Nicole Wray (born Nicole Monique Wray on July 1, 1981), is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, dancer, and actress. Wray was born in Salinas, California, and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. Wray first rose to fame in late 1990s when she sang on rapper and music producer Missy Elliott's debut album, Supa Dupa Fly. In August 1998, Nicole released her debut album, Make It Hot. The album featured the top ten single Make It Hot. In 2000, Nicole started working on another album, Elektric Blue. The album featured the sultry ballad, I'm Lookin'. In 2002, Wray left Elektra/The Goldmind Inc. and later in 2003 signed to Roc-A-Fella Records.
In 2004, Wray release a single, If I Was Your Girlfriend. In 2006, Wray appeared in the underground film, State Property 2. In 2009, Wray's sophomore album "Ms. America" is to released in 2010.
Career
In 1997, Nicole appeared on Elliott's debut album, Supa Dupa Fly. After appearing on the track Gettaway, Nicole worked with producers including Missy Elliott, Brian Alexander Morgan, and Timbaland on her first album. During the summer of 1998, Nicole released her first album, Make It Hot. The album's first single was Make It Hot, received excellent airplay. The album's second single I Can't See did not receive the success as the first single. In 1999, Nicole released the third single, Eyes Better Not Wander. Later that year, Wray appeared on Missy Elliott's second album Da Real World, on her second single, All N My Grill. Soon after, Wray announced that she would be getting back into the studio to work on her sophomore album. In 2000, Nicole finished working her album entitled Elektric Blue, although its release date was pushed to 2001. A promotion single called Bangin' was released to build a buzz for the album. In 2001, Nicole released the first single from the album, I'm Lookin'. In late 2001, Elektric Blue was cancelled due to label problems. Shortly after the album's cancellation, Wray and Elliott ended their business relationship, however they both confirmed that the deal ended on good terms. In 2002, Pam & Dodi re-recorded Don't Have To, from Elektric Blue, and release the song as the lead single of their self-titled album.
Without Missy's Guidance
In 2003, Nicole signed to Roc-A-Fella Records. Later that year, Wray teamed up with Dirt McGirt to release the single Welcome Home. In 2004, Wray was placed with the Dame Dash Music Group label to begin working on another album. In November 2004, Wray released her single, If I Was Your Girlfriend. The single built a buzz for the upcoming release of the album titled Lovechild. In late 2004, Wray released another single, Regrets, whiched featured Jay-Z. The album was scheduled to be released in February, but was pushed back to April. Due a feuding between Dame and Jay-Z, all Roc-A-Fella artists were moved to Def Jam and the album was never released.
In 2006, Cam'ron and Nicole release a single entitled Do Your Thing, which received excellent airplay. Later that year, Wray made an appearance on Cam'ron's album Killa Season, in a track called Love My Life which featured Nicole Wray. The song later became a single but failed to build a buzz. Soon after, Nicole announced that she signed to a new record company, Family Over Everything/A.Fam Entertainment and the upcoming of another album. In 2007, Wray released her mixtape InDepenDance Day. The mixtape also annouced her upcoming album. In late 2007, Wray left Family Over Everything/A.Fam Entertainment.
New Solo Projects
Between the time of December and January, Nicole was signed to Boss Up and Greenlight Records, but had quickly left the label. On January 3, 2008, Wray released a buzz single Stand Up, which received excellent airplay and built a buzz for her upcoming album, Ms. America. In June 2009, the lead single "I Like It". "Ms. America" was pushed back and is set to be released sometime in 2010.
LADY
In 2012, Nicole teamed up with fellow soulstress Terri Walker to form retro-soul duo Lady. They were signed to Truth & Soul Records and their self-titled debut album was released on March 5, 2013.
Music and Voice
Wray has cited various artists who influenced her music. She grew up listening to songs of Mary J. Blige and Aaliyah, the latter with whom she eventually collaborated with. She also cites influences from Chaka Khan, Rza, Shirley Caesar, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.
Wray is contralto and has demonstrated her voice in her first album. Wray has also proven to focus her voice through another vocal range known as mezzo-soprano. In addition, Wray's music is predominantly considered contemporary R&B, but has also included many touches of dance-pop, hip-hop, and soul.
Songwriting
Since the release of album in 1998, Wray has wrote many songs. She written songs for artists like Kenny Wray, Trina Broussard, Myrtis Wray and Lil' Nikki. Nicole and her brother Kenny Wray, also write songs together. Wray has written or co-written all of her songs except but the album Make It Hot. Wray also composed several beats for her songs like "Raise Your Frown" and "Don't Have To".
Alias
During her time with Roc-A-Fella, Wray was given the new title of, "The First Lady at Roc" and "Betty Boo". Deejays also gave her the title, "The Original Princess of Roc-A-Fella/The First Lady of Dipset". In 2007, Aftermath producer and The Aphilliates referred to Nicole as "Billie Holiday of the Streetz". Close friends of Wray, refer to her as Nikki Wray.
Other Activies
In 2004, Wray appeared at the Hip-Hop Summit Race To The Polls. In November 2006, Nicole opened up the 13th Living Legends Foundation with the Nation Anthem. Many other artists made appearances like Monica, Fantasia Barrino, and Jay-Z. Since that time, Wray served as a client for Renown Records. Wray has appeared in cover of King, Baby Phat, and Smooth Magazine.
Discography
Albums
* 1998: Make It Hot
* 2001: Elektric Blue
* 2005: Lovechild
* 2010: Ms. America
Mixtapes
* 2007: InDepenDance Day: Volume One The Takeover
* 2008: Mattress Music R&B
* 2008: Who's The King Volume Five
Singles
1998: Make It Hot (ft Mocha and Missy)
1998: I Can't See (ft Mocha and Cam'ron)
1999: Eyes Better Not Wander
1999: All N My Grill (Missy ft Nicole and Big Boi)
1999: I Like Control (Dj Clue ft Mocha, Nicole, and Missy)
2000: Bangin' (ft Prodigy
2001: I'm Lookin'
2002: Don't Have To (with Pam & Dodi)
2003: Welcome Home (with Dirt Mcgirt)
2004: If I Was Your Girlfriend
2004: Regrets (ft Jay-Z)
2005: Can't Get Out of the Game (ft Beanie Sigel)
2006: Do Your Thing (Cam'ron ft Nicole)
2006: Love My Life (Cam'ron ft Nicole)
2006: Dear Father
2008: Stand Up
2008: Dice Roll (ft Young Fell)
2009: I Like It
I Like It
Nicole Wray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
New Missy
Featuring Mocha
Nicole
D-J-Clue
[Mocha]
What hot, we droppin'
Y'all rock toppin', we bottle poppin'
Y'all block watchin', we watch coppin'
Y'all car hoppin', cause now we got it locked and
We dedicate for ya'll feather weight
You better skate cause we never late
Gon' replicate then bet I set it straight
But you can't bet what you never make
I'm the same cat from the same tracks
That hadda bring crack when you played that
When I spit move way back, you get sprayed at
I write my own shit bitch, can you say that?
[Chorus 1: Missy]
A lot of y'all MC's talk mo' shit
Talkin' bout hits and all the whips you dip
I know most of y'all rappers live dead broke
I go to your accountant and he say, "No dough"
Rappin''bout the weed and you can't even roll
If I blow you a gun nigga, can you smoke?
Why you gotta front when you whack as shit
Me and Mocha, we ain't braggin' bitch
I ain't gotta rap about the dough I hold
And I ain't 'bout to talk about the cars I drove
And I ain't gotta front about the shows I blow
Turn on your radio, see me control
[Mocha]
It's best that thee put on the bets wit' me
And testin' me? I hit your chest wit' three
Let's make it clear that we gon' take it there
The way it appears, there ain't a club shakin' rears
Mocha here, call me the richest chick
With the thickest chips, and the quickest whip
Get a grip, why can't you try wit' me
Dumb variety, I get it done lively
[Chorus 2: Nicole]
My rhymes, they like
They really, really like
They for it, adore it
So come let them enjoy
My rhymes, they like
They really, really like
They for it, adore it
So come let them enjoy it
[Missy]
I get it hot like heat
You the MC that 'posed to scare me?
Scream 'till my voice get hoarse
Spit on the mic, make all ya'll moist
Hey, you don't want to fuck with me
And if you do, then you've been practicing
And no one even told you who I was
Well I'ma set it off, show you who I am
God damn, I got skills like a thief
And while you sleep I snatch out all ya teeth
Hey, you don't really want that beef
I repeat, you don't really want that beef
I said hey, you don't really want that beef
Now you know not to mess with me, hah hah
Uh uh uh uh uh, uh uh (mmm mmmm)
[Chorus 1]
[Chorus 2]
[DJ Clue]
Missy
My nigga Timbaland
Aaliyah
The whole VA Crew
Word up
DJ Clue
The Professional
Niggas don't want it
Word up, word up
The song "I Like It" by Nicole Wray ft. Missy Elliot and Mocha, highlights the disillusionment Missy and Mocha have with rappers who boast about their wealth and status, but in reality are broke. The lyrics condemn rappers who exaggerate their lifestyle to impress their audience while lacking authenticity in their music. Missy and Mocha emphasize the fact that they do not need to brag about their financial standing or show off material assets to prove their talent. Their rhymes speak for themselves and are well-liked for their authenticity. The song also highlights the aggressive nature of Mocha's verse, boasting about her riches, quickness and toughness. Missy Elliot also infuses the song with her signature style of confidence and swagger, which the lyrics convey through her declaration to "set it off."
Overall, the "I Like It" is a song about authenticity, talent and confidence. It critiques the superficial and money-oriented nature of mainstream rap music, while also celebrating the strength and skill of female rappers.
Line by Line Meaning
What hot, we droppin'
We only release what's hot
What not, we stoppin'
We stop releasing what's not hot
Y'all rock toppin', we bottle poppin'
While y'all party like rock stars, we party with bottles
Y'all block watchin', we watch coppin'
While y'all watch and wait, we watch and cop/secure our success
Y'all car hoppin', cause now we got it locked and
While y'all jump around, we've secured our success and have it locked down
We dedicate for ya'll feather weight
We put our focus and dedication towards our success, unlike others who may not take it seriously (feather weight)
You better skate cause we never late
If you're not up to speed, you better catch up, we're never late
Gon' replicate then bet I set it straight
If you try to copy us, we'll set you straight
But you can't bet what you never make
You can't bet on your success if you haven't achieved anything
I'm the same cat from the same tracks
I haven't changed from what I used to be, from where I came from
That hadda bring crack when you played that
I had to deliver the best, the hottest when it was my turn to perform
When I spit move way back, you get sprayed at
When I spit hot fire, people feel it and they know it's real
I write my own shit bitch, can you say that?
I write my own music, can you say the same or just rely on others to write yours?
A lot of y'all MC's talk mo' shit
Many rappers talk a lot but don't have the skill to back it up
Talkin' bout hits and all the whips you dip
Many rappers talk about their hits and the cars they drive, but it doesn't always reflect their financial status
I know most of y'all rappers live dead broke
Despite their talk of wealth, many rappers are actually broke
I go to your accountant and he say, "No dough"
Even their accountant can confirm their lack of financial success
Rappin''bout the weed and you can't even roll
Many rappers talk about smoking weed but can't even roll it
If I blow you a gun nigga, can you smoke?
If someone were to give them a gun, would they even know how to use it?
Why you gotta front when you whack as shit
Why do rappers try to act cool when they don't even have the talent to back it up?
Me and Mocha, we ain't braggin' bitch
We don't need to brag, our success speaks for itself
I ain't gotta rap about the dough I hold
I don't need to brag about my wealth through my music
And I ain't 'bout to talk about the cars I drove
I have no need to brag about the cars I own
And I ain't gotta front about the shows I blow
I don't need to exaggerate my performances by being extra about them
Turn on your radio, see me control
When people listen to the radio, they will hear my music and my success
It's best that thee put on the bets wit' me
It's smart to invest in me, bet on me
And testin' me? I hit your chest wit' three
If someone tries to test me, I'll hit them hard and knock them down
Let's make it clear that we gon' take it there
Let's be clear that we're ready to take on any challenge
The way it appears, there ain't a club shakin' rears
It looks like there isn't a club where people aren't dancing to my music
Mocha here, call me the richest chick
I'm Mocha and I'm known for being the wealthiest woman
With the thickest chips, and the quickest whip
I have the most money and the fastest car
Get a grip, why can't you try wit' me
Get it together, why don't you try to keep up with me?
Dumb variety, I get it done lively
Despite the many who try and fail, I can always deliver the best and the most lively performance
My rhymes, they like
People really enjoy/love my music
They really, really like
People are very drawn to my music
They for it, adore it
People are really into and adore my music
So come let them enjoy
Come and let people enjoy and revel in my music
I get it hot like heat
I'm always hot and on fire
You the MC that 'posed to scare me?
Are you supposed to scare me?
Scream 'till my voice get hoarse
Yell until my voice is hoarse
Spit on the mic, make all ya'll moist
My rapping is so good it makes everyone feel excited
Hey, you don't want to fuck with me
Don't mess with me
And if you do, then you've been practicing
If someone really wants to mess with me, they better have been practicing and preparing
And no one even told you who I was
No one even gave you a warning about who I am
Well I'ma set it off, show you who I am
I'm going to show you who I am and what I'm capable of
God damn, I got skills like a thief
I'm very talented, with skills like a crook
And while you sleep I snatch out all ya teeth
I'm so good that when you're sleeping, I'll successfully take what's yours
I repeat, you don't really want that beef
Again, I'm warning you- you don't want any problems with me
Now you know not to mess with me, hah hah
From now on, stay away from me, haha
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edward K. Archer, Eldra P. De Barge, William Randall Debarge, Melissa A. Elliott, Etterlene Jordan, Aleesha Richards, Howard A. Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind