K. Michelle has landed several new certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
“V.S.O.P.,” the single that drove the Memphis singer and songwriter’s ascent in 2013, is now certified gold for sales exceeding 500,000 equivalent units. The loved-up track, co-written by Priscilla Renea, a.k.a. Muni Long, is from her debut album, Rebellious Soul.
“V.S.O.P,” produced by Pop & Oak, samples The Chi-Lites’ 1974 classic “That’s How Long” and incorporates elements from Debra Laws’ 1981 track “Very Special.”
In 2023, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Rebellious Soul, Warren Felder of Pop & Oak shared that shopping the song to K. Michelle a second time through Jeff Robinson led to her eventual recording of the track.
Felder told Rated R&B, “I’ll say this about K: She’s very good at determining her direction. The fact this record was something she was willing to cut told me two things: The concept of it spoke to her in a way that she wanted to share with her audience.”
He continued, “It was a testament to how much of a genius Priscilla is for having written it to be able to connect to anyone who listened to it, including K. Priscilla did write that record, and she did her thing, but K made it a K. Michelle record. She put an attitude on it that wouldn’t have existed otherwise.”
“Can’t Raise a Man,” another single from Rebellious Soul, is now certified platinum for selling over one million equivalent units.
This marks K. Michelle’s second single to achieve this milestone, following the newly platinum single “Love ‘Em All” from her sophomore album, Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart?
In 2017, the fan-favorite anthem marked K. Michelle’s first certification with the RIAA. It went gold.
Other songs from K. Michelle’s chart-topping second album have received new certifications, including “Hard To Do,” “Cry,” and “Maybe I Should Call.” Each has been elevated to gold status for sales of 500,000 copies.
In September 2023, K. Michelle capped her R&B recording career with I’m The Problem, her final album of the genre. The 19-track set includes a feature from rapper Gloss Up and her first-ever No. 1 single, “Scooch.”
I’m The Problem also features “Tennessee,” produced by Louis York, marking her official entry into the country music genre. She will soon release a country-focused project in 2025.
Elsewhere in 2025, K. Michelle will play the role of Marti in the 30th anniversary theatrical adaptation of Jason’s Lyric. The stage production also features Allen Payne, Eva Marcille, Anthony “Treach” Cross, and Tyrin Turner.
Jason’s Lyric Live! will begin on Valentine’s Day weekend.
