Last Updated: August 6, 2024
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K. Michelle’s New Country Album Highlights the ‘Overlooked’
Last Updated: August 6, 2024
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K. Michelle is making a bold return to her roots. The singer recently announced a significant career move.
Actually, she’s signed a record deal with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville and diving headfirst into the world of country music with a new album.
This step marks a profound and heartfelt journey for the artist, who is determined to carve out a space for herself and those who feel like they don’t quite fit in.
A Milestone Achievement
In a deeply personal Instagram post, K. Michelle shared just how much this new venture means to her:
“I signed my FIRST country music record deal. It might not mean anything to you but it means the world to me. Listen, I’ve always been off trend my whole life. I’ve never been in the cool crowd. It used to hurt but it forced me to move alone, but strong. Just me, my mic, voice, pen, and God. I kicked, screamed, begged, and pleaded to just sing what I wanted,” she explained.
Embracing Her Roots
For K. Michelle, this isn’t just about a genre shift; it’s about coming home.
She detailed her journey back to Tennessee, a place that holds significant meaning for her and her music:
“I said f–k it! If I can’t get invited to the party I’ll throw my own and that’s what I did. I packed up my s–t and moved back home to Tennessee. I deserve to do what I’m great at. It’s bigger than me. I represent the weird kids, the misunderstood, the have nots, the overlooked, women and men from all different walks of life. I am the underdog,” K. Michelle stated.
A New Chapter
K. Michelle has always been about authenticity, and this new chapter is no different.
Last year, she announced that her sixth album, I’m The Problem, would be her final R&B project.
She quickly teased her transition to country music with her single “Tennessee.”
Alongside this genre shift, she unveiled her alter-ego ‘PUDDIN,’ a childhood nickname, adding a personal touch to her evolving artistry.
Recognized Passion
Katie Kerkhover, VP of A&R for BMG, couldn’t help but express her admiration for K. Michelle’s passion and dedication to country music:
“When we first met K. Michelle, she radiated her passion for country music. It’s the fabric of who she is because the lyrics represent truth. She’s built an incredible fanbase with her unique vocals anchored with storytelling at its heart and that is what transcends genres,” Kerkhover expressed in a statement reported by Billboard.
The Journey Ahead
K. Michelle is aware that this new path won’t be easy, but she’s more than ready for the challenges ahead.
She’s eager to bring her unique voice and perspective to the country music stage, introducing the world to the music she grew up on and loves deeply.
“I look forward to hitting stages everywhere to introduce the music I grew up on. A long hard road ahead of me, but I’m equipped for WHATEVER,” she declared.
Beyond Music: A Voice for the Overlooked
K. Michelle’s transition to country music is about more than just personal fulfillment.
It’s about giving a voice to those who often feel left out.
Her journey is an inspiring message to the “weird kids,” the misunderstood, and the overlooked.
She’s determined to show that there’s a place for everyone in music, regardless of the genre or the crowd.
Reflecting on Her Career
Looking back, K. Michelle’s career has always been marked by her willingness to defy expectations and follow her heart.
From her time on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta to her success in R&B, she has consistently shown resilience and authenticity.
This new country album is just the latest chapter in her ongoing story of breaking barriers and staying true to herself.
K. Michelle’s Early Life
K. Michelle, born Kimberly Michelle Pate on March 4, 1982, in Memphis, Tennessee, showed a love for music from a young age.
She learned to play piano and guitar and took voice lessons from renowned vocal coach Bob Westbrook, who also trained Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.
K. Michelle graduated from Overton High School in 2000 and earned a music scholarship to Florida A&M University (FAMU) by impressively yodeling at her audition.
During her time at FAMU, she became the Freshman Attendant of the Homecoming Court and pledged to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Despite a brief pause in her studies to have her son in 2004, she graduated with honors and was accepted into several law schools.
However, she chose to follow her passion for music, setting the stage for her successful career.
K. Michelle’s Musical Journey: From R&B to Country
K. Michelle first captured our attention on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.
She quickly made a mark in R&B with her debut album Rebellious Soul, topping the R&B charts and hitting number two on the Billboard 200.
Despite facing personal and industry challenges, she released several successful albums, earning a Soul Train Music Award and an NAACP Image Award.
In 2022, K. Michelle announced her final R&B album, I’m the Problem and hinted at a shift to country music.
Now, with a new deal from BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, she’s embracing her country roots.
Her single “Tennessee” previews this exciting new chapter, showing her dedication to authenticity and passion in her music.
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Signed with Jive Records | Released debut R&B single “Fakin’ It” featuring Missy Elliott. |
| 2012 | Joined Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta | Gained widespread recognition and signed a multi-album deal with Atlantic Records. |
| 2013 | Debut Album Rebellious Soul | Debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and topped the R&B charts. |
| 2014 | Second Album Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart? | Debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 and spawned hits like “Love ‘Em All.” |
| 2016 | Third Album More Issues Than Vogue | Released to positive reviews with singles “Not a Little Bit” and “Ain’t You.” |
| 2017 | Fourth Album Kimberly: The People I Used to Know | Debuted in the top ten of Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. |
| 2020 | Fifth Album All Monsters Are Human | Preceded by singles “Supahood” and “The Rain,” and received positive reviews. |
| 2022 | Final R&B Album I’m the Problem | Announced it would be her last R&B album, featuring the hit single “Scooch.” |
| 2024 | Signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville | Transitioned to country music, performing at CMA Fest and working on her debut country album. |
Final Thoughts
- K. Michelle’s new country album represents a bold and heartfelt new direction in her career.
- K. Michelle has always felt like she was on the outside looking in, and now she wants to use her platform to give a voice to those who are often overlooked.
- By signing with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, she’s not just changing genres; she’s embracing her roots and showing that everyone deserves to be heard and understood.
- Her move to country music is about staying true to herself and connecting with people who feel misunderstood or left out.
- Through this album, K. Michelle hopes to make a real impact and remind us all that music has the power to bring people together and lift up those who need it most.
- As she embarks on this journey, fans old and new will undoubtedly be eager to see what she brings to the table.
- And in true K. Michelle fashion, she’s ready to prove that there’s always a place for everyone who dares to dream.
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Bee DeloresAuthor
Bee DeloresLover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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