K. Michelle has story to share in new album
Posted on Aug 07, 2012 in Features
K. Michelle, from VH1's "Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta," will release a new album. factmag.com
Imagine having your dreams snatched right from under you. K. Michelle is proof that it can happen.
Michelle released music under Jive Records after signing with them in 2008. After being beat by an unnamed employee of the label, she was released from her record deal with nothing to show for it. Michelle has a story, and she decided to shed some light on it by participating in the VH1 reality show, “Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta.”
With people finally hearing her story, she can focus on the music side of things again.
In early July, the artist released a mix tape entitled “0 F—s Given.” The 24-track release includes remixes of a few hits and boasts plenty of original material as well.
“Given” includes Michelle revealing several unanswered questions about herself. On some tracks, like “Go Off,” she speaks about the man from Jive who bought her fake teeth, breasts and a butt.
She clearly wants people to know that she has nothing to hide.
On the opening track, “You Gone Learn Today,” she touches on her recent fall out with the music.
“I got my foot in the door,” she sings, “but everyday’s a fight.”
Getting passed her struggles, she has tracks to help other through their struggles, like “Not Into You.” She warns women not to be stuck on a guy that’s not worried about them.
Known for her ballads, she has a plethora on the mix tape like “Pillow,” “Don’t Say Sorry,” and “Baby You.” The last one actually has a remix featuring R.Kelly that she released earlier this summer.
“Bury My Heart” was the first release from “..Given” and is one of her best ballads yet. Most of her music has that ‘pain medicine’ that many woman often long for in music. Coincidently, her debut album was supposed to be titled “Pain Medicine.” Very befitting, but unfortunately that release will probably never come to pass.
Still, she has filled the gap that Keyshia Cole left while on her hiatus from the industry. She briefly mentions comparisons of her to Keyshia on the tape. She considers it a compliment but feels that she has her own story to tell. Also, Michelle has a few skits that will definitely give you a laugh or two in-between all the good music.
On the track, “When Crying is Easy,” the Michelle discusses many issues artists avoid. She speaks about how she doesn’t know where she would be without her son and how life broke her down at times.
“Can’t Raise a Man” is a song that many girls will relate to. Often in relationships people attempt to change their partner. In this scenario, she says: “If his momma couldn’t do it, what makes you think you can train that boy to be a man? It’s too late.”
You have to respect Michelle’s honesty more than anything. She could easily go a completely direction, but her openness will definitely make her more accessible in the industry for more opportunities. Her fans have been through a journey with her thus far. Hopefully she gets signed again and gets to release the album her fans have been waiting on. For now, “..Given” is available now for download.
Jamel Coles
Staff Writer
jcoles@uab.edu
I’ve listened to her mixtap and I must say that I really love it. She and Keyshia Cole may have some similarities but her voice is a lot stronger. When she sings, she sings with emotion and feel this is because of her pain, hurt and struggles which most people can or could relate to at some point in their life. I’m looking forward to some good music from K Michelle…I’m definitely a fan. I could tell K one thing, it would be to let this drama go with her ex, don’t acknowledge him at all.