Kelis Rogers, born in 1979 in Harlem, New York City, has made quite a name for herself in the music industry and beyond. With a career that started in the late 90s after landing her first record deal at the age of 20, the American singer-songwriter has produced various popular tracks while working with renowned producers such as will.i.am and Pharrell Williams. Despite her colorful career and unique style, many wonder about Kelis’ financial success and net worth throughout the years.
As of 2023, Kelis’ net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. This showcases her financial accomplishments while working in a competitive and ever-changing industry. Aside from her success in music, Kelis has also ventured into other passions, expanding her talents and growing her net worth.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Kelis was introduced to music at a young age, with her father being a jazz saxophonist and her mother playing the violin, piano, and coaching her church choir. Growing up in a musical household, Kelis developed an interest in various instruments and began her journey into the world of music.
In her formative years, Kelis attended Manhattan Country School where she received a well-rounded education. She then enrolled in the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts at the age of 14. While in LaGuardia, an institution known for nurturing young talents in performing arts, Kelis started honing her skills as a singer and artist.
During her time at LaGuardia High School, Kelis got the opportunity to showcase her talents and collaborate with other gifted artists. Her unique style and flair for music caught the attention of renowned producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, known collectively as The Neptunes. This collaboration marked the beginning of her successful music career.
Besides her passion for music, Kelis also pursued higher education at Wesleyan University. From her humble beginnings in the church choir to her rise as an internationally acclaimed singer, Kelis has remained true to her roots while continually exploring new avenues in the music industry.
Music Career
She was admitted to New York’s Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts when she was 14, where she honed her skills, learning to play the saxophone, and won a spot in the Girls Choir of Harlem. After high school, she started working with well-known music producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, collectively known as The Neptunes.
Kelis’ debut album, Kaleidoscope, was released in 1999 as a collaborative effort with The Neptunes, and it brought her much attention in the industry. This album spawned the hit single “Caught Out There,” which gained significant popularity and put Kelis on the map as a musician. Shortly after, she signed a record deal with Virgin Records and released her second studio album, Tasty, which featured the widely successful single “Milkshake.” The song became an instant hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Dance Club Play charts.
Kelis continued to show her prowess in the industry, releasing her third studio album, Kelis Was Here, under Jive Records. This album introduced more hit singles, such as “Bossy” and “Blindfold Me,” and further established Kelis as a capable singer-songwriter. Throughout her career, she has worked with numerous well-known artists on various projects, including Enrique Iglesias, Calvin Harris, and others.
Kelis’ music has achieved remarkable chart success, with her singles and albums appearing on the Billboard 200, Billboard Hot 100, and Top Heatseekers chart. Additionally, her contributions to the music world have not gone unnoticed. Kelis has been recognized with prestigious awards and nominations at several major award shows, including the BET, Grammy, Brit, NME, MTV, and Q Awards.
Culinary Journey
Kelis embarked on her culinary journey when she enrolled in the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, where she honed her skills to become a chef. After her successful career in the music industry, Kelis decided to explore her passion for food. This became apparent when she launched her own line of sauces called Feast.
Her love for cooking led her to write a cookbook, My Life on a Plate, which showcases her culinary skills and creativity with a variety of recipes inspired by her global travels. The cookbook not only reflects her unique sense of style but also demonstrates her ability to experiment with diverse flavors from different cultures.
In addition to her cookbook, Kelis ventured into the world of cooking television with her own show on the Cooking Channel. On this program, she shared her culinary skills and knowledge with the viewers, allowing them to get a glimpse of her life as a chef. She also appeared as a guest on various cooking shows, showcasing her expertise in the field.
Personal Life
Kelis’s personal life has seen its fair shares of ups and downs, much like her musical career. She has been through two significant relationships, which played important roles in her life. In 2005, Kelis married the famous rapper Nas, and together, they had a son named Knight. However, the couple’s marriage faced challenges along the way, and the two ultimately decided to part ways. The divorce between Kelis and Nas was finalized in 2010.
In the years that followed, Kelis found love again with photographer Mike Mora. The couple got married in 2014 and welcomed a son named Shepherd into their lives. Their happiness grew when they had another son, Blu, in 2021. Sadly, Mora was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and his battle against the illness ended when he passed away in 2021.
Outside of her relationships and family life, Kelis’s personal endeavors have made headlines as well. She took a seven-year break from the music industry to focus on her passion for cooking and other creative pursuits. During this time, Kelis released her first cookbook and developed a line of sauces known as “Bounty & Full.”
Charity Works and Other Ventures
Kelis has been actively involved in charity works and other business ventures throughout her career. One of her notable contributions is to BLU (Black Ladies United), an organization focused on empowering and uplifting black women.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelis demonstrated her social responsibility by participating in a TCTS livestream event to raise funds for frontline healthcare workers. She collaborated with British DJ and producer TCTS for a live performance, drawing attention to the cause.
Kelis also has a flair for acting, which led her to appear in a movie called The After Party alongside well-known actor Bill Murray. This opportunity allowed her to showcase her versatility as an artist.
Online Presence
Kelis has established a notable online presence, particularly on her Instagram account. With over a million followers, she frequently shares glimpses of her personal life, career highlights, and various interests. Her Instagram feed features family moments, collaborations with other artists, and even her passion for cooking.
In line with her career, Kelis utilizes her social media platform to promote her music and performances. She also shares updates on her latest projects and collaborations, allowing her fans to stay connected with her work. Through Instagram, she has been able to engage with her followers, respond to their comments, and express her thoughts on various subjects.
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