By Chris Malone Mndez, Contributor

After nearly 15 years away from the music scene, R&B artist Keri Hilson is making a grand comeback with the release of her highly anticipated third studio album, We Need to Talk: Love. Hilson, who has been largely absent from the music world since the early 2010s, chose to focus her energies on acting in films and television shows rather than producing new music. However, the wait is almost over as she has confirmed the album's impending release, which was heralded by the debut single Bae. This track intriguingly samples Hurricane Chris's 2007 hit A Bay Bay, merging contemporary beats with nostalgic elements.

Reflecting on her absence from the music scene, Hilson has candidly shared her struggles during a tumultuous period in her career. She reached new heights with the success of her hit single Pretty Girl Rock, which was her last significant chart presence on the Billboard Hot 100 over a decade ago. In a heartfelt interview with People, she revealed, I was just not okay. I was not well; I needed a break. The pressures of fame became overwhelming, driving her into a dark place. Fame was a beast for me, she admitted. I thought it would be just a one-year moment, not a 14-year moment, but it turns out it was necessary. I really can't regret it. I, as a human, needed that time.

At one point, Hilson considered stepping away from music entirely. I just wasnt sure of it anymore, she confessed, indicating that the music industry was evolving in ways that felt threatening and unfamiliar to her. Despite her love for creating and performing music, the heavy criticism that accompanied her fame soured her experience. You have to let rock bottom occur to rebuild. So that's what I did, she reflected, illustrating her journey of self-discovery and healing during her hiatus.

Now, as she prepares to re-enter the music landscape, Hilson expresses a newfound confidence in her artistry. She explores these themes of personal struggle and growth in her new video series titled WNTT, designed to complement the album. I just dont want to put me, my life, or my art into the hands of people who dont give a f**k about me, she stated. And the thing is, I dont fear being human. I love being human in my own hands. I fear being human in their hands. This desire to reclaim her narrative is a driving force behind her return, as she aims to balance the pursuit of success with a sense of personal belonging.

The album We Need to Talk: Love is only the beginning of Hilson's ambitious project, as she has planned a trilogy of albums. This first installment centers around the theme of love, while the subsequent albums will explore concepts of drama and redemption. Hilson sees this as an opportunity to make up for lost time with her fans. Ive been gone for so long. I wanted to give enough to satiate my fans, she explained. Once I became clear on how I wanted to present this album, the story I wanted to tell became love, drama, redemption. It's also a parallel to my career loving music, encountering drama and feeling redeemed, finally.

Fans of R&B and hip-hop will have the chance to see Hilson perform live at the upcoming Girls Night Out events, where she will share the stage with other notable artists in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on April 26 and in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 9. Her return marks a significant moment not just for her career, but also for the music industry, which has witnessed various changes throughout her absence. As she begins this new chapter, Hilsons journey from self-doubt to empowerment resonates with many, making her return to music a highly anticipated event.