Kelis

Kelis: biography

Kelis Rogers, known professionally as Kelis, is an American singer, songwriter, and chef. Kelis gained fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with her distinctive R&B and hip-hop sound, characterized by her powerful vocals and innovative production.

Childhood and youth

Kelis Rogers was born on August 21, 1979, in Harlem, New York City. She grew up in a household surrounded by music and diverse cultural influences. Her father, Kenneth Rogers, was an African-American jazz musician, and her mother, Eveliss Rogers, was of Chinese and Puerto Rican descent.

During her childhood, Kelis developed a passion for music and began singing at a young age. She attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where she honed her vocal skills and immersed herself in various musical genres.

Kelis's early experiences in New York City exposed her to the vibrant and multicultural music scene, which played a significant role in shaping her musical style. She drew inspiration from R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music, blending these influences into her unique sound.

In her youth, Kelis faced some challenges and hardships. She dealt with her parents' divorce and experienced financial struggles, which compelled her to seek independence and pursue her passion for music even more fervently.

Kelis's determination and talent eventually caught the attention of music industry executives. She signed a recording contract with Virgin Records and began working on her debut album, "Kaleidoscope," which was released in 1999.

Overall, Kelis's childhood and youth were marked by her exposure to diverse cultures, her love for music, and her resilience in overcoming obstacles. These experiences undoubtedly contributed to her artistic development and the success she achieved in her career.

Music career

Kelis's music career spans over two decades and has been characterized by her unique sound, genre-bending approach, and artistic experimentation. After signing with Virgin Records, she released her debut album, "Kaleidoscope," in 1999, which showcased her distinct blend of R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. The album received critical acclaim and featured hit singles like "Caught Out There" and "Good Stuff," establishing Kelis as an emerging force in the music industry.

In 2003, Kelis released her breakthrough album, "Tasty," which propelled her to mainstream success. The album's lead single, "Milkshake," became an international hit and a cultural phenomenon, solidifying Kelis's status as a pop icon. "Tasty" explored a wider range of musical styles, including funk, soul, and rock, and demonstrated Kelis's versatility as an artist.

Throughout her career, Kelis has continued to experiment with her sound, pushing artistic boundaries and defying genre conventions. She released albums like "Kelis Was Here" (2006), which delved into more introspective and personal themes, and "Flesh Tone" (2010), which embraced a more electronic and dance-oriented sound.

Kelis has collaborated with various artists, including André 3000, Pharrell Williams, and David Guetta, among others. Her collaborations often showcase her ability to seamlessly blend her distinctive style with different genres and musical visions.

Kelis's discography is marked by her willingness to take risks and explore new sonic territories. Her music combines infectious melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and innovative production techniques, making her a true pioneer in the industry.

Chef career

In addition to her successful music career, Kelis has also made a name for herself in the culinary world. Her passion for cooking led her to attend Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in 2008, where she further honed her skills and knowledge in the culinary arts.

After graduating from culinary school, Kelis embarked on a culinary journey, exploring different flavors, techniques, and cultural cuisines. In 2014, she launched her own line of sauces called "Feast," which showcased her love for bold and vibrant flavors. The sauces, inspired by her diverse background, included unique combinations like jerk barbecue and spicy ginger.

Kelis's culinary expertise also led to the creation of her cooking show, "Saucy & Sweet," which aired on the Cooking Channel in 2014. The show highlighted her culinary skills as she shared her favorite recipes, cooking techniques, and personal stories. Kelis's warm and engaging personality, coupled with her culinary creativity, made the show a hit among food enthusiasts.

In 2015, Kelis expanded her culinary ventures by releasing her cookbook titled "My Life on a Plate: Recipes from Around the World." The book featured a collection of her favorite recipes, influenced by her multicultural background and global travels. It showcased her ability to blend flavors from different cuisines and offered readers a glimpse into her culinary inspirations.

Kelis's chef career demonstrates her passion for food, flavors, and the culinary arts. Her unique perspective and willingness to experiment with flavors have allowed her to carve out a distinctive place in the culinary world, earning her recognition as a talented chef alongside her success as a musician.

Personal life

Kelis has had an eventful personal life over the years. In 2005, she married rapper Nas, and the couple welcomed their son, Knight, in 2009. However, their marriage faced challenges, and they went through a highly publicized divorce in 2010. The divorce proceedings were accompanied by custody battles and financial disputes.

Following her divorce from Nas, Kelis found love again and married real estate agent Mike Mora in 2014. They welcomed their first child together, a son named Shepherd, in 2015. Kelis has been relatively private about her personal life since then, focusing on her music and culinary endeavors.

In 2018, Kelis made headlines when she revealed in an interview that she had experienced domestic violence during her marriage to Nas. She opened up about the abusive relationship, shedding light on the importance of speaking out against domestic violence and advocating for survivors.

Kelis's personal life has not been without its challenges, but she has shown resilience and strength in overcoming adversity. She continues to be an influential figure in the music and culinary industries, using her platform to share her experiences and inspire others.

Discography

Here is a list of Kelis's discography, including her studio albums:

Studio Albums:

• "Kaleidoscope" (1999)
• "Wanderland" (2001)
• "Tasty" (2003)
• "Kelis Was Here" (2006)
• "Flesh Tone" (2010)
• "Food" (2014)
• "Kelis x Volcano" (2021)

These are some of Kelis's most well-known albums and singles that have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Her music often incorporates elements of R&B, hip-hop, electronic, and various other genres, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

Filmography

Kelis has made appearances in various films and television shows throughout her career. Here are some notable entries in her filmography:

• 2003: "Volcano High" - Song (voiceover) - MTV dub TV movie
• 2004: "Saturday Night Live" - Musical Guest (Herself) - "Drew Barrymore/Kelis" (Season 29, Episode 12)
• 2007: "Me and Mr. Jones" - Herself - Reality television/Executive producer
• 2010: "Freaknik: The Musical" - Tyra Banks (voice) - TV movie
• 2011: "Duran Duran: Unstaged" - Herself - Direct-to-Video documentary
• 2011: "Top Chef Masters" - Quickfire Judge (Herself) - "Everything Old Is New Again" (Season 3, Episode 2)
• 2012: "Fashion Police" - Herself - Guest judge
• 2013: "Brazzaville Teen-Ager" - Herself - Short film
• 2014: "Saucy & Sweet" - Herself - Cooking special
• 2014: "Hell's Kitchen" - Herself - "12 Chef's Compete" (Season 13, Episode 7)
• 2014: "Holiday Feast with Kelis" - Herself - Cooking special
• 2017: "Pitch Battle" - Herself - Judge
• 2020: "The Masked Singer" - Herself / Daisy - Contestant, UK version
• 2020: "Cooked with Cannabis" - Herself - Host/Judge
• 2021: "Selena + Chef" - Herself

Awards

Kelis has received several awards and nominations throughout her career. Here are some notable accolades she has garnered:

1. Grammy Awards:

• Nominated for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for "Milkshake" in 2004.
• Nominated for Best Short Form Music Video for "Bossy" in 2007.

2. BRIT Awards:

• Nominated for International Breakthrough Act in 2001.

3. NME Awards:

• Nominated for Best R&B/Soul Act in 2004.

4. MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin):

• Nominated for Best Newcomer in 1999.
• Nominated for Best Video for "Caught Out There" in 1999.

5. MTV Video Music Awards:

• Nominated for Best Dance Video for "Milkshake" in 2004.
• Nominated for Best R&B Video for "Trick Me" in 2004.

6. Q Awards:

• Nominated for Best Single for "Trick Me" in 2004.

7. BET Awards:

• Nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist in 2004.

8. Soul Train Music Awards:

• Nominated for Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist for "Kaleidoscope" in 1999.

These are just a selection of the awards and nominations Kelis has received throughout her career. Her innovative music and unique style have garnered recognition from various industry organizations and audiences alike, solidifying her status as a respected and influential artist.