Crews 
When you think of the epic era of music that was the mid/late 90s to the early 2000s, you typically think of ladies such as Brandy, Monica, Mya, and Aaliyah.
However, you can’t mention that group and not reference one of Missy Elliott‘s hottest proteges of that time–Nicole Wray.
After being introduced to Missy Elliott, Wray was featured on Missy’s platinum-plus debut ‘Supa Dupa Fly’ then when Elliott started her own label, The Goldmind, the then 17-year-old Wray was the first artist signed to her label.
In 1998, her debut album ‘Make It Hot‘ was released and she gave fans classic bops such as the title track (which peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified gold), followed by her later singles ‘I Can’t See‘ and ‘Eyes Beter Not Wander.’
The album peaked at number nineteen on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart (number 42 on The Billboard 200) and she went on to be the signature voice on hit songs such as Missy’s ‘All n My Grill’ and more.
After some label issues, Nicole parted ways with Missy’s label and was the first female to sign to Roc-a-Fella Records long before Rihanna, Teairra Mari, and others. However, her album which was due on the label never arrived.
Fast forward, the singer hasn’t been as visible in the limelight leaving fans wondering where she’s been. The singer recently caught up with BET for their digital ‘Finding‘ series–and is catching fans up on everything from her rise to fame, the struggles she faced, her leaving the game and her triumphant return.
Get into it all below.
