Keri Hilson

Variety isn't the spice of life for Keri Hilson. Although the leggy singer-songwriter has a cameo as a hoodied-up beauty alongside "King of the White Girls” Polow Da Don in the "Throw Some Ds” video, you'd be wrong to assume she espouses the same liberal dating philosophy. In fact, the 24-year-old Georgian is more particular than Jennifer Lopez's tour rider. Some advice: Being familiar with the Good Word is a plus; ill online game, however, is not.
Also recommended is patience. After all, Hilson has been in high demand, racking up writing credits for Mary J. Blige, Usher, Ciara, Ashlee Simpson and Britney Spears. With this kind of studio overtime, attention-hungry men stand no chance. But potential suitors can gain a little insight into Keri's requirements on her forthcoming debut, In a Perfect World, a joint release from Timbaland's Mosley Music Group and Polow's Zone 4 Entertainment. Otherwise, imaginary players, it's just another sad love song.

Having co-signs from Polow Da Don and Timbaland is a coup. How'd you pull that off?
I kept seeing [Polow] around town and at every studio I'd be in. One day he asked me, "What producer do you think could take you where you want to go as an artist?” I said Timbaland, hands-down, and little did I know, Timbaland had been looking for a black female solo R&B artist. Polow had Tim call me, and I sang for him on the phone. He was like, "Let's do it.” We clicked automatically and flew to Miami to work at Hit Factory that weekend.Polow says he's King of the White Girls. Do you play in the snow?
I never have. It's a preference. I like chocolate candy, chocolate men, etc.

Well, fortunately, my conversion rate is sky-high. Is complexion your only preference?
I don't date industry dudes. I can't say it's not worth trying, but it's not my cup of tea. I like real go-getters and entrepreneurs. I don't want to always talk about music because my life is more than that.

So you'd be cool with an accountant who goes to work at 8:30 every morning and is in bed by 11?
I could see myself with anybody who respects himself and respects me. It doesn't matter what he does as long as he understands what I go through and can be there for me. He would have to be very trusting, because I'm in the studio with producers a lot of times until six, seven or 10 in the morning.

That's the perfect time to cut a, um, record...
I'm not dating right now, but I tell my girlfriends that I'll take a broke good man over an already-rich man. It's so much more important that he's a Christian and has goals.

Listen to Timbaland's current hit featuring Keri Hilson, "The Way I Are"