Nicole Wray

{{short description|American singer-songwriter}} {{pp-blp|small=yes}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Nicole Wray | image = | caption = | background = solo_singer | birth_name = Nicole Monique Wray | alias = Nicole Ray,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polyhex.com/music/chartruns/chartruns.php|title=polyhex - UK singles chartruns|website=Polyhex.com}}</ref> Lady Wray | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|05|02}}<ref name="AMG"/> | birth_place = Salinas, California, U.S. | origin = Portsmouth, Virginia, U.S. | genre = {{Flat list| *R&B<ref name="AMG"/> *soul *blues *pop }} | occupation = {{flatlist| * Singer * songwriter * music producer<ref>[https://www.allmusic.com/artist/nicole-wray-mn0000407054#credits Nicole Wray Credits]. AllMusic. Retrieved on July 11, 2025</ref> }} | years_active = 1997–present | label = {{Flatlist| *Big Crown *Truth and Soul *The Goldmind Inc. *Elektra *Roc-A-Fella *Def Jam *Dame Dash Music}} | website = {{URL|https://www.ladywray.com}} }}

'''Nicole Monique Wray''' (born May 2, 1979),<ref name="AMG">{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lady-wray-mn0003482142|title=Lady Wray Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More|website=AllMusic}}</ref> also known as '''Lady Wray''', is an American singer-songwriter and music producer.

In June 1998, Wray released her debut single ''Make It Hot'', which peaked in the top-five on the U.S. ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="billboard">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/nicole-wray/|title=Nicole Wray Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 2, 2021}}</ref> The single became certified gold after six weeks of its release.<ref name="riaa">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Nicole&ti=make+it+hot&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Nicole - Make It Hot Certification Status|work=Recording Industry Association of America|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref> She released her debut album, ''Make It Hot'' on The Goldmind Inc. in August 1998. Following the album's release, Wray appeared on Missy Elliott's song "All N My Grill" in 1999, which earned a gold-status certification by the SNEP.<ref name="disqueenfrace">{{cite web|url=http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/page-259165.xml?year=1999&type=7 |title=Certifications Singles Or – année 1999 |language=fr |publisher=Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique |access-date=June 29, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213022132/http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/page-259165.xml?year=1999&type=7 |archive-date=December 13, 2011 }}</ref> In 2001, Wray departed from The Goldmind Inc. after her original second album ''Elektric Blue'' was subjected several pushback release dates, ultimately becoming shelved.

In 2003, she signed with Roc-A-Fella Records, becoming the first female R&B act to sign to the label.<ref>[https://www.bet.com/article/wd53h4/nicole-wray-tells-all-for-bet-digital-finding-series First R&B Female Signee For Roc-A-Fella, Nicole Wray Tells All For BET Digital's Original Series, 'Finding']. BET. Retrieved on July 11, 2025</ref> She released a single titled "If I Was Girlfriend" before the label briefly dissolved. Her album ''Lovechild'' was scheduled to be released on the Dame Dash Music Group/Def Jam Records in 2005 but was shelved when the label parted with Def Jam.<ref name="youknowigotsoul">[https://youknowigotsoul.com/interview-you-might-not-see-her-but-nicole-wray-continues-to-make-it-hot You Might Not See Her, But Nicole Wray Continues To “Make It Hot” (Exclusive Interview)]. YouKnowIGotSoul. Retrieved: December 11, 2021.</ref> She formed a music duo with Terri Walker called '''Lady''' in 2012. The duo released their self-titled debut album in March 2013. The music act became known briefly as '''Lady, the Band''' in 2014.<ref name="ratedrnb">{{cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2022/01/lady-wray-wants-to-bring-healing-with-new-album-piece-of-me-interview/|title=Lady Wray Wants to Bring Healing With New Album 'Piece of Me'|website=Ratedrnb.com|access-date=July 11, 2025}}</ref>

In 2016, Wray adopted the stage name '''Lady Wray'''.<ref name="ratedrnb"/> She released her second album ''Queen Alone'' (2016), on Big Crown Records. Her third album, ''Piece of Me'' (2022), peaked at number 7 on the UK R&B Albums chart.<ref name="ladywrayofficialcharts">[https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/61533/lady-wray/ Lady Wray full Official Charts history]. Official Charts. Retrieved on July 10, 2025</ref>

== Early life == Nicole Monique Wray was born in Salinas, California,<ref name="AMG"/> to Debra Wray (née Murphy) and Kenneth Wray.<ref name="bet">{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/wd53h4/nicole-wray-tells-all-for-bet-digital-finding-series|title=First R&B Female Signee For Roc-A-Fella, Nicole Wray Tells All For BET Digital's Original Series, 'Finding'|work=BET|access-date=December 11, 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref name="AMG"/> She became one of her church's star choir members and also participated in local fashion shows.<ref name="AMG"/> During her teenage years, Wray was introduced to then-upcoming rapper Missy Elliott, who was looking for a female singer to sign to her own recording label The Goldmind Inc.<ref name="AMG"/> Wray impressed Elliott by performing SWV's song "Weak" and became the first recording artist on Elliott's label as well as securing a distribution deal with Elektra Records.<ref name="AMG"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://youknowigotsoul.com/nicole-wrays-debut-album-make-it-hot-an-in-depth-look-at-the-creation-of-this-rb-gem |title=Nicole Wray's Debut Album "Make It Hot" – An In Depth Look at the Creation of This R&B Gem |website=You Know I Got Soul|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Next People on the Verge |date=October 1998 |publisher=Vibe}}</ref>

== 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''. In June 1998, Wray released her first single "Make It Hot". The single peaked in the top-five on ''Billboard'''s Hot 100,<ref name="billboard"/> and received certified gold-status within six weeks of its release for a total of over 700,000 copies sold.<ref name="riaa"/>

On August 25, 1998, Wray released her first album ''Make It Hot''. The album achieved moderated success, peaking at number forty-two on ''Billboard'' Top 200 Albums and ninety-one on the UK Albums Chart.<ref name="billboard"/><ref name="officialcharts">{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/5498/nicole-ray/|title=Nicole Ray full Official Chart History|work=Official Charts Company|access-date=December 2, 2021}}</ref> 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 with the latter only peaking at seventy-one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 1999.<ref name="billboard"/> In September 1999, Missy Elliott released her single "All n My Grill", which featured Wray, Big Boi, and MC Solaar. The single achieved success in European markets and even garnered a gold-status certification by the SNEP.<ref name="disqueenfrace"/>

In 2000, Wray began recording her original second album titled ''Elektric Blue''.<ref>[https://www.mtv.com/#/news/articles/1442121/03232001/nicole.jhtml "Missy Elliott, Redman on Nicole's album Elektric Blue"], Shaheem Reid, MTV News, March 23, 2001.</ref> In July 2001, she released the single "I'm Lookin'" which was planned to be the lead single.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/im-lookin-mw0000590893|title=Nicole - I'm Lookin' (single)|work=AllMusic|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref> Following the single's moderate performance on the R&B chart, 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.<ref name="billboard"/> In 2002, gospel duo Pam & Dodi released "Don't Have To", a gospel and pop song written by Wray.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/pam-dodi-mw0000212372|title=Pam & Dodi album|work=AllMusic|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref> The song was featured as the lead single of the duo's self-titled album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/master/898856-Pam-Dodi-Dont-Have-To|title=Pam & Dodi - Don't Have To (single) |work=Discogs|access-date=December 8, 2021}}</ref>

=== 2003–2011: ''Lovechild'' === In June 2003, Wray released a single "Welcome Home" with rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard.<ref>[https://www.billboard.com/music/ol-dirty-bastard/chart-history/RBU/song/435844] {{dead link|date=December 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Later that year, Wray secured a recording contract with Roc-A-Fella Records.<ref name="bet"/> In November 2004, Wray issued a single "If I Was Your Girlfriend", originally planned to be the lead single of her forthcoming album ''Lovechild''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071012173104/http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/wray_nicole/artist.jhtml#bio Nicole Wray|Main]. MTV. Retrieved: June 10, 2009.</ref> The single spent twenty weeks on R&B chart but ultimately peaked at fifty-seven.<ref name="billboard"/> Later that year, Wray experienced a brief roster move from Roc-A Fella to Def Jam Records to ultimately the Dame Dash Music Group.<ref name="youknowigotsoul"/>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''.

In July 2005, Wray and Mike Jones released "Still Tippin' (It's a Man's World) (Remix)" on the soundtrack of American drama film ''Hustle & Flow''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/hustle-flow-mw0000352705|title=Hustle & Flow (Original Soundtrack)|website=AllMusic|access-date=December 11, 2021}}</ref> Still maintaining her work relationship with Damon Dash, Wray performed on The Black Keys rock and hip-hop fusion album titled Blakroc, released in November 2009.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/black-keys-reveal-blakroc-hip-hop-project-details-267409/|title=Black Keys Reveal Blakroc Hip-Hop Project Details|magazine=billboard|access-date=December 11, 2021}}</ref> Wray was then enlisted to add her background vocals on The Black Keys' album, ''Brothers'', which was published in May 2010. In June 2010, Wray released ''Boss Chick'' which featured unreleased music from years prior.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/boss-chick/377207653|title=Boss Chick by Nicole Wray|website=Itunes|access-date=December 2, 2021}}</ref> A single titled "I Like It" was issued from the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-like-it-single/320031000 |title=iTunes - Music - I Like It - Single by Nicole Wray |publisher=iTunes |date=2009-06-16 |access-date=2012-04-25}}</ref> In 2011, Wray and 7 Aurelius released a compilation album ''Dream Factory Sessions'' which featured unreleased songs recorded in 2004.<ref name="youknowigotsoul"/><ref>[https://www.discogs.com/release/3835792-7-Aurelius-Nicole-Wray-Dream-Factory-Sessions 7 Aurelius + Nicole Wray – Dream Factory Sessions]. discogs. Retrieved: December 11, 2021.</ref><ref name="junodownload">[https://www.junodownload.com/products/7-aurelius-nicole-wray-dream-factory-sessions/1862785-02/ 7 AURELIUS & NICOLE WRAY: DREAM FACTORY SESSIONS]. junodownload. Retrieved: December 11, 2021.</ref>

=== 2012–2014: ''Lady'' and Truth & Soul Records=== In 2012, Wray formed a retro-soul duo called Lady with Terri Walker, a singer she met in 2009.<ref name="AMG"/><ref name="youknowigotsoul2">[https://youknowigotsoul.com/interview-nicole-wray-talks-joining-lady-the-band-new-solo-music-static-and-aaliyah-memories-missy-elliott-advice Nicole Wray Talks Joining Lady the Band, New Solo Music, Static & Aaliyah Memories, Missy Elliott Advice (Exclusive Interview)]. YouKnowIGotSoul. Retrieved on June 26, 2025</ref> Lady became the background vocalists for American soul singer Lee Fields during his ''Lee Fields and The Expressions Tour'' in 2012.<ref name="youknowigotsoul2"/> During the tour, Lady recorded their self-titled album and released it in March 2013 on Truth and Soul Records. The album spawned three singles: "Money", "Get Ready", and "Good Lovin'".<ref name="AMG"/> 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.<ref name="AMG"/> 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.<ref name="AMG"/><ref name="youknowigotsoul2"/> 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 subsequent releases=== 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.<ref name="queenalonebillboardreview">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lady-wray-brings-sultry-soul-on-queen-alone-7496078/ |title=Lady Wray Brings Sultry Soul on 'Queen Alone' |magazine=Billboard |date=September 9, 2016 |access-date=September 22, 2016 |author=Mitchell, Gail}}</ref> In September 2016, Wray issued her second album ''Queen Alone'' on Big Crown Records.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lady Wray: Queen Alone|website=iTunes|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/queen-alone/id1129494759|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914063356/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/queen-alone/id1129494759|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 14, 2016|access-date=18 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thevinyldistrict.com/storefront/2016/09/graded-on-a-curve-lady-wray-queen-alone/|title = Graded on a Curve: Lady Wray, Queen Alone|date = 20 September 2016}}</ref> The album retained a similar retro-soul sound as her earlier project with Lady.<ref name="queenalonebillboardreview"/> Wray continued to promote the album with the issue of the singles "Smiling" and "Underneath My Feet".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bigcrownrecords.com/store/lady-wray-smiling-45/|title=Lady Wray - Smiling (45 mix) |website=Bigcrownrecords.com |date=2016-07-15 |access-date=2016-07-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bigcrownrecords.com/store/underneath-my-feet-bw-guilty/|title=Lady Wray - Underneath My Feet / Guilty |website=Bigcrownrecords.com }}</ref>

In 2019, Wray released two singles: "Piece of Me" and "Come On In".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bigcrownrecords.com/store/piece-of-me-b-w-come-on-in/|title=Lady Wray - Piece of Me / Come On In |website=Bigcrownrecords.com }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/track/0rN1OjmFyAPQmLOloqUBMs?si=PIF0suW-SMm6k7LgGtwpCQ&nd=1|title=Lady Wray - Come On In |publisher=spotify.com |date=2021-12-02 |access-date=2021-12-02}}</ref> The following year, she issued another single "Storms".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/storms-single/1533459713/|title= Lady Wray - Storms|publisher=iTunes |date=2021-12-02 |access-date=2021-12-02}}</ref> In mid-2021, she released another single "Games People Play".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/games-people-play-single/1571783404|title=Lady Wray - Games People Play|publisher=iTunes|date=2021-12-02|access-date=2021-12-02}}{{Dead link|date=December 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> Later that year, she issued two more singles: "Under the Sun" and "Through It All".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/0KWxWmxTH5A72VTQaOD5c7|title=Lady Wray - Under the Sun |publisher=spotify.com |date=2021-12-02 |access-date=2021-12-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bigcrownrecords.com/store/through-it-all-bw-under-the-sun/|title=Lady Wray - Through It All / Under the Sun |website=Bigcrownrecords.com}}</ref> Her third solo album ''Piece of Me'' was released on January 28, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/piece-of-me/1584425037|title=Lady Wray - Piece of Me |publisher=itunes.com}}</ref> The album peaked at number 7 on the UK R&B Albums chart.<ref name="ladywrayofficialcharts"/> Following the release of the album, she headlined her first solo tour called the Piece of Me Tour in mid-2022. In 2023, she co-headlined the Lady Wray & Brainstory EU Tour in Europe.<ref>[https://bigcrownrecords.com/lady-wray-brainstory-announce-european-tour/ Lady Wray & Brainstory Announce European Tour]. Big Crown Records. Retrieved on July 11, 2025</ref>

In June 2025, Wray announced her fourth album ''Cover Girl'' to be release on September 26, 2025.<ref>[https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/lady-wray-announces-new-album-cover-girl-shares-youre-gonna-win/ar-AA1Hmafq Lady Wray Announces New Album 'Cover Girl,' Shares 'You're Gonna Win']. MSN. Retrieved on June 25, 2025</ref> The album's lead single, "You're Gonna Win", was released on June 23, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/youre-gonna-win-ep/1816296385|title=Lady Wray - You're Gonna Win - EP|publisher=itunes.com}}</ref> In July 2025, she embarked on her Cover Girl EU/UK Tour.<ref>[https://www.bandsintown.com/a/12058691-lady-wray Lady Wray Concerts & Live Tour Dates]. Bands In Town. Retrieved on July 11, 2025</ref><ref>[https://ratedrnb.com/2025/06/lady-wray-north-american-tour-dates/ Lady Wray Announces 2025 North American Tour Dates]. Rated R&B. Retrieved on July 11, 2025</ref> On 2 September 2025, she released the single "Cover Girl".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/track/60gTszvshnuyG0jsfjTOs8?si=i42abW8FQiWy4dFrcS5FsQ|title=Lady Wray - Cover Girl (single)|website=Spotify|date=2 September 2025|access-date=4 September 2025}}</ref>

== Personal life == In June 2018, Wray gave birth to her daughter Melody Bacote.<ref name="bigcrown">{{cite web|url=https://bigcrownrecords.com/artists/lady-wray/|title=Lady Wray |website=Bigcrownrecords.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coleminerecords.com/products/lady-wray-piece-of-me|title=Lady Wray - Piece of Me (RELEASE DATE: 1/28/22)|publisher=coleminerecords.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trueexclusives.com/2018/07/17/90s-rb-star-nicole-wray-gives-birth-to-baby-girl/|title=90's R&B Star Nicole Wray Gives Birth To Baby Girl!|publisher=trueexclusives.com}}</ref> In April 2020, Wray married musician Dante Bacote.<ref name="bigcrown"/>

==Discography== {{Main|Nicole Wray discography}} * ''Make It Hot'' (1998) (as "Nicole" or "Nicole Wray") * ''Queen Alone'' (2016) (as "Lady Wray") * ''Piece of Me'' (2022) (as "Lady Wray") * ''Cover Girl'' (2025) (as "Lady Wray")

== Filmography == ;Films * ''State Property 2'' (2005)<ref>{{cite web |title=State Property: Blood on the Streets |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0403537/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm |website=IMDb |date=December 11, 2021}}</ref>

;Television * ''The Wayans Bros.'' (1998)<ref>{{cite web |title=The Wayans Bros. The Kiss (TV episode) |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0744584/?ref_=nm_flmg_slf_4 |website=IMDb |date=December 11, 2021}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * {{Official website|https://www.ladywray.com/}} * {{IMDb name|1893919}}

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

Nicole Wray

Connections

Linked from (127 total)

Links to (50 total)