Keke Palmer has cracked her chest wide open with the release of a new visual album, titled Just Keke, which is easily her rawest and revealing work yet. The project dives deep into Palmer's relationship with Darius Jackson, with whom she has a son, and doesn't shy away from the "Ripples," the "Amnesia," and the "Tea, Boo" of it all — which are actual titles of songs in the album.
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The music and its visuals deliver a cinematic experience, while still making you feel as though you are watching Palmer process heartbreak and healing in real time. Just Keke isn't just an album, it is Palmer's way of showing up for herself, out loud, and in stunning, colorful visuals that hit just as hard as the lyrics.
Each intentional frame, word, costume, and reference underscores that this isn't a pop star trying to mask the pain — she's using that pain to propel herself forward as a woman who's done hiding or trying to explain herself. She's ready to stand 10 toes down in her truth.
In a conversation with Out, Palmer discusses how the Just Keke visual album helped her recover from her breakup with Jackson and taught her a lesson about herself. The multihyphenate, who identifies as queer, also shares some advice to those who might be struggling to understand where they land in the sexuality spectrum.
Keke Palmer in the Just Keke visual album film.
Big Bosses Entertainment
Out: You really opened up about your relationship with Darius Jackson on songs like 'Off-Script.' One line that really hit was, 'Even when I let you get me pregnant / How else can I prove it?' How did it feel to say that out loud, on your own terms? Did that moment give you any sense of release, or taking back your power?
Keke Palmer: There wasn't a time where I wasn't being genuine on this album, just as I'm genuine on every project that I've put out. But anytime you change and evolve as a person, it impacts your music. I feel closer to myself, in a sense.
Any time you own your story, you gain power, and that's how I felt with this project. It was also cathartic. I felt safe working with Tayla Parx, and I was able to uncover things I hadn't processed. Once it was released, I was able to see myself clearer and it brought a sense of strength.
Keke Palmer in the Just Keke visual album film.
Big Bosses Entertainment
What's the biggest lesson you've learned about yourself from being with Darius Jackson?
From that relationship, I recognized it's fine to let go of things you can no longer carry. Sometimes we want to hold onto things, but sometimes letting [things] go is for the best. I learned boundaries are important. If you can't love yourself, how can someone love you?
As for myself, I learned how shy I can be, especially when it comes to vulnerability and love. There's a particular way that I am comfortable with expressing my vulnerability. I was so excited to own it and share it through the music. When you see the visual album, you see that this is a tender spot for me, through a vehicle I feel most comfortable with, which is my art.
You're a queer icon in your own right. Who is your favorite queer icon of all time?
I would have to say RuPaul!
Keke Palmer in the Just Keke visual album film.
Big Bosses Entertainment
You've talked about embracing your sexuality, but there are people who may not even know where to begin. What would you consider a good starting point for someone who may need help with exploring their sexuality and desires?
A lot of times, people feel like they need to make a choice about something, which is why I love queerness: It can be whatever you want it to be. I would say, 'Feel free to experience yourself and what feels right to you.' That's what I've been taught and learned in my own experience. Just trust yourself, and don't judge yourself.
You are the queen of manifesting and making it happen, so what's something you are manifesting right now that you want to come true?
I love Jamie Foxx so bad. We're manifesting myself and Jamie Foxx in a movie, and it's going to be because of you, Ty!
You're a business woman, a mother, an actress, and an artist — all of these accomplishments involve taking chances and taking risks. What's the next risk you're wanting to take?
Continuing to pursue entrepreneurialism, and to pursue things outside of entertainment as well. Me, as a performer, it's what I'm very excited about.
Keke Palmer's new album, Just Keke, is now available on all music streaming services. The full visual album is also available for free on YouTube, as seen below.
