Reports have been made that Kelis has been dropped from Jive, the label that houses such artists as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and R. Kelly. Formally signed to Pharrell William’s Star Trak Music, with distribution through Virgin Records, rumors are that Kelis has been dropped due to disappointing numbers on her 2006 release, Kelis Was Here, despite plenty of guest spots, including a collaboration with her husband, Nas.
This doesn’t come as a surprise though. Kelis has been complaining about Jive for a while in recent interviews. Even though Star Trak’s distribution was through Virgin, it was later moved to Arista and, through the SonyBMG merger, she ended up with Jive.
“It was a case of being in the ever-shrinking world of the record industry and finding herself on a label she wasn’t signed to and without a champion,” says Kelis’ manager, Jeff Rabhan. “She’s a different kind of artist — very image and style-driven. It’s either something you get or you don’t.”
We’ll see though. Kelis hasn’t been able to do good numbers for quite some time. 2003′s “Milkshake” was a huge single, but the album Tasty only managed to be certified gold. Meanwhile, Kelis has been working on an indie dance record with Cee-Lo, which should be interesting (they collaborated on her last single, “Lil’ Star”), as well as a pop record with Guy Chambers that will be shopped around soon.
NEW N*E*R*D* ALBUM
Producer Pharrell Williams had some words with MTV News last week regarding N.E.R.D.’s new album, N*R*3*D, tentatively due out Spring ’08.
“It’s a Red Bull with growth hormones in it,” he told MTV News a couple of weeks ago of the album, “You know how artists do interviews, and they’ll be like [he impersonates an indie-rocker], ‘It’s, like, weird, really crazy.’ I wish I could really go there and do that, but I can’t.”
According to Pharrell, N.E.R.D.’s last effort, Fly Or Die was way too consistent and lacked the spontaneous unpredictability of their debut record, In Search Of…, which was critically acclaimed mixture of hip hop, rock, pop, alternative and R&B.
Pharrell stated that the album is complete, but wasn’t really keen on giving too many details about the new project.
CLIPSE SIGNS WITH COLUMBIA
While their former labelmate Kelis lost a deal, Clipse has inked a new one with Columbia. They struggled with Jive in a long battle to be released from their contract, and were basically caught up in the same cycle as Kelis, when Star Trak’s distribution left Virgin, went to Arista, and then was split up between J. Records and Jive, and the Clipse were bound to their contract. The duo wished to follow Star Trak to its new home, but Jive refused, resulting in a lawsuit that sought to break the Clipse’s four-album deal.
I hope Pusha-T and Malice got a good deal this time around, because I’m a huge fan of Clipse. I’m sure that this means they’re working on a third album. Both Lord Willin’ and Hell Hath No Fury were great albums in my opinion. I think they can make it work and get out some good new material.
not suprised by kelis been dropped
Finally the Clipse have a deal — hopefully this label will do them justice.
Kelis and Nas reality show dropped — now this? Doesn’t seem like too many labels standing in line to snatch her up.
So
Wow this is a bad time for them two. They show got dropped, all the controversy over Nas album title and now Kelis getting dropped by her label. Hopefully they can bounce back from all the negativity surrounding them
Give it up Kelis. Sing hooks and model.
Like skateboard boy but never purchased one album.
clipse can do without.
I Heart Kelis….she will be ok…her style is undeniable and with the new 80′s punk fashion-funk London inspired style blasting off….she’s be okay. If not on the music tip, definitely on the fashion tip….she’s the only artist who SHOULD have a clothing line.
Is a new NERD album even in Demand??? sit down
Hopefully the Clipse will sway their sick delivery skills into lyrics other than those involving cooked crack and rubber band bound re-up dollars…
I love Kelis. My favorite record was Tasty… Millionaire, Protect My Heart and Sugar Honey Iced Tea where some classics…Kelis is defiantly not for everyone…
Both Tasty and Kelis Was Here are masterpieces. The fact is, Kelis’s music is not for the masses. Mediocre minds will never get her music…
Keep doing you, Kelis. It will pay off eventually…
Kelis would probably appeal to Europe more than the U.S.
She’s a bit too eccentric, and doesn’t have the appeal of the predominantly mainstream and predictable pop-sugary “singers” and “artists” we’re currently ENDURING.
Unfortunately it doesn’t always pay to be different.
ITA with #8 & 9
MAN! AS MUCH AS I LOVEEE KELIS, I MUST ADMIT I DIDN’T BUY HER CD EITHER. PROLLY WOULD OF BEEN A BETTER INVESTMENT THAN MS KELLY. SHAME ON ME, LOL. I STILL LOVE U KELIS, ATLEAST SHE HAS HER OWN UNIQUE STYLE. EVERYBODY AINT READY 4 THAT, JUST THE SAME OL…
THEY DROP KELIS WHILE KEEPING SHITTY SPEARS??????
N*E*R*D i can`t wait for all my skaterboiz was really gud
Clipse are dope as usual hope they get a better deal
They’re not about to drop Ol’ Brit. As much as we love to hate her…shes sold a lot of records and the record company is busy watchin dollar signs…they arent concered with artists like Kelis that have a grassroots following.
I love the Clipse Grinding is still 1 of my fave songs.
Kelis will be fine. Even though those albums didn’t do well in the states, they were well received overseas. She just needs a label that really gets her. If marketed right, she could be a black Madonna
N.E.R.D. is good news. I’ll just bump Kenna in the meantime.
I’m not surprised about Kelis. She wasn’t a good artist. Her swagger is what’s up. She should invest her time and money into a clothing line. I think she will be very productive in that industry!
Love Eclipse! Welcome back and hurry up with the new album!!!
Kelis should just stick to modeling. She is fierce when it comes to that. If Nas album flops, that would be distratrous.
Clipse has a deal, this is suprising, being that their material is the same run of the mill dobe boy music.
I’ve stated alll along that Kelis can not sing! It’s like she only got a record deal cuz’ of good networking. I hoped she stashed some $$$$.
Kelis in my opinion is the most under rated artist. She has a style of her own and I love it and her last cd I have and is really good. I guess the people in the US don’t really get her style because it’s different and most people don’t like hearing stuff outside of the box.
I think she will be alright she just need to continue to being her and not change up her style to appease the masses and I can see her becoming big sometime in the future cuz she is one of the few artist I can honestly say is ahead of her time and it will pay off.
Why did they have to do my girl Kelis like that?!?! WHYYYYYYYYYYY? I’m sick. I LOVE Kelis was here. I jam to the CD all the time….WHYYYYYYYY…I was looking forward to her next one. Shoot.
Kelis’s first album was hot to death! Everything after that was straight garbage.
Pharrell needs to stick to producing, he can’t rap over a beat to save his life.
The Clipse first album was good, but they need to find a niche. They don’t stand out.
Bless her lil heart
hey peoples : )
“She’s a different kind of artist — very image and style-driven. It’s either something you get or you don’t.” It’s more like you either have talent or you don’t. Maybe she should switch to modeling or design clothes because somethings just not right.
I did buy the last Kelis album and it was great, I think some people just don’t get her because she is different and that’s her problem….I love Kelis and I know she’ll bounce back!
I don’t really care for pharrell or The Clipse.
People who get Kelis like me know that this girl is tight. Her sound and arrangements and beats are very unique. If you’re not the biggest fan I suggest you buy Tasty and Kelis was here or even listen to her off of Youtube. I don’t understand how she can be suffering when someone like Rhianna is doing so good.
@ # 26 EXACTLY LISA…..vocal ability/stability is NOT the issue, sum’n else is going on with Kelis and Jive…
Asbury? Is that you? where the hell have you been? Now if only Meatloaf, and the rest of the old gang will resurface.
Oh well. That is what happens when edgy/indie artists try to go crunk/mainstream. I hope she will now go back to her original space/funk sound.
I hope the Clipse are better promoted this time around cuz they have some nice lyrical skills and their last album was hot….
And hopefully Kelis will find a better label home…..her albums have always been cool to me and she’s a different type of artist…
Although she seems to come out with singles that are hot, ex. “Caught Out There (Hate You So Much)”, “Milkshake” and “Bossy” she never seems to be able to follow up with multiple singles.
The clipse had their moment..grindin’ was big..but that’s the full extent of this click…these guys are wayyyyyyy subpar to be a star group..way too limited in trying to hold onto a previous lifestyle…these dudes ain’t push no powder in how long now..its time to give up the fantasies..the only powder they push these days is johnson and johnson….
uhm some of these posts are desturbing……because of her hair she’s gonna be successful???? nah no that ain’t how it goes. she is a talentless moose, idk if she writes her stuff, some of the lyrics are ok, but as far as the singing and all that that goes with it she needs to just call it quits and live life as nas’s wife and be happy about that.
Like many said Kelis is unique but a talented artist. She is an icon in many other countries but the US. In Europe, they adore her. Many of us in the States are unfortunately use to hearing the same the type of music (recycled and watered down). We tend to follow the crowd; if its not playing on the radio or flashed on a video show then we don’t feel like it. If anything is different or uncommon, we tend to doubt…from music to fashion, culture and politics. Anyone who seems to be different from the norm is usually dismissed. What ever happens, she’ll be fine.
That’s why I respect artist like her because she creates her own style and lets critics rationalize her taste. Because the reality is there are too many artists these days that sound so similar it’s irritating…they ALL sound the same from rappers to singers. If I hear another two-step, snap finger beat song I think I might loose it.
@ 28 – LOL! I was just thinking the same thing! Welcome back Asbury. Anyway, Tasty was my junk – I totally loved it and still listen to it. “I am rich and he is rich, she is rich…I woke up eeearly this mornin!” Yeah she’s definitely an acquired listening enjoyment. Good luck to her.
are you serious, #18???? I think Malice and Pusha T are two of the best lyricists in hip hop. They paint a picture..it just seems so real. Yea, the guns and crack can get old…but honestly, i never understood black on black crime and why dudes “get got” on the corner until I started listening to Clipse.(and watching The WIRE..lol) Have you ever really sat down and LISTENED to their lyrics–not the Neptune’s beats–i mean really listen???
“See, my family got a history of hustlers
Lil’ brother, big brother, mother to grandmother, it’s tradition”
and y’all slept on Hell Hath no Fury
actually i am suprised she got dropped………and they keepin britney ass smh,kelis is kick ass either way it goes,i wish her the best
pharrell is so cute….and i happen to like n.e.r.d
i love the clipse….they need hella good producers for the next one.
i love tha clipse they my favorite….give em a deal!!!!!!!!
Kelis got dropped? I’m shocked!… Not. She is only good when it comes to singles. The label was wasting money promoting her. It’s funny how your fans make excuses about she isn’t selling because she is too electric…blah, blah, blah. Bottom line, people are not feeling HER. There are “electirc” artist out that do sell and are successful.
LOL @ Black Madonna. Kelis style is nothing unique but everything Madonna and the rest of the females from the 80′s was doing. The only difference is she is black (or at least half black).
Poor Kelis. That whole Jive thing seems messed up anyway just from reading that and the Clipse piece…lol@ ‘talentless moose’.
I am such a huge fan of N*E*R*D. I got all the albums initially just trying to show them 757 love…but it turned into SO much more…I’m so happy! Yay!
And since I’m from 757 I guess people expect me to say something positive about Clipse, but Hell Hath No Fury was not what I expected at all. There were like 3 good songs on it IMO…better luck with the new label.
aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I LOVE NERD, in search of was totally under appreciated. I can’t wait. I hope Pharrell comes with the real and stop trying to be a rapper, or an rnb singer and do his thang. I miss the old Pharrell.
Clipse is hands down the greatest rap group now, period. they too are slept on, lord willin was real, grimey, hood without being ignorant or repetitive. they are talented, creative and can really spit. I wish the best for them.
Kelis is before her time. Her album was awesome, all four of her albums were perfect. It’s sad that people only know her for Milkshake and Bossy when they are her worse songs. Yall don’t know shit about Mars, I want your love, Daddy, Shooting Stars, Glow, Sugar Honey Iced Tea, Living Proof, Trilogy, Like You and the list goes on. I can’t wait to hear what she does with Cee-Lo, he’s a genius, she’s a genius so this is gone be something else. Kelis will get her time, she will get your respect, she has longevity and I love the fuck out of her.
Kelis
N*E*R*D
Clipse
StarTrak 2000 FOREVER!
wait, I blame all this on Pharrell though because he got way too interested in diamonds and louis vuitton than caring for his artists.
the music industry is dead, you have to sell perfume, shoes, clothes something because all music is wack and folks download. Kelis and Clipse are touring artists, they have fans that take care of them and that’s what it should be about. Kelis should go indie and stop giving her lil money to some old Jewish man. All Artists should do that. Infact Black people need to take back their music and culture, created a distribution company, and control everything they create. This way we can clean up hip hop and start making a bigger impact on Black communities. That’ll never happen though because niggas think their rich, and in comparison they are NOT.
i love Kelis.she different and if being different is a crime it’s a damn shame.
i agree with #8. kelis isn’t the A typical ashanti, beyonce cliche oooh baby pop it twerk it type of singer. hopefully she can get back onto the star trak label. the girl is undeniably hot, but not everyone can appreaciate her music.
i hope the n.e.r.d. album is better than the last. in search of… was a good one.
we livin’ in a world of front laces and tranny attire…she ain’t got the look Jive want now.lol naw, but i’m sure that ain’t got nothin’ to do with it.I got her album and it wasn’t all that’ for real.and she in her own world…you either like her image and music or don’t.so i ain’t shocked they dropped her.
i agree with # 8 and #45 all the way.Kelis ain’t for the average who’s used to the Beyonce, Ashanti, Rhianna image and music.i luv kelis and her music.Keep on keepin’ on girl.Don’t give into the bull.
N.E.R.D BABY!!!
No one ever really dies…do you believe that????
DAMN THAT SUCKS KELIS IS COOL BUT I DONT KNOW ANYONE WHO HAS A KELIS ALBUM. I KNEW SHE WASENT SELLING ANY RECORDS. BUT WHO CARES SHE HAS TO HAVE A COUPLE OF DOLLARS IN THE BANK PLUS HER MAN IS RICH SO SHE’S GOOD MONEY!
I was suprised at those number for “Tasty”, Kelis is another one of those artists that seem to get more love in Europe. I’m sure that indie record she is working on with Steelo will do wel with her broader audience too.
I’m glad Clipse have worked out their situation!! Lookin forward to new music from them.
Wow, kelis, so sorry for her but there is no doubt that her career is not over! I mean, how many artists were dropped from their label ( Mariah….). She should make something with her man, a very nice song and she will be ok.
Anyway, I agree with the one who said that she should have her own clothing line. I do not really like her style everytime but we can be sure that her clothes would ressemble to nothing that already exist on the market and she sure will have a lot of success.
Oh by the way, so many people say kelis should give it up but nobody is calling them HATERSI wonder why? maybe because Kelis fan (if i dare use this word) are adult lol, she sure does not make music for teenagers!
Kelis and the Clipse are so talented they just need those powerful machines behind them. Kelis’ international label does great by her, she just can’t get that backing here.
Kelis will be fine she has great relationships in the industry and she’s loved by music critics. If she wants another major label deal she won’t have any trouble getting one.
I am worried about the Clipse though. Columbia’s Urban deptarment is a mess and they will more than likely end up having the same problems they had at Jive.
OOOOOOOOH NO POOR KELIS
I wasn’t really feeling Kelis at first I became a fan when “Tasty” came out (I played that album out, it is a classic). But I couldn’t get into this last one “Kelis was here” I played it once and put in the don’t listen stack maybe I’ll play it to see if it grows on me.
Love Kelis and hopefully she can find a label that fits her and allows her to express herself well. I really liked all four of her albums (some much better than others).
I can’t even begin to explain how excited I am about this new N.E.R.D. album. Heard the news last week and I’m anxious for it now!!!!
Man if yall never heard a Kelis Albu yall are Trippin! ALL 4 ARE TIGHT AS HELL! It makes me so damn mad when these other lame ass artists put out one song and the cd is some shit! Kelis never had a bad album! I just hope she bounces back from this fast, FUCK Jive! I’ll support Kelis forever & I cannot wait until her next CD!
Love Clipse…..VA stand up!!!!!!
WANDERLAND PEOPLE…..WANDERLAND….. CLASSIC KELIS ALBUM IMO!!!!!!
people just don’t get artists like her.
For all those true Kelis fans, Kelis and Jive had some escalating problems for a while. Remember the song “Circus”, on Kelis Was Here, well that song made slight references to the ongoing situation.
“Still spit a few bars, might never hear this song
Label might say, “Hell naw! Get a new female star.
She don’t have to sing…she don’t have to bring anything!”
Get her some new earrings, fly her off to Bejing
Book her shows in Wyoming, David Letterman & Conan
Your advance just alone and, doesn’t it all sound grand?
#1 on SoundScan, just keep the clubs bouncin’, join us”