Michel'leNew Jack Swing Hall Of Fame:
Michel'le
Having an unusually high-pitched, squeaky voice, this new jack diva is often referred to as the first "queen of hip-hop/soul." She was the first urban contemporary act added to Eazy-E's Ruthless Records, which for the most part, catered solely to a rap audience. As a bonus, for her debut release, she was blessed with having one of the most aspiring producers in the business with Dr. dre, who had already gained enormous fame with N.W.A. Combining N.W.A.'s popularity, Dre's wizardry, and Michel'le's identity, it was no question she would become a major star, and she was, for a brief moment. Mixing heart-warming ballads and funky hip-hop cuts, Michel'le's self-titled debut reeled off three chart toppers, the biggest being the new jack cut "No More Lies," which climbed to #7 pop in the fall of '90. The others being the sentimental "Something In My Heart" and the funky "Nicety." She also scored two other r&b entries with "Keep Watchin" and "If." Unfortunately, this would be the pinnacle of her career. It wouldn't be until 1998 when Michel'le would record again, (well after new jack and N.W.A's popularity had ended) to unfavorable reviews. Nevertheless, Michel'le's self-titled debut capitalized on the commerical success of new jack, and was well received by urban contemporary audiences, and will go down as one of the most successful releases of 1990.
