Kelis Rogers, from Harlem, New York, gained fame in R&B, Hip Hop, and Electronic music with hits like “Milkshake.” Starting her career at 14, she later signed with Virgin Records, collaborating with artists like Busta Rhymes. Kelis has sold over 6 million records worldwide, with 11 top 10 UK hits.
Key Takeaways
- Her parent gave her the name Kelis with a combination of their names.
- She first signed with Virgin Records and then dropped her debut studio album, Kaleidoscope, in December of 1999.
- Drummer and singer Phil Collins influences her.
- Kelis earned the title of Innovation Award during the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards in 2022.
- She has done endorsement work for a brand called Ford Edge.
- Her dad is of Chinese Puerto Rican descent, while her mother is of American ancestry.
- Kelis was 13 years old when she decided to shave her hair.
- She likes to dye her hair several colors, including pink, orange, blood red, blue-black, and green.
- After shouting racial slurs at officers dressed as streetwalkers in Miami Beach, Kelis was arrested and charged by the local police.
- Kelis hired Matthew Williamson for her marriage gown in green.
Kelis Biography
| Name | Kelis Rogers |
| Net Worth | $4 Million |
| Age | 44 years old |
| Date Of Birth | August 21, 1979 |
| Annual Income | $400,000 |
| Profession | American Singer |
| Gender | Female |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
Early Life
Kelis Rogers-Mora (born on August 21, 1979), in Harlem, New York, is the daughter of Kenneth, a jazz musician and former Wesleyan University professor, and Eveliss, a fashion designer. Growing up in a musically inclined and creative family, she developed an early interest in music, a passion encouraged by her mother.
Despite facing challenges, including being expelled from her home at 16 due to behavioral issues, her musical journey flourished.
She honed her skills in various instruments within church choirs. She pursued her education at Manhattan Country School and later at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. During her high school years, she founded an R&B trio named BLU (Black Ladies United) and took on various jobs, including bartending and retail, to support herself.
Her breakthrough came when she met Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes, leading to a contract with Virgin Records. This partnership marked the beginning of her professional music career, setting the stage for her future success in the industry.
Singing Career
Kelis signed with Virgin Records in 1998 and released her debut album “Kaleidoscope” within a year, peaking at #7 on the UK Albums chart and earning Gold certification. The hit single “Caught Out There” marked a turning point in her career.
Her second album, “Wonderland” (2001), and its lead single, “Young, Fresh n’ New,” saw moderate success. Her third album, “Tasty” (2003), achieved mainstream success, earning Platinum certification and reaching #27 on the Billboard 200.
She continued releasing albums, including “Kelis Was Here” (2006), “Flesh Tone” (2010), and “Food” (2014), and toured extensively, both solo and with other artists. After a hiatus, she released “Midnight Snacks” in 2021.
Acting Career
The American pop, soul, and RNB singer also ventured into acting with a voiceover in “Volcano High” (2003) and appeared on “Saturday Night Live” as a musical guest in 2004. She voiced Tyra Banks in “Freaknik: The Musical” (2010), served as a Quickfire Judge on “Top Chef Masters” (2011), and appeared in “Fashion Police” (2012) and “Brazzaville Teen-Ager” (2013).
She was also a judg on Hell’s Kitchen, participated in The Masked Singer UK (2020), and hosted Cooked with Cannabis (2020), showcasing her versatility in entertainment.
Culinary Career
Kelis trained at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy (2006-2010) and launched her sauce line “Feast” in 2013. Later, it was rebranded as “Bounty & Full” (2015).
She published cookbooks in 2006 and “My Life on a Plate” in 2015, sharing personal stories through recipes. She also hosted “Saucy and Sweet” on TV. She ran a food truck at SXSW, merging her culinary skills with her entertainment career.
Fashion Endeavors
In 2006, Chef Kelis launched a fashion accessory line named Cake. She explored television hosting and acting opportunities, indicating her interest in fashion and media.
Personal Life
She met Nas at the MTV Music Awards in 2002, and they began dating shortly afterward. The couple married in January 2005 and welcomed their son, Knight Jones, on July 22, 2009. They separated the following year, with their divorce finalized in May 2010. she has described their relationship as both psychologically and physically abusive.
She later married real estate agent and photographer Mike Mora in 2014, and they had two children: Shepherd, born in November 2015, and Galilee. In 2021, Mora was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer and passed away on March 14, 2022, at the age of 37.
Net Worth
Kelis Rogers is a successful singer-songwriter born in Harlem with a net worth of $4 million. She is best known for her hits like “Milkshake” and her albums “Wonderland” and “Tasty.” she has sold over 6 million records worldwide and earns from her music, tours, and collaborations.
In addition to her music career, Kelis is also a chef and entrepreneur, generating income from her cookbooks, a fashion line, and a YouTube channel for her music videos. Her success as a multi-faceted artist and entrepreneur has earned her a well-deserved spot in the entertainment industry.
FAQs
How old is Kelis?
Kelis Rogers-Mora was born on August 21, 1979, in Harlem, Manhattan, New York; she is 44 years old.
How many kids does Kelis have?
As of September 2023, Kelis has three children:
Knight:Â Kelis’ son with her ex-husband Nas, Knight is 14 years old.
Shepherd:Â Kelis’ son with her late husband Mike Mora, Shepherd is 7 years old.
Galilee:Â Kelis’s daughter with Mora, Galilee, is 3 years old.
Does Kelis make money from Milkshake?
Yes, she has made money from her song “Milkshake. ” However, she is not officially listed as a songwriter for the song. Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams, known as The Neptunes, are the composers and lyricists of “Milkshake. “
Did Nas and Kelis have a baby?
Yes, she and Nas have a son named Knight-Jones, who was born on July 21, 2009. The couple were married in 2005 and divorced in 2010. They have been in a bitter custody battle over their son since their divorce.
When did Kelis come out?
Kelis, the American singer-songwriter, entered the music scene in the 1990s. She started recording her debut album, Kaleidoscope, in 1998 and released it on December 7, 1999. The Neptunes, a production duo consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, produced the album. Her first single, “Caught Out There,” was released on September 20, 1999.