Keke Palmer revealed that she chose to become an independent artist so she could own her work and be the puppet master, not the puppet. She explained that she believes in diversifying rather than putting all her eggs in one basket—or one industry. That mindset is why she wears many hats, including singing, acting, hosting, producing, and presenting.
Her views on money also extend into Hollywood, where she’s openly called the industry “soulless.” During an interview on The Breakfast Club, Palmer expressed, “Anywhere where a lot of money is being made could be soulless.”
She may have been referencing similar instances where several artists, from Taylor Swift to Kizz Daniel and other big names, have fallen victim to losing ownership of their creative works due to unfavorable record label deals and industry structures.
As a way to protect herself from similar pitfalls, Keke reflected on her experience of being signed to a record label at just 12 years old. She spoke candidly about the emotional toll it took and how those early experiences shaped her approach to business, finances, and self-worth today.
“… I think from my experience, the reason why I feel like music was very soulless to me, because, you can say acting can be as well—but just from my personal experiences, it’s not a character, it’s you- I remember when I got signed to Atlantic Records when I was 12 years old, and they had me going to court like, ‘Do you know you’re going to be signed to Atlantic Records?’ and I’m like, ‘Yes, I know and I understand.’ But you don’t know what it means, and you don’t understand- Like, you’ve become a product. And again, when it’s your music, it’s different than a character because it’s you that they’re monetizing. It’s you that they’re creating things on the back of. So when you’re then told, ‘It didn’t work,’ or ‘We’re done with you,’ or *‘We’re no longer supporting you’—it’s hard not to take that personally…”
Here’s Why Keke Palmer Lives Below Her Means
Keke Palmer has always been outspoken when it comes to finances. The former child star previously shared her stance on living below her means in an interview with CNBC, stating:
“I live under my means. I think it’s incredibly important. If I have $1 million in my pocket, my rent is going to be $1,500- that’s how underneath my means I’m talking. My car note is going to be $340. I don’t need a [Bentley] Bentayga, I’ll ride in a Lexus.”
She made it clear that growing up with money didn’t mean she developed a lavish lifestyle. She credits her parents’ humble lifestyle and how much they sacrificed for her as a major influence on her own life choices.
“My dad gave up his pension for me to have an opportunity for my dreams. My mom gave up everything so she could travel with me. What’s mine is theirs and what’s theirs is mine … I would sacrifice 20 more years of my life working in this industry so that I can provide and we can have the business we have today.”
It’s also worth noting that Palmer filed for bankruptcy between the ages of 18 and 19, not long after her hit show True Jackson, VP ended. Despite having a business manager and the support of her parents, who had both stopped working to support her career, the experience likely left a lasting impact. It may have shaped her financial mindset, prompting her to adopt a more conservative approach to money, prioritize investments, and steer clear of unnecessary spending.
Mariam Emily Adama is a copywriter, SEO strategist, and digital marketer passionate about using words to inform, inspire, and influence. With over seven years of experience writing for global brands and managing digital campaigns, she brings a data-driven yet creative approach to content creation. When she’s not writing or analyzing trends, Mariam enjoys exploring new cultures, reading, and documenting stories that celebrate African excellence.