The release of Kelly Rowland's debut album Simply Deep, firmly fixes the spotlight on the then 22 year old on October 22, 2002. Originally expected in early 2003, the unexpected success of a worldwide hit and Grammy Award winning collaboration with rapper Nelly cause the label to advance the release date of the album in which Rowland rushed within three weeks to complete. While "Dilemma" bigger the demand, the album facilitated Kelly Rowland in becoming a viable solo star in her own right furthering her sound in an alternative mixture.
"Dilemma" music video was directed by Benny Boom and shot at the back lot of Universal Studios. Larry Hughes makes a cameo as Rowland's love interest, along with Patti LeBelle as her mother. The music video premiered on MTV's Making the Video.
The album's official lead single was a heartfelt rock-infused song that displayed lots of emotions. Generally well-received by music critics, the lyrics of the track chronicle three different scenarios with young people, whose lives are drastically changed by the aftermaths of a school shooting and of suicide.
The song was initially released in the United States in September 2002 once the popularity of "Dilemma" began to fade and went on to chart on various charts, such as Billboard Top 40 making it one of Kelly's biggest international hits.
The music video was directed by Sanaa Hamri.
Penned and produced by then new comer Rich Harrison, "Can't Nobody" incorporated elements of GoGo music. Throughout the song she describes an infatuation as she tries to convince the object of desire of her charms and advantages.
The song was released as the album's second single during the first quarter of 2003 and although it widely failed to match the success of its predecessor, "Can't Nobody" went on to chart well outside the States.
The music video was directed by Benny Boom and shot in Los Angeles, CA.
The final single to a very spontaneous era was release internationally in August 2003 and entered the Top 20 in the UK. The poetic song also got some extra spotlight while being featured in the movie 'Maid in Manhattan'.
The music video was directed by Antti Jokinen and filmed at Palm Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches in Australia.
Kelly Rowland got to dibble and dab in different sounds as the era ended in high speed. She was able to used her voice on a platform where she got to sing a whole song by herself. Being conditioned to be with the girls of the group and lean on them for support, this gave a new leaf where she could start to believe in herself as solo artist. She grew so much during this era and for that, we salute!
'Simply Deep' Artwork
