The video begins by introducing Keke Palmer, a multi-talented entertainer known for her work as an actress, TV host, writer, dancer, comedian, producer, and performer.
Despite her extensive abilities, the video emphasizes that Keke’s singing talent, which has been a passion since childhood, never received the recognition it deserved. Her music career was overshadowed by her success in acting.
Keke’s love for music started early, and she would often showcase her singing talents during auditions. This ability even helped her secure her first acting role in *Barbershop 2*.
Keke recalls how she used singing as a way to make an impression during auditions, a tactic she and her mother used repeatedly to open doors in the industry.
Keke’s professional music career began in 2006 when she signed with Atlantic Records and released her first album, *So Uncool*.
However, the album was not well-promoted, and it failed to perform well commercially. Keke later revealed her disappointment with the label’s lack of support and how the experience left her jaded and discouraged.
When Keke moved to her second label, Interscope Records, she encountered similar issues, including having her music stolen and leaked. Despite these setbacks, Keke released several mixtapes, including *Awaken* and a self-titled mixtape in 2012. However, her music continued to struggle to gain the attention it deserved, even as her acting career flourished with shows like *True Jackson, VP* and films like *Rags* and *Joyful Noise*.
The video contrasts Keke’s music career with that of other entertainers like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Ariana Grande, who were able to successfully transition from acting to music.
Keke, however, faced additional challenges, including racial biases in the industry that made it harder for her to break through as a brown-skinned Black girl singing R&B.
After signing with her third label, Island Records, Keke released a few singles that gained some attention, but she never got the chance to release a full album.
She eventually decided to release an older project, *Waited to Exhale*, which she had recorded during her time on *True Jackson, VP*.
In a heartfelt caption, Keke expressed how she struggled with anxiety and depression, partly due to the industry’s inability to understand and support her as an artist.
Ultimately, after years of battling with labels, Keke decided to go independent. She became disillusioned with the industry’s lack of belief in her and its refusal to support her unless she conformed to their expectations.
Keke expressed her frustration with the industry’s dictatorial approach and decided to take control of her own music career.