Keri Hilson is officially back on her musical grind and setting the record straight. With her highly anticipated album We Need to Talk dropping April 18, the R&B singer-songwriter hit Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club for a revealing conversation about her long hiatus, personal battles, and clearing the air on one of the most controversial chapters of her career.
Sitting down with Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Loren LoRosa, Hilson opened up about the weight of stepping away from the spotlight for nearly 15 years. She admitted to falling into a deep depression during her time away, sharing that her return is about more than just music; it’s about reclaiming her peace and power.
Hilson is currently riding the wave of her new single, Bae, which has been picking up on streaming platforms and warming up fans for the album’s release. While her fresh, new sound is gaining attention, it was her candid reflections that stole the spotlight during the interview.
Of course, no conversation about Hilson’s career could dodge “that” topic: the infamous Turnin’ Me On remix from 2011, which many believed was a subliminal shot at Beyoncé. Keri finally set the record straight in full detail.
“That’s a regret,” she confessed, “but not in the way people think. That’s a song I actually didn’t write. Those are not my words.”
Hilson explained that she was on tour with Lil Wayne at the time, and her producer, Polow Da Don, was pushing hard for a remix. Polow had a writer from their camp draft lyrics for the remix while Hilson was still on the road.
“I thought I was coming in to write my own verse,” she said, “but he played it for me and I was like, ‘I’m not saying that.’ That was my position. I’m an athlete, I’m competitive, but I’m not nasty. I’m a finesse player.”
The situation escalated from there. Hilson described the environment as “forceful” and revealed a chilling industry threat: her album would be shelved if she didn’t record the track.
“They were involving other artists, threatening my career,” Hilson admitted. “My album wasn’t out yet. I was told it’s not coming out if you don’t do this.”
Now, as Hilson peels back the layers of what really happened, others involved are stepping forward, too. Esteemed singer-songwriter Ester Dean, who has penned hits for countless artists, confirmed her part in the controversy. In a heartfelt post on social media, Dean revealed:
“I submitted a lot of verses for that remix; one got picked, and it was co-written with Keri. Looking back, it was childish and didn’t age well. I see how it hurt people, especially women, and I take full accountability.”
She continued with an open apology: “I’ve worked with and supported many women since, but that doesn’t erase the moment. I’m sorry for my part in it. Growth is real, and so is this apology.”
Dean’s admission adds even more clarity to the behind-the-scenes pressure Hilson faced during that era, and her public ownership reflects the healing energy both women are bringing into 2025.
The tension around the remix and its aftermath weighed heavily on Hilson, contributing to her lengthy break from the spotlight. But now, Hilson is back with a renewed spirit and a project she’s proud to share.
“We Need To Talk is kind of a double entendre,” Hilson tells Rated R&B. “When you hear the second and third parts of the album, one side of the entendre will be clear. The first installment that you get on April 18 will also be clear. The other side of the double entendre will also be clear when you’re hearing the project down. But for me, it’s both sides. One side is me talking to my fans like, “Finally, we need to talk. I got plenty to tell you. Here we are. Here I am. And yes, I know you’ve been waiting and wanting to hear from me.” The other side is what will be revealed when you hear the second and third parts of the installment.
Fans can expect We Need to Talk to carry that same energy — honest, soulful, and entirely in her control.
Keri Hilson’s We Need To Talk Tracklist
1. Grateful – Intro
2. Naked
3. Searchin feat. Method Man
4. Somethin (Bout U)
5. Bae
6. Scream
7. Whatever
8. Weigh Me Down
9. Say That
