By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Beyonce and Rihanna better make way.
There's a new R&B chanteuse on the block.
And she has the power of Jay-Z behind her.
Chrisette Michelle is Def Jam's newest signing and will release her soulful, jazz-influenced debut album, 'I Am,' on June 19. According to a label rep, the set features collaborations with 10-time Grammy Award winner Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, as well as hit-makers, will. i. am, John Legend and Salaam Remi.
The 24-year-old Long Island native, who has recently appeared on albums by Nas and Jay-Z, knocked label brass off their feet during a personal audition. Even Antonio "L.A." Reid has taken notice. "When Chrisette Michele enters a room, the room becomes a better place," he said.
And the buzz is building. Four of her tracks are available on her MySpace page, with one, titled 'Your Joy' -- a touching ode to her father -- has been heralded as the "Single of the Week" on itunes on May 15.
Though she doesn't want to be stereotyped as a Neo-Soul artists, comparisons to some of the biggest names in the genre still occur. She's not fazed by it.
"I'm excited about finding my place amongst young composers like Alicia Keys and Jill Scott," she said. "My goal from the moment I was signed, was to create a seamless album that mixes soul and pop in a way that will have people coming back again and again."
National audiences will get a chance to experience Michelle's flow when she heads out on a month-long tour with platinum-selling Neo-Soul crooner Musiq Soulchild, beginning July 6 in Baltimore. Tour dates below.
July
6 Baltimore, MD Afram
11 Chicago, IL House of Blues
12 Toronto, Ont. Phoenix Theatre
13 Detroit, MI Chene Park
15 Nashville, TN Ryman Theatre
19 Newark, NJ NJ PAC
20 Philadelphia, PA Penn's Landing
21 Atlantic City, NJ Tropicana
24-25 New Orleans, LA House Of Blues
27 Omaha, NE Holland PAC
29 Kansas City, MO Beaumont
Aug
3 San Diego, CA Humphrey's
4 Los Angeles, CA The Wilshire
6 San Francisco, CA Fillmore
Comments: (121)
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By: P on 5/14/2007 6:23PM
I wish newby chrisette all the best, but My fav girl is always gone be B cuz she is the baddest got the female game on lock believe it and recieve. Rihanna, u my girl too.
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By: lei lei on 5/16/2007 1:23PM
MAN PLEASE WE ALL KNOW AT THE END OF THE DAY JAY Z IS GOING TO BE WITH BEYONCE SO ALL THE AMATEUR STAY BACK
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By: Gracie on 5/14/2007 6:44PM
Blah! Blah! Blah!..... WHO??? To much hype, I'm so tired of all of these Girlz, women, singers Whatever they are.. They all look and sound the same.
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By: akasiha on 5/14/2007 6:52PM
I don't understand wuts da big problem everyone has with B? She can't help who she is, God created her as well as the rest of us so why is it that so many people have so much plex with her? Because God gave us all our own very special talents and singin and bein beautiful is hers,
and if Jay-z don't want her then thats his loss!!!
da girl is all that she'll be alright.
chrisette and rhianna are just competetors to "b".
so why is people so concerned about these people lives ?
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By: meagan on 5/14/2007 7:17PM
Beyonce, is in a class of her own. Rihanna she's alright, and this chic has a different style but her music is nice. But Beyonce has nothing to worry about she has made her millions.
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By: Marvice Young on 5/14/2007 7:23PM
Yes, I am a Beyonce fan and will make no aplogies for it. Whether you like her style or fashion, she has her own talent that is done to appeal to people who like her. Due to her strong upbringing by parents who obviously taught her something by demonstrating their own ethics and hard work, she is confident and secure with her self. I doubt it very serious if Jay-Z has anything to do with her sucess. I would imagine that it was his people who probably contacted her people. Besides, I must have missed all his grammy's, awards etc...?
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By: Lakeshia on 5/14/2007 7:37PM
lol some of y'all got issues. Jay Z ain't involved with the girl he just helping her get her start in the music industry. I'm not the biggest fan of Beyonce but she seems like a very nice girl and Rihanna too young for him so he knows where his home is...with Beyonce. And instead of tryna knock Chrisette down try to bring her up. Beyonce is not and never will be the only good female R&B artist. I don't know why y'all treat her like she's a queen and nobody can touch her. Chrisette might kick her off the map and be the next big thing. And guess what..the world will not end.
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By: simply best on 5/14/2007 7:45PM
I like chrisette music she is really hot....
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By: stephanie on 5/14/2007 8:00PM
no haters please
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By: WJBuc2008 on 5/14/2007 8:01PM
I think Chrisette Michele is not another generic artist like the blogger below me has written. She is almost like a younger Jill Scott or maybe even Amel Larrieux. I also don't think Rihanna (I LOVE HER!!!) or Beyonce are generic either. They all have different musical styles! And if being generic means getting Grammys and touring the world then I would LOVE being generic any day! Choose your worlds more carefully Q.U.R.S.E.! You obviuosly are outta touch! Holla
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