Keri Hilson on “Pretty Girl Rock”, Britney Spears, Her R&B Return, and Ghost-Singing “Ice Box”

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We’re back this week with the Pretty Girl herslelf, the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress, Keri Hilson. Hosts Chuck Harmony and Claude Kelly of the genre-defining band, Louis York, sit down with the icon for an intimate, deeply reflective conversation that spans her legendary 20+ year journey in the music industry. From her early days as a teenage prodigy and powerhouse weapon of the elite writing collective The Clutch, to shaping global hits for artists like Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Usher, Hilson peels back the layers on the intense pressure cooker of being a dominant force behind the scenes before stepping directly into the solo spotlight with massive anthems like “Pretty Girl Rock” and “Knock You Down.”

Nothing is left off the table as Hilson opens up about the devastating heartbreak and depression that followed her meteoric rise, detailing a period of profound “radio silence” where she felt deeply betrayed by her own dreams. She shares her raw, inspiring journey of clawing her way back to the light through spiritual retreats, journaling, and a relentless fight to reclaim her creative hunger. The trio explores her triumphant return with her visually stunning trilogy project (We Need to Talk Love, We Need to Talk Drama, We Need to Talk Redemption), a truthful “me versus me” body of work that re-establishes her voice on her own terms.

With incredible behind-the-scenes revelations including how she and Ezekiel Lewis secretly catfished the world on Omarion’s “Ice Box” vocals along with sharp, unfiltered critiques on the current state of music industry sonics and cancel culture, this episode is a masterclass in resilience and artistic integrity. Ultimately, Hilson’s story is one of reclaiming her crown, finding profound gratitude in her design, and extending the same grace to herself that she has given to the world. Pull up a chair for a backstage pass to a beautiful, full-circle moment of healing and ultimate redemption.

We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture.

Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! 

Director: John Dierre 

Camera Op: Josh Sowemimo, James Hart, John Dierre 

Editor/Gaffer: Tony Cole

Producer: Aaron Walton, Lamont Baldwin

Show Producer/Sound Mixer: Michael “Roux” Johnson 

Remixer: Anthony Falcone

Assistant: Brittany Guydon 

Talent Producer: Isaac Hamm III 

Photography: Ah’meer Holt 

PA: Kaye Brasley

Thank you to all of our listeners and watchers!

Special thanks to Keri Hilson!

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