In August of 1999, the world was introduced to music that spoke to us like we had never been spoken to before. It came from the distinctive vocal styles of Macy Gray.

The songs, delivered through her raspy voice, were from Gray's debut album "On How Life Is," which collectively sold over 3 million in the U.S. and 15 million worldwide. With four singles released from the debut album to sustain radio airplay, the success of "On How Life Is" was derived primarily from the albums #5 Billboard Hot 100 Chart hit single "I Try" which remains Gray's only U.S. top 10 chart single to date. "I Try" earned Macy the Best Female Pop Vocal Grammy Award in 2001, and the album put two BRIT Awards in Gray's trophy case.

The singer continues to be a unique voice in the neo-soul music genre along with fellow artists like Erykah Badu and Angie Stone, though she has not experienced the same commercial success with any of the 6 subsequent album releases. In an industry that is most times stifling for the "real" music artist, these sales figures fail to show the depth of Macy's music artistry to the fullest. Her music has continued to cross genres to encompass soul, alternative rock, retro-disco, and hip-hop, making her a collaborative favorite amongst fellow artists.