Multifaceted entertainer Keke Palmer is now a part of a new R&B group, Diva Gurl.
The quartet — Monét, Lashae, Sade, and Keyana (Keke) — has released their first single, “S.O.B. (Stand On Business),” via SRG/ILS Group.
Produced by Kenneth “KP” Paige, “S.O.B.” is a wistful bop about saying what you mean and meaning what you say. In this case, Palmer, who sings the lead parts, asserts her self-worth and isn’t negotiating it for any potential lover.
“How can you say that you love me / When you don’t know me yet,” Palmer sings.
Speaking on the group’s formation, Palmer notes, “I heard a few songs from the Diva Gurl album and I fell in love. I was so impressed that I asked them to open for me on tour, and we even documented it for my network KeyTV.”
She adds, “These girls are stunning, their individual style is incredible, and they bring that nostalgic girl group energy that the industry has been missing.”
“S.O.B.” arrives with a lighthearted video that can be watched below. The song marks Palmer’s first release since her company, Big Bosses Ent., announced its partnership with SRG/ILS.
Last fall, Palmer released Big Boss (Deluxe), an extended edition of the original album that was released earlier that spring.
Big Boss (Deluxe) featured four bonus tracks, including the deeply personal “Ungorgeous.”
Of the latter song, Palmer explained, “It’s lived with me for a long time and I never shared it until this year. It’s easy to assume that when someone appears beautiful and together on the outside, the same is true for how they are feeling on the inside. That is often not the case- and the way we feel on the inside is really the only thing that counts.”
She continued, “Something I’ve learned since I first recorded this song is that there is no shame in owning how you really feel. Especially when it isn’t good! My vulnerability is my strength and in getting it out there I can heal.
Performing this song on tour reminded me that I wasn’t alone. I want to give people permission to be real with themselves and with each other. Music is meant to transmute, so if you’ve been where I’ve been or are there right now, I hope you turn this song on, acknowledge your truth and let it go.”
In other news, Palmer will release her new memoir, Master of Me, on Nov. 19 via Flatiron Books.
Per the synopsis, “In this exhilarating, deeply poignant, and often laugh-out-loud book, Lauren Keyana Palmer gets real about life, career, and spirituality. She talks about the tools she has developed to take the reins, harness her vulnerability, and recognize her ownership and mastery over her own life to turn her personal power into major power.
It continues, “With her unique blend of humor, empathy, and truth, Keke details her journey back to herself as she finds a new center within motherhood, career, and relationships.”
Stream Diva Gurl’s new song “S.O.B.” below.
