April 28, 2006 @ 11:40 am

Kelis: The Boss

by: Kevin R. Scott

As her husband squashes a highly publicized beef and prepares one of hip hop's most anticipated albums of the year, Hip Pop's newest first lady, Kelis, gets "Bossy" and demands a little respect of her own. Just as her fourth album, Kelis Was Here, sets to break new ground, Vibe.com caught up with Mrs. Nas Jones to get her take on malicious rumors, Gwen Stefani and what brings the boys to the yard.

Vibe.com: Has being married changed the Kelis brand of sexy?

Kelis: I don't know, you tell me. I hope it doesn't. I'm still just doing me.

(We think it only enhances it. Although now that she's married we are a little upset that our love affair is officially nothing more than a dream deferred. We've been in love with Kelis since she stole our hearts with Kaleidoscope. Whether it was the anger of "Caught Out There" to the desperation of "Get Along With You", Kelis opted for an avant garde steelo that has been peeped and pimped time and time again.)

Is it flattering or frustrating when women like Gwen Stefani attempt to copy your style?

right Kelis: I expect it. You know? But that's why I say on "Bossy" "I'm the first girl to scream on a track." I’m not worried, it's whatever.

Is that where the idea for the album came from?

Kelis: Yea, just letting everyone know what’s up.

Is there a difference in the way your international fans respond to you versus the way fans here in the United States do?

Kelis: Well, you get the reward where you put the work in. I've been on the same label in Europe since I was 16 where as here in the States I've been on different labels. So there is continuity there.

(Kelis's second cd, Wanderland, was only released abroad as are many of her videos and singles. However domestically, Kelis has still managed to brand an eclecticism that has become her signature. Tasty, her second domestic release helmed the infectious single "Milkshake" and became the anthem of every confident female this side of the Atlantic, many of whom are still trying to figure out her recipe.)

So we hear you not only have an album coming out but a cookbook as well.

Kelis: Yea, I’ve always liked to cook. It’s going to have recipes of a lot of ethnic dishes, soul food and just some of my favorite things for people who are busy and don’t always have a lot of time to cook.

Would you say your cooking been the key to Nas’ heart?

Kelis (laughs): I won’t say it’s my cooking.

Does Kelis have any addictions?

Kelis: Honestly I am a lingerie fanatic. I have like so much, so much stuff, from like bustier to sexy teddies.

Which are your favorites?

Kelis: It depends on my mood. I’ve got cute little boy shorts to match the tank tops. I love the sexy thongs in lace and silk. Honestly I spend a lot of money on underwear. My husband says it’s ridiculous.

Well, we think it’s money well spent. So what’s the most ridiculous rumor you’ve heard about yourself?

Kelis: I always hear that I’m pregnant which I’m not.

(If the video for “Bossy” featuring Too Short is any indication, then rest assured that the idea of Kelis with child is just a rumor. Along with her bossed up attitude, she puts her milkshake on display and rides the beat like a bicycle, easily convincing all us thirsty fans that her return was well worth the wait.)

Kelis Was Here hits shelves in Summer 2006.

Read more vibe.com online exclusives.

Article tags: Kelis, Bossy, Kelis Was Here, MilkShake 

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