Kelis Rogers, the American singer-songwriter and chef, has sold 6 million records worldwide. Born on August 21, 1979, she became famous with “Milkshake” in 2003. This hit made her a versatile and innovative artist.
She started in New York, where she learned at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. Her family’s musical background and her arts education shaped her career. Kelis also studied culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu.
This mix of music and cooking has made Kelis stand out. She continues to wow fans with her R&B, pop, and culinary skills.
Early Life and Background
Kelis was born on August 21, 1979, in Harlem, Manhattan. She was the youngest of four sisters. Growing up in New York City was rich and vibrant for her.
Her father, Kenneth, was an African-American jazz musician and a Pentecostal minister. Her mother, Eveliss, was a Chinese-Puerto Rican fashion designer. They both played big roles in shaping Kelis’ love for music.
Kelis started playing the violin at two and kept at it for 14 years. This early music education set the stage for her future. At 14, she got into Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. It showed her talent and passion for the arts.
Kelis grew up in Harlem, surrounded by jazz and the Pentecostal community. Her father’s jazz and the church choir’s soulful rhythms shaped her musical taste. This mix influenced her unique sound and style.
Rise to Fame in the Music Industry
Kelis started her music career in 1997, singing background vocals for Gravediggaz. She then met The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo), who helped shape her early career. Kelis joined Virgin Records and worked on her debut album, “Kaleidoscope,” released in 1999.
Breakthrough with “Milkshake”
In 2003, Kelis hit it big with “Milkshake.” Produced by The Neptunes, it reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success made her third album, “Tasty,” go gold in the U.S. “Milkshake” turned Kelis into a global sensation, making her a rising star.
Collaborations with Notable Artists
Kelis has worked with many artists, showing her range and appeal. She’s collaborated with Nas, Busta Rhymes, and Outkast, as well as Calvin Harris. These partnerships have broadened her artistic scope and made her a popular collaborator.
“I’ve always wanted to be a chef, even when I was a singer. I always wanted to have a restaurant. I always wanted to feed people.”
Kelis’s fame soared with “Milkshake” and her work with various artists. Her unique sound and creative spirit have made her a standout in the music world. This success has also opened doors for her in the culinary arts.
Discography and Musical Style
Kelis has grown a lot in her music career. Her first album, Kaleidoscope (1999), set the stage for her unique sound. Her latest album, Food (2014), shows her continued exploration of R&B, hip-hop, electronic, and neo-soul.
Key Albums Throughout Her Career
Kelis’ early work, like Kaleidoscope and Wanderland, highlighted her soulful voice and varied style. Her album Tasty in 2003 was a big hit, thanks to “Milkshake.”
She then explored new sounds with Kelis Was Here and Flesh Tone. Her latest, Food, is more organic and soulful, inspired by her love for cooking.
Evolution of Her Sound
Kelis’ music has always been diverse and changing. From Kaleidoscope‘s mix of R&B and hip-hop to Flesh Tone‘s electronic beats, she’s always looking to grow. Her work with The Neptunes, will.i.am, and Dave Sitek has made her sound even more unique.
Culinary Ventures: From Music to Cooking
After her 2006 album Kelis Was Here, Kelis moved into cooking. She went to Le Cordon Bleu and became a trained saucier. Her cooking style wowed people everywhere.
Transition to Culinary Arts
Kelis shifted from music to cooking naturally. Her diverse background inspired her to learn about sauces. She launched Bounty & Full, a sauce line, showing her love for sauce-making.
Recognition as a Chef
Kelis is now known as a top chef. She has a Le Cordon Bleu certification and a cookbook called “My Life On A Plate.” She also offers virtual cooking classes called “Tell Your Story Through Sauce.”
“Sauces are the foundation of any good meal, and I’m excited to share my passion for them with home cooks everywhere.”
– Kelis, Culinary Artist
Popular Food Projects and Shows
Kelis, known for hits like “Milkshake,” has shown her talents go beyond music. In 2015, she released My Life on a Plate: Recipes from Around the World. This cookbook highlights her cooking skills and love for food-inspired music. She has a cooking show, Saucy and Sweet, and her own cooking sauces, called Feast.
Cookbooks and Their Impact
Kelis’s My Life on a Plate cookbook celebrates diverse flavors, including her Puerto Rican roots and Asian influences. It shows how music and food are connected. Her recipes, like Jerk Ribs, reflect her musical background and cooking style.
Television Appearances and Cooking Shows
Kelis has also made waves on TV with her cooking show, Saucy and Sweet, on the Cooking Channel. She has appeared on many shows, sharing her love for food and music. Her unique blend of talents has made her a standout in the entertainment world.
“Food and music are instinctually appealing to people. They’re primal.”
– Kelis, on the connection between her passions
Awards and Achievements in Music and Cooking
Kelis has made a big name for herself in music and cooking. She has won many awards and nominations. These honors show her talent and influence in both fields.
Notable Music Awards
Kelis has won many music awards. She got a Grammy nomination for “Milkshake” in 2004. She also won a Brit Award and an NME Award in 2001.
Her success isn’t just in her hits. She won awards for “Caught Out There” and Best Solo Artist in 2004. At the New York Music Awards, she won for Best R&B Video and Best Dance Single.
“Kelis has a way of blending genres and defying expectations, which is why her music has resonated with fans around the world.”
Culinary Recognitions
Kelis has also made a name in cooking. She’s known for her sauce line and cookbook. Though specific awards are not mentioned, her culinary skills are recognized.
Kelis’s career in music and cooking is unique. Her awards show her talent and creativity. She has made a lasting impact on popular culture.
Advocacy and Charitable Efforts
Kelis is a strong advocate for food sustainability and helping her community. She runs a farm in Temecula, California, focusing on farm-to-table and sustainable agriculture. Her work in food education and responsible sourcing shows her dedication to making a difference.
Focus on Food Sustainability
Kelis’ farm-to-table method shows her commitment to sustainable food. She grows and sources ingredients locally to reduce environmental harm. Her efforts teach fans about the value of sustainable agriculture and cutting down on food waste.
With 25% of food in America ending up in landfills, Kelis’ work is crucial. She encourages everyone to be more mindful of their food choices.
Community Engagement Initiatives
Kelis also works closely with her local community. She has started projects to bring fresh, healthy food to those who need it most. Her community outreach aims to connect food production with distribution, ensuring everyone can enjoy sustainable food.
“Food is not just about what’s on the plate, it’s about the journey and the process. It’s about bringing people together.”
Kelis’ approach to food goes beyond her own success. She uses her platform to drive change and inspire others to adopt sustainable and community-focused practices.
Personal Life and Relationships
Kelis, the famous American singer and chef, has a life full of love and loss. She was married to rapper Nas and they have a son named Knight. Their marriage lasted from 2003 to 2010, ending when Kelis was seven months pregnant.
In 2014, Kelis married photographer Mike Mora. Sadly, Mora died in 2022 at 37 from stomach cancer. Kelis and Mora had two kids, and her life as a mother and farmer has influenced her music and cooking.
Family and Motherhood
Kelis is a proud mom of three, including her son with Nas and two with Mike Mora. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she moved her family to a farm in Temecula, California. There, she found joy in farm life and included it in her work.
Kelis’ life as a mom has deeply influenced her music and cooking. Her experiences as a musician, chef, and farm mom have made her work more real and relatable to fans.
“Becoming a mother was the most profound thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s the most remarkable, incredible, life-altering thing there is.”
Kelis’ life of love, loss, and family has made her the artist and entrepreneur she is today. Her personal story has inspired her art and is a big part of her public image and legacy.
Impact on Popular Culture
Kelis has made a big impact beyond her hit “Milkshake.” She’s a pop culture icon who has inspired many with her music and style. Her songs have been used by artists like Beyoncé, leading to talks about her rights and contributions.
Kelis has also made a mark in the kitchen. She’s a chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu. Her culinary empire, Bounty & Full, shows her bold approach to food and life. She’s also made waves in the food and beauty world, showing her versatility.
Influence on Other Artists
Kelis’ unique style and sound have inspired many, including Rihanna and Lady Gaga. People in the music world admire her for her bold moves and creativity. Her mix of R&B, punk, and dance music shows her genius and versatility.
Legacy in Music and Food
Kelis’ influence goes beyond music. Her cooking has also made a big impact. As a chef, she promotes sustainable food and engages with her community. Her culinary empire, Bounty & Full, shows her talent and dedication to her craft.
“Kelis has been a trendsetter in music and fashion, inspiring artists like Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Fefe Dobson, and Nao with her unique style.”
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Business Ventures
Kelis has shown her business side through many ventures. She launched her own sauce line, Bounty & Full. This lets her share her cooking skills with more people.
Kelis has also teamed up with big food brands like Kraft Singles. These partnerships help her reach more people and grow her brand. They also bring in extra money and boost her reputation.
She even created a line of merchandise tied to her music and cooking. This shows her ability to build a strong brand. It also gives fans a way to show their support and brings in more money.
Kelis’ business skills have helped her net worth grow to $2 million by 2024. She makes money from music, cooking, and business. This makes her career both successful and lasting, proving she’s a true creative force.
Current Projects and Future Aspirations
Kelis is making waves in music and cooking, showing her endless creativity and drive. She’s working on her new album, Dirt, from her own farm studio. The Dirt album will mix farm sounds with Kelis’ unique style.
Upcoming Music Releases
Kelis is dedicated to her music, with Dirt album showing her growth. This album will show her ability to blend her farm studio with her music.
New Culinary Ventures
Kelis is also exploring new culinary projects. She’s building on her Le Cordon Bleu training and Bounty & Full sauce line. Fans are excited to see what she’ll do next in food and music.
“I’m not going to conform to what someone else thinks I should be. I’m going to be me.”
Conclusion: The Multifaceted Life of Kelis
Kelis has made a big impact over 25 years. She started in 1999 with her album “Kaleidoscope.” Then, her hit “Milkshake” in 2003 made her famous worldwide. She also worked with stars like Pharrell Williams and André 3000.
Her mix of music and cooking made her a true pioneer. This unique blend has set her apart in the industry.
Lasting Influence in Music and Culinary Arts
Kelis has left a lasting mark on culture. She’s known for her music and cooking shows. Her cookbook, “My Life on a Plate,” shows her culinary skills.
She’s always been ready to try new things. This has made her a respected figure in both music and food.
Future Generations Inspired by Her Work
Kelis inspires many with her work. She shows that following your passions can lead to great success. Her influence goes beyond music and food.
She has also tackled important social and cultural issues. This makes her a true renaissance woman and a powerful figure.
Source Links
- Kelis
- All About Kelis, the Artist Who Released Smash-Hit ‘Milkshake’ Two Decades Ago
- Kelis: An American Singer, Songwriter and Chef
- Welcome to Michael Valentine Studio
- Kelis Facts for Kids
- Kelis Biography
- Unmasked singer: Kelis on music, men and her missing money
- How Kelis Went From Milkshakes To Meals And Amassed A $4M Fortune – AfroTech
- 5 Times Kelis Understood The Assignment
- Kelis discography
- #KELISDAY Discography Review : Kelis (1999-2014)
- Kelis | Encyclopedia.com
- Kelis Launches Virtual Cooking Class | Essence
- From Music to Kitchen: Exploring the Culinary Journey of Kelis, the Chef – Airmart E-Commerce
- Kelis: A Day in the Life at SXSW Photos
- Kelis: The R&B star dishes on food, music and her new cookbook
- Kelis’s Cooking Channel Show <em>Saucy and Sweet</em> Debuts February 26
- List of awards and nominations received by Kelis
- Artist – AAE Music: Premier Booking Agency for Bands, Musicians and Artists.
- Artists Urge Music Companies to Donate to Fight Racial Injustice: Here Are the Ones That Have
- 52 Ways To Care for Creation
- Inside singer Kelis’ tragic love life as she ‘moves on with Bill Murray’
- Are The Kelis Dating Rumors True? – 21Ninety
- Bill Murray, 72, and Kelis, 44, break up after whirlwind summer romance: report
- Kelis deserves her flowers
- Kelis On How ‘Milkshake’ Changed ‘The Direction Of Music Forever’: ‘It Was A Cultural Moment’ – Blavity
- Kelly Rowland, BbyMutha, Angie Martinez and more on why Kelis is a true visionary
- Kelis Says Pushing Forward With Ideas That Others Don’t Agree With Is The Secret To Success
- Kelis Net Worth 2024: How She Built Her Wealth and Earnings
- How Kelis Went From Milkshakes To Meals And Amassed A $4M Fortune – AfroTech
- At Home With Kelis
- Kelis live in Manchester full gallery – TotalNtertainment
- ALAN Picks – Page 2 – ALAN
- 47 Facts About Kelis
