Kelis is arguably the most innovative female artist of the new millennium. Her fearless spirit is what has propelled the Harlem native into a planet of her own. When it comes to musical influence, fashion choices, and hairstyles, everything she has ever done was light years ahead of her time. It's safe to say that the blueprint she has left over the years has inspired many artists without a doubt. Although many won't admit to her unspoken impact, it's defintely there. 

With the help of super producers, The Neptunes, we were first introduced to Kelis Rogers in late 1999.

Sidenote:  (Weren't they so adorable?) 


 I wanted to take a moment to pay homage to the woman who is single handedly the reason why I wore big, curly hair for so many years. And what better way to do it than creating an ALBUM TIMELINE to showcase some of my favorite moments in Kelis history. 


KALEIDOSCOPE - 2000 


I remember the first time I saw her wild pink hair, and heard that raspy voice on MTV. She left me in awe. I'd never seen a girl so different looking. My mother was not trying to let me buy her album, because "caught out there" wasn't exactly teen friendly. She was like a forbidden fruit that I was going to somehow get my hands on! Oh, the joy when I did. Kaleidoscope was played enough to drive anyone out of their mind. 

Album faves: 
-Caught out there 
-Get along with you
- Mars 
-Suspended





WANDERLAND - 2001


Kelis was living in Europe at the time this project was released. We were able to get a closer view of her personal style. In an era where most of her counterparts were selling sex, she was just chilling with her chucks, graphic tees, and sometimes showing a bit of an edgy-feminine side. 



Album faves:
-young, fresh & new 
-Shooting stars
-Perfect day
-Fresh black


TASTY- 2003 


First off, how hot was it that she didn't bother to photoshop that passion mark?


When the album Tasty dropped I was speechless. Kelis has was known to switch her style up, but everything was different this time. Her curls were now a vibrant reddish-orange shade, and loosened up for a more playful look, and she was sexier than ever! 




The single Milkshake" was everywhere, and so was Kelis. The once lowkey artist was now even on the cover of men's magazines showing the goods that many waited a very long time to see. 


However, she never strays too far from her eclectic roots. "Millionaire" featuring Andre 3000 was one of the most infectious tracks on Tasty. The duo created an uptempo, funky jam that was an album standout. 


Other album highlights:
-Glow
-In public featuring Nas
-Sugar Honey Iced Tea
-Protect my heart 

And let's not forget her gold grill debut..



KELIS WAS HERE - 2006


What can I say about this era, other than the fact that it was EPIC. HUGE. STUPID! 

"I'm bossy...I'm the b*tch y'all love to hate!" 

This was another side of Kelis that we hadn't seen before. She was bold, and honestly a little arrogant. And I mean that in the best way possible. After you've been in the industry for so long, there's a certain confidence that comes along with that. If the respect isn't given, a real woman demands it. 

Album faves: 
-Bossy
-Living Proof
-Blindfold me
-F*ck them bitches


The most sought after haircut over the years was brought to life during this time...


Her entire being was flawless....




One of my favorite moments was when she walked in Heatherette's 2007 show.


Moving right along...

We all know she takes breaks between albums,  so let's take a peak at some of her "in between" looks...


RED & CLASSY...


BLONDIE...


Always a FASHION KILLER...







FLESHTONE-2010


In 2010 Kelis released her 4th studio album. This body of work was a dance inspired record with a European sound. 


A true artist doesn't remain complacent in one place just because it's working for them. That's the most admirable thing about her. Truly, this was actually an awesome album. Even when her sound goes against the grain, Kelis always delivers ear catching lyrics beyond what meets the eye. 

Album faves:
-Scream
-Acapella
-For the baby
-Brave


That same year, she also teamed up with RIVER ISLAND for their Graduate Collection. 







Fast forward to 2014...

After 14 years in the music industry, The bossy queen is back and better than ever. She has a brand new album titled, Food which is slated to be released late next month. 


The single "Jerk Ribs" has a fun-loving, old school feel. I'm loving it! 



At the age of 34, her personal style has evolved into something so beautiful, without losing the eccentric vibe that we've all grown to love over the years. 





Soft & Elegant...



There was so much more that I wanted to include, but I could never showcase all the greatness of this beauty in one blog posting. The immense gift of trendsetting that she has given the world is something that has deemed her as ICONIC. 

Her former musical partner Pharrell Williams has even gone on record with British Vogue in 2013 to say how Kelis helped to change his outlook on new attire. 





Need I say more? 


Some of your favorites owe her a check!


Make sure you tune into the Cooking Channel to catch Muva Kels whipping out her awesome speciality dishes. The show is called saucy and sweet, and it premiered on February 26th, 2014.


 I maybe biased in saying this, but is there really anything that this woman isn't good at? In the words of Lisa McDowell In Coming to America, "Nahhhhh!" 

Xo,

Keishy