There’s a certain kind of record that doesn’t just come back—it pulls you back with it. Not in a throwback way. Not in a “remember when” loop. But in that body-memory kind of way. The bass hits, and you’re suddenly between then and now without permission.
That’s the lane Yvette Michele steps into with “Mr. DJ.” Not chasing a moment, but picking it back up and carrying it forward.
Because this isn’t about nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. This is about unfinished business. About a voice that already stamped its place once and still refuses to stop speaking. Bronx roots, Loud Records energy, Apollo lights—those aren’t just milestones, they’re pressure points. And when they press again, you don’t get a rerun—you get a reminder.
“Mr. DJ” doesn’t ask for attention—it moves like it already has it. There’s history in it, but more importantly, there’s intent. The kind that only comes from someone who’s been away long enough to know exactly why they came back.
So before we even get into the questions, understand this: this isn’t a comeback story.
It’s a continuation—with better timing.
Parlé Mag: When you stepped back on stage at the Apollo, did it feel like time paused—or like you had something new to prove?
Yvette Michele: Returning to the stage at the Apollo in 2009 was surreal, as it was my first show in 10 years—since my exit from the music business. I felt it was my opportunity to prove I still “had it.” It was also a chance to create awareness that I was still here.
Parlé Mag: “Mr. DJ” flips your own classic energy—what made you revisit that sound instead of leaving it in the ’90s?
Yvette Michele: We intended “Mr. DJ” as an interpolation of the ’90s sound, which is why we kept the vibe close to the essence of the original. We’re in the middle of a ’90s nostalgia moment. DJ FENN and I wanted to capture that essence and blend it with EDM.
Parlé Mag: Back in the Loud Records era, everything felt raw and competitive—how does today’s music game feel compared to that grind?
Yvette Michele: The current music game remains just as raw and competitive—just in more unique and varied ways. Social media and technology are key drivers of how we work now. Many aspects of being a performing artist today are self-service and self-directed, which requires more discipline and dedication.
However, this shift brings substantial benefits: teams work faster remotely, shorten the time-to-market cycle, test concepts instantly, and share information constantly. This allows anyone with talent to showcase their art. Traditional methods of discovering music are becoming limited, while DIY platforms are more accessible. So while the world is your competition, artists now have direct control over their image and deeper access to their fans.
Parlé Mag: Being discovered by Funkmaster Flex, what did those early studio and mixtape days teach you that artists today might never experience?
Yvette Michele: Recording during the mixtape era was truly a snapshot in time. We were still recording on tape, using large reels for masters. That was the only option then, and while it still exists today, it will never be the standard again.
Another thing artists today may never experience is having to record vocals perfectly on the first take due to limited tape space—something digital recording and tuning tools now simplify. Most importantly, navigating the music business without a cellphone!
Parlé Mag: “I’m Not Feeling You” still hits—what do you remember about recording that record that fans would never guess?
Yvette Michele: The laughs we had while coming up with the concept still stand out. It started with wanting something relatable and humorous, and it evolved into what it became.
What many people don’t realize is that “I’m Not Feelin’ You” is an interpolation from the female perspective and a direct tribute to Oran Juice Jones’ “In the Rain.”
Parlé Mag: Your voice always carried emotion without forcing it—where does that honesty come from when you step to the mic?
Yvette Michele: I simply love music and singing, so when I’m in a flow state, I fully tap in. I shape my delivery based on how I feel about and connect with the lyrics and the music. I also find ways to personally relate to each song so it has real meaning for me.
Parlé Mag: “Cadillac Chronicles” feels like a vibe all its own—how did that come together, and why does it connect so deeply now?
Yvette Michele: “Cadillac Chronicles” has a vibe that resonated deeply with me. I loved seeing artists—especially those we rarely see performing live—sing while being chauffeured around Atlanta.
They scout for talent, and we connected through Instagram. The creator, a young, smart New Jersey native, tapped into the beauty of nostalgia and identified a gap in entertainment. It’s a win-win for both legacy and emerging artists, and it gives them a platform to be seen and appreciated. That post received more engagement than any I’ve had and brought new opportunities my way.
Parlé Mag: You’ve lived in New York, Atlanta, and Florida—how have those moves shaped your sound and spirit as an artist?
Yvette Michele: Living across these major cities shaped my style and defined my standards of excellence. My core sound—rooted in funk, disco, and soul—comes from my upbringing in New York and Florida. Atlanta expanded that as I grew into adulthood.
The fearlessness and belief in myself come from testing my abilities in cities where the best compete.
Parlé Mag: The “’90s Girls” shows celebrate an era—what do you think that time in R&B had that’s missing today?
Yvette Michele: The “’90s Girls” shows are a whole vibe. Fans who come out either lived through that era or are discovering it now.
What people often say is missing today is the party energy—we had fun outside, and you could hear it in the music. Life was more analog, and that came through in the lyrics. Love felt good, and fun was everywhere. It was truly a special era.
Parlé Mag: Coming back now, do you feel more freedom as an artist than you did the first time around?
Yvette Michele: Absolutely. There’s a level of autonomy today that didn’t exist before. Artists can launch careers independently using available tools and platforms.
The ability to develop songs, record vocals, and connect directly with fans without needing a full team is empowering—it’s an artist’s dream.
Parlé Mag: What’s something about your journey—personally or musically—that you’re finally ready to express in this new chapter?
Yvette Michele: In this chapter, I want to showcase talents beyond singing—leveraging my platform in ways that support causes I believe in. I also want to help identify and promote new talent, passing the torch to the next generation.
Parlé Mag: When people hear Yvette Michele in 2026, what do you want them to feel first—nostalgia, growth, or something they didn’t expect?
Yvette Michele: All of the above!
Stay Connected with Yvette Michele
Follow her official platforms for music, updates, and new releases:
Instagram: @dearyvettemichele
Streaming: Spotify / Apple Music – Yvette Michele
