Kelis may have recently blown out thirty candles, but her flame is far from lost. In 1999 when most of today’s pop stars were just pierce-less middle-schoolers, Kelis was grown and busy debuting her first album, Kaleidoscope. The cover featured a then 20-year-old Harlem hope, topless, body-painted, rocking a cheetos hued afro of curls. And though it took her four years to receive mainstream success (Hello Tasty), Kelis’ time wasn’t spent morphing from image A to B. The visionary claimed jezebel from jump and has maintained her bold mien through marriage (What up, Nasir!), divorce (Damn, Nasir!), and now motherhood. Even while approaching a decade plus career span and exiting a three-year hiatus, Kelis is far from extinguishable.
Now with a new Interscope deal under Will.I.Am Music Group and coming 5th album tentatively titled Flesh Tones, Kelis is back for her avant-garde crown. We caught a few minutes with the resilient divorcée and new mother as she spoke about frank New Yorkers, pregnancy pros, and stuntin’ on R&B’s young’ns. Don’t play with fire.
Honey: First off, congrats on your newborn! Did you have any doubts about recording so early again after having Knight?
Kelis: Actually, I never thought about it. Organically one thing just led to the other. I feel like your child should be a part of your life, not that your life should change because of your child. I never wanted to be that type of woman who couldn’t balance her family and work.
True, life is all about symmetry. I imagine motherhood has been good to you?
Yeah, honestly it’s awesome. I really, really love it.
What’s your favorite part?
Waking up at five in the morning and seeing that Knight’s awake and he’s got this bright, sunny, delicious face looking at me like, “Good morning mom.” It’s literally the greatest thing to wake up to and it tickles me every time. I adore him.
Aww! What about your outlook on life, has being a mother changed that at all?
It’s put a lot of things into perspective. I don’t think it’s changed who I am, but I think it just makes what’s important clear.
On your blog you mentioned walking down the street pregnant and hearing New Yorkers say so much to you. You recently went through your divorce with Nas and when a lot of celebrity couples separate, the public tends to take sides and be very verbal about who they do and don’t support…
I don’t give a shit about that. I don’t give a shit what anyone has to say about [my divorce].
Were you receiving both love and hate?
Yeah, I get both, but I don’t really care either way (laughs). At the end of the day it’s my life.
Indeed. I must ask, despite everything are you and Nas cool with each other?
(Laughs) We’re not talking about it.
Damn! Okay, respected. Going back to your site, the first thing that caught our attention was your hair. What inspired the silver and gold look?
Oh, I don’t know, I just feel like an animal. I kept thinking of a wolf or a husky and that’s what they look like.
Are you the type to wake up and say “I want to switch my hair up today” or is it premeditated?
Um, it’s a little bit of both.
Is this your favorite look?
Mmm, no, it’s just for right now. Every look I’ve had is my favorite look (laughs).
In regards to you, that seems to be the consensus for a lot of today’s female artists as well. How do you feel about all these half-shaved heads on chicks like Cassie and Rihanna?
Well I was definitely the first to do it. The only other person I would give credit before me is Pepa. Other than that, I expect them to copy me. What else are they supposed to do? They’re young. God bless them.
It gets interesting though because you’ve reached a point where you can actually see the artists of Generation Kelis, yet it’s not like you’ve retired.
Yeah. At the end of the day, everyone is just waiting for someone to do something new and if it’s generally me, then I’ll take that responsibility (laughs).
Who do you think did your look the best?
Oh, I don’t know. They’re all duplicates (laughs).
(Laughs) You’re like, “I did it the best, fuck that!”
I did though (laughs).
You got that! So we hear you’re a certified chef, it’s good to see an artist do more than just acting on the side. Has cooking always been your thing?
I just love food. I love the lifestyle of it and I love that every great event in one’s life is surrounded by food. Everywhere there’s love there’s food.
I imagine being a chef would come in handy during your pregnancy, but were you eating any crazy combos like PB and pickles?
(Laughs) Not at all. I just tend to eat everything, but not anything weird.
Was it easy for you to lose the baby weight?
I was scared to death actually, but there was no way I wasn’t losing that weight. Absolutely, no way!
Being a style icon did you feel limited with your wardrobe options while pregnant?
Oh, totally. I was completely limited. But finally you just surrender and say “You know what? I’m enormous and this is what it is.” I’m just so happy to be wearing normal clothes again.
Did you have a outfit while pregnant that you were proud of and would actually wear on the body you have now?
I think I pulled myself together pretty well. But I don’t know if I’d wear [those outfits] again. I just looked like a nice pregnant lady (laughs). Am I running to put that shit back on now? No!
You might’ve actually become a fashion icon for pregnant women.
(Laughs) Maybe. I mean [pregnancy] is not the most ideal physical situation, but it’s amazing when you can be both beautiful and pregnant. Because of the discomfort, I think a lot of women just give up. But I never gave up. My hair and nails were always done and I was always wearing something bright and shiny, made me feel better. I think that’s important.
So what’s Kelis’ style for 2010?
Honestly, I haven’t completely figured it out yet. Because I named my son Knight, I think I’ve been in a kind of Joan of Arc, World of Battles vibe. So everything has been lots of armor and metal for right now. But I have no idea where I’m going with it.
You’ve been in the business for over ten years now, where’s your mind at with creating a 5th album? Are you nervous or confident?
As far as music goes, if I’m not a little bit nervous, then I’m not doing what I should be doing. You gotta be nervous because it means your actually taking a chance and going towards something better. Nerves are important. Secondly, I feel fantastic. I just turned 30 and it’s been amazing. Being a woman in your 30s, things just start to make sense. You’re as sexy as you’ll ever be and you just feel really good. I love where I’m at in my life right now.
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GIRLTALK
“Shaunie O'Neal is no longer a basketball wife. Do you think she'll soon be on the prowl like Joumana?”
13 hours ago by Jamie
FIRST!!
This is my girl from day one! And first off, let me say this, Rihanna you know you totally bit Kelis’ style but we all know she did it better. Furthermore, big ups to Kelis for giving credit to Pepa who was her inspiration & this is not the first time she has credited her either. Not like Rihanna, acting all brand new like she invented that shit. Kelis is brand new always. Rihanna, you’re a late girl. You’re look is so Kelis Was Here 2006 lol! On another note, I’m so excited about the new album. Kelis looks great and seems very happy. I know she has something for all these asses with this next album, I just know it! The new single “Acapella” is going to be biggggg in the clubs honey. I’m so happy she is creating a dance album. I’m gonna throw on my Jimmy Choo’s and tear the floor up! Baby Knight is so gorgeous by the way. Kelis, keep chewing up these girls and spitting them out! No one does is like a HARLEM girl! That’s right, I said it. Drag these fake ass hollywood puppets! Oh, and please bring that bob back you rocked in OYSTER magazine. It was hot like lava.
-MyNailsStayDoneBitch!
HARLEM!!!!!!!
kelis i love u
Absolutely LOVE Kelis!! She keeps it real and her style is HER style. She doesn’t care what anyone thinks and she isn’t afraid to be herself and take risks. We ALL know that Kelis originated most of these girls’ style!
Like Kelis and the hits singles that she’s come out with. . . . I have to point out her contradiction. She claimed Rihanna and Cassie copied off of her, and that she was the FIRST to shave off one side of her head. But then she goes on to say that Pepa did it first. Make up your mind boo. There is nothing new under the sun, so everything Kelis does has been done before too. I just don’t like the catiness of this article. She seems a little too arrogant.
I do respect the fact that she’s keeping her divorce as private as possible. I concur that it is her life! So, the public should stay out of that aspect of her life.
All the best on her new album!
Kelis, has and does it all, and at the end of day it’s all about how she feels and her happiness, other peoples opinions are limited you could air it out but it will never be heard, I love her confidence and vibe…..
kelis is such a style icon, she knows who she is in her clothes, as opposed to her clothing tryin’ 2 catch up w/ her, if u get my drift…….luvvvvvv da fact that she knows she is a QUEEN in da fashion world, and sees where her style inspired a lot of young starlets today, but get dis kelis is no HATER….how freakin wonderful, yayyyyy :0)…..such a sunny/happy feeling 2 see young urban musician as herself not knock those who looked up 2 her style……if it weren’t for kelis where would rihanna, janelle monae, cassie, gals of dirty money and the amber roses of da world get a lil’ taste of style from….thanks kelis for making them step their game up…..
didn’t i hear this before when kelis claimed beyonce took her style (http://www.mediatakeout.com/2009/2081-kelis_blasts_beyonce_she_stole_my_style.html). why is it that any female singer who is gettin’ attention all of a sudden “took her [kelis] style”? come on kelis… focus on your career.
seriously speaking kelis can sing and she is talented. so instead of worrying about who took her style, she should focus on why her career isn’t where it should be.
KELIS OK WITH ME I LIKE HER AND HER SONGS YEAH SHES NOT SUPPOSE TO CARE WHAT PEOPLE SAY OR THINK ABOUT HER OR ANYTHING CONCERNING HER…
AS FOR NAS HE GOT WHAT HE ASKED FOR LOL.
AS FOR THE HAIR SHE DID NOT EVENT OR WAS THE 1ST TO ROCK IT.
BUT GOOD LUCK TO HER WITH THER ALBUM CANT WAIT TO SEE HER CRAZY PERFORMANCES AND MORE KNIGHT PICS.
DAMN KELIS AND RIH SHOULD GO AT IT IN 2010 SHYT WOULD BE CRAZY LOL.
F-K CAS-SIE SHE WACK AS SHYT LOL.
Kelis is a one hit wonder! Her milkshake is dried up!!!
Kelis was not the first person to ever shave her head, maybe the first BLACK woman to ever do that, (but I don’t even think she was the first black person to ever shave her head either), But she’s definately NOT the first person in the industry thats shave her head. There were PLENTY of other celebrities, before her, that has shaved their heads, before her. So, the celebrities/singers/artists of TODAY that shaved their heads may not necessarily be copying “Kelis”, b/c, like I said, She wasn’t the first person/woman to ever shave her head. And Kelis just seems like a rude bitch, and hater as well. I mean, she has alittle attitude about it, tryna be sarcastic towards Rihanna & Cassie (she’s basically hating on them) And Kelis honey.. I’m sorry but, NO, YOU DO NOT PULL THAT LOOK OFF (SHAVED HEAD) THE BEST. If anybody can pull that look off, It’s definately RIHANNA. Nobody really paid much attention, or went crazy about the shaved heads, mohawks, etc.. til Rihanna did it (atleast not black ppl). But white ppl were the first ones to do that, actually (the shaved heads, mohawks).
I hope Rihanna calls her out next time lol
Love her! She’s fab, crazy and naw curr!
I’m glad Kelis set the record set on how many people copied her hair style if you look back to her I’m Bossy video she was the first one to reinvent the shaved side hair do and people didn’t even credit her for genius! I love Kelis her music her style she’s truly unique and you can’t get any better than that!
Listen up ppl. F*uk RiRi F*ck Cassie. F*ck all of em b*tches that think they are fashionistas and style icons tryin to be Oh-So-Fly whilst looking Oh-So-Trying 2 Hard. This is my girl and she been so since day one. She is real, she is tru and she is doing it 4 herslf. F*ck wat u heard and wat people say. All these young’nz be tryna be phresh but NOOOOO ladies Kelis is older but she keepin it tight. LOOOOOVE and RESPECT.
Here’s the thing @ whoever up there… She credited Pepa in a correct manner.
In ‘Good Hair’ Pepa said herself that the asymmetrical/half-shaven style came about ACCIDENTALLY b/c her sister BURNED her scalp and hair w/ a relaxer, and that before shows Salt had to color in the bald spots w/ a eye liner pencil… There you have it.
Kelis pulled it off the best and she pulled it off in different colors too. RIhanna looked like a lesbian with the shave sides. Plus her head too damn big to be doing that anyways. SO Rihanna FAILED big time trying to be like Kelis.
i love u gurl i love u when u 1st came out and nobody heard of u im feelin ur style and singer gurl u need 2 cum bac !
Kelis, will you marry me?
Lol
Are you people nuts? First of all, Kelis did not rock the shaven head short cut better than Rihanna. If she did, then other people besides her would remember it. It’s funny how the more successful a BLACK woman gets, the more she is hated on. Rihanna killed 2009 with her fashion and her hair. When Kelis rocked a half shaven head, I did not see tons of women going to copy her style.
Rihanna updated the look, so give credit where credit is due. If you really want to know the truth, Salt N Pepa needs to be credited as the first ones to rock short do’s and shaven heads.
KELIS IS THE SHIT AND HAS BEEN THE ISH SINCE SHE EVER STEPPED FOOT IN THE GAME! TRUST. NO ONE/FEMALE IN R&B/HIPHOP/POP HAS EVER STAYED TRUE TO SELF LIKE KELIS. SHE CAME OUT IN 2000 WITH KALEDESCOPE AND BROUGHT A WHOLE NEW SOUNDS TO “OUR” MUSIC! SHE WAS DOING ISH THAT LADY GAGA,RIHANNA,BEYONCE DO IN THEIR VIDEO’S NOW. SHE BEEN DOING CRAZY HAIR STYLES, SHE BEEN ROCKING THE FLYEST CLOTHES, SHE BEEN GETTING HOT TATS…SHE IS A TRUE ARTIST. SHES’ ALWAYS BEEN IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN. SHE NEVER WAS A BIG HYPE BECAUSE I BELIEVE HER RECORD LABEL DIDN’T FULLY UNDERSTAND HER ARTISTICALLY AND THEREFORE COULD NOT PROPERLY PROMOTE/MARKET HER. SHE’S AHEAD OF HER TIME JUST LIKE AALIYAH (RIP) HAD SHE NOT PASSED HER AND KELIS WOULD BE CHART TOPPERS TRUST. SHE’S SO VERSATILE SHE CAN WORK WITH ANYONE FROM OL’DIRTY BASTARD, BUSTA, NAS, PHARELL, CEELO LO, TOO SHORT, ENRIQUE IGELSIAS, BJORK, RAPHAEL SADDIQ, ANDRE 3000,AND ANNIE LENNOX!!!! TO NAME A FEW! AND OH GOB BLESS CASSIE POOR THING REALLY AINT GOT NUTIN GOING FOR HER!LOL
i don’t know who to blame here, kelis or the interviewer for making her look so…unamusing. ok, you’re the *cough* 1st to doooo what? debbie deb sorta rapped and sang over tracks and grace jones, style-wise, took the andro-lOOk far beyond the pOOr girl’s sensibilities.
referring to kElis as a ’style-icon’ is a serious and i mean serious mistake. it’s as if, she styles herself. i can easily reference her influences both dead and working alongside, but may i leave with a link that only confirms the damages, punitive and a waste of time and innanet space::
kelis, get back to making the music that was released in the uk: it was innovative, you could still sang and lyrically was a snicker’s bar better than the stools that have come out of your mouth the last urmm…9 years.
http://celeb.wohoo.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/2008-grammy-awards-kelis-and-nas.jpg
please try not to laugh.
…and they’re like,
it’s better than yours,
DAMN right!,
it’s better than yours….
AHAHAHAHAHAAAAA don’t HATE
Kelis is dope and will always be!!!!
Grace Jones is a legend and will always be!