K. Michelle Flaunts Her Versatility at `More

March 31, 2016
K. Michelle Flaunts Her Versatility at 'More Issues Than Vogue'
Album Release Concert in New York City
Memphis multi-hyphenate K. Michelle celebrated the release of her third album, More Issues Than
Vogue, with a full concert on Tuesday night (March 29) at New York City's Webster Hall. Sporting a
black one-piece that would make Wonder Woman jealous, the singer commanded the stage, proving
she’s more than a reality TV personality.
That’s not to say her set wasn’t loaded with outrageous soundbites. “You may have broken up with him,
but you forgot that you also broke up with that dick,” she lamented about no-good lovers in between
songs. Before launching into the piano-driven slow jam, she also said, “On my nightstand, I have my
dildo, a Bible and my pills -- everything that keeps me calm. That’s where “Nightstand” came from.” She
also started the party with the T-Pain assisted jam "Mindful" and threw it back to her 2013 debut with
the raunchy "Pay My Bills."
The evening carried its more somber moments, as well. At one point, K. Michelle gave her back-up
singers the chance to shine, allowing them each to sing a solo as they banded together for an impressive
medley that included Adele’s “Hello” and Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody.” She also noted how she took
pride in hand-picking each backup vocalist. She even delivered earlier fan favorites like "Ain't You"
off Issues as well as "Maybe I Should Call" off her 2014 effort Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart?
The most vulnerable moment of the evening came when K. Michelle delivered a speech about being
pigeon-holed in the industry. She explained that while executives wanted her to be another Mary J.
Blige or Keyshia Cole, she had something different to offer: an appreciation for country music. She even
shared that the first cassette tape she got from her mother was from country duo The Judds.
“I owe it to myself to sing a little music that I do love,” she said to applause. “I want to introduce my
fans other music. Music is music.” She then segued into enthusiastic covers of The Judds’ 1990 track
“Born to Be Blue" and the Dixie Chicks’ 1999 song “Sin Wagon.” She finished the country set with a
heartfelt performance of “Memphis,” a bonus track on MITV.
K. Michelle closed the show with a special treat for her fans: “It’s about to get super fucking rachet. I will
not forget where I came from,” says the singer who once hurled a candle at castmate Rasheeda on a
2013 episode of VH1's Love & Hip Hop. K. then jumped into “Medley” from her first mixtape, 2012's 0
Fucks Given, and delivered her special take on Yo Gotti’s "Down in the DM," proving that versatility is
her forte.
January 25, 2016
K. Michelle Talks Upcoming 'Non-Urban' Third Album &
'My Life' Season 2
K. Michelle turns into an L.A. transplant for season 2 of her VH1 series My Life. The Love & Hip Hop alum (who'll still be
starring in Mona Scott-Young's franchise for LHH: Atlanta this year) gets to work on her third album -- the follow-up to
her two No. 1 albums: 2013's Rebellious Soul and 2014's sophomore set Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart? -- while aiming
for a "non-urban" sound, as seen in the show's supertrailer.
"I want to be able to sing what I want," she tells Billboard a day before her single "Not a Little Bit" drops. "If I want to be
able to sing country, I want to be able to show that. I want to be able to sing ballads that touch the world and not just
one demographic. I’m just not going to be told that because I’m black, I have to do this anymore." She says you can
expect her singing country andtackling dance records on the yet-to-be-titled LP. "It’s just a variety of music that feels
good."
Between hopping from Atlanta to L.A. to London while recording the album, My Life also finds K. Michelle in the throes
of dating. Being able to live her love life in front of the cameras -- whether she's on the prowl for a "Caucasian man" or
starting up the rumor mill with Nicki Minaj's ex Safaree -- the Memphis-bred songstress reps her single status well.
"I don’t think [putting my love life out there] is a challenge. My love life is a big part of my music," she offers. "It’s a big
part of everything and people take it so seriously with me. It’s so crazy, like I can’t date normal people! So putting it on
the show is really no different than putting it to the music other than [viewers] get to actually see me in the relationship
and what it’s like to go through it."
K. Michelle Debuts at No. 1 on R&B Albums
Comparing her time on Love & Hip Hop, one main difference about spearheading her own show is having the freedom to
be the boss and not worry about a drink-throwing catfight. "You really get to be in detail with what goes on," explains K.,
who is also working on her home goods line, restaurant in Atlanta and a specialty drink with Jack Daniels. "I can’t control
what the other girls do around me but when it’s my show, I’m the executive producer so I’m very much involved with
what goes on and I’m very big on non-scripted -- I don’t like scripted things. I like [for the show] to go with the flow. I can
film how I wanna film. I can make it the truth and keep it the truth."
Get a taste of K. Michelle's truth in the exclusive clip below, where she confides in rapper Trina about her new music. K.
Michelle: My Life hits small screens on Monday (Jan. 25) on VH1 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
March 31, 2016
REVIEW: K. Michelle Had 'More Issues Than Vogue' And More
Strength Than A Soldier At NYC Album Release Show
Walking up the block to Webster Hall in New York City on Tuesday (March 29) night, excited fans of K.
Michelle had huge smiles on their faces as they were racing to the door, and singing and humming her
songs. They were ready to get their entire lives at K.’s More Issues Than Vogue album release concert,
and quite frankly, so was I.
I’ve always been intensely in love with her work, which have always been like underrated masterpieces
that were some of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard in my entire life. But hey, even the great
Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings weren’t appreciated until years after they were created, right?
Entering the venue, K.’s opening act was a DJ who was doing one heck of a job getting her fans turnt up
enough to see their idol. The fans dancing in the crowd gave me a HBCU party vibe with a twist of 1990s
music flavor, and a side of ratchet (I have my ratchet tendencies too, so relax).
“Music is music. And it makes you feel, even if it's country, gospel, jazz, music heals.”
In no time, the DJ shouted, “Who’s ready for K. Michelle??!!!” And like clockwork, the crowd began
chanted her name passionately. They were ready for her to come thrrooouuugghhhhh! And she did.
Her backup singers hit the stage first doing a dance number and then out of nowhere, I heard a
confident, yet slightly country “Ooooowwwww!” And you already know, the queen stepped out, full of
energy, performing “Mindful” from her third studio album.
For her entire set, I felt an extremely rare feeling that many shows don’t allow me to feel: comfort. Like
K. Michelle admitted in the beginning of her show, I too, am very big on energy. The way K. was
engaging with the crowd, you would’ve sworn she was your favorite cousin that you would always want
to chill with, or a best friend who you’ve known for years back. The “guy drama” stories that she told in
between songs really made you feel like you and her were just hella cool. While most performers keep
the chit-chat at a minimum and perform songs before they quickly chuck the deuces to fans that they
“love,” K. made us feel welcomed with her southern-hospitalized, home girl-styled warmth…not to
mention her phenomenal, non-studio edited pipes.
“I love to write. I love the music. I don’t like the industry. I don’t like the fakeness, I don’t like the
politics. ”
From preaching those table talk words like, “There’s always a hater in the corner” and “There’s nothing
like a grown a** boy with good sex…and no car…and five baby mamas,” K. made every fan in the hall
feel closer to her, me included, than ever before. This was also apparent when she sensed her backup
singers (with mega-pipes of their own) were a bit nervous and gave them the spotlight to slay the mics,
before telling them that it was OK to loosen up because they were “among family.”
Taking it back during certain moments of her show, she also blessed her adoring fans with songs
from Rebellious Soul and Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart? Her day ones’ eyes gleamed with joy and the
upmost love and admiration for K. as she sang hits like “Hard To Do,” “Can’t Raise A Man,” “Maybe I
Should Call,” and more. On everything, I even remember one guy catching the Holy Spirit when K. hit
that high note in “Love Em All.” He had to be fanned, afterward.
I also noticed another fan in the front row that looked at K. in the most incredibly, memorizing way
while she sang directly in front of him. At that moment, she was his everything. I thought he was going
to cry. However, he quickly caught himself fast enough to clap for her as she ended the song, and yelled
“Yaaaasssss!” at her, after K. made his entire night—and life—with her live, intimate singing.
“I love to be able to relate to yall.”
“I was not heartbroken this whole album!” K. said in another one of her chill convos in between songs.
“Yes, we were not male-bashing this whole album. I was actually feeling myself a little bit. And I think
out of all the s**t I been through, I think I deserve it a little bit, right?”
She soon began getting deeper into songs off of More Issues Than Vogue like “Ain’t You,” among others.
Before she began singing about “Nightstand,” she even opened up about the track. “Everything that
keeps me calm, and brings me peace, is on my nightstand,” she said. Yes, that includes her vibrator,
which she admitted that she uses sometimes when she sees negativity in her social media comments
that make her just want to, “Reach over, Lord.”
But, don’t get it twisted. K. still remembers where she came from. Those days long before this new
album was finished, or even began being created, are still huge pieces of her. She made sure to leave
spots in her show to show these other facets of her personality. Please believe, there are multiple levels
to K. Michelle.
“I owe it to myself, since this is my album release concert, I owe it to sing a little bit of the music I
love."
She gave some shine to her ratchet side with her “Down In The DMs” cover, shouting out her
#GreatWallsOfChina; as well as, her southern side by reminiscing about the first tape she ever bought—
which was by The Judds—and dedicated one of their songs to her mom, who was watching her proud
baby girl slay onstage from VIP.
K. even spilled some tea about her getting a college scholarship to FAMU for yodeling, being able to
produce, play classical piano and the guitar, and “out write anybody.”
“They don’t want you to see that!” she said in the cutest Khaled-esk voice, regarding the bad press she
sometimes receives, that often overshadow her many musical gifts.
"I’m really battling my demons when it comes to this music thing. And me wanting to be me, and me
wanting to sing what’s me, but that might not be how the label makes its money.”
She couldn’t close the show without thanking her supporting fans for always having her back, though.
“You guys have just uplifted me. It's been so hard,” she cried. “I can’t thank you. The amount of love
that you give is needed and it’s appreciated. If I could talk to you guys every day, I really would.” And
being the major fan of her fans that she is, K. walked down into the audience and greeted each and
every fan that came up to her with the most genuine smile, conversation and sincere love.
One thing was extremely clear this entire night: K. Michelle is the true definition of an artist. Her music
and performances are personal, inside looks into her deepest thoughts that she crafts into paintings and
sculptures that speak to her audience, because only they can see her unique vision. And like many
artistic geniuses, they are often misunderstood, though loved by many. The many levels that make them
who they are, make it difficult for some to grasp their messages, if you simply cannot get past their
mistaken, maybe hardened exterior, which derive from previous hardships they may have faced in their
pasts.
But, when they are in front of a palette with a brush, or in K.’s case; on the stage or in the booth with
her mic and pen, they are free. Free to express themselves, as they please, and relate to you as if you
are one in the same. They are comfortable enough to confide in you and know that you’ll understand
them, and not judge. Only love and support. Like K. said in her show, she’s been through a lot. But, as I
watched her show at Webster Hall, I couldn’t help but look at her with affection, as I witnessed how
much of a strong, determined warrior she is, who’s fighting in this industry…and winning! She was
nothing short of triumphant and I couldn’t help but respect that.
“I’m just like you.”
Not only that, but due to the beauty, passion and downright rawness of the show and More Issues Than
Vogue, K. made me fall in love with music even more—which I didn’t even think was possible. Thank
you, K., for these musical masterpieces and for never backing down from a fight.
More Issues Than Vogue is out in stores now.
Apr
i
l4,2016
March 5, 2015
Her Source | Our #WCW is the Birthday Girl, K. Michelle!
K. Michelle is fabulous on her birthday and every other day, which is why she’s our #WCW.
Please remember that there’s levels to this ish–yes, there’s criteria–so no, we don’t just give this award to any and
everybody. First things first, the woman must be independent and in control of her career. Next, she must keep it cute at
all times, and if someone happens to ruffle her feathers, she can easily flip her hair back in place. Lastly, she must be
transparent and real because true beauty is held within, while of course, still serving from head to toe. With that being
said, K.Michelle, everybody!
Happy birthday to the beautiful Kimberly Michelle Pete. The R&B songstress turns 31 today, and at the peak of her
career, she is just getting started. Shortly after releasing her second studio album, Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart, K.
kicked off a twelve city tour, The Twisted Mind Tour, to promote the project. Taking a few days off to unwind and
celebrate her birthday, the singer will be back at it on March 7th in Rochester, NY.
The ”Love Em All” singer is also releasing her next single pretty soon. She posted this photo this morning with the
caption: “It’s My BIRTHDAY!!! Guess what I’m doing??? WORKING! Picking a cover for my brand new single. Excited!”
March 3, 2016
K.Michelle and Mona Scott-Young Get Real About Reality TV
On this week's episode, K. Michelle dishes on her new album and whether or not she's coming back
to Love & Hip Hop, Mona Scott Young sounds off on criticism of LAHH and whether or not reality TV is
really real, Angela Bassett reveals details behind her new movie, and lots more!
March 3, 2016
K. Michelle Wants To Do a Country EP
K. Michelle sat down with ESSENCE to take a few questions from fans and talk about all the things she's
currently working on and projects in the future.
The singer has a lot on her plate, but one thing she's eager to work on is a country EP. While answering a
fan question about her goals the singer revealed,
"My ultimate goal is to be completely free and have freedom, which I think I've achieved...I've thought
about 'Oh, this will be my last album', but I really want to do the country EP and I have the restaurant
I'm opening...I'm just too busy."
We're here for this. Give us a country album, K. Michelle!
March 3, 2016
K. Michelle Slams Music Industry For 'Unfair'
Censorship Of Black Artists
K. Michelle discusses the music industry's censorship of black artists.
March 4, 2016
K. Michelle's Top Ten Career Highlights
K. Michelle celebrates her 32nd birthday on March 4, 2016
After signing with Jive Records in 2009 but leaving the label without releasing an album,K.
Michelle's career received a jump-start in 2012 with her starring role in the VH1 reality series, Love and
Hip-Hop: Atlanta. Her new found popularity led to a new contract with Atlantic Records, and she
released her debut solo album, Rebellious Soul, in 2013. It earned her a Soul Train Music Award for Best
New Artist, and a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist. Michelle starred in Love and HipHop: Atlanta for the first two two seasons, was a recurring guest for seasons 3 and 4, and returns as a
featured star for season 5 in 2016. She also appeared in season four (2013-14) of Love and Hip-Hop:
New York. In 2014, she debuted her own series, K. Michelle: My Life. Continuing her association with
VH1, the network also presented her Rebellious Soul Musical in 2014 directed by Idris Elba.
Born Kimberly Michelle Pate in Memphis, Tennessee, she opened for her mentor, R. Kelly, on his "Ladies
Make Some Noise" tour in 2009. Michelle headlined her first solo tour in 2013, the Rebellious Soul tour
featuring opening acts Sevyn Streeter and Tiara Thomas. She was also the opening act for Robin Thicke's
"Blurred Lines" tour in 2014. In addition to recording with Kelly, her collaborations also include Missy
Elliott, Rick Ross, J. Cole, Meek Mill, Trina, Gucci Mane, Lil Boosie, and Bobby V.
Michelle released her second CD, Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart, on December 9, 2014. It debuted at
number one on the Billboard R&B chart, was certified gold, and earned Michelle a 2015 BET nomination
for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. She releases her third CD, More Issues Than Vogue, on March 26, 2016,
featuring Jason Derulo on the song, "Make the Bed." Michelle debuted music from the CD at a
invitation-only listening party on March 3, 2016 at Agora Gallery in New York City, one day before her
birthday. The event ended with the VIP crowd singing "Happy Birthday" to her as she blew out the
candles on a birthday cake.
1. January 24, 2015 - Performed at the '2015 BET Honors' in Washington, D.C.
On January 24, 2015, K. Michelle performed at the BET Honors 2015 at the Warner Theatre in
Washington, D.C.Kanye West, Usher, and Phylicia Rashad were among the honorees. Mary J. Blige, Trey
Songz, Patti Labelle, and Charlie Wilson also performed.
2. December 9, 2014 - 'Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart?' released
On December 9, 2014, K. Michelle released her second CD, Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart?, which
debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop album chart.
3. November 3, 2014 - 'K. Michelle: My Life' reality series debuts
On November 3, 2014, K. Michelle's reality series, My Life, debuted on VH1. Season two premiered
January 25, 2016.
4. August 9, 2014 - 'Rebellious Soul Musical' debuts on VH1
On August 9, 2014, K. Michelle's 'Rebellious Soul Musical,' inspired by herRebellious Soul CD, debuted on
VH1. It was directed by actor Idris Elba.
5. July 3, 2014 - Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana
On July 3, 2014, K. Michelle performed at the Essence Music Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
in New Orleans, Louisiana.
6. February 21, 2014 - NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist
On February 21, 2014, K. Michelle won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist at the
Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California.
7. November 8, 2013 - Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist
On November 8, 2013, K. Michelle won Best New Artist at the Soul Train Music Awards held at the
Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
8. October 28, 2013 - Debuts in 'Love and Hip-Hop: New York'
On October 28, 2013, K. Michelle made her debut in season four of the VH1 reality series, Love and HipHop: New York.
9. August 9, 2013 - 'Rebellious Soul' released
On August 9, 2013. K. Michelle released her debut CD, Rebellious Soul.
10. June 18, 2012 - 'Love and Hip-Hop: Atlanta' debuts
Love and Hip-Hop: Atlanta debuted June 18, 2012 on VH1 featuring K. Michelle as a regular cast
member.
January 30, 2015
K. Michelle Knows What You’re Going Through (And Also
Knows Drake)
If you’re a reality TV binge-watcher, you’re sure to know K. Michelle from her show K. Michelle: My Life.
If you’re more of a Netflix chick, you should still know her for her recent hit “Love ‘Em All,” an awesome
song about seeing multiple boys at a time to avoid a broken heart. In fact, her whole album is super
relatable for any woman who’s had boy troubles (aka every one in the world). We chatted with K.
Michelle about her upcoming tour, My Twisted Mind; her latest album, Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart?;
and the ultimate advice for girls with man problems.
Tell us some of the inspiration behind Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart?
Life and situations. I was going through a break up at that time and I needed to handle it somewhere. A
lot of my fans like me because of my honesty and I wanted to be very honest about this album, it was
just about my life.
It seems from your songs that you’ve had some bad experiences with men (as we all have), what’s
some advice you have for girls dealing with shitty dudes?
Let them be shitty and you need to go be great, you can’t make someone be right for you. The longer
that you try, the longer you are standing in the way of meeting the person you’re supposed to be with.
Why Drake in the song ‘Drake Would Love Me?”
Because he’s a friend of mine, and so many women like him. I see him as a friend, I thought it was
something very creative because I remember having my crushes and thinking he would be the best man
and not do anything bad, but in reality nobody is perfect.
What’s something that people may not realize comes with having your own reality show?
That the cameras are not following you all day long. People think you can’t go to the store and just talk
to them. It’s a full production, cameras aren’t just hiding somewhere under the clothing rack.
What’s the worst part about being filmed all the time?
People feel like they have a right to judge you and judge your life when their life is probably way more
messed up, but because yours is on TV people focus on yours and they try to correct you.
Was it always your plan to use these reality shows as a platform to further propel your career?
Yes, that was the only way I did it. I used reality to reintroduce myself and allow fans to get more in
detail with me so they could better understand the music and me.
How do you balance your family, your show, and your music obligations?
It’s very difficult, but when you wanna do something, you wanna take care of ur family, you don’t hang
on to excuses. You make it happen and get it done.
My Twisted Mind tour starts next month, what are you most excited for?
Just my staging. It’s a lot of growth in this album and the tour and in my performance and I’m just ready
to sing random songs and see how the fans react to them, they have time to sing along with me because
they’ll have heard the album at this point which I am excited for.
How do you stay on point for every show while on tour? Resting? Diet?
I sleep a lot, you need that, it’s very important. I try to keep my stress levels down and watch after my
boys, so I’m always wrapped up. Vocal warm-ups all the time and just paying close attention to any
sickness and trying to knock it out as soon as I can.
What do you do in your down time to relax?
Sleep. I’m starting to feel like an old lady, on an off day like yesterday, I slept the entire day. I refuse to
leave the hotel.
Do you have any habits or rituals that you do before you step on stage?
Candles, I like roses everywhere, I like it quiet. I like to be in my head, no loud rap or anything like that, if
it’s music it’s going to be very calming, I like a spa like environment.