Billboard review:
Energy
KERI HILSON
Producer(s): Writers: variousPublisher: not listed
Genre: R&B/HIP HOP
Label: Mosely/Interscope
While 25-year-old Keri Hilson is best-known for her collaborations with Timbaland (the No. 1 "The Way I Are"), Nas ("Hero"), Chris Brown ("Superhuman") and Usher ("Love in This Club"), the singer/songwriter has plenty of props to stand on her own. She's been writing hits for years, including "Gimme More" for Britney Spears and songs for the Pussycat Dolls, Omarion and Ludacris. Solo bow "Energy" may sound like an uptempo song based on its title, but it's really a midtempo power ballad showcasing Hilson's range and soul. Production team the Runaways provide a catchy hook, while upcoming album "In a Perfect World . . . " (Sept. 23) is executive-produced by Timbaland. Already climbing at R&B radio, Hilson is off and running toward solo stardom. —Michael Menachem
BOW