K. Michelle Ditches R&B for Country Roots

K. Michelle, known for her R&B career, is now embracing her country music aspirations with the release of her debut country album, "Jesus & Whiskey," scheduled for October 16. The title track is available now. This project, produced by the renowned Kristian Bush of Sugarland, features nine songs that represent a deeply personal musical journey for Michelle.

Michelle, a native of Tennessee, asserts that country music is her "first genre of choice," a passion she has nurtured since childhood, even taking yodeling lessons. She explains that the core of both her R&B and new country music lies in "storytelling." She feels that with "Jesus & Whiskey," she is finally pursuing her lifelong dream, a sentiment echoed on her album cover.

The artist also acknowledges the significant impact of her exposure on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," which she believes helped connect her story with a broader audience. Michelle has been open about her past year, including ongoing surgical complications, and feels the show allowed fans to witness her authentic growth. She finds inspiration in current country artists like Luke Combs and Ella Langley, eagerly anticipating her album joining the country music landscape.