Keri Hilson to release “We Need To Talk” album on April 18

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Mar 28, 2025
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Keri Hilson to release third album “We Need To Talk” on April 18

Keri Hilson is back! After a long hiatus, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter is making her highly anticipated return to music. She has announced her first studio album in 15 years, We Need To Talk, set for release on April 18.

Fans of early 2000s R&B will remember Keri’s impact on the industry. From writing for top artists to delivering hit singles of her own, she helped shape the sound of an era. Now, she’s stepping back into the spotlight with new music that blends nostalgia with fresh energy.

Along with the album announcement, Keri has also released Bae, her first single since 2011. The track samples Hurricane Chris’ 2007 hit Ay Bay Bay, bringing a modern twist to a club classic.

Keri Hilson’s Musical Comeback: Why Now?

Keri Hilson’s last album, No Boys Allowed, dropped in 2010. The project debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and featured hits like Pretty Girl Rock and Breaking Point. It showcased her signature mix of confidence, sensuality, and storytelling.

Since then, Keri has mostly stayed out of the music industry. While she has occasionally teased new projects, no full-length album ever materialized—until now.

So why return in 2024?

The R&B landscape has changed, with more artists embracing the genre’s classic sounds while pushing it forward. Legends like Usher, Brandy, and Monica have been making headlines with new projects, proving that there’s still a huge demand for 2000s-era R&B.

Keri’s return feels both timely and necessary. She was one of the voices that helped define the late 2000s and early 2010s, and now she has the chance to show how her sound has evolved.

We Need To Talk: What We Know About Keri Hilson’s New Album

The album We Need To Talk is set for release on April 18, marking Keri Hilson’s first studio project in over a decade.

While details about the tracklist and features are still under wraps, fans can expect a mix of the sultry, confident R&B that made her famous, along with fresh production that reflects today’s sound.

The title, We Need To Talk, suggests themes of relationships, growth, and self-reflection. Throughout her career, Keri has been known for blending empowerment anthems with emotional ballads, so it’s likely that this album will explore personal and relatable themes.

Bae: Keri’s First Single in Over a Decade

Ahead of the album’s release, Keri Hilson dropped Bae, her first single in 14 years. The song samples Hurricane Chris’ 2007 club hit Ay Bay Bay, bringing a nostalgic yet updated vibe.

Sampling classic songs has been a huge trend in recent years, with artists like Latto (Big Energy) and Chris Brown (Iffy) reviving older hits in fresh ways. Keri’s take on Ay Bay Bay follows this trend while staying true to her signature style.

Fans of 2000s R&B and hip-hop will instantly recognize the sample, making Bae a fun, energetic way to reintroduce Keri to the industry.

Keri Hilson’s Impact on R&B

Before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist, Keri Hilson was a powerhouse songwriter. She worked with some of the biggest names in music, helping craft hits for artists like:

  • Beyoncé (Check On It)

  • Ciara (Like A Boy)

  • Mary J. Blige (Take Me As I Am)

  • Usher (Love In This Club Part II)

Her ability to write infectious hooks and emotional lyrics made her one of the most sought-after songwriters of the 2000s.

When she transitioned to a solo career, Keri quickly proved she was more than just a behind-the-scenes talent. Her debut album, In A Perfect World… (2009), spawned hits like Turnin Me On and Knock You Down featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo.

Her sophomore album, No Boys Allowed, continued that momentum, with songs like Pretty Girl Rock becoming cultural staples.

With her return, Keri is stepping back into an industry that she helped shape.

The Evolution of 2000s R&B Artists in 2025

Keri Hilson isn’t the only R&B star from the 2000s making a comeback. Many artists from that era are reintroducing themselves to new audiences.

  • Usher headlined the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show and dropped his album Coming Home.

  • Brandy is preparing for new music and continues to dominate in acting.

  • Monica remains a force in R&B, with new music and a growing podcast presence.

R&B’s resurgence has also opened doors for a younger generation of singers who blend old-school influences with modern production. Artists like SZA, Summer Walker, and Normani have all cited classic 2000s R&B as a major inspiration.

With Keri Hilson’s return, fans can expect a blend of her signature sound with fresh elements that fit today’s music landscape.

What Fans Can Expect from Keri Hilson’s 2025 Era

With We Need To Talk on the way, here’s what fans can likely expect from Keri’s comeback:

  • New collaborations – Will she reunite with past collaborators like Kanye West or Chris Brown? Or work with newer artists?

  • A fresh yet nostalgic sound – Blending 2000s R&B with modern elements.

  • More live performances – Fans are eager to see if Keri will announce a tour or festival appearances.

  • A deeper message – The album’s title suggests personal storytelling and relationship themes.

With the buzz surrounding her return, We Need To Talk has the potential to reestablish Keri as a leading voice in R&B.

Keri Hilson’s comeback is one of the most exciting moments in R&B this year. With We Need To Talk arriving on April 18 and the release of Bae, she’s officially stepping back into the spotlight.

For longtime fans, this is a long-awaited return. For newer listeners, it’s a chance to discover an artist who helped define an era.

As R&B continues its revival, Keri Hilson’s voice is more than welcome. Her impact on the genre is undeniable, and now she has the opportunity to remind the world why she was such a force to begin with.

Are you excited for Keri Hilson’s return? Let us know what you think of Bae and what you expect from We Need To Talk!