Chrisette Michele
Chrisette Michele Payne (born December 8, 1982) is an American R&B and soul singer. She won a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2009 for her song "Be OK" (featuring will.i.am). She was previously signed to Motown Records, Capitol Records, and Caroline Distribution but was dropped from her label in 2017 after performing at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.
Also recorded as Chrisette Michele Payne
Chrisette Michele

CPX Interactive · 5th Annual Hip-Hop Summit Action Network's Action Awards Cropped from original image. · CC BY 2.0
- Born
- 1982. · Central Islip.
- Nationality
- United States.
- Occupation
- singer-songwriter, composer, rapper, singer, songwriter, musician and music interpreter.
- Fields
- music composing.
- Education
- Five Towns College.
- Languages
- English.
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Documentary summary
Chrisette Michele Payne (born December 8, 1982) is an American R&B and soul singer. She won a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2009 for her song "Be OK" (featuring will.i.am). She was previously signed to Motown Records, Capitol Records, and Caroline Distribution but was dropped from her label in 2017 after performing at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.
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wikipedia incomplete · checked 25 September 2026
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gnd · 135492513 · wikidata · Q290550 · wikipedia · Chrisette Michele
In this article
Early life
Early life
In the same year, Michele announced plans to release new music independently through her own label, Rich Hipster.
Michele was born in Central Islip, New York, and grew up in Patchogue. Her father was a sociologist and her mother a psychologist. Michele led gospel choirs in high school. She attended Five Towns College in Dix Hills, New York, and graduated with a vocal performance degree. She is the first cousin of soul singer Raheem DeVaughn.
2006–2008: Musical beginnings and I Am
2006–2008: Musical beginnings and I Am
Michele has been featured on several hip hop albums, such as The Game's LAX, on the song "Let Us Live". On Jay-Z's Kingdom Come, she appears on the second single, "Lost One", while on Nas' Hip Hop Is Dead, she is featured three times: on the album's second single "Can't Forget About You", the Kanye West-produced "Still Dreaming", and the final track, "Hope". She also appeared on the bonus track "Slow Down" from Ghostface Killah's The Big Doe Rehab. Michele's debut album, I Am, was released on June 18, 2007. The song "Your Joy" was released on iTunes as a free single of the week. The album spawned four singles: "If I Have My Way", "Best of Me", "Be OK", and "Love Is You". The album's lead single, "If I Have My Way", charted at number 24 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Best of Me" charted on the US Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks at number 21. In December 2007, "Be OK" was released as the third single, charting at number 64 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In 2008, "Love Is You" was released as the album's fourth and final single; it reached number 90 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In 2008, Michele appeared on the track "Rising Up" from the Roots' album Rising Down. Michele guest starred as herself in The CW's Girlfriends, in the episode entitled "What's Black-a-Lackin'?", which originally aired on February 11, 2008. She also wrote a song for Tyler Perry's House of Payne, titled "I've Gotta Love Jones". From May to July 2008, Michele embarked on a nationwide co-headlining tour with fellow soul singer Raheem DeVaughn called the Art of Love Tour; Solange Knowles served as the opening act. In September 2008, Michele performed twice at the Evening of Stars: A Tribute to Patti LaBelle.
Controversy
Controversy
In January 2017, media outlets reported that Michele would perform at the inauguration of Donald Trump. This was met with backlash on social media, prompting Michele to respond via an open letter on Twitter, stating that she had intended her performance to serve as a bridge between Trump supporters and opponents. Author Aliya S. King published a response to the singer's letter on BET, expressing disappointment with Michele's choice to perform and felt like her letter was a "cop-out". Michele was initially supposed to perform at the Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration held the day prior to the inauguration, but did not perform and instead played at one of the inaugural balls the following day. In response to her performing, Spike Lee removed Michele's song "Black Girl Magic" from his upcoming Netflix series She's Gotta Have It. Subsequent to the performance, Michele announced the release of her poetry album No Political Genius.
Personal life
Personal life
Michele was inducted as an honorary member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority on September 19, 2023. In 2025, Michele disclosed that she had recently been diagnosed with autism.
Tours
Tours
Headlining The Art of Love Tour (with Raheem DeVaughn) (2008) The Epiphany Tour (2010) The Milestone Tour (2016) Moody Tour (2021) Supporting act Woman to Woman Tour for Keyshia Cole (2013) Liberation Tour for Mary J. Blige (2013) Appreciation Tour for Jaheim (2013)
2013–present: Better, R&B Divas LA, The Lyricist's Opus, and Milestone
The first single from Michele's fourth album, Better, titled "Charades", was released on January 29, 2013. Previously, "Charades" was featured on her second mixtape album, released in late 2012. The second single, "A Couple of Forevers", was released in February. The Alcon came out on June 11, 2013, published by Motown Records. It was produced by Michele, Shea Taylor, and Pop & Oak. Michele collaborated with rappers such as 2 Chainz and Wale on the album. It debuted at number 12 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 27,000 copies in its first week. It was nominated at the 2014 Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album. Chrisette Michelle joined the cast of R&B Divas LA for its second season. On March 20, 2015, it was reported that she left the show. On November 24, 2014, Michele released her latest project, entitled The Lyricist's Opus, for digital download. Two music videos were released from the EP: "Super Chris" on October 1, and "Together" on December 15. On November 12, 2016, Michele released her single "Steady". It was produced by Blickie Blaze, also from Four Kings Productions. "Steady" is the lead single from her fifth studio album, Milestone tour, which was released on June 10, 2016, via her label Rich Hipster. In 2018, she released the album Out of Control. In 2020, Michele released the single "Wait".
2009–2012: Epiphany, Let Freedom Reign, and mixtape releases
2009–2012: Epiphany, Let Freedom Reign, and mixtape releases
In mid-2008, Michele began recording her second album, Epiphany. In January 2009, the album's title track was released as the lead single. It marked Michele's first solo entry to the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 89. Released on May 5, 2009, the album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 83,000 copies in its opening week. A week after the release of Epiphany, another single was released, titled "Blame It on Me". It didn't repeat the success of "Epiphany (I'm Leaving)"; however, it peaked at number 28 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It was followed by two more: "What You Do" in July and "Fragile" in November. Originally, "What You Do" was planned to be the second single from the album. The song features Ne-Yo, who worked with Michele on the album. After the release of Epiphany, she started working on her next album. Michele has worked with rapper Rick Ross and Canadian rapper/singer Drake on the fourth single of Ross's album Teflon Don, called "Aston Martin Music". The song was released on October 5, 2010. Michele released her third studio album, Let Freedom Reign, on November 30, 2010. The record included the singles "I'm a Star" and "Goodbye Game". "I'm a Star" was released in September, and was followed by "Goodbye Game" and "I Don't Know Why, But I Do", both in November, just before the release of the album. The record features Michele performing hip-hop, R&B, as well as the dance-pop influenced "So Cool". The album debuted at number 25 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 42,000 copies in its first week. It also peaked at number 7 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. On November 5, 2010, her first mixtape, Love Thy Brother, was released. On December 7, 2012, her second mixtape, titled Audrey Hepburn: An Audiovisual Presentation, followed. The mixtape contained some songs recorded for her fourth studio album, such as the single "Charades", among other tracks.
Discography
Discography
I Am (2007) Epiphany (2009) Let Freedom Reign (2010) Better (2013) Milestone (2016)
Primary material
Documents and archives
reference work
- Wikidata, structured authority record Q290550: Chrisette Michele
Reputable secondary · Wikidata
- “Chrisette Michele”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
Reputable secondary · Wikipedia
authority file
- Gemeinsame Normdatei 135492513, Chrisette Michele.
Unverified · Deutsche Nationalbibliothek
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Chrisette Michele Speaks On Miscarriage After Reportedly Getting Dropped From Label. Vibe. October 28, 2017.
- 2.Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM. Chrisette Michele Addresses Miscarriage + Aftermath Of Performing at Trump's Inauguration. November 2, 2017.
- 3.Chrisette Michele Opens Up About Miscarriage and Label Drop After Trump Inauguration. Essence.com. October 26, 2020.
- 4.Gamboa, Glenn. "Chrisette Michele has an 'Epiphany'", Newsday, May 3, 2009.
- 5.Cost 2 Coast Presents. January 30, 2013.
- 6.AllMusic. I am All Music Credits.
- 7.Universal Music Group. Universalmusic.com.
- 8.New Music: Chrisette Michele "Epiphany" Off New Album – Listen Now!
- 9.Caulfield, Keith. Chrisette Michele Scores First No. 1 On Billboard 200. Billboard. May 13, 2009.
- 10.Teflondonross.com. Rick Ross 'Teflon Don' In Stores Now.
- 11.Rap, R&B and Hip Hop News & Breaking Stories. Rap-up.com.
- 12.The Milestone Tour. Themilestonetour.com.
- 13.Chrisette Michele Returns With New Single "Wait". Youknowigotsoul.com.
- 14.Monroe, Jazz. Spike Lee Not Using Chrisette Michele Music Due to Trump Performance. Pitchfork. January 20, 2017.
- 15.Gamboa, Glenn. Chrisette Michele defends inauguration participation but doesn't perform as scheduled. Newsday. January 20, 2017.
- 16.King, Aliya S. An Open Letter to Chrisette Michele. BET.com.
- 17.Rogo, Paula. Chrisette Michele Performs at Trump Inaugural Ball—And Dragging Ensues. Essence. January 20, 2017.
- 18.Williams, Brennan. Chrisette Michele: My Family Cut Me Off For Performing At Inauguration. HuffPost. January 25, 2017.
- 19.McGloster, Niki. Chrisette Michele on 'No Political Genius' & Performing at Trump's Inaugural Ball: 'It Was My Responsibility to Say Yes with Purpose'. Billboard. January 24, 2017.
- 20.Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Announces Newest Class of Honorary Members. Prnewswire.com.
- 21.Ayoola, Elizabeth. Chrisette Michele On Her 'Severe' Autism Diagnosis: 'My Life And Its Challenges Make Sense'. Essence. 17 June 2025.
References
Citations
References
Each reference names the institution holding it, so a reader may go to the document itself.
authority file
Gemeinsame Normdatei 135492513, Chrisette Michele.Deutsche Nationalbibliothek
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
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