Nicole Monique Wray (born May 2, 1979, also known as Lady Wray, is an American singer and songwriter. Her 1998 debut single "

Make It Hot ''Make It Hot'' is the debut studio album by American singer Nicole Wray. The album was released in August 1998 through Missy Elliott's Elektra-distributed vanity label, The Goldmind. The album was produced by Missy Elliott and Timbaland. Som ...

" was certified gold. In the 2010s, she began pursuing a more traditional soul sound, first as part of the duo Lady with

Terri Walker Terri Walker (born Chanelle Gstettenbauer, 14 April 1979) is an English R&B and soul singer-songwriter. Walker has released four albums in the United Kingdom, ''Untitled'', '' L.O.V.E'', ''I Am'' and ''Entitled''. She also provided the majorit ...

and subsequently as Lady Wray. As Lady Wray, she has released two albums: '' Queen Alone'' (2016) and ''Piece of Me'' (2022).

Early life

Nicole Monique Wray was born in

Salinas, California Salinas (; Spanish language, Spanish for "Salt pan (geology), Salt Flats") is a city in the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Monterey County, California, Monterey County. With a population of 163,542 in the 2020 Census, Salinas is ...

, to Debra Wray (née Murphy) and Kenneth Wray. Her older brother Kenny Wray is also a singer and she has younger sister Myrtis Wray. At a young age, Wray relocated to

Portsmouth, Virginia Portsmouth is an Independent city (United States), independent city in southeastern Virginia, United States. It lies across the Elizabeth River (Virginia), Elizabeth River from Norfolk, Virginia, Norfolk. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 ...

. She became one of her church's star choir members and also participated in local fashion shows. During her teenage years, Wray was introduced to then-upcoming rapper

Missy Elliott Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott (born July 1, 1971), also known as Misdemeanor, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. She began her musical career as a member of the Contemporary R&B, R&B girl group 4 All the Sistas Arou ...

, who was looking for a female singer to sign to her own recording label

The Goldmind Inc. The Goldmind, Inc. is an American record label founded in 1997 by rapper Missy Elliott. Elliott and Goldmind were once distributed through East West Records & Elektra Entertainment Group, Until 2004 when Time Warner sold WMG (Parent company ...

Wray impressed Elliott by performing

SWV SWV (Sisters with Voices) is an American R&B vocal trio from New York City whose members are Cheryl "Coko" Gamble, Tamara "Taj" George, and Leanne "Lelee" Lyons. Formed in 1988 as a gospel group, SWV became one of the most successful R&B ...

's song "

Weak Weak may refer to: Songs * Weak (AJR song), "Weak" (AJR song), 2016 * Weak (Melanie C song), "Weak" (Melanie C song), 2011 * Weak (SWV song), "Weak" (SWV song), 1993 * Weak (Skunk Anansie song), "Weak" (Skunk Anansie song), 1995 * "Weak", a son ...

" and became the first recording artist on Elliott's label as well as securing a distribution deal with

Elektra Records Elektra Records (or Elektra Entertainment) is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group, founded in 1950 by Jac Holzman and Paul Rickolt. It played an important role in the development of contemporary folk and rock music between the ...

Career

1997–2002: ''Make It Hot'' and split from The Goldmind Inc./Elektra

In 1997, Wray appeared as a featured vocalist on the song "Gettaway" for Missy Elliott's first album ''

Supa Dupa Fly ''Supa Dupa Fly'' is the debut studio album by American rapper Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, released on July 15, 1997, by The Goldmind, East West, and Elektra Entertainment Group. The album was recorded and produced solely by Timbaland in Oc ...

''. In June 1998, Wray released her first single "

". The single peaked in the top-five on ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertis ...

Hot 100 The ''Billboard'' Hot 100, also known as simply the Hot 100, is the music industry standard record chart in the United States for songs, published weekly by ''Billboard'' magazine. Chart rankings are based on sales (physical and digital), o ...

, and received certified gold-status within six weeks of its release for a total of over 700,000 copies sold. On August 25, 1998, Wray released her first album ''

''. The album only achieved moderated success, peaking at forty-two on ''Billboard'' Top 200 Albums and ninety-one on the

UK Albums Chart The Official Albums Chart is the United Kingdom's industry-recognised national record chart for album, albums. Entries are ranked by sales and audio streaming. It was published for the first time on 22 July 1956 and is compiled every week by the O ...

. Following the issue of the album, Wray toured as the opening act and background vocalist for Elliott's concert tour. The album's follow-up singles "I Can't See" and "Eyes Better Not Wander" failed to

crossover Crossover may refer to: Entertainment Music Albums * ''Cross Over'' (album), a 1987 album by Dan Peek, or the title song * ''Crossover'' (Dirty Rotten Imbeciles album), 1987 * ''Crossover'', an album by Intrigue * ''Crossover'', an album by ...

with the latter only peaking at seventy-one on the

Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs The Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart ranks the most popular R&B and hip hop songs in the United States and is published weekly by '' Billboard''. Rankings are based on a measure of radio airplay, sales data, and streaming activity. The chart had 100 ...

chart in 1999. In September 1999, Missy Elliott released her single " All n My Grill", which featured Wray,

Big Boi Antwan André Patton (born February 1, 1975), known professionally as Big Boi, is an American rapper and record producer. Born in Savannah, Georgia, and raised in Atlanta, he was one half of the Southern hip-hop duo Outkast along with rapper ...

, and

MC Solaar Claude Honoré M'Barali (; born 5 March 1969), professionally known as MC Solaar (), is a French rapping, rapper of Senegalese people, Senegalese and Chadian people, Chadian origin. He is one of France's most famous and influential hip hop musi ...

. The single achieved success in European markets and even garnered a gold-status certification by the

SNEP SNEP (, in English National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing) is the inter-professional organisation that protects the interests of the French record industry. Originally known under the acronym SNICOP, the organisation was established in ...

. In 2000, Wray began recording her original second album titled ''Elektric Blue''. In July 2001, she released the single "I'm Lookin'" which was planned to be the lead single. Following the single's moderate performance on the

R&B chart The Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart ranks the most popular R&B and hip hop songs in the United States and is published weekly by '' Billboard''. Rankings are based on a measure of radio airplay, sales data, and streaming activity. The chart had 100 ...

, the album ''Elektric Blue'' was subjected to several postponed dates and was ultimately shelved when Wray decided to leave The Goldmind Inc and Elektra Records in 2001. In 2002, gospel duo Pam & Dodi released "Don't Have To", a gospel and pop song written by Wray. The song was featured as the lead single of the duo's self-titled album.

2003–2011: ''Lovechild''

In June 2003, Wray released a single "Welcome Home" with rapper

Ol' Dirty Bastard Russell Tyrone Jones (November 15, 1968 – November 13, 2004), known professionally as Ol' Dirty Bastard (often abbreviated as ODB), was an American rapper. He was one of the founding members of the New York rap group Wu-Tang Clan, which forme ...

. Later that year, Wray secured a recording contract with

Roc-A-Fella Records Roc-A-Fella Records was an American record label and music management company founded in 1994 by record executives and entrepreneurs Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Damon Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. Carter issued his debut album, '' Reasonable Doubt ...

. In November 2004, Wray issued a single "If I Was Your Girlfriend", originally planned to be the lead single of her forthcoming album ''Lovechild''. The single spent twenty weeks on R&B chart but ultimately peaked at fifty-seven. Later that year, Wray experienced a brief roster move from Roc-A Fella to

Def Jam Records Def Jam Recordings (also simply known as Def Jam) is an American multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group. It is based in Manhattan, New York City, specializing predominantly in hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul and pop. The l ...

to ultimately the

Dame Dash Music Group Damon Anthony Dash (born May 3, 1971) is an American entrepreneur and record executive. He co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records with Jay-Z and Kareem Burke in 1994, and co-founded the fashion retailer Rocawear with the former in 1999. Early life Bor ...

.You Might Not See Her, But Nicole Wray Continues To “Make It Hot” (Exclusive Interview)
YouKnowIGotSoul. Retrieved: December 11, 2021. The album ''Lovechild'' was scheduled to be released in April 2005 but was shelved after the Dame Dash Music Group became defunct. During her time on the Dame Dash Music Group, Wray made a cameo appearance in movie ''

State Property 2 ''State Property 2'' is a 2005 American crime film directed by Damon Dash and produced and distributed by Lionsgate Entertainment. A sequel to 2002's '' State Property'', the film stars rap artists and other musicians such as Cam'ron, The Dipl ...

''. In July 2005, Wray and Mike Jones released " Still Tippin' (It's a Man's World) (Remix)" on the

soundtrack A soundtrack is a recorded audio signal accompanying and synchronised to the images of a book, drama, motion picture, radio program, television show, television program, or video game; colloquially, a commercially released soundtrack album of m ...

of American

drama film In film and television, drama is a category or genre of narrative fiction (or semi-fiction) intended to be more serious than humorous in tone. The drama of this kind is usually qualified with additional terms that specify its particular ...

Hustle & Flow ''Hustle & Flow'' is a 2005 American drama film written and directed by Craig Brewer. The film stars Terrence Howard as a Memphis hustler and pimp who dreams of becoming a rapper. The ensemble cast includes Anthony Anderson, Taryn Manning, Ta ...

. Still maintaining her work relationship with Damon Dash, Wray performed on

The Black Keys The Black Keys are an American Rock music, rock duo formed in Akron, Ohio in 2001. The group consists of Dan Auerbach (guitar, Singing, vocals) and Patrick Carney (Drum kit, drums). The duo began as an Independent music, independent act, record ...

rock and hip-hop fusion album titled

Blakroc ''Blakroc'' (stylized as ''BlakRoc'') is a studio album produced by Damon Dash, of the Roc-A-Fella Records label, and American rock band The Black Keys, which provides music and vocals. The album features several hip hop and R&B acts, namely Mos ...

, released in November 2009. Wray was then enlisted to add her background vocals on The Black Keys' album, ''

Brothers A brother (: brothers or brethren) is a man or boy who shares one or more parents with another; a male sibling. The female counterpart is a sister. Although the term typically refers to a familial relationship, it is sometimes used endearingl ...

'', which was published in May 2010. In June 2010, Wray released ''Boss Chick'' which featured unreleased music from years prior. A single titled "I Like It" was issued from the album. In 2011, Wray and

7 Aurelius Marcus Vest, known by his stage names Channel 7 and 7 Aurelius, is an American musician, record producer, rapper and songwriter. Life and career Vest learned how to play drums at a Pentecostal church growing up. His career started with Rap-A-L ...

released a compilation album ''Dream Factory Sessions'' which featured unreleased songs recorded in 2004.7 AURELIUS & NICOLE WRAY: DREAM FACTORY SESSIONS
junodownload. Retrieved: December 11, 2021.

2012–2014: ''Lady'' and Truth & Soul Records

In 2012, Wray formed a retro-soul duo called Lady with

, a singer she met in 2009. Lady became the background vocalists for American

soul The soul is the purported Mind–body dualism, immaterial aspect or essence of a Outline of life forms, living being. It is typically believed to be Immortality, immortal and to exist apart from the material world. The three main theories that ...

singer

Lee Fields Elmer Lee Fields (born April 26, 1950) is an American soul singer, sometimes nicknamed "Little JB" for his physical and vocal resemblance with James Brown. He has recorded with Kool and the Gang, Hip Huggers, O. V. Wright, Darrell Banks, and ...

during his ''Lee Fields and The Expressions Tour'' in 2012. During the tour, Lady recorded their self-titled album and released it in March 2013 on

Truth and Soul Records Truth & Soul was a record label and production team based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It was formed in 2004 by Leon Michels and Jeff Silverman with Philippe Lehman. The label was best known for their releases with Lee Fields & The Expressions a ...

. The album spawned three singles: "Money", "Get Ready", and "Good Lovin'". Heavily influenced by 1960/70s soul music, the album was a success and allowed the duo headline their own concert tour. During their tour, Walker departed from the music act to pursue her solo career. Wray renamed the music act as "Lady, the Band" and continued on with the addition of two background singers for the conclusion of the tour. After the roster move from Truth and Soul Records to Big Crown Records, Wray adopted the stage name Lady Wray.

2016–present: ''Queen Alone'' and ''Piece of Me''

In June 2016, Wray released "Do It Again", the lead single of her second album ''Queen Alone''. In July 2016, she released the second single "Guilty", a song inspired by her brother's incarceration. In September 2016, Wray issued her second album ''Queen Alone'' on Big Crown Records. The album retained a similar retro-soul sound as her earlier project with Lady. Wray continued to promote the album with the issue of the singles "Smiling" and "Underneath My Feet". In 2019, Wray released two singles: "Piece of Me" and "Come On In". The following year, she issued another single "Storms". In mid-2021, she released another single "Games People Play". Later that year, she issued two more singles: "Under the Sun" and "Through It All". Her third solo album ''

Piece of Me "Piece of Me" is a song by American singer Britney Spears from her fifth studio album, '' Blackout'' (2007). It was released on November 27, 2007, by Jive Records as the second single from the album, but was actually the last song recorded. It ...

'' was released on January 28, 2022.

Personal life

In June 2018, Wray gave birth to her daughter Melody Bacote. In April 2020, Wray married musician Dante Bacote.

Discography

* ''

'' (1998) * '' Queen Alone'' (2016) * ''

'' (2022)

Filmography

;Films * ''

'' (2005) ;Television * ''

The Wayans Bros. ''The Wayans Bros.'' is an American sitcom television series that aired on The WB from January 11, 1995, to May 20, 1999. The series starred real life brothers Shawn Wayans, Shawn and Marlon Wayans, comedian John Witherspoon (actor), John Withe ...

'' (1998)

Tours

Headlining * Lady, the Band Tour (2013–14) * Piece of Me Tour (2022) * Lady Wray Spring Tour 2023 (2023) Co-headlining * Lady Wray & Brainstory EU Tour (2023–24; with Brainstory) Special guest * Caamp Tour 2023 ( Caamp) (2023) Backup singer * Supa Dupa Fly Tour (

) (1998–99) * Lee Fields and the Expressions Tour (

) (2012–13)

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Wray, Nicole 1979 births 20th-century African-American actresses 20th-century American actresses 20th-century American singer-songwriters 20th-century American women singers 21st-century African-American actresses 21st-century American actresses 21st-century American singer-songwriters 21st-century American women singers African-American women singer-songwriters American child singers American contemporary R&B singers American dance musicians American women hip-hop singers American women pop singers American women singer-songwriters American film actresses Living people Musicians from Portsmouth, Virginia People from Salinas, California Roc-A-Fella Records artists Singer-songwriters from California Singer-songwriters from Virginia Swing Mob artists