When compared to other Def Jam R&B acts like Ne-Yo and Rihanna during Jay-Z's reign as president, Chrisette Michele's debut album, I Am, seemed to be an afterthought. Despite singing on hooks for songs by Nas and Jay-Z himself, the album could only muster up a small but devoted fanbase, only now inching towards gold status two years later. The formula of sultry jazz vocals mixed with modern beats that played such a huge role on her debut is also a big factor on the lead single, "Epiphany," which was written by Ne-Yo, who is also co-executive producer of the album. Michele has also promised a more upbeat sound this time around, ditching Babyface and John Legend, who contributed songs to the last album, in favor of more contemporary producers and songwriters like Claude Kelly, B Major and Chuck Harmony.