Kelis "The Hits"

[blahblahblah]

Kelis is one of my favourite artists. Her music has always been so different and edgey. I used to think that it was all because of the Neptunes, but I'm starting to really embrace the Kelis Was Here album on which she was able to create the same kind of edgey sound without the help from the Neptunes, and instead used a s***load of other producers. I would say that the album is probably better than Tasty.

I was surprised to see this album at a record store a couple weeks ago. But then I read that she was recently dropped from her record label from poor sales of Kelis Was Here, I wasn't too surprised that they wanted to cash-in any last bit of her. The tracklisting on it is actually pretty good, and surprisingly includes tracks where she is not the lead singer. Although it was weird that "Blindfold Me" was not included and it sucks that there were no new tracks. Considering I already have her first three albums (including Wanderland which was never released in North America), I decided to pass on this one. However, it's about time for me to get my hands on Kelis Was Here.

1. Caught Out There
2. Milkshake
3. Got Your Money (Ol' Dirty Bastard featuring Kelis)
4. Trick Me
5. Lil Star (featuring Cee-Lo)
6. Get Along With You
7. Young, Fresh N' New
8. Truth or Dare (N*E*R*D featuring Kelis & Pusha T)
9. Bossy (featuring Too Short)
10. In Public (featuring Nas)
11. Millionaire (featuring André 3000)
12. Finest Dreams (Richard X featuring Kelis)
13. Suspended
14. Good Stuff (featuring Terrar)

[krazymack]

Yeah it was a shame that Kelis was dropped. She was like one of the few innovative acts in R&B. But the truth of the matter is that urban artists have to be formulaic with the hiphop 'street cred' to sell in the US. Her hubby Nas could have put some more pepper in her career. However, I believe she wanted to stay true to herself instead of being a sell out. Many of her singles fared better abroad than in the US, where unique styles in R&B is embraced. I'd really like to get this album, I'm a big fan of hers myself.

My favorite songs from her were "Trick Me" and "Get Along With You." These tracks were signature of the earthy and core neo soul vibe she emanated.

[a Nick O!]

I'd already forgotten about Kelis Was Here.

Never liked "Milkshake," "Caught Out There," or "Bossy." I like "Got Your Money" and "Truth or Dare," but that could have been just about anybody singing the hook.