You Oughta Know : Chrisette Michele

Though you may not know her name, you might know Chrisette Michele's voice. Coy and sultry, it warms the spare "Lost One" on Jay-Z's triumphant return from retirement, KINGDOM COME. But that's only one of the accomplishments of this Long Island preacher's daughter; discovered by India.Arie at a New York club, signed on the spot by Def Jam boss L.A. Reid, and responsible for insta-cred collabos with Nas and HOVA, the singer is poised for greatness. On I AM, Michele delivers on that promise, fusing gospel fervor, jazz chops, and R and B grooves. Echoes of Billie Holiday drift by on "Like A Dream," and she holds her own against Babyface's plush production on "My Joy." With this head-turning debut, Chrisette puts a vivid identity to the already famous pipes. Bet e... More»

Though you may not know her name, you might know Chrisette Michele's voice. Coy and sultry, it warms the spare "Lost One" on Jay-Z's triumphant return from retirement, KINGDOM COME. But that's only one of the accomplishments of this Long Island preacher's daughter; discovered by India.Arie at a New York club, signed on the spot by Def Jam boss L.A. Reid, and responsible for insta-cred collabos with Nas and HOVA, the singer is poised for greatness. On I AM, Michele delivers on that promise, fusing gospel fervor, jazz chops, and R and B grooves. Echoes of Billie Holiday drift by on "Like A Dream," and she holds her own against Babyface's plush production on "My Joy." With this head-turning debut, Chrisette puts a vivid identity to the already famous pipes. Bet everyone knows her soon.«Less