Kelis
Kelis Rogers (born August 21, 1980) was born in Harlem (New York). Her father Kenneth was a Jazz-musician and a pentecostal minister; her mother Eveliss was a fashion designer. "Kelis" is a combination of her black father's and Chinese/Puerto Rican mother's name.
The singer/songwritter sang as a child in church choirs and played violin, piano and saxophone while attending a private school. At age 13 she left home because her parents couldn't handle her anymore. She did still go to school, were she formed the R&B trio BLU (Black Ladies United). After graduation she formed a band with the Neptunes, and with their support a record deal was landed.
Her debut album "Kalediscope" was not an American success; however, the singles "Caught Out There", "Good Stuff" and "Get Along With You" charted in Europe. The album "Wanderland" was released two years later; it was exclusive to Europe and Asia.
Kelis, who had moved to Europe during her successful period there, returned to America where she met and fell in love with rapper Nas. She has since worked with a variety of musicians including Busta Rhymes, Foxy Brown, OutKast, P. Diddy and Enrique Iglesias.
Kelis found success in America in 2004 with her #1 song "Milkshake"; this helped to propel her album "Tasty" to the top of the charts.
Discography
- Kaleidoscope (1999)
- Wanderland (2001) Released in Europe and Asia only
- Tasty (2003)