Album Review / Pop

*** Nicole, “Make It Hot,” GoldMind/Elektra. “Make It Hot” is the first album to be released on Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott’s label, so it’s no surprise to find 17-year-old Nicole Wray copping a few prime moves from her mentor on this debut. But while the album packs many of the same slithery rhythms and headstrong lyrics to be found on Elliott’s “Supa Dupa Fly,” Wray’s reedy singing voice isn’t nearly as charismatic as Missy’s. Still, Nicole’s production crew packs so many slyly funky grooves on “Make It Hot” that you can easily forgive her shortcomings.

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