Nina Sky: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 00:51, 30 November 2005

Latest revision as of 20:45, 25 August 2025

Line 1:

{{short description|Puerto Rica-born musical duo}}

'''Natalie and Nicole Albino''' (born [[February 12]], [[1981]] in [[New York City]]) are [[identical twin]] sisters who sing under the name "[[Nina Sky]]".

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}

[[Image:Ninaskylogo.jpg|thumb|right|200px|'''Trademark of Nina Sky''']]

{{Infobox musical artist

Their parents immigrated from [[Puerto Rico]] and were divorced when the girls were very young. The twins' mother remarried with a [[DJ]], who also happened to be [[Puerto Rican]]. They grew up in the [[Queens, New York|Queens]] and [[Roosevelt Island]] sections of New York.

| name = Nina Sky

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|3|13|mf=yes}}

| birth_place = [[Puerto Rico]]

| image = NinaSkyLive.jpg

| caption = Nina Sky performing in 2014

| background = group_or_band

| origin = [[Queens]], [[New York City]], U.S.

| genre = {{flatlist|

*[[Pop music|Pop]]

*[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]

}}

| years_active = {{start date|2003}}–present

| label = {{flatlist|

*[[Universal Records (defunct record label)|Universal]]

*[[Next Plateau Entertainment|Next Plateau]]

*La Conexión

*Traffic<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961222031224/http://www.mtv.com/music/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 22, 1996|title=Music – Music News, New Songs, Videos, Music Shows and Playlists from MTV|website=Mtv.com|access-date=24 March 2019}}</ref>

*[[Polo Grounds Music|Polo Grounds]]

*[[J Records|J]]

*[[Sony Music|Sony]] {{small|(former)}}

*[[Tommy Boy Records|Tommy Boy]]

*[[Warner Music Group|WEA]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/champion-lover-single/1119198921|title=Champion Lover - Single by Nina Sky|access-date=24 March 2019|website=[[iTunes]]|date=24 June 2016 }}</ref> {{small|(current)}}

}}

| website = {{URL|ninaskyhigh.com}}

| current_members = {{plainlist|

*Nicole Albino

*Natalie Albino}}

}}

{{External media

| audio1 = Listen to Nina Sky's "Move Ya Body" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYbMvAB66KM '''here''']

| audio2 = Listen to Nina Sky's "Play That Song" [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE0q7X1HRKM&hd=1 '''here''']

}}

'''Nina Sky''' is a Puerto Rican-born musical duo based in the United States, consisting of [[identical twins]] '''Nicole''' and '''Natalie Albino'''. Their debut single "[[Move Ya Body]]", released from their [[Nina Sky (album)|self-titled debut album]] in 2004, was a success, reaching number four on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. Their most recent album, ''[[Nicole and Natalie]]'', was released in July 2012.<ref name="billboard.com">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/nina-sky|title=Nina Sky Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=24 March 2019}}</ref>

==Early and personal lives==

Since their stepfather worked as a DJ, the twins were influenced by different types of [[music]]. When the sisters were only 7 years old, they wrote their first song, "Sisters", and by the time they were 10, they already knew that they wanted to become singers.

The Albino sisters were born on March 13, 1986<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://music.msn.com/music/artist/nicole-albino/?silentchk=1&|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110519000529/http://music.msn.com/music/artist/nicole-albino/?silentchk=1&|archive-date = 2011-05-19|title = News, reviews, interviews and more for top artists and albums – MSN Music}}</ref> in [[Puerto Rico]], with Natalie being the older twin. Their parents later moved to New York City and divorced when the girls were young. The sisters grew up in [[Astoria, Queens]] in the Marine Terrace area. As a result of their stepfather working as a DJ, the twins were influenced by different types of music at an early age. By the age of 7, the twins had already written their first song, titled "Sisters". By 10, they knew that they wanted to become singers.<ref name="Artist">{{cite web|url=http://www.everblazin.net/_artistes_detail.php?p=artistdetail&id=20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723122803/http://www.everblazin.net/_artistes_detail.php?p=artistdetail&id=20|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 July 2011|title=Everblazin' Ent. : Artists|date=23 July 2011|access-date=24 March 2019}}</ref> When they were 13, they learned how to [[Disc jockey|DJ]] and two years later were playing concerts in many clubs. Nicole identifies as a [[lesbian]] and is married to fashion designer Erin Magee.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Unterberger |first1=Andrew |title=Nina Sky: Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves |url=https://www.spin.com/2016/08/nina-sky-interview-champion-lover/ |website=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]] |access-date=8 August 2025 |date=2 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Anderson-Minshall |first1=Diane |author1-link=Diane Anderson-Minshall |title=Nina Sky: The Genre-Defying Musical Duo |url=https://www.pride.com/box-office/2012/02/16/nina-sky-genre-defying-musical-duo |website=Pride |access-date=8 August 2025 |date=16 February 2012}}</ref>

==History==

The twins' parents were very supportive of their daughters' ambitions. The stepfather even gave them [[guitar]] and [[drum]] lessons. They were taken to [[audition]]s and, on some occasions, they even performed on some showcases. The sisters wanted to come up with a name of their own and by using the first two [[syllable]]s of their names "Ni" and "Na", came up with Nina. They then added Sky, which for them represented "the sky's the limit".

===Name origin===

The sisters wanted to devise a band name of their own, so they used the first two [[syllable]]s of their names ("Ni" and "Na"), to come up with Nina. They then added Sky, which for them represented "independent twins".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dominicantimes.com/news.php?nid=425|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070924064443/http://www.dominicantimes.com/news.php?nid=425|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2007|title=DTM Magazine - Nina Sky|date=24 September 2007|access-date=24 March 2019}}</ref>

===2003–2006: ''Nina Sky'' and mixtapes===

They continued to go to school and, on their spare time, worked as DJ's. In the year [[2000]], they met the Jettsonz, a pair of music producers who helped them develop their own sound.

{{Main|Nina Sky (album)|La Conexión}}

[[Image:Ninaskycover.jpg|thumb|right|170px|'''Nina Sky on Album Cover''']]

[[File:NinaSky.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2|Natalie (left) and Nicole performing in 2007]]

In [[2004]], Jettsonz introduced the girls to [[Cipha Sounds]], a [[hip hop]] DJ who worked for the Star Track record label. Cipha Sounds was impressed when he heard the girls sing and suggested that they use the Coolie Dance [[Riddim]]. The twins then proceeded to write "Move Ya Body", mixing riddim with [[Caribbean]] moves and made a [[demo]].

In 2003, The Jettsonz (Elijah Wells & Lionel Bermingham) introduced the girls to [[Cipha Sounds]], a [[hip hop music|hip hop]] DJ under the [[Star Trak Entertainment|Star Trak label]] owned by [[the Neptunes]] ([[Pharrell]] and [[Chad Hugo]]). Cipha Sounds was impressed when he heard the duo sing and suggested that they use the "Coolie Dance" [[riddim]]. The duo then proceeded to write "Move Ya Body" (alongside the Jettsonz Elijah Wells & Lionel Bermingham, who also produced the record), mixing [[Caribbean]], R&B, and pop rhythms. Eventually, a [[Demo (music)|demo]] of the song was made. The demo fell into the hands of Eddie O'Loughlin, the president of Next Plateau Entertainment (which is a division of [[Universal Records]]). O'Loughlin signed the twins to a contract and they started working on their debut album. On March 18, 2004, they had their first concert under their current name at Club Demara.

The single "[[Move Ya Body]]" was released on April 27, 2004 and reached number four on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], and number 22 on the [[Billboard Year-End]] chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blender.com/lists/68125/500-greatest-songs-since-you-were-born-451-500.html?p=6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228140343/http://www.blender.com/lists/68125/500-greatest-songs-since-you-were-born-451-500.html?p=6|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 December 2010|title=The 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born - Blender|date=28 December 2010|access-date=24 March 2019}}</ref> Urban music and rhythmic top 40 stations quickly added the song to their play lists, sending the song up the charts. On June 22, 2004 they released their first [[Nina Sky (album)|self-titled album]], featuring Jabba and [[Betty Wright]].<ref>[http://music.yahoo.com/ar-308196---Nina-Sky Nina Sky on Yahoo] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070617112947/http://music.yahoo.com/ar-308196---Nina-Sky |date=2007-06-17 }}</ref> The album charted at #44 on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and number four on the [[U.S. R&B]] chart. Another single from the album, titled "[[Turnin' Me On (Nina Sky song)|Turnin' Me On]]," was released on November 30, 2004. It did not achieve the same success as "Move Ya Body", but charted at #5 on ''Billboard''{{'}}s [[Bubbling Under Hot 100]] chart and was a minor success in France.

The demo fell into the hands of Eddie O'Loughlin, the president of Next Plateau Entertainment (which is a division of [[Universal Records]]). O'Loughlin signed the twins to a contract and they started working on their debut album.

Nina Sky continued to work and promote their music. They have contributed to the [[reggaeton]] movement with songs such as "[[Oye Mi Canto]]", and "[[Más Maíz]]" with artist and producer [[N.O.R.E.]] They were also a featured artist on Sean Paul's song "Connection" from his album ''[[The Trinity (album)|The Trinity]]''.

The single "Move Ya Body" was released on [[April 27]], [[2004]] and reached number 17 in the hit charts. Urban music and rhythmic top 40 stations quickly added the song to their play lists, sending the song up the charts. By July 17, "Move Ya Body" had gone to the top 5 on both sides of the Atlantic and had also reached the top 5 of a world combined [[r&b]] chart based on the US, UK, Germany, France and Australia. The song had also reached the top 50 of the Australian charts. The band released a self-titled album in June 2004. On [[June 29]], [[2004]] they released their first album "Nina Sky" featuring [[Betty Wright]].

On October 25, 2005, they released their second [[mixtape]] called ''[[La Conexión]]'', influenced by Latin music. The album contained the single "Ladies Night" (released April 17, 2006 and featuring [[Ivy Queen]]), released with the songs "Loving You" and "Your Time". It also contained Kassanova's [[remix]] of their single "[[Turnin' Me On (Nina Sky song)|Turnin' Me On]]". The album features artists such as [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]], [[N.O.R.E.]], [[Notch (musician)|Notch]], Richie Rivera, Mackie, and Yaga. It also includes [[Tony Touch]]'s hit "[[Play That Song (Tony Touch song)|Play That Song]]", featuring Nina Sky and [[B-Real]], released one month before the mixtape's release. In August 2006, Nina Sky were first featured on the cover of the publication ''The FADER'', in its 39th issue.<ref>{{cite news|title=Issue 39: Rick Ross/Nina Sky|work=The FADER|url=http://shop.thefader.com/products/Issue-39%3A-Rick-Ross-%7B47%7D-Nina-Sky.html|access-date=November 18, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114143743/http://shop.thefader.com/products/Issue-39%3A-Rick-Ross-%7B47%7D-Nina-Sky.html|archive-date=November 14, 2012}}</ref> In 2006, their third mixtape ''80's Babies'' was released.

'''Discography'''

* Nina Sky ([[2004]])

* Move Ya Body

* Move Ya Body

* Turnin' Me On

* La Conexion (Mixtape) ([[2005]])

===2007–2011: Label issues, marriages and ''The Other Side''===

The Albino twins, Natalie and Nicole continue to work and promote their music. There new album "La Conexión", is a mixtape album that features collaborations with [[Ivy Queen]], Aventura, Tony Touch, Yaga y Mackie and many more Latin artists.

{{Main|The Other Side (Nina Sky EP)}}

Nina Sky collaborated with French singer Kenza Farah for the song "Celle Qu'Il Te Faut", and was released in both French and English versions. The video was shot in New York. Nina Sky recorded their second studio album, ''Starting Today''. The album was originally due on July 27, 2007. Producers include [[Stereotypes (producers)|Stereotypes]], [[The Smeezingtons|Bruno & Phil]], [[Neo da Matrix]], [[Ryan Leslie]], [[Salaam Remi]], and more. Guests include [[Rick Ross]] and others that have yet to be announced. In late 2007, Nina Sky left their label, Universal, and signed with [[Polo Grounds Music]]/[[J Records]].

Nina Sky have also put together remixes of popular songs including [[J. Holiday]]'s "[[Bed (J. Holiday song)|Bed]]", [[Elliott Yamin]]'s "[[Wait for You (Elliott Yamin song)|Wait for You]]", [[Cassidy (rapper)|Cassidy]]'s "[[My Drink n My 2 Step]]", and [[The-Dream]]'s "[[I Love Your Girl]]". They have also worked with Brooklyn MC [[Red Cafe]] on his street album ''The Co-Op'', and [[The Alchemist (producer)|The Alchemist]] on his song "Key to the City". In 2008, Nina Sky released two singles, from ''Starting Today'': "[[Curtain Call (Nina Sky song)|Curtain Call]]" (featuring [[Rick Ross]]) and "On Some Bulls**t"; both were not a big success. On December 19, 2008, Nina Sky released their first [[holiday album]], an EP titled ''Christmas''.

Nina Sky appeared on [[Major Lazer]]'s album, ''[[Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do]]''. They were in a battle with their record company [[Polo Grounds Music|Polo Grounds]] over the release of their album ''Starting Today''. They said they wanted to be released from their contract with the label due to the label not supporting them.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://neonlimelight.com/2010/03/11/nina-sky-ask-fans-to-help-them-get-out-of-record-contract/ |title=Nina Sky Ask Fans To Help Them Get Out Of Record Contract - Neon Limelight - Exclusive Music News, Artist Interviews, Reviews, Photos! |website=Neonlimelight.com |date=2010-03-11 |access-date=2012-04-18 |archive-date=2014-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512225127/http://neonlimelight.com/2010/03/11/nina-sky-ask-fans-to-help-them-get-out-of-record-contract/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2010, Nicole Albino revealed she is [[lesbian]] and married female fashion designer, Erin Magee.<ref name="inkedmagazine">{{cite web|url=http://www.inkedmag.com/inked-people/erin-magee.html |title=Inked Magazine |website=Inkedmag.com |access-date=2012-04-18}}</ref> The couple had been dating since 2009. In an interview with ''Inked Magazine'', Magee revealed that she had her last name legally changed to Nicole's and had gotten a tattoo of the name across her right breast.<ref name="inkedmagazine" /> With a new masculine style, the duo independently released an eight-song EP for digital download in August 2010, entitled ''[[The Other Side (Nina Sky EP)|The Other Side]]'', which features production from [[DJ Yonny]], Salaam Remi, Kidz in the Hall and many more.<ref>{{cite web |author=Kreg for SuperSuperGood, www.supersupergood.com |url=http://www.ninaskyhigh.com/ |title=Nina Sky - The Other Side |website=Ninaskyhigh.com |access-date=2012-03-04 |archive-date=2012-03-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309085839/http://www.ninaskyhigh.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> A video for the lead single, "[[You Ain't Got It (Funk That)]]" was also released. In early 2011, they worked with Creep on their song "You". On May 16, they released the music video on their official website.<ref>[http://www.ninaskyhigh.com/blog/2011/05/video-premier-us-x-creep-you/?sms_ss=twitter&at_xt=4dd135a8af8c440d%2C0]{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

[[File:Ninaskyphx.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Nina Sky performing live at Phoenix Pride Festival in April 2010]]

===2012–present: ''Nicole and Natalie'', motherhood, and new label contract ===

{{Main|Nicole and Natalie|}}

On February 2, 2012, Nina Sky released the lead single from their upcoming third studio album, ''[[Nicole and Natalie]]''. The single, entitled "[[Day Dreaming (Nina Sky song)|Day Dreaming]]", was produced by Beau Vallis. The video for the song, directed by Adam Sauermilch, was released on February 28. On June 14, the band released "[[Heartbeat (Nina Sky song)|Heartbeat]]", the second single from the new album. A month later, on July 27, the video for "Heartbeat" was released. Concerning the video, the band stated: "We knew we wanted it to be more about the feeling of the song and less about the story. The colors, environment, and everyone dancing in their own element creates this surreal feeling of freedom. It’s just about listening to the rhythm inside you and letting that rhythm guide you."<ref name="bravemagazine">{{cite journal|url=http://finallybrave.com/2012/06/27/brave-buzz-nina-sky-turns-up-the-sexy-in-their-new-rb-smash-comatose-listen|journal=BRAVE Magazine|date=June 27, 2012|title=Brave Buzz: Nina Sky turns up the sexy in their new R&B smash 'Comatose'}}</ref> On July 31, the album was released.<ref name="Nicole and Natalie">{{cite AV media notes|others=Nina Sky|title=Nicole and Natalie|year=2012|type=inlay cover|publisher=[[self-released]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ascap.com/Home/ace-title-search/index.aspx |title=Starting Today – Ascap Work Work ID: 880851514 |website=Ascap.com |access-date=November 5, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306032310/https://www.ascap.com/Home/ace-title-search/index.aspx |archive-date=March 6, 2013 }}</ref> Songs on the album contain electro, house, pop and R&B elements. The album failed to chart because of its independent release. On October 14, 2012, Nina Sky released third and final single from the album, "Comatose". In 2012, they finally signed out from the label [[Polo Grounds Music|Polo Grounds]]/[[J Records]].

On June 9, 2012, Nina Sky performed at OUT/LOUD Queer Women's Music Festival in Eugene, Oregon along with artists such as [[Krudas Cubensi]], [[Tender Forever]] and [[Andrea Gibson]]. Later, on November 15, Nina Sky hosted Women in Business' fourth annual "Dress for Success" fashion show at Baruch College. On March 11, 2013, group released their sixth mixtape, titled ''Valentine's Day'', hosted by Miss KL. On December 12, group released their new promotional single titled "Overtime" for digital download. The song was produced by Slimmy Neutron, who produced their album ''Nicole and Natalie'', released in 2012.

On March 9, 2014, Natalie Albino gave birth to her son, Max. In the same month, Nicole released her first solo project, a mixtape album titled ''Currently Vol. 1'' which contains her remixes of many popular songs by singers such as [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]], [[Beyoncé]], [[R. Kelly]], [[Mariah Carey]], etc. On April 17, they announced a new single via their official Facebook site. One day later, their new song "Stoners", featuring [[Smoke DZA]] was released; this had better success than the previous one, released in 2013. The official music video for the single was released on July 25, via their official profiles. The extended remix for the song, made by Trayze, was also released. After the music video was released, they announced more new music and new projects coming in 2015. On October 22, 2014, Nina Sky featured on Lady Bee's single "Do It All Again" from the album ''What Is a Jeffree?'' together with a music video.<ref name="The Boombox">{{cite web|url=https://theboombox.com/nina-sky-forever/|title=Nina Sky Deliver Summer-Ready Song 'Forever,' Announce 'Brightest Gold' EP|first=Carl|last=Lamarre|website=Theboombox.com|date=2 June 2015 |access-date=24 March 2019}}</ref>

After finishing their European Tour in May 2015, on June 2, their Vito Fun and Spaceplant-produced electropop single titled "Forever" was released. "We wanted something that was smooth but also had a bounce," Nina Sky told ''The FADER'' in an email. "Spaceplant finessed the verses with a modern '90s [[Freestyle music|freestyle]] beat pattern and built up the hook just enough that the song still has its original sweet vibe but if you drop it at the right time in a club, it will still go off!" the twins added.<ref name="Nina Sky Announce New EP, Premiere Forever, Interview to The FADER">{{cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2015/06/01/nina-sky-forever-premiere|title=Nina Sky Announce New EP, Premiere "Forever"|website=Thefader.com|access-date=24 March 2019}}</ref> A new album title ''Brightest Gold'' was announced in 2015, but was never released. In 2016, the twins signed a recording contract with [[Warner Music Group]]'s independent recording label [[Tommy Boy Records|Tommy Boy Entertainment]].

== Tours ==

* 15th Anniversary Tour (2019)<ref>{{Cite web |title=DATA Touring - Latest |url=https://www.datatouring.com/latest?3c7c90c2_page=10 |access-date=2025-08-21 |website=www.datatouring.com}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"

|+

!Date

!City

!Country

!Venue

|-

|May 1

|New York City

| rowspan="7" |United States

|[[Mercury Lounge]]

|-

|May 2

|Philadelphia

|Kung Fu Neck Tie

|-

|May 4

|Washington D.C.

|Songbyrd

|-

|May 6

|Boston

|Middle East

|-

|May 13

|Phoenix

|Valley Bar

|-

|May 17

|Los Angeles

|NOVO

|-

|May 18

|San Diego

|The Merrow

|}

==Discography==

{{Main|Nina Sky discography}}

* ''[[Nina Sky (album)|Nina Sky]]'' (2004)

* ''[[The Other Side (Nina Sky EP)|The Other Side]]'' (2010)

* ''[[Nicole and Natalie]]'' (2012)

==See also==

* [[List of famous Puerto Ricans]]

* [[List of twins]]

==References==

{{Reflist}}

==External linklinks==

* {{Official website|www.ninaskyhigh.com}}

* {{Discogs artist|210862-Nina-Sky}}

* {{MusicBrainz artist|name=Nina Sky|id=d06d5f9c-b047-4035-80b4-d4fbd79c93ed}}

{{Nina Sky}}

* [http://www.mtv.com/bands/az/nina_sky/bio.jhtml Nina Sky MTV profile]

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1981 births|Albino, Natalie and Nicole]]

[[Category:Puerto Rican singers|Albino, Natalie and Nicole]]

[[Category:multiple people]]

[[Category:R&B musical groups]]

[[Category:Rhythmic Top 40 acts|Nina Sky]]

[[Category:Dance Top 40 acts in United States|Nina Sky]]

[[deCategory:Nina1986 Skybirths]]

[[frCategory:NinaLiving Skypeople]]

[[Category:Musicians from Queens, New York]]

[[Category:Puerto Rican DJs]]

[[Category:Teen pop groups]]

[[Category:Musical duos from New York (state)]]

[[Category:American musicians of Puerto Rican descent]]

[[Category:American pop girl groups]]

[[Category:Caribbean girl groups]]

[[Category:American contemporary R&B musical groups]]

[[Category:American women DJs]]

[[Category:DJ duos]]

[[Category:Identical twin females]]

[[Category:Musical groups established in 2003]]

[[Category:Twin musical duos]]

[[Category:Puerto Rican twins]]

[[Category:21st-century American singers]]

[[Category:21st-century American women singers]]

[[Category:Female musical duos]]