Image via Complex Original
There's no clear-cut path to success. A lot of new artists find early blog support and YouTube subscribers essential to the ride. Then there's artists like Skylar Grey who blow up in that split-second, WTF, where-did-they-come-from, sort of way. Last year, she helped pen Eminem and Rihanna's No. 1 single, "Love The Way You Lie" (RiRi's chorus, obvs), that stayed at the top of the charts for seven weeks.
She's gone on to work with T.I. and Diddy, and most recently provided hooks for Lupe Fiasco's "Words I Never Said," and Dr. Dre's Detox single, "I Need A Doctor." The 24-year-old Wisconsin native born Holly Brook Hafermann, has been quietly working since she was a kid, and shrouded in mystery until her newfound success—but she just released her first official pictures as Skylar Grey, so not anymore. And especially not after you read this...
Written by Ernest Baker (@newbornrodeo).
Generations
Generations
Date: 1993-2000
From ages 7 to 14, Wisconsin native Skylar Grey performed in a folk duo with her mother, Candy Kreitlow, as Generations. They released three albums: Dream Maker (1996), Lift Me (1998), and Millennial Child/Waiting For You (2000).
Machine Shop Recordings
Machine Shop Recordings
Date: Fall 2004
Following a move to Los Angeles the prior year, Skylar signed with Linkin Park's label, Machine Shop Recordings, as Holly Brook.
Brie Larson "She Said"
Brie Larson "She Said"
Date: January 11, 2005
Skylar Grey got to work right away. One of her earliest writing credits was for Brie Larson's "She Said," a minor pop hit. Like Skylar, Brie re-invented herself and sticks to acting these days. Her last role was in 2010's Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.
Holly Brook EP
Holly Brook EP
Date: October 11, 2005
Skylar leads up to the release of her first album with this short, five-song EP.
Fort Minor f/ Lupe Fiasco "Be Somebody"
Fort Minor f/ Lupe Fiasco "Be Somebody"
Date: October 30, 2005
It turns out "Words I Never Said" isn't Skylar's first time working with Lupe Fiasco. She appeared on the chorus to "Be Somebody" from Fort Minor's (Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park's side project) We Major mixtape. The tape served as a prequel to the band's debut, on which Skylar was also featured.
Fort Minor "Where'd You Go"
Fort Minor "Where'd You Go"
Date: April 10, 2006
"Where'd You Go" from Fort Minor's 2005 album, The Rising Tied, is officially released as a single. It marks Skylar Grey's first taste of major success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. She performs with Mike Shinoda and the band on The Tonight Show and TRL.
Holly Brook Like Blood Like Honey
Holly Brook Like Blood Like Honey
Date: June 6, 2006
Skylar Grey releases her solo debut, Like Blood Like Honey, as Holly Brook. The album features the singles "What I Wouldn't Give" and "Wanted."
Duncan Sheik Whisper House
Duncan Sheik Whisper House
Date: January 27, 2009
Tony Award-winning musical composer Duncan Sheik releases his sixth studio album. Skylar Grey is featured on several of the songs, and acted in stage and film versions of the album. She also toured with Duncan in support of the project. Watch performance footage above.
Ciao Water Commercial
Ciao Water Commercial
Date: August 27, 2009
Skylar is still going by Holly. Her song "It's Raining Again" is used in Ciao Water's promotional campaign.
Apathy "No Sad Tomorrow"
Apathy "No Sad Tomorrow"
Date: October 6, 2009
Underground Connecticut rapper Apathy, affiliated with Mike Shinoda, releases his sophomore album Wanna Snuggle? Skylar is featured on "No Sad Tomorrow" as Holly Brook.
Deep Deep Sleep "Erase You"
Deep Deep Sleep "Erase You"
Date: June 4, 2010
One of Skylar's most mysterious appearances happened less than a year ago. Here she appears in the music video for obscure band, Deep Deep Sleep's "Erase You."
Holly Brook O'Dark:Thirty EP
Holly Brook O'Dark:Thirty EP
Date: June 10, 2010
While the Eminem and Rihanna's Skylar Grey-penned "Love The Way You Lie" was making its six-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, she was still releasing music as Holly Brook. This EP was her last attempt before fully switching over.
Avril Lavigne in the Studio with Alex Da Kid and "Grizzly Bear"
Avril Lavigne in the Studio with Alex Da Kid and "Grizzly Bear"
Date: August 14, 2010
It's not hard to figure out, but "Grizzly Bear" is Skylar Grey.
Name Change, Signs with Alex Da Kid
Name Change, Signs with Alex Da Kid
Date: August 17, 2010
The email above was sent to those subscribed to the Holly Brook mailing list. Her name officially became Skylar Grey and London-native star producer Alex Da Kid told Billboard that she was signed to his production company, Wonderland Entertainment.
Skylar Plans Grammy "Reveal"
Skylar Plans Grammy "Reveal"
Date: December 13, 2010
Even with a rising profile, Skylar kept herself hidden. No pictures or bio information could be found. She tweeted the above, encouraging fans to be patient and wait for her reveal at the 2011 Grammys, where she's nominated for Song of the Year for contributions to "Love The Way You Lie."
First Pictures of Skylar Grey
First Pictures of Skylar Grey
Date: January 31, 2011
The budding star tweeted, "Late night in the studio...things are gettin crazy and I'm in the mood to share!!!! Who wants a surprise?!" She then linked fans to her website, with the first official pictures of her as Skylar Grey. To-date, her songwriting credits include: Eminem f/ Rihanna "Love The Way You Lie," T.I. f/ Christina Aguilera "Castle Walls," Diddy-Dirty Money "Coming Home," Dr. Dre f/ Eminem "I Need A Doctor," and Lupe Fiasco "Words I Never Said." She's featured on the last three. Expect Skylar Grey to own 2011.
