After signing with Jive Records in 2009 but leaving the label without releasing an album, K. Michelle's career received a jump-start in 2012 with her starring role in the VH1 reality series, Love and Hip-Hop: Atlanta. Her new found popularity led to a new contract with Atlantic Records, and she released her debut solo album, Rebellious Soul, in 2013. It earned her a Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist, and a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist. Michelle remained in Love and Hip-Hop: Atlanta for two seasons, and she also appeared in season four of Love and Hip-Hop: New York. In 2014, she starred in her own series, K. Michelle: My Life. Continuing her association with VH1, the network also presented her Rebellious Soul Musical in 2014 directed by Idris Elba.

Born Kimberly Michelle Pate, she opened for her mentor, R. Kelly, on his "Ladies Make Some Noise" tour in 2009. Michelle headlined her first solo tour in 2013, the Rebellious Soul tour featuring opening acts Sevyn Streeter and Tiara Thomas. She  was also the opening act for Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" tour in 2014. In addition to recording with Kelly, her collaborations also include Missy Elliott, Rick Ross, J. Cole, Meek Mill, Trina, Gucci Mane, Lil Boosie, and Bobby V.

Michelle was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended Florida AandM University on a music scholarship. She graduated in 2004 with a degree in psychology and a minor in music

Here are "Ten Reasons Why K. Michelle is a 'Rebellious Soul'."

1. January 24, 2015 - Performed at the '2015 BET Honors' in Washington, D.C.

On January 24, 2015, K. Michelle performed at the 'BET Honors 2015' at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. Kanye West, Usher, and Phylicia Rashad were among the honorees. Mary J. Blige,Trey Songz,Patti Labelle, and Charlie Wilson also performed.

2. December 9, 2014 - 'Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart?' released

On December 9, 2014, K. Michelle released her second CD,  Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart?, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot RandB/Hip-Hop album chart.

3. November 3, 2014 - 'K. Michelle: My Life' reality series debuts

On November 3, 2014, K. Michelle's reality series, My Life, debuted on VH1.

4. August 9, 2014 - 'Rebellious Soul Musical' debuts on VH1

On August 9, 2014, K. Michelle's 'Rebellious Soul Musical,' inspired by her Rebellious Soul CD, debuted on VH1. It was directed by actor Idris Elba.

5. July 3, 2014 - Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana

On July 3, 2014, K. Michelle performed at the Essence Music Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

6. February 21, 2014 - NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist

On February 21, 2014, K. Michelle won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California.

7. November 8, 2013 - Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist

On November 8, 2013, K. Michelle won Best New Artist at the Soul Train Music Awards held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

8. October 28, 2013 - Debuts in 'Love and Hip-Hop: New York'

On October 28, 2013, K. Michelle made her debut in season four of the VH1 reality series, Love and Hip-Hop: New York.

9. August 9, 2013 - 'Rebellious Soul' released

On August 9, 2013. K. Michelle released her debut CD, Rebellious Soul.

10. June 18, 2012 - 'Love and Hip-Hop: Atlanta' debuts

Love and Hip-Hop: Atlanta debuted June 18, 2012 on VH1 featuring   K. Michelle as a regular cast member.