Keri Hilson sits down with Rickey Smiley for an honest conversation about the highs, heartbreaks, and lessons behind her journey in music. She opens up about going from writing hits for some of the biggest names in the industry to becoming a star herself, the impact of “Pretty Girl Rock,” and why she ultimately stepped away from music at the height of her career.

Keri also gets personal about losing her father, navigating grief, and reaching a point where she felt “scorned” by the dream she once loved. Plus, she shares the unbelievable story of being scheduled to meet Michael Jackson the very day he passed away, the song she gave to Kehlani that she almost kept for herself, and what it took to finally rediscover her love for music.

Now, Keri Hilson is entering a new chapter with "We Need to Talk" and a renewed perspective on life, love, and the industry that shaped her.

CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro & Welcoming Keri Hilson
04:44 - Writing Hits for Britney Spears, Ludacris & Mary J. Blige
11:14 - Singing in Church & Early Roots
17:50 - Creating the Anthem "Pretty Girl Rock"
19:53 - Losing Her Father, Grief & The Healing Power of Therapy
24:22 - Lessons in Tenacity from Competitive Sports
29:21 - The $30,000 Late-Night Basketball Bet Story
37:15 - Navigating Industry Pressure & Feeling Like a "Human Robot"
40:37 - "If Music Can Heal, Music Can Harm": Art & Influence
43:32 - Stepping Away & Falling Back in Love with the Craft
48:04 - Advice for Rising Artists & Navigating the Business
55:07 - Island Living in the Bahamas & Finding Peace
1:04:18 - Lightning Round: Influences, André 3000 & Lauryn Hill
1:12:30 - The Story of Almost Meeting Michael Jackson & Outro