Michel'le | |
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Michel'le performing in 2015
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Background information | |
Birth name | Michel'le Denise Toussaint |
Born |
Los Angeles, California, United States |
December 5, 1970
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
Instruments | Vocals |
Years active | 1985–present |
Labels | |
Associated acts | |
Website | michellenow |
Michel'le Denise Toussaint (/mɪʃɛˈleɪ/; born December 5, 1970), known mononymously as Michel'le, is an American R&B singer and songwriter. She is best known for her songs from the late–1980s and early–1990s. Her most notable songs were Billboard Top 10 hits "No More Lies" and R&B chart topper "Something In My Heart". She has a signature childlike speaking voice, which is a startling contrast to her strong and soulful singing vocals. Between 2013 and 2015, Michel'le was one of six members on the TV One reality show R&B Divas: Los Angeles.
Michel'le was originally a featured female vocalist on World Class Wreckin' Cru's 1987 single "Turn Off the Lights". The singer was called at the last minute to record vocals originally for Mona Lisa who could not make it to the studio. Michel'le was signed to Eazy-E's Ruthless Records. In 1989, she released her self-titled debut album, produced entirely by then-boyfriend Dr. Dre. The album contained "No More Lies" and the hit singles "Nicety" and "Something in My Heart." Michel'le was certified Gold on April 25, 1990 with 1.3 million copies sold overall to date. During the Suge Knight shakedown incident, Eazy was forced to sign over Dr. Dre, The D.O.C. and Michel'le. She garnered a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 33rd Grammy Awards for her part in the single cut "We're All in the Same Gang" (as the West Coast All-Stars) which also included Ice T, Eazy E, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, MC Hammer, Young MC and JJ Fad.