Keri Lewis is a name that resonates deeply within the world of R&B and soul music. As a founding member of the legendary band Mint Condition, he helped shape the sound of the 90s. However, for many pop culture fans, Keri Lewis is best recognized as the former husband of global superstar Toni Braxton. Their high-profile marriage, subsequent divorce, and the unique financial battles that followed have kept his name in the headlines for decades.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Keri Lewis. From his musical origins in Minneapolis to the intricate details of his divorce settlement, we dig deep into the life of this talented artist.
Quick Bio of Keri Lewis
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Keri Lewis |
| Date of Birth | February 12, 1971 |
| Age | 54 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Musician, Songwriter, Producer |
| Famous Group | Mint Condition (Original Member) |
| Instruments | Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals |
| Ex-Spouse | Toni Braxton (m. 2001–2013) |
| Children | Denim Cole & Diezel Ky Braxton-Lewis |
| Divorce Finalized | July 2013 |
| Height | Approx. 5’10” (1.78 m) |
| Current Project | Creator of “90’s R&B Alumni” |
The Early Days: Who is Keri Lewis?
Born on February 12, 1971, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Keri Lewis grew up in a city that was quickly becoming a funk and soul powerhouse thanks to icons like Prince. His passion for music started early, leading him to master multiple instruments, including the keyboard and percussion.
In the late 1980s, Keri Lewis joined forces with other talented musicians—Stokley Williams, Ricky Kinchen, Homer O’Dell, Larry Waddell, and Jeffrey Allen—to form the group Mint Condition. Unlike many other R&B acts of the time that relied on backing tracks, the Keri Lewis group Mint Condition was a self-contained band that played their own instruments live.
Their talent caught the eye of super-producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (no relation to Keri), who signed them to Perspective Records in 1989. This marked the beginning of Keri Lewis’s rise to stardom.
Mint Condition and Keri Lewis Songs
During his time with the band, Keri Lewis contributed significantly to their unique sound, which blended New Jack Swing, jazz, and funk. The band’s debut album, Meant to Be Mint (1991), featured their breakout hit, “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes).” This track remains one of the most beloved R&B ballads of all time and is a staple on urban radio stations.
Keri Lewis was instrumental in crafting the group’s melodic style. Some of the most famous Keri Lewis songs and contributions with Mint Condition include:
“What Kind of Man Would I Be” – A massive hit that showcased the band’s lyrical depth regarding fidelity. “U Send Me Swingin'” – An uptempo track that highlighted their ability to merge dance beats with live instrumentation. “Forever In Your Eyes” – Another ballad that cemented their reputation as masters of slow jams.
Keri Lewis left Mint Condition in 2005 to pursue a different path in the music industry. He wanted to focus on producing for other artists and expanding his creative horizons beyond the band dynamic.
Toni Braxton and Keri Lewis Marriage
The love story of Toni Braxton and Keri Lewis began in a truly musical fashion. The two met while Mint Condition was the opening act for Toni Braxton’s tour. The chemistry was undeniable, and they quickly became one of the industry’s “it” couples.
On April 21, 2001, the couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony. For over a decade, the Toni Braxton and Keri Lewis marriage appeared to be a fairy tale. They were frequently seen together on red carpets, supporting each other’s careers. Keri Lewis even transitioned into producing music for Toni Braxton, working on her albums The Heat (2000), Snowflakes (2001), and More Than a Woman (2002).
During their marriage, they welcomed two sons, Denim Cole Braxton-Lewis and Diezel Ky Braxton-Lewis. However, beneath the surface of their public appearances, financial strain and health issues began to take a toll on their relationship.
The Divorce: Toni Braxton Divorce Keri Lewis 2013 Finalized
After eight years of marriage, the couple separated in 2009. It would take another four years for the legal proceedings to conclude. The Toni Braxton divorce Keri Lewis 2013 finalized headlines were everywhere, marking the official end of an era.
The divorce was not just emotional; it was financially complicated. Toni Braxton had filed for bankruptcy twice (once in 1998 and again in 2010), yet she was still the primary earner during much of their marriage. This led to a contentious alimony battle that shocked many fans.
In a twist rarely seen in celebrity divorces at the time, the court ordered Toni Braxton to pay Keri Lewis spousal support. The Toni Braxton divorce keri lewis settlement required her to pay him roughly $20,000 per month. This “alimony reversal” became a major talking point in the media.
The Alimony Controversy
The financial arrangement left a bitter taste for the “Un-Break My Heart” singer. Decades later, on the show Red Table Talk, she opened up about her feelings regarding the payments. She famously stated that she felt “men are the new b*****s” because she was forced to pay him while she was struggling with her own finances and a Lupus diagnosis.
Keri Lewis defended himself against these claims. In a detailed Instagram post, he explained that he never hired a lawyer to fight her. He stated that the payments were part of a prenuptial agreement that Toni Braxton’s own lawyers had drafted before they got married. He clarified that he received alimony for about three years, from 2012 to 2014, and that the payments stopped once the legally agreed-upon term ended.
Despite this public spat, Toni Braxton and Keri Lewis eventually reconciled as friends. They realized that maintaining a positive relationship was essential for the well-being of their children.
Keri Lewis Children: Denim and Diezel
A major part of Keri Lewis’s life revolves around his two sons. Both Denim and Diezel have grown into successful young men, carving out their own paths in the fashion world.
Diezel Ky Braxton-Lewis, born in 2003, was diagnosed with autism at a young age. Keri Lewis and Toni Braxton worked tirelessly to find him the best resources and therapy. Their advocacy brought significant attention to autism in the African American community. Today, Diezel is a signed model who has walked for high-end brands.
Denim Cole Braxton-Lewis, born in 2001, has also pursued modeling and attended Grand Canyon University to study sports management. Keri Lewis frequently posts about his sons’ achievements, showing that despite the divorce, he remains a dedicated and present father.
What is Keri Lewis Doing Now?
Fans often wonder, “What is Keri Lewis doing now?” After leaving the limelight of reality TV and the drama of the divorce, Keri Lewis has returned to his roots: music.
He is currently the creator and host of a YouTube channel and brand called “90’s R&B Alumni.” Through this platform, Keri Lewis celebrates the golden era of R&B. He breaks down the production secrets behind classic hits, interviews fellow musicians, and educates a new generation on the history of the genre.
This venture allows Keri Lewis to leverage his expertise as a producer and historian. It is a passion project that keeps him connected to the industry he helped shape.
Is There a Keri Lewis New Wife?
A common search query is “Keri Lewis new wife” or questions about his current relationship status. As of 2025, Keri Lewis has kept his romantic life extremely private.
Unlike his ex-wife, who had a highly publicized engagement to rapper Birdman, Keri Lewis has not made any public announcements regarding a remarriage. There are no credible reports or social media posts confirming that he has a new wife. It appears he is focused on his career and his children, choosing to stay out of the tabloid cycle.
Keri Lewis Net Worth
Determining the exact Keri Lewis net worth can be difficult due to his private nature. However, his wealth is primarily derived from his decades of work in the music industry.
As a songwriter and producer for Mint Condition, Keri Lewis earns royalties every time their songs are played on the radio, streamed on Spotify, or used in movies. Hits like “Breakin’ My Heart” generate consistent passive income. Additionally, his production credits for Toni Braxton and other artists add to his financial portfolio.
While he may not have the massive fortune of a touring pop star, Keri Lewis has maintained a stable financial standing through his publishing rights and current business ventures.
Toni Braxton Divorce Keri Lewis 2013 Wikipedia Details
If you look up Toni Braxton divorce Keri Lewis 2013 Wikipedia entries, you will find that the divorce was officially finalized in July 2013. The proceedings were drawn out due to the complex division of assets and the custody arrangements for their two sons.
The Toni Braxton divorce Keri Lewis year finalized (2013) marked a turning point for both individuals. For Toni, it was the start of a financial and personal rebuilding phase. For Keri, it was a move toward a quieter life away from the reality TV cameras that had documented their marital troubles on Braxton Family Values.
Keri Lewis Age and Legacy
Born in 1971, Keri Lewis is currently 54 years old. He has spent over three decades in the music industry. His legacy is twofold: he is a respected musician who helped define the sound of Minneapolis R&B, and he is a devoted father who co-parented successfully through a difficult public split.
While the Toni Braxton husband Keri Lewis label will always follow him, his work with Mint Condition ensures his place in music history. He continues to influence the culture through his “90’s R&B Alumni” platform, proving that his passion for music is as strong as ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Keri Lewis?
Keri Lewis is an American singer, songwriter, and producer, best known as a founding member of the R&B band Mint Condition and the ex-husband of Toni Braxton. - When was Keri Lewis’s divorce finalized?
His divorce from Toni Braxton was officially finalized in July 2013, four years after their initial separation. - Does Keri Lewis have children?
Yes, he has two sons with Toni Braxton: Denim Cole Braxton-Lewis (born 2001) and Diezel Ky Braxton-Lewis (born 2003). - Is Keri Lewis married now?
As of 2025, Keri Lewis has not publicly confirmed a new marriage or wife and keeps his dating life private. - What band was Keri Lewis in?
He was a keyboardist and percussionist for the famous R&B group Mint Condition from 1989 until 2005.
Conclusion
Keri Lewis proves that there is life after the limelight of a high-profile marriage. While his relationship with Toni Braxton often dominates the conversation, his contributions to R&B through Mint Condition and his current work as a music historian stand on their own merits. From navigating a complex divorce in 2013 to raising two successful sons, he has handled his journey with resilience. As he continues to educate the world on the history of 90s music, Keri Lewis remains a vital and respected figure in the entertainment industry.
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