Name: Queen Alone
Brand: Lady Wray

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

bc016cd

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2016-09-23

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Cargo

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

349223001624

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

bc016lp

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2016-09-30

349223001617

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1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Lady Wray

Genre GB

Funk / Soul

Label GB

Big Crown

Big Crown Records is a Brooklyn based independent record label started in 2016 by Leon Michels & Danny Akalepse. With a focus on soul, funk, and R&B music, Big Crown has quickly gained recognition for its high-quality releases and commitment to preserving the sound of classic genres.

The label's founders, Leon Michels and Danny Akalepse, bring decades of experience in the music industry to their work at Big Crown. Michels is a renowned producer and multi-instrumentalist who has worked with artists such as Lee Fields and Sharon Jones. Akalepse is a respected DJ and collector known for his deep knowledge of rare records.

Since its inception, Big Crown Records has released albums from an impressive roster of talented artists including *Lee Fields*, *The Shacks*, *Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band*, and many more. The label prides itself on working closely with its artists to create unique and authentic music that resonates with listeners.

Lady Wray is a talented R&B, Neo Soul, Soul and Hip-Hop singer, songwriter and musician. Born in 1979 in Salinas, California, USA, she has captivated audiences with her soulful voice and captivating performances.
With influences ranging from Saun & Starr to Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Lady Wray's music combines elements of classic soul with modern R&B. Her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics have earned her a dedicated fan base.
Known for her dynamic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences on a deep level, Lady Wray continues to push the boundaries of contemporary soul music. With each release, she showcases her versatility as an artist while staying true to her roots.

Back In Stock

Virginia-born singer/songwriter Nicole Wray has everything you'd want in a singer: an infectious Jackson-5-family-member flare, a range like Aretha's, and a church upbringing that's brought a pure, healing texture to her voice. But the struggle she's been through has made her more than a singer. Nicole Wray is an artist. When talking about Queen Alone, her first solo album in some time, Nicole explains, "It's a reflection of my soul. It's who I am today." And aptly so. Nicole is writing and singing songs about her life. And yet to even start to know her soul, you have to go back to the beginning. Growing up in Portsmouth was tough at times for Nicole. However, at the age of fifteen, life opened up quickly when Missy Elliot paid a visit to Nicole's family home to audition her on the spot. Missy was there on the rumored strength and quality of her voice. Instantly blowing her away, she signed and left with Missy that night. Two years later, at age 17, she had a hit gold single off a solid debut album (Make It Hot). Suddenly she was part of a team that included late '90s R&amp;B and rap royalty: Missy, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Playa, Timbaland and Magoo. She made it, and fast. However, as rapidly as she achieved success, Nicole then found herself needing to re-make it. By late 2001, her time with Missy and company had run its course. They amicably parted ways and Nicole, once on top of the R&amp;B world, was unsure of what was next. It was a very low, but important, point in her life. While neck-deep in this struggle, Damon Dash and Roc-A-Fella Records called. They signed an album deal and by 2004, in what was starting to be a pattern, just as things were looking up Roc-A-Fella suddenly (famously) split. Nicole found herself in a familiar situation. In 2013, Nicole paired up with London vocalist Terri Walker and released the album Lady. Once again, Nicole was tested. Terri parted ways with the group to pursue her own projects shortly after the album's release. Fast forward to now-the transformation from singer-for-hire to pure artist is evident in this new full-length solo release, Queen Alone. The record was written and recorded in 10 days at the legendary Diamond Mine Studios, in Queens NY with Leon Michels and Tom Brenneck handling production. Nicole says she is "Singing out loud now-singing from the stomach." Back in 1998 she was coached how to sing, and told to stay in a pocket that never let her show her range, power, and passion. Today, after stutter-stepping in and out of the industry, there is a new soul and substance to her songs-all of it from her life. "They Don't Hang Around", tells the story of her post Roc-a-Fella days, "Guilty", is about her brother's incarceration, "Make Me Over" tells the relatable story of being broke with expensive taste, and 'Let It Go", a perfect way to end the record, is about the simple act of letting go and moving on. Almost echoing her new record, Nicole says, "You have to go through something for it to be real." She has been living with one foot in fame and the other in real life. The result is clear: she's feeling something real in her music again. And it's hard for us as listeners not to follow suit.

Queen Alone

Music GB