Nicole

As <a href="spotify:artist:2wIVse2owClT7go1WT98tk">Missy Elliott</a>'s first signing to her Gold Mind label, R&B singer Nicole became the subject of much criticism when her debut album heavily featured <a href="spotify:artist:2wIVse2owClT7go1WT98tk">Elliott</a>. Born in Salinas, CA, Nicole (born <a href="spotify:artist:3opP52YUU3kBoPizkJETnm">Nicole Wray</a>) moved to Portsmouth, VA, as a child, where she met members of <a href="spotify:artist:2wIVse2owClT7go1WT98tk">Elliott</a>'s family in her neighborhood. Nicole became one of her church's star choir members, and even began to model in local fashion shows. When one of <a href="spotify:artist:2wIVse2owClT7go1WT98tk">Elliott</a>'s cousins introduced <a href="spotify:artist:2wIVse2owClT7go1WT98tk">Missy</a> to Nicole, the up-and-coming rapper/singer was impressed by the teenage singer's skills. Once her mainstream success allowed her to start her own label, she signed the 17-year-old Nicole first, immediately going to work on her debut album. With producer <a href="spotify:artist:5Y5TRrQiqgUO4S36tzjIRZ">Timbaland</a> producing on the beats while <a href="spotify:artist:2wIVse2owClT7go1WT98tk">Elliott</a> wrote the majority of the songs, Nicole finished and released the record in 1998. Despite a star-filled video for the first single, "Make It Hot," the album's sales were only average, while critics were harsh on the record for <a href="spotify:artist:2wIVse2owClT7go1WT98tk">Elliott</a>'s overwhelming presence. Still, Nicole wasn't phased by the reaction, continuing to work with her mentor on 2001's "I'm Lookin'" single as well as the material for her second album. ~ Bradley Torreano, Rovi