4th of July (Fireworks),” the new digital single from GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter Kelis’ upcoming album, Flesh Tone, is out today. Produced by DJ Ammo, the pulsating club banger mixes R&B soulfulness and techno-dappled electro breaks with a rip-roaring wobbly bass riff. The track is the follow-up to Kelis’ international No. 1 hit “Acapella,” which topped both the Billboard Dance/Club Play Songs Chart and Music Week’s Pop Club Chart in the U.K. earlier this year. Kelis recently co-directed the video for “4th of July (Fireworks)” with Rankin and Nicole Ehrlich in the desert outside of Los Angeles.
On June 18th, Kelis will perform “4th of July (Fireworks)” on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” She’ll appear on “TODAY” on July 6th – coinciding with the release of Flesh Tone in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Additional television appearances include “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” on July 13th and “Tavis Smiley” (air date to be announced). The pre-order for Flesh Tone, Kelis’ first album for will.i.am Music Group/Interscope Records, begins June 15th on the iTunes Store.
Flesh Tone was singled out by spin.com as one of the “25 Summer Albums That Matter Most” and The New York Times called it “one of her strongest records yet.” Perezhilton.com hailed it as “one of the summer’s best,” adding: “There are soooooo many good songs on Kelis album! Actually, they are ALL good!” Reviews in the U.K. have been stellar also. "Kelis. Genius. Pop Auteur. Credible diva. Welcome back," said NME, giving Flesh Tone an 8 out of 10 rating. The Sunday Times of London called it a “celebratory slice of dancefloor heaven” while Glamour gave it five stars. “She’s still fierce and fabulous, and we’re thrilled to have her back!” said Time Out London.
Kelis, best known for such smash singles as “Caught Out There,” the Top 5, GRAMMY-nominated “Milkshake” and “Bossy,” which became a million-selling ringtone, will kick off a co-headlining North American tour with Robyn on July 23rd. (See below for itinerary with additional dates to be announced.) She’ll also play numerous international dates this summer, including the Glastonbury Festival on June 26th, “The Isle of MTV” live music event with Scissor Sisters in Malta on June 30th and The Big Chill Festival in the U.K. on August 7th.
