Kina

Kina, previously of Brownstone, launched her initial solo release, “Girl in the Gutter,” during summer 2000; the track earned widespread critical praise along with extensive rotation on music-video outlets. Her rock-and-pop approach drew comparisons to Tina Turner, Macy Gray, Dionne Farris, Alanis Morissette, Des’ree, former Labelle vocalist Nona Hendryx, and the duo Rufus & Chaka Khan. Shortly after its premiere, the clip for “Girl in the Gutter” entered regular rotation on the cable networks MTV, VH1, and The Box.

Born Kina Cosper on January 25 in Detroit, MI, she cites Lenny Kravitz, Smokey Robinson, the Rolling Stones, and Aretha Franklin as primary inspirations. In 1995 she became a member of Brownstone, the act signed to Michael Jackson’s MJJ Music imprint distributed by Epic Records. The group achieved its greatest commercial impact with the million-selling, Grammy-nominated single “If You Love Me” and the Billboard-charting track “Grapevine,” while also securing the opening slot on Boyz II Men’s 1995 U.S. tour.

Kina parted company with Brownstone on amicable terms in November 1997 so she could pursue an independent creative path. A former manager connected her with singer-songwriter-producer London Jones, whose credits include the House Party 2 soundtrack and his own MCA album For You. The pair formed an immediate creative bond and began shaping material for her solo project. In the meantime she secured a recording contract with Dreamworks Records, released through Universal Music. After attending her set at the Mint Club in L.A., manager Benny Medina joined her team. Her self-titled debut album, Kina, appeared on July 18, 2000; the vocalist served as co-executive producer alongside industry veteran Lenny Waronker.

The song “Girl in the Gutter,” written with Jones, originated from a surge of anger and carries a defiant “I’m gonna show you!” motif that traces an underdog’s ascent. Additional standout cuts include “I Love You,” “Have a Cry,” “Loser,” and the self-produced “Hurt So Bad.” Around the album’s launch, Kina was slated to perform on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.