UB ReVisit: Keke Palmer Talks Music, Akeelah and the Bee and Brandy

Keke Palmer is an actress, activist, music artist, author, humanitarian, and passionate voice for her generation who has appeared in such films as Barbershop 2: Back in Business, Akeelah and the Bee, The Wool Cap, and Ice Age.

She is also known for her starring roles in television series such as True Jackson, VP and Scream Queens. Driven to break down barriers and defy definition, Keke was the youngest actress to receive a SAG award nomination in a lead actor category, the youngest talk show host in history, the youngest and first black Cinderella on Broadway, and the first black female to star as Marty in the movie version of Grease, the Emmy­­–winning Fox Live musical television special.

Keke Palmer‘s initial passion and gift is in music, which is what she really intended to pursue. She showed signs of vocal talent as early as five years old and she honed her skills by taking part in her church choir and various vocal activities.

In 2007 she released “So Uncool”, her debut album and in August of this year she released her latest album “Virgo Tendencies, Pt. 1.”

Keke has been on it, since her debut. Acting in various award winning movies, television shows and following her passion in recording and performing music. Not forgetting to mention the strong support from her family and humble beginnings, the Robbins, Illinois native couldn’t do this all alone. Realizing there was star potential in Keke, her family made major changes by relocating to California, fortifying her endurance and encouragement as she journeyed into the field of entertainment.

In 2018 KeKe started Big Boss Entertainment, she said at the time; “Big Boss Entertainment and my label is just another part of me trying something new. I want to empower my peers, so they also feel they’re not a part of the old way of doing things and be a part of the big bosses. Big Boss is about me helping expand and using what I know.”

Keke has also played roles on Masters of Sex, STAR and Berlin Station, and in the recent motion picture Hustlers. Not to mention she was a co-host on the daytime talk show Strahan, Sara and Keke.

In this UB ReVisit Interview, celebrating our 15 Year Anniversary. We Revisit our interview with Keke in 2010, when we we’re celebrating 5 years.

Keke Palmer speaks on her series True Jackson, plus the importance of Akeelah and the Bee and the best advice she’s received.

Keke also talks about her love for Brandy and her then goals.

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UrbanBridgez.com: Let’s talk about TV, what’s the best part in starring in True Jackson VP right now?
Keke Palmer: It’s fun because it’s steady and I also have a great cast! So I love working with them on set as well. It’s just fun being able to go some place steady and work. Nickelodeon makes sure everything runs so smoothly. I love that & also the character True Jackson, she’s real fun and optimistic, just a good character.

UrbanBridgez.com: You were so great in ‘Akeelah and the Bee,’ I love that movie!
Keke Palmer: Thank You!

UrbanBridgez.com: No problem, what did you take away from that experience once filming was over?
Keke Palmer: I realized at the time that it was a great film. Not only was it a great film, but I knew it would help people. With what they’re going through, like maybe being afraid to like shine and things of that nature. I really didn’t know what kind of impact it would have until years after when people got the DVD & it played on the Disney channel and all of that. I was like wow, so truly I say that is one of the best things I ever did. Because it really made me who I am. That’s what people know me from, when people see me they’re like that’s Akeelah and the Bee (laughs).

UrbanBridgez.com: (laughs). I know you’re working on a new movie, ‘Joyful Noise!’
Keke Palmer: Yes that’s a movie I’m doing with Queen Latifah & Dolly Parton. It’s a gospel film, it kind of puts you in the mind of a Sister Act II. So I’m really excited about that, I get to sing which I haven’t been able to do in a film yet. It was a fun experience, so it should be cool. So I’m excited, there’s some good stuff going down.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s the best advice and by whom that you’ve been given that has kept you focused throughout your career?
Keke Palmer: Just to take one step at a time. I remember that was told to me by William H Macy in a movie I did called ‘Wool Cap’ & he was just telling me to take one scene at a time and don’t focus on the whole thing at once. If you take one scene at a time & use it to the best of your ability, you’ll end up with a great film!

UrbanBridgez.com: Back to music real quick, I know you and Brandy are fans of each other, can we expect any future collaborations?
Keke Palmer: I would love to, but she would blow me out the water and I’ll let people know that immediately (laughs). Before we record the record, I’ll be saying she’s gonna blow me out the water but that’s okay (laughs). I just love, I love that voice! That voice, that’s how I know when people are good singers or talented or know music when they can appreciate Brandy. Some people don’t know about her, you know what I’m saying. Some just don’t know…

UrbanBridgez.com: At all…
Keke Palmer: You know! I have to ask people sometimes like have you ever listened to a Brandy album? Put on ‘Never-SAY-Never,’ Full Moon,’ one of the best albums! Wow, so I would absolutely love to do a record with her, something with her. She’s brilliant!

UrbanBridgez.com: Who are some of your other favorite artists you’re listening to at the moment?
Keke Palmer: I like Rhianna, I like her sass and attitude she brings to her music. So I love her new song ‘What’s My Name,’ but it had to grow on me. At first I was like no I’m not really feeling it, but the more I heard it I was like hey I like this song. I love Drake of course, he’s one of my favorites. I like Beyonce’ and I never say Beyonce’ because it’s like always a given to me. Because everybody knows her and she’s been around for so long, she’s pretty solid with each thing. So I feel like I don’t even need to say her at this point because everybody can agree that she is extremely talented! I love Chris Brown, I love his new single ‘Yeah X3’ and I’m just loving what he’s putting out and I’m excited for his new stuff.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s next for you outside of TV, Films & Movies?
Keke Palmer: Hum, I don’t know that’s pretty much my life right there (laughs). I do have a web-series that’s out. It basically shows people how I started, basically my journey to where I am now!

UrbanBridgez.com: With UB celebrating 5 years, where do you see yourself in 5 years career wise?
Keke Palmer: Let’s see I’m 17 now, so 5 years I’ll be 22. I see myself hopefully doing some wonderful stuff. Like hopefully being a #1 singing artist, doing a whole bunch of films and also maybe a perfume line and clothing line. Something like that…

UrbanBridgez.com: I can so see you doing that with the fragrance and clothing line.
Keke Palmer: Thank You!

UrbanBridgez.com: Any last words you wanna leave with your fans?
Keke Palmer: Just to stay tuned and thank you for supporting me! Continue to support me and I’ll continue bringing out the good stuff!