Greetings, everyone Today, I’m thrilled to shine a spotlight on the incredibly talented entertainer, Kiki Palmer. Kiki is a multifaceted artist, excelling as an actress, TV host, writer, dancer, comedian, producer, and performer. However, amidst her many talents, one aspect that often goes unnoticed is her exceptional singing ability.
From a young age, music has been Kiki’s passion. Despite facing challenges in gaining recognition for her musical talents compared to her acting prowess, Kiki never wavered in her love for singing. Despite lacking the support of labels and the spotlight of the public eye, she persisted in pursuing her musical aspirations.
Kiki’s dedication to music even played a pivotal role in launching her acting career. Reflecting on her journey, she recalls how her singing talent landed her auditions, such as her first audition for “Barbershop 2” at the age of nine. Kiki’s unwavering commitment to showcasing her vocal prowess demonstrates her profound passion for music, enriching both her personal journey and her artistic endeavors.
So, off I went to my audition, and my mom informed me that Ice Cube and the casting bigwigs would be there. As I entered the room, before diving into the lines, I boldly declared my desire to sing for them, just as I had on tape. And so, I showcased my skills, belting out a song, delivering my lines, and ultimately clinching the part. It became our routine—every new casting room, the same plea: “Can I sing, please? I really want to.” Yet, more often than not, it was a no from the powers that be.
After snagging her first role in Barbershop 2, Kiki’s career skyrocketed. She shone in movies like Akeelah and the Bee, marking her breakthrough, and she graced the screen in the Disney TV movie Jump In. It was around this time that Kiki’s musical journey began. In 2006, she inked a deal with Atlantic Records and commenced work on her debut album, “So Uncool.” Despite releasing singles like “Footworking” and “Keep It Movin’,” the album failed to gain traction. Kiki lamented the lack of promotion, attributing it to her insistence on creative control. Reflecting on the ordeal, she remarked, “It’s a catch-22. If you stick to your vision, you might not get the push you need. But compromise, and you risk losing yourself.”
Disheartened by her initial label experience, Kiki signed with Interscope Records, only to encounter similar obstacles. She confessed to feeling disheartened, especially considering her swift success in acting contrasted with the lukewarm reception to her music. Despite the setbacks, Kiki remained resilient, recognizing the harsh realities of the music industry.
During the recording of her music project “Awaken,” she discovered attempts to pilfer her music. Expressing her frustration, she shared, “I’ve poured my heart into crafting incredible music for my fans. Sadly, someone is trying to steal and leak my songs, seemingly just because they can. It’s disheartening, but I feel powerless at this point. Yet, I’d rather share my songs for free than let someone unjustly take them.” Despite this ordeal, Kiki eventually released “Awaken” as a mixtape. Earlier, she had also unveiled a self-titled mixtape in 2012, featuring tracks like “You Got Me” with Kevin McCall and “Dance Alone,” each of which could have been a standout hit for any artist. However, Kiki’s music remained underappreciated, despite her flourishing acting career. Starring in Nickelodeon’s “True Jackson, VP,” and movies such as “Rags” and “Joyful Noise,” Kiki’s success in acting didn’t translate to her music career as expected. While entertainers like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Ariana Grande smoothly transitioned from acting to successful music careers, Kiki faced challenges. Despite her exceptional talent, she faced greater hurdles, especially as a brown-skinned Black woman singing R&B in the industry. Due to the prevailing musical climate, Kiki’s image and sound weren’t fully embraced, necessitating her to toil harder. Even after signing with her second label, Interscope Records, she encountered further setbacks, leading her to reflect, “My mom and I had this notion that signing with a major label would open doors and provide extensive support. Unfortunately, reality was different.”
She also addressed her label signing her primarily due to her popularity as an actress, rather than recognizing her artistry. She expressed, “I felt like my fan base and my popularity were what attracted them, but they didn’t truly grasp my identity as an artist or support me in conveying my narrative. I found myself in situations where they sought my fan base without fostering a genuine connection between me and my audience in music.” In 2015, Kiki inked a deal with her third record label, Island Records, debuting her song “I Don’t Belong to You.” This track, a smooth, mature R&B piece, showcased Kiki in a new artistic dimension and garnered significant attention as a buzz single, remaining a cherished favorite among fans. Alongside “I Don’t Belong to You,” she released other singles like “Hands Free” and “Enemies” featuring Jeremih, each contributing to her growing acclaim. However, Kiki never had the opportunity to release a full album under Island Records. Instead, she dropped a mixtape titled “Lauren,” comprising five singles, and another mixtape named “Waited to Exhale,” an earlier project she recorded during her time with Interscope. Reflecting on SoundCloud, she captioned, “These are the words I was afraid to share.”
