Keri Lynn Hilson (born December 5, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter, actress and record producer. She was born and raised in
Decatur, Georgia, and spent most of her youth working with producer Anthony Dent, as a songwriter and
background vocalist for several
R&B and
hip hop artists. By the age of 14, Hilson had secured a record deal with the girl group D'Signe, who later disbanded. She attended
Oxford College of Emory University and
Emory University in
Atlanta, while she continued writing songs for artists, including
Britney Spears and
Mary J. Blige, with the production and songwriting team,
The Clutch. In 2006, Hilson signed with American rapper and producer
Timbaland's record label,
Mosley Music. Her breakthrough came the following year after appearing on Timbaland's single "
The Way I Are", which topped
charts around the world.