Nicole Wray, also known as Lady Wray, is a hip hop and R&B singer. “Make it Hot”, released in 1998, was a huge success and was certified gold. “Make it Hot” peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and made Lady Wray instantly well known. Missy Elliott was impressed by Lady Wray’s singing ability and Lady Wray was featured on Missy Elliott’s album “Supa Dupa Fly”. When Missy Elliott started her own label called The Goldmind, the 17-year-old Nicole Wray was the first artist she signed. Wray became famous at a very early age due to her amazing singing voice which has been compared to Aretha Franklin.
“Queen Alone” is Lady Wray’s first solo album since 1998’s “Make it Hot”. The “Queen Alone” album was long awaited by many fans who are excited for its release. Lady Wray is a creative soul who enjoys cooking, painting and gardening when she is not singing. On September 23rd Lady Wray released her newest album “Queen Alone”. This album is unique because it channels retro soul mixed with a more modern sound. The album sound can be described as a mix between Michael Jackson, James Brown and Etta James. The subject matter of the songs varies. “Guilty” is about her brother’s incarceration, “Let it Go” is about overcoming drama, and “Smiling” is about overcoming challenges in life.
“Smiling” is a very special track from “Queen Alone” and reflects on some of the challenges Lady Wray has overcome in her life. Her family has had run ins with the law and close friends have passed away at young ages. Wray has also had to deal with her father’s drug addiction and the issues it causing with her parents’ marriage. Her songs are motivated by pain and real life events that have happened to her. This album is very much about her life experiences and is written with honest words. Wray is much more in control of this album that she had been in the past and has co-wrote many of the songs herself unlike prior albums that others have wrote for her. In a world where ghost-writing has become the norm, this album is a refreshing glimpse into the soul of a great artist.
