When an R&B artist starts a career in the music industry, he or she anticipates scoring hits records, winning awards and maintaining longevity in their respected genre. However, not all artists are successful in achieving these three goals. Most times that artist is only fortunate enough to have one defining moment in music where he or she earns at least one signature song that outshines their other work. This unlucky success brands this artist as a one-hit wonder.
For the month of April, the Throwback Thursday theme will shine the spotlight on those R&B artists who are known as one-hit wonders.
Virginia native and former protégé of Missy Elliott, Nicole Wray starts off week one of April’s Throwback Thursday theme. Music lovers first heard the voice of Wray on Elliott’s platinum selling debut album “Supa Dupa Fly.” Once Elliott started her own label, “The Goldmind,” Wray started working on her debut album and the title track to this week’s TBT song “Make It Hot.”
Released in summer 1998, the Timbaland produced single featuring Mocha and Missy, rose to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The gold selling single also peaked at No. 5 on the Hot 100.
Following the release of her single and album, Wray attempted to release other singles such as “I Can’t See,” and “Eyes Better Not Wander.” Yet, none of singles lived up to the success of its predecessor.
Although she has not attained chart-topping success since 1998, Wray has kept her focus on music. She appeared on the “Hustle & Flow” soundtrack, Hurricane Chris’s “51/50 Ratchet” album and Kid Cudi’s “Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager,” among others.
In 2013, Wray teamed with Terri Walker to form soul duo Lady. Their self-titled album is available now.
