Think you know everything about your favorite R&B Diva?
We know the songs behind every R&B Diva, but did you know that Chrisette Michele ditched Drake back in 2008? Or Chanté Moore and Lil’ Mo have a special connection thanks to Moore’s producer Kwame?
Check out some more little known facts about the ladies below and be sure to check out the second season of R&B Divas LA on July 16th at 10 p.m. on TV One.
Leela James
James has worked with Ray Charles and was featured on his posthumous album Genius Loves Company in 2009.
James doesn’t try hard with her fabulous mane. In an interview with Madame Noire in 2011, she called her hairstyle “lazy.”
Her dream collaborator? Prince, of course!
James says she’s not an R&B artist, but makes music for the soul.
Chrisette Michele
A young Drake plays her love interest in the “Epiphany” video.
Michele made headlines in 2010 for her choice to go natural. “For me it’ll never be a battle between a natural sister and a relaxed sister,” she said. “It’ll always be what’s best for you, and what’s best for me is having the healthiest hair possible.”
The singer denounced hip-hop in 2010, after Rick Ross refused to perform their single “Aston Martin Music” and allegedly threw a fit after losing an award to Eminem at the Soul Train Awards.
The “Be Okay” singer is a proud vegan.
Ne-Yo encouraged her to write deeper songs.
She isn’t an R&B Head. Her dream collaborations include Fall Out Boy and Gwen Stefani.
Lil’ Mo
Lil’ Mo revealed that Catfish star Kidd Cole is her estranged stepson.
Her record label didn’t believe that smash single “Superwoman Pt. II” would be a hit.
Lil’ Mo reunited with Fabolous at Webster Hall in April & Performed “Superwoman Pt. II”
Lil’ Mo says she never had beef with Keyshia Cole.
Chanté Moore
Chanté Moore and Kelly Price have both been the object of R. Kelly’s affection in the singer’s long-lasting soap operas with Ronald Isley.
Turns out Moore and Lil’ Mo have indirectly crossed paths in the past. Chanté’s frequent collaborator Kwame has worked with 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks, who happens to be good friends with Fabolous.
Claudette Ortiz
Her duet with Wyclef, “Two Wrongs,” was one of the top-selling singles of 2002.
Chrisette Michelle and Claudette have both worked with Nas. Claudette in 2002 for “Hey Nas,” and Michele in 2007 for “Can’t Forget About You.”
Michel’le
Michel’le, Nas, Pusha T, and Raekwon have all used the same James Brown sample in their songs. Michel’le for her single “No More Lies,” Nas’ “Get Down,” and Pusha T and Raekwon for “Da Morning.”
Many people are still blown away by her high-pitched speaking voice and her strong vocal abilities.
Although Mary J. Blige was given the title of the Queen of Hip-Hop & R&B, Michel’le cleverly infused both genres five years before Blige’s debut.
Michel’le was also one of the first R&B artists to come into fruition on a hip-hop label. The trend has continued over the years with Ashanti (Murder Inc.,) Olivia (G-Unit,) Teyana Taylor (G.O.O.D Music,) and newcomer SZA (T.D.E.)
PHOTO CREDIT: TV ONE
