Kelis Rogers, known simply as Kelis, is an American singer-songwriter and chef who gained prominence in the music industry for her unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. Born on August 21, 1979, in Harlem, New York, she is best known for her groundbreaking single "Milkshake," which became a cultural phenomenon upon its release in 2003. With a career that spans over two decades, Kelis has made a significant impact on the music scene, earning accolades for her innovative sound and eclectic style.

Kelis's early life was marked by a rich musical background. She attended New York's Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, where she honed her talent in saxophone and was selected for the Girls Choir of Harlem. After graduating, she began her music career as a backing vocalist for the hip-hop group Gravediggaz. This opportunity led her to collaborate with renowned music producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, collectively known as the Neptunes, which ultimately resulted in her signing with Virgin Records in 1998.

Her debut studio album, "Kaleidoscope," released in 1999, showcased her influences of jazz and disco but did not achieve significant commercial success in the U.S., despite receiving critical acclaim. The album's lead single, "Caught Out There," marked her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 54. Although her second album, "Wanderland," released in 2001, failed to gain traction and did not see a domestic release until 2019, it laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.

Kelis's career took a decisive turn with the release of her third studio album, "Tasty," in 2003, which marked her commercial breakthrough. The album received widespread critical praise and included the chart-topping hit "Milkshake," which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified her status as a pop icon. Following "Tasty," her fourth album, "Kelis Was Here," released in 2006, featured the successful single "Bossy," further establishing her presence in the music industry.

After taking a hiatus to pursue her passion for culinary arts, which she studied at Le Cordon Bleu, Kelis returned to the music scene with her fifth album, "Flesh Tone," in 2010. This album explored electronic music and produced popular singles such as "Acapella" and "4th of July (Fireworks)." In 2014, she released "Food," which creatively combined her love for cooking with her music, showcasing a neo-soul style and spawning singles like "Jerk Ribs" and "Rumble."

Throughout her career, Kelis has collaborated with a diverse array of artists across various genres, including Nas, whom she married in 2003, Busta Rhymes, Outkast, Calvin Harris, and No Doubt. With over six million records sold worldwide and numerous awards nominations, including Grammy nods, she has made a significant mark on the music industry. Kelis's influence continues to resonate, reflecting her dynamic artistry and ability to reinvent herself through her music and culinary ventures.