously positive. ''Thursday'' was produced in Toronto, Ontario with the help of Doc McKinney and Illangelo.

''Echoes of Silence'' [link]

The Weeknd's third mixtape, entitled ''Echoes of Silence'', was released in December 21, 2011. ''Echoes of Silence'' has been described as his most lyrically powerful and emotional mixtape to date.

In April 2012, The Weeknd debuted his US tour by performing at the Coachella Festival. Tesfaye and his band will be only visiting the Union’s coasts, with a dozen of gigs in various major cities. They will be also performing in European major festivals, including the Primavera Sound Festivals in Spain and Portugal, and Wireless Festival in London.

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Title ! scope="col" style="width:20em;"| Album details |- ! scope="row" |''House of Balloons'' |

Released: March 21, 2011

Label: XO

Format: Digital download

|- ! scope="row" |''Thursday'' |

Released: August 18, 2011

Label: XO

Format: Digital download

|- ! scope="row" |''Echoes of Silence'' |

Released: December 21, 2011

Label: XO

Format: Digital download

|}

Guest Appearances and Production[link]

+ List of songs with guest appearances by The Weeknd

Take Care Take Care Take Care

		Song !! Album !! Year !! Artist
"Drugs In My Body (Remix)"	Play Music
"Crew Love"	|	2011	Drake (entertainer)>Drake
"The Ride"	|	2011	Drake
"Cameras / Good Ones Go Interlude"	|	2011	Drake

+ List of songs with production by The Weeknd

Born This Way: The Remix

		Song !! Album !! Year !! Artist
"Shake It Out (The Weeknd Remix)"	Ceremonials	2011
"Marry The Night (The Weeknd & Illangelo Remix)"	|	2011	Lady Gaga

Awards[link]

|- |rowspan="1"|2011 Polaris Music Prize |"House of Balloons" |Canadian Polaris Music Prize | |- |rowspan="2"|MTV O Music Awards |Wicked Games |Too Much Ass for TV | |- |Himself |Best Web-born Artist | |- |rowspan="1"|2012 mtvU Music Awards |Himself |Breaking Woodie | |- |rowspan="2"|2012 Sirius XM Indie Awards |Himself |Solo Artist of the Year | |- |Himself |Urban Artist/Group or Duo of the Year | |- |rowspan="1"|2011 Stereogum Awards |Himself |Top 10 New Acts of 2011 | |-

References[link]

External links[link]

Category:1990 births Category:Living people Category:Canadian male singers Category:Canadian rhythm and blues singers Category:Musicians from Toronto

da:The Weeknd es:The Weeknd fr:The Weeknd ru:The Weeknd

name	Ester Dean
background	solo_singer
birth name	Ester Renay Dean
born	April 15, 1986
birth place	Muskogee, Oklahoma, U.S.
instrument	Vocals
genre	R&B;, hip hop, pop
occupation	Singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, actress, voice actress
years active	2009–present
label	Roc Nation / Interscope
associated acts	Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, RichGirl, Shakira, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Ciara, Nicole Scherzinger, Usher, Kelly Rowland, Girlicious, Rihanna, R. Kelly, Britney Spears, Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, Pia Toscano, Tinie Tempah, Lil Wayne, Machine Gun Kelly
website	EsterDean.com }}

Ester Renay Dean (born April 15, 1986) is an American singer and songwriter, and record producer signed to Roc Nation. She is most notable for her dual appearance on ''Rio: Music From The Motion Picture'' (2011) and her 2009 US hit single "Drop It Low", which featured singer Chris Brown.

Dean has also written songs with many artists including Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Nicki Minaj, Kelly Clarkson, Ciara, Nicole Scherzinger, Usher, Kelly Rowland, Girlicious, Rihanna, R. Kelly, Britney Spears, Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, Pia Toscano, Tinie Tempah, Lil Wayne, Machine Gun Kelly and recently Shakira.

In 2012 Dean also lent her voice to Ice Age as one of the characters, as well to the film Pitch Perfect and the soundtrack.

Biography[link]

1986-2010: Early life and career beginnings[link]

Ester Dean was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma in 1986, but lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, then in her late teens, she moved to Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating from Omaha North High School, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, until relocating to Los Angeles, California. In an interview Dean spoke on her family life, "Yes, in the country!". She was influenced by her mother’s blues music and her church singing. "I used to sing into anything I could hear myself back on. That's what I'd do. Even if it was karaoke, I just wanted to be heard, you know? I believe my mom wanted me to be a star and an artist. I think it trickles down. Sometimes it takes them to want it for you to do it." When Dean relocated to Los Angeles, California, she became a successful songwriter, and was introduced to Polow da Don, and later signed to Zone 4 Records/Interscope Records. During her tenure, Dean has amassed a catalog of songs she has written or co-written for other artists, such as Britney Spears, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, Monica, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole, Kelly Rowland, Girlicious, Katy Perry, Trey Songz, Kelly Clarkson, Ciara, Usher, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Pia Toscano, Ginuwine, Teyana Taylor, Scotty McCreery, Beyoncé Knowles, and Mary J. Blige, among others.

Dean recorded and released her first single, "Drop It Low" which features singer Chris Brown, from the LeBron James documentary, ''More Than a Game'' (2009), which peaked at #38 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100, becoming her first US Top 40 single. The song received positive reviews, and the song was remixed by artists such as Lil Wayne, Trey Songz and Diddy. Dean has co-written songs featured on the ''Step Up 3D Original Motion Picture Soundtrack'' (2010) and ''Burlesque: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack'' (2010).

2011-Present: First studio album and Roc Nation[link]

Throughout 2011 Dean carried on song writing while working on her album, she co-wrote "Super Bass", for Nicki Minaj's debut album ''Pink Friday'' (2010). has gone on to achieve the position of number three on the Hot 100. The song's title is included as part of the title of a UK Deluxe edition of the album, ''Pink Friday (Super Bass Edition)''. Dean has a dual appearance on ''Rio: Music From The Motion Picture'' (2011) with "Let Me Take You To Rio" and "Take You To Rio". Dean is featured on the song "Invincible", the second single by American rapper Machine Gun Kelly's debut album. The song has been used in a HTC ReZound ad and also served as one of several theme songs for WrestleMania XXVIII.

Talking on her debut album Ester said "I did not want to be an artist because I was afraid" Dean confesses, "I had tried that before but I learned I had to lose when I weighed only , it poisoned me, however Polow wanted to embrace everything about me and welcomed me to his family just like me ". Dean is working on her debut studio album set to be released in early 2012. Ester told billboard "We're working on picking songs right now," Ester tells The Juice. Ester is shooting for a sound that suits her unique voice, which she calls "hard" and "raspy." In January 2012 Dean took to twitter to announce that she has signed to Roc Nation “I’m so Grateful 4 my Team Past and Present! Bringing in the New Year with my new Team @RocNation 2012,” She has worked with Stargate on six of the album's tracks. Gimme Money featuring Nicki Minaj was released online in February 2012 through Dean's official Twitter. Dean tweeted “If you guys Love Gimmie Money ft Nicki Minaj as my Single let’s get it Trending #GimmieMoney”. Dean has also picked 10 tracks that will be featured on her debut album.

Dean made an appearance in ''Ice Age: Continental Drift''. "I'm just excited," Dean says of playing her character, the Sloth Siren. "On August 23, I go put my voice down. And my character gets to sing." Ester is one of many musicians in the ''Ice Age: Continental Drift'' cast. Drake, Nicki Minaj, Queen Latifah and Jennifer Lopez are lending their voices to the film.

For her album, Dean has been reported to be working with rapper Nicki Minaj and Roc Nation signed Alexis Jordan.

Discography[link]

Singles[link]

+ List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name	scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:16em;"	Title	Year	Peak chart positions			! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:12em;"	Album
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"	! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"	! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"
""[[Gimme Money">Drop It Low (Ester Dean song)	2009	38	33	32
scope="row">"[[Gimme Money" (featuring Nicki Minaj)	2012	—	—	—		TBA

Guest Vocals[link]

Year	Title	Album	Artist
		align="center"
		align="center"	align="center"
		align="center"	align="center"
		align="center"
			align="center"

Filmography[link]

! Year	! Film	! Role	! Notes
2011		Boy in gondola
	''Ice Age: Continental Drift''	Sloth Siren
''Pitch Perfect''	Cynthia Rose

References[link]

External links[link]

Official website

Category:1986 births Category:Living people E Category:American female singers Category:American pop singers Category:American rhythm and blues singers Category:Hip hop singers Category:American record producers Category:American dance musicians

ar:إستر دين de:Ester Dean fr:Ester Dean it:Ester Dean hu:Ester Dean pl:Ester Dean pt:Ester Dean

name	Keri Hilson
background	solo_singer
birth name	Keri Lynn Hilson
birth date	December 05, 1982
genre	R&B;, pop
occupation	Singer, songwriter, dancer, actress
years active	2001–present
label	Zone 4, Mosley Music, Interscope
associated acts	The Clutch, Polow da Don, Timbaland, Chris Brown, Akon, Kanye West
website	}}

Keri Lynn Hilson (born December 5, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She was born and raised in Decatur, Georgia, and spent most of her youth working with producer Anthony Dent, as a songwriter and background vocalist for several R&B; and hip hop artists. By the age of 14, Hilson had secured a record deal with the girl group D'Signe, who later disbanded. She attended Emory University in Atlanta, while she continued writing songs for artists, including Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige, with the production and songwriting team, The Clutch. In 2006, Hilson signed with American rapper and producer Timbaland's record label, Mosley Music. Her breakthrough came the following year after appearing on Timbaland's single, "The Way I Are", which topped charts around the world.

Hilson's debut studio album, ''In a Perfect World...'', was released in 2009, and debuted at number four on the US ''Billboard'' 200 chart, eventually being certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album spawned the hit singles, "Knock You Down", "Turnin Me On" and "I Like". It also earned Hilson two Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Knock You Down". Her second studio album, ''No Boys Allowed'', was released in 2010 and was considerably less successful than its predecessor; however, it included the hit single, "Pretty Girl Rock". Hilson's achievements include a BET Award, MOBO Award, NAACP Image Award and two Soul Train Music Awards. Apart from her work in music, she has pursued a career in acting. Hilson made her acting debut in the romantic comedy film, ''Think Like a Man'', in 2012.

Biography [link]

1982–2007: Early life and career beginnings [link]

Keri Lynn Hilson was born on December 5, 1982 in Decatur, Georgia. She was raised in an African-American neighborhood and came from a middle class family. Hilson and her siblings did not attend a school within the neighborhood because her parents cared a lot for their education, stating that "they shipped us off for an hour to get to school every day. It was just that important for us to maintain the life that they had created". From the age of 12, Hilson wanted to pursue a musical career, after watching television talent shows, ''Star Search'' and ''Showtime at the Apollo''. Her mother then hired a piano teacher to give her piano lessons; however, Hilson wanted to become a singer and therefore "converted those sessions into vocal lessons, accompanying the teacher on piano". By the age of 14, Hilson had secured a record deal with the girl group D'Signe, who later disbanded.

Hilson spent most of her teenage years working with producer Anthony Dent, as a songwriter and background vocalist for the likes of Usher, Ludacris, Kelly Rowland, Ciara and Polow da Don. After graduating from high school, Hilson attended Emory University in Atlanta for three years and studied a course in theater. She continued working as a songwriter and background vocalist during her schooling years. Hilson eventually stopped working with Dent, and began working more with Polow da Don. She also became a member of the songwriting and production team, The Clutch. Together, they wrote Mary J. Blige's "Take Me as I Am" (2006), Omarion's "Ice Box" (2006), Ciara's "Like a Boy" (2006), The Pussycat Dolls' "Wait a Minute" (2007) and Britney Spears' "Gimme More" (2007). In 2006, Polow introduced Hilson to American rapper and producer Timbaland, who then signed her to his record label, Mosley Music Group. In November 2006, Hilson was featured on American rapper Lloyd Banks' single, "Help", for his album ''Rotten Apple'' (2006).

The following year, Hilson was featured on three singles; in June, on Timbaland's song "The Way I Are", the second single from his album ''Shock Value'' (2007); on Rich Boy's "Good Things" with Polow da Don; and thereafter, in December, on Timbaland's song "Scream" with Nicole Scherzinger, the fifth single from ''Shock Value''. Out of the three singles, "The Way I Are" achieved the most success, topping nine charts around the world.

2008–09: ''In a Perfect World...'' [link]

In 2008, Hilson appeared in the music videos for Usher's single, "Love in This Club", and Ne-Yo's single, "Miss Independent". Her debut studio album, ''In a Perfect World...'', was released on March 24, 2009. The album contained pop-oriented R&B; songs. It was initially planned to be released the previous year; however, the album was delayed several times because Hilson wanted to make sure it came out to her liking, stating "I'm just a perfectionist. I have had many [release dates], but it's all for a good cause. The label wants to make sure the album has its proper release, and I'm thankful for that. Very grateful, even though fans look at it like it's a bad thing." In the US, ''In a Perfect World...'' debuted at number four on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart, and number one on the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first-week sales of 94,000 copies. By October 2009, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Its first single, "Energy", released in May 2008, peaked within the top eighty on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart. It reached the top fifty in the United Kingdom, and peaked the highest in New Zealand at number seven, and was certified gold in the country. Hilson also featured on three singles in 2008; in June, on rapper Nas' song "Hero"; in September, on Kardinal Offishall's "Numba 1 (Tide Is High)"; and thereafter, in October, on Chris Brown's song "Superhuman".

"Return the Favor", featuring Timbaland, served as the second international single from Hilson's ''In a Perfect World...'' album, while "Turnin Me On" featuring Lil Wayne, was released as the second US single. The latter achieved commercial success, reaching number 15 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, and number two on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart, eventually being certified platinum in the US. The next single, "Knock You Down" featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo, achieved more success, reaching number three on the Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs chart, eventually being certified two times platinum. The song also reached the top ten in Canada, Ireland, The Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. "Make Love", "Slow Dance", and "Change Me" featuring Akon, were released as the album's fourth, fifth and sixth US singles, respectively.

Hilson, along with Gym Class Heroes, Gorilla Zoe and T-Pain, were supporting acts on Lil Wayne's I Am Music Tour in North America. At the 2009 BET Awards, she was nominated in four categories, including Best New Artist, Best Female R&B; Artist, as well as Viewer's Choice and Best Collaboration for "Turnin Me On" with Lil Wayne. She eventually won the Best New Artist category. In 2009, Hilson was featured on five singles; "Number One" with R. Kelly, "She Don't Wanna" with Asher Roth, "Everything, Everyday, Everywhere" with Fabolous, "Medicine" with Plies, and on the remix of Sean Paul's song, "Hold My Hand". Hilson was nominated for Breakthrough Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B; Female Artist at the 2009 American Music Awards, but lost to Beyoncé Knowles. The re-released edition of ''In a Perfect World...'', in January 2010, included the single "I Like", which reached number one in Germany, Poland and Slovakia, and peaked within the top ten in Austria, Norway and Switzerland. At the 52nd Grammy Awards, Hilson was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Knock You Down" with Kanye West and Ne-Yo.

2010–present: ''No Boys Allowed'', acting debut and third studio album [link]

During the first half of 2010, Hilson guest featured on rapper Trina's single, "Million Dollar Girl", and on T.I.'s single, "Got Your Back". In April 2010, it was made known that she had replaced Jennifer Hudson as the new face of the cosmetics and personal care products company, Avon. "Breaking Point" was released as the first single from Hilson's second studio album, ''No Boys Allowed'', in September 2010; it only appeared on the US Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs Chart at number 44. On December 2, 2010, Hilson was among one of the many female artists who performed at the VH1 Divas Salute the Troops concert, where she sang "Turnin Me On", "Knock You Down", "Pretty Girl Rock", and a duet with American country music duo, Sugarland, on the Aretha Franklin song, "Think". ''No Boys Allowed'' was released on December 21, 2010. Described as a "girl power album", ''No Boys Allowed'' was primarily of the R&B; and pop genres. Despite the album's title, Hilson stated "it's not about excluding men. It's more about women understanding that there comes a time in your life when you want a man. A real man. A grown up. Not a boy. And that's not a bad thing." Speaking of the songs on the album, she explained "I write from a female perspective, but I'm also telling men what women are really thinking and feeling about them". In the US, ''No Boys Allowed'' debuted at number 11 on the ''Billboard'' 200, and number seven on the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first-week sales of 102,000 copies. Although it sold 8,000 copies more than her debut album, ''In a Perfect World...'', it failed to match that album's debut chart position of number four. As of February 2011, ''No Boys Allowed'' has sold 205,500 copies in the United States.

Hilson achieved success with the album's second single, "Pretty Girl Rock", which reached number 24 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number four on the Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs Chart, eventually being certified platinum. The single reached the top twenty in Germany and New Zealand, and top thirty in Austria and Slovakia. "One Night Stand" featuring Chris Brown, and "Lose Control (Let Me Down)" featuring Nelly, were released as the album's third and fourth singles, respectively. In 2011, she was featured on British rapper Chipmunk's single "In the Air", for his album ''Transition'' (2011). In April 2011, Hilson, along with many other R&B; and hip hop acts, traveled to Australia to be part of its biggest urban music festival, Supafest. At the 2011 BET Awards, Hilson was nominated for Best Female R&B; Artist and Video of the Year for "Pretty Girl Rock". In July 2011, she was a supporting act on the second leg of Lil Wayne's I Am Still Music Tour in North America, before embarking on her first headlining European tour in October.

During an interview with ''106 & Park'' on October 25, 2011, Hilson revealed that she has already begun recording her third studio album. She explained, "There's some people in the world that aren't gon' like this album coming from me. As I was experiencing the world, there were things that I was also experiencing on a personal front, and in my music it's coming out. There's a specific few people who ain't gon' like to listen to this album. Very emotional, I'll say that." She further explained in an interview with ''The Boombox'' that she's working on a new sound for the album, and described it as a mixture of her first two albums with some surprising elements thrown in. Hilson also said a release date has not been confirmed yet, saying "I just write about my experiences and keep the release dates far, far from me. When I feel that I have [good material] is when I will give it to the label. But I'm not quite there yet. I'm still working." Hilson made her acting debut in the romantic comedy film, ''Think Like a Man'', released on April 20, 2012. She will also star alongside Vin Diesel in the sci-fi action film, ''Riddick'' (2013), but it is unknown what role Hilson will play.

Musical style and influences [link]

Hilson's music is generally R&B; and pop. Her debut album, ''In a Perfect World...'', consists of a pop/R&B; style, with elements of electro music. Many of the album's themes deal with relationships, physical attraction and lovemaking. Hilson said, "lyrically it's a very vulnerable album. You know, I definitely didn't want to paint myself as perfect on this project. Instead, I wanted it to be something that was very relatable, especially to women". Her second album, ''No Boys Allowed'', displays a wide variety of styles, including pop, R&B;, hip hop, soul, acoustic, electronic and reggae. Hilson describes the album as "more self assured. It's a lot more aggressive". Kristin Macfarlane of ''The Daily Post'' noted that the album is "pure girl power and about being sexually confident, and confident as a woman; not putting up with crap relationships and getting your way". Hilson sings with "smooth vocals". Following the release of her debut album, Sophie Bruce of BBC Music expressed that, "there's no denying Hilson has a great voice, but it lacks the feisty edge of [Nicole] Scherzinger, [Mary J.] Blige or [Beyoncé] Knowles". Mark Nero of About.com commented, "Keri's voice, while strong, isn't particularly distinctive or memorable". Hilson has stated that her musical influences come from her father's side of the family. In addition, she cites Michael Jackson and Lauryn Hill as inspirations.

Philanthropy [link]

Besides her career in music, Hilson has also been involved with several charities. In January 2010, she teamed up with Akon on the charity single, "Oh Africa". All proceeds of the single benefited underprivileged African youth. The following month, Hilson joined the extended list of artists during the recording session of the single, "We Are the World 25 for Haiti", to benefit victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. On May 25, 2010, she performed at the Virginia Stand Up! A Call to Action benefit concert, organized by Chris Brown to help with continued relief efforts in Haiti. On October 21, 2010, Hilson attended Collins Academy High School in Chicago as part of the Get Schooled National Challenge and Tour, a "program aimed at increasing high school and college graduation rates and promoting the importance of education". A year later, she received a Get Schooled Award for her involvement with the program. In 2011, Hilson contributed in the fight against AIDS, by posing in retail-clothing company H&M;'s celebrity-driven collection for Fashion Against AIDS. 25% of all sales from the collection were donated to the Designers Against Aids charity.

In June 2011, Hilson became an ambassador for MTV Staying Alive, a foundation which raises awareness and prevention of HIV and AIDS. In September 2011, she lent her support to US First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign, which aims to combat childhood obesity. She made t-shirts for the campaign that read "Pretty Girls Sweat", and exercised with the young women at The Educational Alliance's Sirovich Senior Center in New York on September 24. During Hilson's visit in Africa in November 2011, she stopped by an orphanage to visit her young fans who had lost their families during the 2010–2011 Ivorian crisis. She gave each orphan a "care" package, which consisted of bookbags, t-shirts, sunglasses, notebooks and an electric keyboard. In April 2012, Hilson teamed up with DoSomething.org to encourage young people to join in the nationwide Epic Book Drive by bringing books to local people in need. In a press release, she stated: "Joining DoSomething.org's newest effort to provide for people in need with Epic Book Drive was the easiest decision ever!. I truly believe providing access to those who want to learn is the key to bettering lives around the country. And helping kids find healthy outlets, such as books, has always been a passion of mine. So my involvement here is a natural fit."

Discography [link]

''In a Perfect World...'' (2009)

''No Boys Allowed'' (2010)

Filmography [link]

''Riddick (film)

+Films	Year	! Title	! Role	! Notes
2012	''Think Like a Man''	Heather
2013	Riddick'' ||

Tours [link]

Headlining

European Tour (2011)

Supporting

I Am Music Tour (2009) (with Lil Wayne)

I Am Still Music Tour (2011) (with Lil Wayne)

Awards and nominations [link]

|- | style="text-align:center;"|2007 |"The Way I Are" (Timbaland featuring D.O.E. and Keri Hilson) |MTV Video Music Award for Monster Single of the Year | |- |rowspan="14" style="text-align:center;"|2009 |rowspan="4"|Herself |American Music Award for Favorite Female R&B;/Soul Artist | |- |American Music Award for Breakthrough Artist | |- |BET Award for Best New Artist | |- |BET Award for Best Female R&B; Artist | |- |rowspan="2"|"Turnin Me On" (with Lil Wayne) |BET Award for Viewer's Choice | |- |BET Award for Best Collaboration | |- |''In a Perfect World...'' |Urban Music Award for Best Album | |- |rowspan="4"|Herself |Urban Music Award for Best Female Act | |- |MOBO Award for Best International Act | |- |MOBO Award for Best R&B;/Soul Act | |- |Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist | |- |"Turnin Me On" (with Lil Wayne) |Soul Train Music Award for Song of the Year | |- |rowspan="3"|"Knock You Down" (with Kanye West and Ne-Yo) |Soul Train Music Award for Best Collaboration | |- |Soul Train Music Award for Record of the Year | |- |rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;"|2010 |Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration | |- |rowspan="2"|Herself |Grammy Award for Best New Artist | |- |NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist | |- |"Got Your Back" (T.I. featuring Keri Hilson) |Soul Train Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Song | |- |rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;"|2011 |"Pretty Girl Rock" |BET Award for Video of the Year | |- |rowspan="2"|Herself |BET Award for Best Female R&B; Artist | |- |Get Schooled Award | |- |"Pretty Girl Rock" |Soul Train Music Award for Best Dance Performance | |}

References[link]

External links[link]

Category:Keri Hilson Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:African American female singer-songwriters Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters Category:American dance musicians Category:Emory University alumni Category:Interscope Records artists Category:Musicians from Georgia (U.S. state) Category:People from Decatur, Georgia

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