With so many widely known celebs falling out of "corporate favor" these days, it's only a matter of time before companies start looking for lesser known stars with better track records. The always edgy Macy Gray began 2007 at a concert in Barbados where she got in a bit of trouble for using profanity (which was part of the show), but she wasn't aware that it was against the law in that country. She handled the situation with class, and gave a public apology that night to the fans and Barbados. March saw the release of Gray's fourth studio album (sixth overall), entitled Big. Two singles, "Finally Made Me Happy" and "Shoo Be Doo", have been released from the album. "What I Gotta Do", another track from the album, is featured on the Shrek the Third soundtrack. It is largely considered as Gray's comeback album, after a four-year hiatus since her last studio album. And let me tell you, "Big" hit Big with me. And Big also grabbed attention from a corporate sponsor. Mixed Chicks Corp., a haircare manufacturer, has jumped on-board The BIG tour bus. A Mixed Chicks representative said, "Macy's unique style fits with our company image. She's classy and anything but average."

Big has been critically acclaimed and seen as her best work yet. It features collaborations with Natalie Cole, Fergie, Justin Timberlake, and will.i.am, who co-executive produced the album with Gray. Big is the second release from will.i.am's record label, will.i.am Music Group, after Fergie's The Dutchess.

Gray also recently opened up a music academy called The Macy Gray Music Academy and it was the scene of MTV's Punk'd because of black mold in the building. Gray has been highly praised for her work with the academy and has given underprivileged children and teenagers the chance to perform.

If you like great music live, The "BIG" Tour, presented by Mixed Chicks Haircare kicked off in Florida August 14. Look for the album, available in stores.
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