Originally entitled My Story: Kelly Rowland, the album's first version was actually scheduled for a June 2006 release, but the singer, her management and Columbia Records decided to shelve the album last minute to re-work a version with a different vibe as the singer considered the final tracklisting "too full of midtempos and ballads." Kelly eventually consulted additional producers to collaborate on the album, renamed Ms. Kelly.
It was the year 2007 and anticipation for Ms.Kelly had grown immensely. With the anticipation on an all time high Kelly Rowland decided to drop her lead single "Like This". The club banger was penned by Sean Garrett and produced by industry heavy hitter Polow da Don. The song had moderate success reaching Top 40 on Billboard Hot 100. It also did fairly well across the pond reaching Top 10 in the UK, Ireland, as well as reaching Top 20 in other territories.
The music video was directed by Mike Ruiz.
It was not until months prior to the Ms. Kelly release that Snoop Dogg was consulted to contribute additional vocals to "Ghetto". The crunk influenced track was released as the album's second single in the US in August 2007, where it achieved minor success reaching no. 09 on Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles only.
The music video was directed by Andrew Gura.
Following the less successful chart performance of previous single "Ghetto", "Work" was released as the album's next single during the first quarter of 2008 in most international music markets, excluding US. Prominently pushed by a re-arranged remix by British producer duo Freemasons, "Work" enjoyed major commercial success and eventually became Rowland's best-charting solo single since her 2002 song "Stole", giving the era life again.
The music video was directed by Philip Andelman in Los Angeles, California and shot back to back with the video for "Comeback". The latter never did receive single treatment, but eventually saw the light of day as a treat to fans around the world.
In 2008, a reissued version of the album branded Ms. Kelly: Diva Deluxe received a release. The Bobby Womack cover "Daylight" served as the re-release lead single, a collaboration with Travis McCoy (of Gym Class Heroes). It went on to reach the Top 20 on UK's Single Chart.
The music video was directed by Jeremy Rell.
After the lackluster success of the Ms. Kelly project, she parted ways with longtime manager Matthew Knowles and record company Columbia Records for the sake of finding room to grow as an individual, and explore her own artistic path. With a clean slate and a promising start of a new chapter, Kelly Rowland was then ready to embark on the latest phase of her career.
'Ms. Kelly' Artwork
