During the height of her fame as an artist in the music industry, Keri Hilson revealed that she was battling depression. In an interview with PEOPLE, Hilson opened up about the struggles she faced that caused her lengthy hiatus. ‘I was also depressed at the new height of my career with the success of “Pretty Girl Rock.” I was just not okay. I was not well, I needed a break. I hadn’t taken a break since I was 14 years old in my first girl group. When we disbanded, I went headfirst into songwriting at 17, got my first big check by 18. I joined another group and was also writing while in college,” Hilson said. “So I never had a break from 14 to, say, mid-20s. It was already a decade of just pure dedication, and I needed a break. Fame was a beast for me, and I fell into a really dark place,” she continued. ‘I needed to step away for a moment. I thought it’d be just a one-year moment, not a 14-year moment, but it turns out it was necessary. I really can’t regret it. I, as a human, needed that time.” She also spoke about how she almost quit the music business entirely. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @kerihilson “I just wasn’t sure of it anymore. The industry was changing. I love making the art, I love doing music, I love making music, I love performing music — but I didn’t love everything that came with it. I didn’t love the heavy criticism,” Hilson explained. ‘It’s just not like the old industry now, and that, to me, felt like a threat. It felt like you have to be so careful and so cautious in how you speak, what you say, where you go, what you do, how you’re perceived, things you say or [post online]. It felt like I was playing a game of, “How many ways can I be misunderstood?” Almost 15 years after the release of her last album, No Boys Allowed, Hilson is making her long-awaited return with a new nine-track project, We Need to Talk. While she’s excited to be back making music, she admitted that being away for so long has made her nervous. ‘I’m being completely honest, it feels a little scary. It feels like I’m starting over — I like that feeling. I feel ready. I feel excited,” she said. “I feel a lot of gratitude for the opportunity to still do it. I don’t take that for granted.”
SZA Stops By ‘Seasme Street’ To Hang With Elmo And The Gang
SZA recently took a trip down Sesame Street, where she got to hang out with Elmo and the rest of the show’s quirky characters. During the episode, which premiered on Apr.10, SZA helped Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Gabrielle learn about being patient and kind to yourself. SZA shared with Elmo and the gang how a gratitude jar can help one remember to be grateful for what they have even if they’re unhappy with their current circumstances. “A gratitude jar is a place where you can put words or pictures of things you’re grateful for,” SZA said. She added, “Well, sometimes when you feel sad or have other really big feelings, it can be easy to forget the things that we’re thankful for. So the jar helps us to remember.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) SZA Debuts Beauty Line Amid Kendrick Lamar Tour Buzz SZA is making her mark in the beauty world with the launch of her brand, Not Beauty, which makes its debut just in time for her upcoming Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar. Her first product release features a trio of lip gloss shades—ones she’s been quietly wearing for months, including during standout public moments like her appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show. Speaking with Vogue, she shared, “I’m not a beauty maven, but I know lips.” “I know what I like, and I’m diligent about finding the best quality ingredients. I wanted to fill a need with something that works for me and that I use daily. Following your passion and letting it lead you, and letting the story develop itself by following the throughline of risk, trust and willingness is literally what my entire life and career has been about.” Explaining the brand’s name, she said, “[It] was representative of a reminder of: Don’t try to be these other brands, don’t try to be anything. Don’t just make a random celebrity brand just because you can. My whole life is about being pressure-free but still trying your best, and that’s what Not is about.”
Rude Girl Radio’s Favorite Albums of 2024
2024 has been an unforgettable year for music, delivering projects that pushed boundaries, told compelling stories, and set the culture ablaze. Here’s a look at the albums that defined the year for Rude Girl Radio: 1. Kendrick Lamar – GNX Kendrick’s GNX is a cinematic and introspective masterpiece, blending his unmatched storytelling with themes of legacy and survival. A timeless project that reminds us why Kendrick is one of the greatest of all time. 2. Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia Tyler’s Chromakopia is a colorful and genre-defying journey through sound and emotion. With vibrant production and deeply personal themes, Tyler continues to break creative barriers. 3. Future and Metro Boomin – We Don’t Trust You Future and Metro Boomin’s “We Don’t Trust You” deserves special mention. This groundbreaking project not only showcased their signature synergy but also catalyzed the now-infamous Kendrick-Drake saga. The album set the stage with its raw commentary and introspective lyricism, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike. The tension between Kendrick and Drake escalated as lyrical jabs and social media commentary unfolded, drawing lines between fanbases and pushing the boundaries of modern rap discourse. This album’s influence goes beyond the music—it became a cultural touchpoint, highlighting the power dynamics and competitiveness that drive the hip-hop industry. Future and Metro Boomin, through this collaboration, inadvertently ignited one of the most talked-about rivalries in recent memory. 4. Don Toliver. – Hardstone Psycho Don Toliver’s “Hardstone Psycho” is an atmospheric and hypnotic journey that delves into the intricacies of human emotion and resilience. With a blend of his signature melodies and introspective lyrics, this album cements Toliver’s position as a genre-bending artist. 5. Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal is a fearless and unapologetically bold project. With themes of resilience, power, and individuality, Doechii showcases her dynamic artistry on every track. 6. Benny The Butcher – Everyone Can’t Go Benny delivers a reflective dive into loyalty, ambition, and the cost of success with Everyone Can’t Go. His vivid storytelling and raw delivery make this a standout of the year. 7. Denzel Curry – King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 Denzel’s sequel is a hard-hitting exploration of Southern culture, rebellion, and identity. With sharp lyricism and dynamic production, King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 is a triumph. 8. 21 Savage – American Dream American Dream is both haunting and empowering, blending themes of ambition, survival, and systemic challenges. 21 Savage’s growth as an artist is on full display in this reflective project. 9. Glorilla – Glorious Glorilla shines with Glorious, a triumphant celebration of individuality, resilience, and success. Her confidence and sharp lyricism make this album a defining moment in 2024. 10. Snoop Dogg – Missionary Snoop pays homage to his roots with Missionary, blending classic West Coast vibes with fresh, modern production. It’s a smooth, authentic project that highlights his enduring legacy. 11. Schoolboy Q – Blue Lips Blue Lips is raw, emotional, and deeply personal, with Schoolboy Q exploring themes of love, loss, and healing. This album’s experimental sound and vulnerability make it a standout. 12. Future – Mixtape Pluto Future’s Mixtape Pluto is a bold and innovative project that redefines modern rap with its futuristic production and introspective themes. This album highlights Future’s ability to push boundaries and influence the culture with every release. 13. Ice Cube – Man Down Ice Cube delivers a politically charged, no-nonsense project with Man Down. Packed with sharp lyricism and impactful themes, Cube reaffirms his role as a pivotal voice in the culture. 14. Rich Homie Quan – Forever Goin’ In Released posthumously, Forever Goin’ In is a heartfelt and motivational project. With themes of perseverance and staying true to one’s grind, this album is a moving tribute to Rich Homie Quan’s legacy. 15. Money Man – TMZ (Produced by Zaytoven) Money Man teams up with legendary producer Zaytoven for TMZ, a project that dives deep into the highs and lows of fame, fortune, and the grind. Zaytoven’s signature production perfectly complements Money Man’s sharp lyricism, making this album a standout collaboration and a testament to both their creative chemistry. 16. Redman – Muddy Waters Too Muddy Waters Too is a gritty continuation of Redman’s iconic album, packed with clever wordplay and raw beats. This project cements Redman’s timeless impact on hip-hop. 17. Gunna – One of Wun With One of Wun, Gunna delivers a melodic exploration of fame and resilience. Captivating flows and standout production make this album proof of his enduring influence in modern rap. 18. Latto – Sugar Honey Iced Tea Latto turns up the heat with Sugar Honey Iced Tea, a bold and unapologetic project packed with sharp lyricism, infectious hooks, and undeniable confidence. This album is a celebration of empowerment and self-expression, showcasing Latto’s versatility and ability to command attention on every track. From club-ready anthems to introspective moments, Sugar Honey Ice Tea proves Latto’s staying power as a force in modern rap. 19. Sexyy Red – In Sexyy We Trust In Sexyy We Trust by Sexyy Red is a fearless, unapologetic project that captures the raw energy and confidence of one of hip-hop’s rising stars. With infectious beats and provocative lyrics, this album solidifies Sexyy Red’s place in the industry. 20. BigXthaPlug – Take Care Take Care by BigXthaPlug is a deeply introspective and soulful project that explores themes of healing, self-care, and perseverance. With its unique blend of heartfelt lyrics and rich production, this album solidifies BigXthaPlug’s reputation as a compelling voice in contemporary music. Shaping the Soundtrack of 2024 Each of these albums has left an indelible mark on music and culture in 2024. From introspective storytelling to bold experimentation, they represent the diversity and brilliance of the artists driving the industry forward. What were your favorite albums of 2024? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to Rude Girl Radio for the best in music.
