Looking for some great soul music by two sassy, sangin’ soul sistas with a great throwback sound? Search no further than the self-titled debut album by the duo simply known as Lady. Consisting of Nicole Wray and Terri Walker, they have created a buzz with their rich harmonies and hip-swaying grooves.
You might be wondering where you’ve heard the name Nicole Wray before. Well, in case you need a refresher…
Billed by her first name only, Nicole was a protege of Timbaland and Missy Elliott, scoring a top five hit with “Make it Hot.” It was her only major hit, and she seemed to disappear as quickly as she showed up. According to her Wikipedia page, a second album with the Timbo/Missy combo was shelved, she became a part of the Roc-a-Fella family, and then got left in the lurch when the Jay-Z/Dame Dash relationship fell apart.
Dame did, however, bring her along to provide vocals on the BlakRoc project, an album that featured a host of rappers performing songs to the live musical accompaniment of The Black Keys. Dan and Patrick liked what they heard so much that Nicole was enlisted to provide background vocals on the duo’s two most successful albums (so far) Brothers and El Camino. Soon after, she and Terri hooked up and formed Lady. The Keys connection remains (Patrick Carney’s brother Michael designed the cover for their album,) and they sound a little something like this.
Dope as “Make it Hot” was, this stuff has a little more substance and soul, eh?
Lady’s debut album is available on Truth & Soul Records now. Cop that!