Background
Nikki Leonti began singing at age seven, as a choir soloist in the Corona, California, Calvary Southern Baptist Church, pastored by her father, Greg Leonti.
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Nikki Leonti
Edit ProfileCareer
Prior to her work in urban, Rhythm & Blues, and electronic dance music, Leonti recorded contemporary Christian music albums. At age 13, she made her first recording on a small local label. Professional background
In 1998, Leonti recorded her debut full-length album, Shelter Maine, which reached Number.
179 on the Billboard 200, and Number.
7 on the Contemporary Christian chart. Her second album, Nikki Leonti was released in 2001.
Both were produced by brothers Dino and John Elefante, and issued on the independent Christian label, Pamplin. She retired from the Christian music industry not long after.
In 2006, Leonti was hired as a back-up singer for Carrie Underwood, performing on tour and on various television shows.
Leaving later that same year, Leonti began working with Rich Velonskis, forming the Rhythm & Blues group, Nikki & Rich. Velonskis, also known as Rich Skillz, producer of various artists, including Ludacris, Lil" Kim, and Robin Thicke. Nikki & Rich released their debut album, entitled Greatest Hits, on September 27, 2011, issued on the Reprise Records/Born Rich label.
The duo has performed live on Ellen and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Together, they were named as one of the New York Post"s "10 New Artists to Watch in 2010" and "10 Artists to Know in 2011".
