KELIS

Kelis Rogers, born August 21, 1979, is an American singer-songwriter and chef. She attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York, where she played saxophone and was part of the Girls Choir of Harlem. After graduation, she worked as a backing vocalist for the hip hop group Gravediggaz. She collaborated with producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, known as the Neptunes, which led to her signing with Virgin Records in 1998. In 1999, she appeared on Ol' Dirty Bastard's single 'Got Your Money,' produced by the Neptunes, which was her first Billboard Hot 100 entry. Her debut album, 'Kaleidoscope,' released in 1999, drew inspiration from jazz and disco music of the 1970s. Although it received critical praise, the album experienced limited commercial success in the United States but achieved moderate success internationally. The album's lead single, 'Caught Out There,' became her first Billboard Hot 100 charting song as a lead artist. 'Kaleidoscope' peaked at number 43 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry. In addition to her music career, Kelis is also recognized as a chef.