Her fourth album, “Better,” was released in June 2013 and reached number twelve on the Billboard Top 200. It reached number seven on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 25 on the Billboard Top 200. Her third studio album, “Let Freedom Reign,” was released in 2010.
In May 2009, she released her second album, “Epiphany.” It debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200, number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and number one of the Billboard Digital Albums chart. In summer 2008, she co-headlined a tour with Raheem DeVaughn.
She won the award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her song “Be Ok” and was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for the song “If I Have My Way.” She appeared on The Roots’ album, “Rising Down,” on the track, “Rising Up,” and she also wrote a song for the sitcom “ Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” that same year. Michele was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 2008. It peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and number five on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. She was featured on Jay-Z’s single “Lost One,” and Nas’, “Can’t Forget About You,” in 2006 before releasing her debut album, “I Am,” in June 2007. Michele was discovered by India Arie, Angie Stone, and Kem at an underground Manhattan club, and they all vied for her to be their opening act. She attended Five Towns College and studied jazz and vocal performance. At the same time, she started learning jazz standards on piano. She began singing at a young age in church and by high school, was leading gospel choirs. Singer-songwriter Chrisette Michele was born Chrisette Michele Payne on Decemin Central Islip, New York.