Kelly Rowland’s most recent single, “Hitman” is a part of the 2020 NFL Songs of the Season Series. Songs of the Season began during the 2019-2020 season featuring artists such as Royce Da 5’9”, Lecrae, Blackway and more, but EBONY had the pleasure of interviewing the Kelly Rowland. Beginning her career with Destiny’s Child, one of the best selling girl groups of all time Kelly has continued to work on independent projects.

Since dropping her first solo album in 2002, Rowland has sold over 40 million records, earning several awards and nominations, including four Grammy Awards, one Billboard Music Award, and two Soul Train Music Awards. Her successes have continued and despite the year of 2020 being full with challenges, she’s put out several new singles with visuals, and is expecting her second bundle of joy with husband, Tim Weatherspoon.

Songs of the Season highlights superstars and emerging recording artists of all genres, incorporating their music into game broadcasts throughout the 2020 season. The series was created to Inspire Change, the NFL’s social justice initiative which focuses on reducing barriers to opportunity in four priority areas. These areas include education, economic advancement, police and community relations, and criminal justice reform. All important and politically relevant topics, especially for the year 2020.

Kelly told us all about her recent projects and her participation with the NFL Songs of the Season.

EBONY: Hi Kelly, Thank you for doing this EBONY interview! First off, how are you?

KELLY: Hi Shariah, so nice to meet you! I’m doing great. I hope you and your family are staying safe during these times.

EBONY: Congrats on your pregnancy! I know this is your second time around but how has this pregnancy been for you?

KELLY: Thank you! My pregnancy has been beautiful. Quarantine has allowed me to spend more time with myself and my family. My family has been my rock through this pandemic and my pregnancy. I’m excited for this new chapter of my life, I’m about to be a Mom of two!

EBONY: Despite the many possible personal and professional setbacks throughout the pandemic, you're having an amazing year musically! From 'Coffee' to 'Crazy', how has putting out projects during 2020 been different from releasing projects in the past?

KELLY: Thank you! Putting out projects this year has been different for sure. Instead of live performances, I had an “at home” open mic and shared the footage across all my social platforms. There was a lot of behind the scenes digital marketing, which I credit my team for.

EBONY: I had the chance to listen to your new song 'Hitman', can you tell us a little about the inspiration and creative process behind this song?

KELLY: Hitman is an upbeat, high-tempo song that gets listeners going. It’s high energy, and sets a tone that I think matches the excitement of football and an NFL Sunday.

EBONY: Can you tell us a little bit about your decision to team up with the NFL and how this came to be?

KELLY: This year has been particularly challenging with the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Elijah McCain (to name a few) and subsequent civil unrest. The NFL has been doing amazing work through their Inspire Change Initiative and when I was asked to participate in their Songs of the Season initiative I was excited to help bring awareness and help move all of us toward a more equal and just tomorrow.