Harlem-bred hip-hop chanteuse Kelis is a strong woman. This singer/songwriter has the fire of Alanis Morissette, the sassiness of Queen Latifah, and a poise all her own. The daughter of a jazz musician and minister father, Kelis was encouraged to discover music by her mother. Whether it was singing with the Harlem Boys Choir, taking violin lessons, or worshipping the talents of her musician father, Kelis was practically destined to make music. She left home at 16 to pursue her own goals, and four years later Kelis had a deal with Virgin. In mid-1999, Kelis was beatboxing alongside rap troublemaker Ol' Dirty Bastard on his cut "Got Your Money" and her signature technicolor spiraled afro sparked critics' interests. Her brooding vocals blend sensible R&B additives, and the hip-hop layers are funky. Kelis captured feminist desires on her debut Kaleidoscope, released in December 1999. Two years later, Kelis teamed up with the Neptunes once again for Wanderland. The sophomore effort was only released in Europe due to political reworkings within Virgin, therefore impelling Kelis leave for Arista. Stateside fans were treated to Kelis' foxy hip-hop groove on Tasty. The album, which yielded the top 10 hit "Milkshake," appeared on the Neptunes' Star Trak imprint in late 2003. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
