Michel’le, an urban contemporary vocalist in the late ’80s and early ’90s, was known for her distinctive squeaky voice and powerful singing style. Referred to as the Betty Boop of urban contemporary due to her voice, Michel’le’s music showcased a gritty yet captivating sound. Her hit song “No More Lies” exemplified her hip-hop-influenced approach to R&B, influenced by her association with N.W.A., including Dr. Dre and Eazy-E. Managed by industry veteran Jerry Heller, Michel’le’s unique sound stood out in the urban contemporary scene of the time.
A trailblazer ahead of her time, Michel’le paved the way for artists like Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, and Lauryn Hill in the realm of neo-soul and hip-hop. Signing with Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records in 1989, Michel’le’s self-titled debut album, produced by Dr. Dre, showcased her urban contemporary style with a funky edge. Despite East Coast/West Coast rivalry, Michel’le’s music gained popularity on both R&B and pop charts, with hits like “No More Lies” and “Nicety.” However, her success waned in the late ’90s, with her second album, Hung Jury, failing to reach the heights of her debut.