Brandy
Background information
Birth name	Brandy Rayana Norwood
Also known as	B-Rocka
Born	February 11, 1979 (1979-02-11) (age 29) McComb, Mississippi, United States
Genre(s)	R&B, pop, dance-pop
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, film producer
Years active	1990–present
Label(s)	Atlantic (1994 –2005) Epic (2008–present)
Associated acts	Mike City, Rodney Jerkins, Monica, Willie Norwood, Ray J, Timbaland
Website	ForeverBrandy.com

Brandy Rayana Norwood (born February 11, 1979), known professionally as Brandy, is an American R&B and pop singer-songwriter, record producer, actress, and film producer. Events 660 BC - Traditional founding date of Japan by Emperor Jimmu. Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) McComb is a city in Pike County, Mississippi, United States, about 80 miles south of Jackson, just off of I-55. Mississippi ( is a state located in the Deep South of the United States The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other Contemporary R&B (also known as R&B, urban) is a Music genre of western Popular music (predominantly American and Canadian Pop music as a genre features a noticeable rhythmic element catchy melodies and hooks, a mainstream style and conventional structure Dance-pop is a style of Electronic dance music and a subgenre of Pop music that evolved from Disco, circa 1981 that combines dance beats with a pop A songwriter is someone who writes the Lyrics to songs the Musical composition (chords or Melody to songs or both In the Music industry, a record producer or music producer has many roles among them controlling the recording sessions coaching and guiding the musicians organizing An actor, actress, player or thespian (see terminology) is a person who Acts in a Dramatic production and who works A film producer is a person who creates the conditions for making movies. In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music Atlantic Records ( Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American Record label best known for its many recordings of Rhythm & blues, Rock Epic Records is an American Record label. It is owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment. Mike City (born Michael Flowers in Charlotte North Carolina) is an American Singer, Songwriter, Record producer and founder Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (born July 29 1977 in Pleasantville New Jersey) is a Grammy Award -winning Songwriter, Monica Denise Arnold (born October 24 1980) professionally known as Monica, is an American R&B Singer, Songwriter William Ray Norwood Sr (born September 15, 1955) known as Willie Norwood is an American Gospel Singer and has been involved William Ray Norwood Jr (born January 17, 1981) better known by his Stage name Ray J, is an American Actor, Songwriter Timothy Z Mosley (born March 10, 1971) better known by his Stage name Timbaland, is an American Record producer, Events 660 BC - Traditional founding date of Japan by Emperor Jimmu. Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Contemporary R&B (also known as R&B, urban) is a Music genre of western Popular music (predominantly American and Canadian Pop music as a genre features a noticeable rhythmic element catchy melodies and hooks, a mainstream style and conventional structure Singer-songwriter is a term that refers to Performers who write, compose and sing their own material including Lyrics In the Music industry, a record producer or music producer has many roles among them controlling the recording sessions coaching and guiding the musicians organizing An actor, actress, player or thespian (see terminology) is a person who Acts in a Dramatic production and who works A film producer is a person who creates the conditions for making movies. Discovered by Atlantic Records when she was a member of a youth singing group, she released her self-titled debut album in 1994 at the age of fifteen. Atlantic Records ( Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American Record label best known for its many recordings of Rhythm & blues, Rock Brandy is the self-titled debut studio album by American singer Brandy Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) Following a major success with "The Boy Is Mine," a duet with singer Monica for which she won a Grammy Award, and her second album Never Say Never in 1998, a series of hit records established her position as one of the most successful of the new breed of urban R&B female vocalists to emerge in the mid-to late 1990s. " The Boy Is Mine " is an R&B song recorded by American singers Brandy and Monica. Monica Denise Arnold (born October 24 1980) professionally known as Monica, is an American R&B Singer, Songwriter The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Never Say Never is the second studio album by American R&B / pop singer Brandy, released by Atlantic Records on Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar)

While maintaining a recording career Norwood also gained fame for starring in several film and television productions, including popular UPN sitcom Moesha (1996-2001), a supporting role in the 1998 horror sequel I Still Know What You Did Last Summer and starring roles in a 1997 version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella and Double Platinum, two of television's highest rated special programs. Filmmaking is the process of making a Film, from an initial story idea or commission through scriptwriting shooting editing and finally distribution to an audience Television ( TV) is a widely used Telecommunication medium for sending ( Broadcasting) and receiving moving Images, either monochromatic United Paramount Network ( UPN) was a Television network that broadcast in over 200 markets in the United States and that was in production for over eleven Moesha is an American Situation comedy produced for the UPN network from January 23, 1996 to May 14, 2001 Horror films are Movies that strive to elicit Fear, Horror and terror responses from viewers A sequel is a work in Literature, Film, or other media that portrays events following those of a previous work I Still Know What You Did Last Summer is a Horror film released in 1998 as a sequel to I Know What You Did Last Summer. Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Richard Rodgers (1902 &ndash 1979 and Oscar Hammerstein II (1895 &ndash 1960 were a well-known American songwriting duo Cinderella ( French: Cendrillon, Slovak: Popoluška, German: Aschenputtel, Spanish: Cenicienta Double Platinum is a 1999 Telefilm starring Diana Ross and Brandy Norwood. ^[1]

The RIAA ranks Norwood as one of the best-selling female artists in American music history, having sold over 10. 5 million copies of her four studio albums in the United States^[2] and over 25 million albums worldwide. ^[1][3] Additionally, she has won over 100 awards as a recording artist. ^[1]

Biography

Childhood

Brandy is the elder of two siblings born to Willie Norwood, a former R&B singer and choir director, and his wife Sonja Bates-Norwood, a former district manager for H&R Block, in McComb, Mississippi. William Ray Norwood Sr (born September 15, 1955) known as Willie Norwood is an American Gospel Singer and has been involved H&R Block ( is a Tax preparation company in the United States claiming more than 22 million customers worldwide with offices in Canada Australia and the United Kingdom McComb is a city in Pike County, Mississippi, United States, about 80 miles south of Jackson, just off of I-55. Mississippi ( is a state located in the Deep South of the United States ^[4] She is the sister of singer and actor William Raymond "Ray J" Norwood Jr, and a cousin of blues singer Bo Diddley and rapper Snoop Dogg. William Ray Norwood Jr (born January 17, 1981) better known by his Stage name Ray J, is an American Actor, Songwriter Bo Diddley ( December 30 1928 &ndash June 2 2008, born Ellas Otha Bates) was an original and influential American Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr (born October 20 1971 His mother nicknamed him " Snoopy " as a child because of the way he dressed and because of his love of ^[5]

Through her father's work Brandy started singing at their minister, Curtis W. McCullom's Brookhaven church at an early age of two. Brookhaven is a small city in Lincoln County, Mississippi, United States. By the time she was four, Norwood's parents moved the family from McComb to Carson, California, in hopes of jump-starting careers for their children. Carson is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. ^[4] Inspired by a spontaneous onstange performance with Diddley and Little Richard in the Los Angeles Forum at the age of six,^[4] Brandy began performing at many West Coast functions as part of a youth singing group and then, at 11, met manager Earl Harris and Chris Stokes who landed her gigs as a backing vocalist for the all-male groups such as Norment and the more successful teen R&B trio Immature. Rev Richard Wayne Penniman (born December 5 1932 better known by the Stage name Little Richard, is an American Singer, Songwriter The Forum, known for a time as the Great Western Forum, is an indoor arena in Inglewood California, a suburb of Los Angeles. Christopher B Stokes is an American Record producer, Manager, and Film director. A backing vocalist or backing singer (or especially in the US "Immature" redirects here For info on the general word see Wiktionary article Immature In 1993, while shopping around record companies, seeking a record deal, Norwood attended a party held by the Atlantic Recording Corporation. Year 1993 ( MCMXCIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar) Atlantic Records ( Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American Record label best known for its many recordings of Rhythm & blues, Rock After performing in front of hundreds of people, an executive indicated interest in her persona and eventually offered Brandy a recording contract with Atlantic Records. Atlantic Records ( Atlantic Recording Corporation) is an American Record label best known for its many recordings of Rhythm & blues, Rock

Recording and performing career

1994–2000

Brandy with MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Yo-Yo in the remix video to "I Wanna Be Down" (1994). MC Lyte (born Lana Michele Moorer on October 11, 1971 in Brooklyn, New York) is a female rap artist and the Yo-Yo (born Yolanda Whittaker on August 4, 1971 in Compton California) is a Grammy nominated American Hardcore " I Wanna Be Down " is an R&B song performed by American singer Brandy. Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar)

By the time Norwood was putting the final touches on her debut album with producers Keith Crouch and Daryl Williams, Atlantic Records decided to release "I Wanna Be Down" as the newcomer's first outing. Daryl Robert Williams AM QC (born 21 August 1942) Australian politician was a Liberal member of the Australian " I Wanna Be Down " is an R&B song performed by American singer Brandy. Although the singer was barely satisfied with her label's debut single choice at the time of its release,^[6] the song subsequently scored Brandy her first number-one hit on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, where it remained four weeks atop. See Billboard (Turkish magazine Billboard is a weekly American Magazine devoted to the Music industry Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States. Its success resulted in a remixed version of the song, containing new vocals by rappers Queen Latifah, Yo-Yo and MC Lyte, and boosted the sales of Norwood's second number-one hit "Baby," her first international top-10 entry. A remix is an alternative version of a song different from the original version Yo-Yo (born Yolanda Whittaker on August 4, 1971 in Compton California) is a Grammy nominated American Hardcore MC Lyte (born Lana Michele Moorer on October 11, 1971 in Brooklyn, New York) is a female rap artist and the " Baby " is an R&B song by American singer Brandy. It was penned by Keith Crouch Kipper Jones and Rahsaan Patterson and produced Her debut album Brandy, a collection of hip hop soul-oriented pop tunes, reached number 20 on the U. An album or record album is a collection of related audio or Music tracks distributed to the public Brandy is the self-titled debut studio album by American singer Brandy Hip hop soul is the second major subgenre of Contemporary R&B. Pop music as a genre features a noticeable rhythmic element catchy melodies and hooks, a mainstream style and conventional structure S. Billboard 200 and number six on the Top R&B Albums chart. The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop Albums based on sales compiled by It eventually sold over four million copies domestically, and although the album's success was limited elsewhere, it produced another two top 10 hits with "Best Friend" and "Brokenhearted. " Best Friend " is an R&B song by American singer Brandy. " Brokenhearted " is an R&B Ballad performed by singer Brandy. " Latter single, a re-done version with Boyz II Men singer Wanya Morris, was recorded during Brandy's two-month stint as the opening act on the group's national tour. Boyz II Men is a four-time Grammy Award -winning American R&B / soul singing group from Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Wanyá Jermaine Morris (born 29 July 1973, in Philadelphia) is an American R&B Singer, best known as a member of the R&B The term opening act (in British English supporting act) usually refers to any Entertainer who performs at a concert before the featured (or Headline) ^[7][8]

Critical reaction to Brandy was generally positive, with Allmusic writer Eddie Huffman calling Brandy "a lower-key Janet Jackson or a more stripped-down Mary J. Blige [. allmusic (previously All Music Guide) is a Metadata database about music owned by All Media Guide. Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16 1966 is an American recording artist and entertainer Mary Jane Blige (surname pronounced /blaɪʒ/) (born January 11, 1971) is an American Singer-songwriter, Rapper . . ] with good songs and crisp production. "^[6] The album eventually earned Norwood two Grammy Award nominations for "Best New Artist" and "Best Female R&B Vocal Performance," four Soul Train Music Awards, two Billboard Awards, and the New York Children's Choice Award. The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences The Grammy for Best New Artist has been awarded since 1960 ( Bobby Darin being the first artist to win it The Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance has been awarded since 1968 The Soul Train Music Awards is an annual award show aired in national Television syndication that honors the best in Black Music and Entertainment The Billboard Music Awards, sponsored by Billboard magazine and held annually in December is one of several annual United States music awards shows (among The singer continued to soar the following two years, teaming up with Lenny Kravitz for the Batman Forever soundtrack and scoring another hit single with her Waiting to Exhale contribution, "Sittin' Up in My Room" (1995). Leonard Albert "Lenny" Kravitz (born May 26, 1964) is an American Singer-songwriter, Multi-instrumentalist, Record See also Batman Forever (score, Batman Forever (soundtrack, Batman Forever (video game, Batman Forever The Arcade Game Batman Waiting to Exhale is a 1995 Romance film which stars Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett and directed by Forest Whitaker " Sittin' Up in My Room " is a song by American singer Brandy, written and produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds for the soundtrack In 1996, Norwood also collaborated with Tamia, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight on the single "Missing You," released from the Set It Off soundtrack. Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) Tamia Marilyn Washington Hill (born Tamia Marylin Washington on May 9, 1975) professionally known as Tamia, is a Canadian - Chaka Khan (born March 23, 1953) is a multiple Grammy Award -winning American singer known for hit songs such as "I'm Every Woman" "I Feel Gladys Maria Knight, "The Empress of Soul" (born May 28, 1944) is a seven-time Grammy Award -winning American Set It Off is a 1996 Action - Drama Film directed by F Gary Gray, and stars Jada Pinkett, Queen Latifah While not her biggest hit, the single did peak at number 25 on the pop chart, and earned Brandy her third Grammy nomination in the "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals" category. The Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals has been awarded since 1995

Brandy and Monica in the video for "The Boy Is Mine" (1998), one of both acts' biggest singles. Monica Denise Arnold (born October 24 1980) professionally known as Monica, is an American R&B Singer, Songwriter " The Boy Is Mine " is an R&B song recorded by American singers Brandy and Monica. Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar)

In 1997, Atlantic Records consulted upcoming producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins to contribute to Norwood's second album Never Say Never, which was released on June 9, 1998 stateside. Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (born July 29 1977 in Pleasantville New Jersey) is a Grammy Award -winning Songwriter, Never Say Never is the second studio album by American R&B / pop singer Brandy, released by Atlantic Records on Events 53 - Roman Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia 62 - Claudia Octavia commits Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) Brandy co-wrote and produced six songs on the album which yielded her first number-one song on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100, "The Boy Is Mine," a duet with singer Monica. " The Boy Is Mine " is an R&B song recorded by American singers Brandy and Monica. Monica Denise Arnold (born October 24 1980) professionally known as Monica, is an American R&B Singer, Songwriter Exploiting the media's presumption of a rivalry between the two young singers, the song rose to one of the most successful records of the year,^[9] spending record-breaking thirteen weeks on top of the Billboard charts, and eventually garnered the pair a Grammy Award for "Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal". The Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal has been awarded since 1970 The album's success was equally widespread, and following extensive airplay of the single overseas, the label released it globally during the summer. Never Say Never eventually became Brandy’s biggest album, selling over fourteen million copies worldwide; and critics rated the album highly, with Allmusic`s Stephen Thomas Erlewine praising Brandy and her team for wisely finding "a middle ground between Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige — it's adult contemporary with a slight streetwise edge. Mary Jane Blige (surname pronounced /blaɪʒ/) (born January 11, 1971) is an American Singer-songwriter, Rapper "^[10] Altogether the album spawned seven airplay and CD singles respectively, including Norwood's second number-one song, Diane Warren-penned "Have You Ever?. A CD single (abbreviated to CDS) is a music single in the form of a standard size Compact disc, not to be confused with the 3-inch CD single Diane Eve Warren (born September 7, 1956 in Van Nuys California) is an American Songwriter. "Have You Ever?" is a pop Ballad written by Diane Warren for Brandy 's second Studio album, Never Say Never "^[11]

2001–2005

After a lengthy hiatus that saw the end of the Moesha sitcom, and a flurry of tabloid headlines discussing her bout with dehydration, Norwood returned to music when she and brother Ray-J were asked to recorded a cover version of Phil Collins' 1980s hit "Another Day in Paradise" for the tribute album Urban Renewal: A Tribute to Phil Collins. Moesha is an American Situation comedy produced for the UPN network from January 23, 1996 to May 14, 2001 Dehydration ( hypohydration) is the removal of Water ( hydro in ancient Greek) from an object In Popular music, a cover version, or simply cover, is a new rendition ( Performance or Recording) of a previously recorded commercially released Philip David Charles Collins, LVO (born 30 January 1951 Chiswick, London) is an English Singer-songwriter, Drummer " Another Day in Paradise " is a song by Phil Collins, released as the first single from his number-one album. A tribute album is a recorded collection of Cover versions of songs or instrumental compositions Urban Renewal is a tribute album to pop singer Phil Collins, released in 2001 in most European markets and in 2003 in the United States containing re-produced Released as the album first single in Australia and Europe, the song became an instant international hit overseas, reaching the top 10 on the majority of all charts it appeared on. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics.

"What About Us?" (2002) presented a more mature facet of Brandy's personality and her much-worked-on voice. " What About Us? " is an R&B song written by American singer-songwriter Brandy, LaShawn Daniels, Rodney "Darkchild"

During the following production of her third studio album, Norwood became romantically involved with producer Robert "Big Bert" Smith. The couple quietly "married" in the summer of 2001 but their union did not become known until February 2002—the same month Norwood revealed that she was expecting her first child. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. However, shortly after the birth of their daughter Sy'rai Iman Smith on June 16, 2002 — an event tracked by the four-part MTV reality series Special Delivery — Norwood "divorced" Smith. Events 1487 - Battle of Stoke Field, the last dying breath of the Wars of the Roses. See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. MTV ( Music Television) is an American Cable television network based in New York City. Reality television is a genre of Television programming which presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations documents actual events and usually features ordinary The "marriage" itself was later exposed as not of legal status but instead was used as a ruse to protect Brandy's image. ^[12] Norwood later stated that she regarded her relationship with Smith as a "spiritual union and true commitment to each other". ^[13] Full Moon, Norwood's third studio album, was released in March 2002. Full Moon is the third studio album by American R&B / pop singer Brandy, released by Atlantic Records on February It once again comprised a row of R&B/Pop-oriented songs with adult contemporary, many of them co-created with Jerkins, Warryn Campbell and Mike City. Mike City (born Michael Flowers in Charlotte North Carolina) is an American Singer, Songwriter, Record producer and founder While its lead single "What About Us?" became a worldwide top 10 hit, the album's title track failed to chart or sell noticeably outside the United States and the UK, where it managed to enter the Top 20 of the single chart. " What About Us? " is an R&B song written by American singer-songwriter Brandy, LaShawn Daniels, Rodney "Darkchild" Media reception was generally lukewarm, with Rolling Stone saying that, ". Rolling Stone is a United States -based Magazine devoted to Music, Politics, and Popular culture that is published . . this interminable (seventeen-track) product is frantic, faceless, fake-sexy R&B. "^[14] Still, the album was rather quietly and cautiously declared as a flop by the media. Brandy ignored the rumblings and instead settled further into motherhood. She began writing and producing for other artists, such as Kelly Rowland, Tarralyn Ramsey, and Toni Braxton within the coming year. Kelendria "Kelly" Trene Rowland (born February 11 1981 is an American R&B Singer-songwriter, Dancer, and actress, Awards/Nominations Discography Albums Singles Featured appearances Toni Michelle Braxton (born October 7 1967 is an American Singer-songwriter, Contralto vocalist and actress.

By the following year, Norwood had entered a relationship with New York Knicks guard Quentin Richardson. Quentin L Richardson (born April 13 1980 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American professional Basketball player currently The couple soon got engaged in July 2004 but Brandy eventually ended her 15-month engagement with the NBA player in October 2005. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " ^[15] As reported, Norwood had to get a tattoo of Richardson's face on her back transformed into a cat. ^[15]

"Talk About Our Love" (2004), produced by rapper Kanye West, failed to link Afrodisiac with previous successes. " Talk About Our Love " is an R&B song performed by American entertainer Brandy, co-written by producers Kanye West and Harold Lilly Kanye Omari West (ˈkɑnjɛj born June 8 1977 is a ten-time Grammy Award -winning American Rapper, Record producer and Singer.

Returning from yet another musical hiatus, Brandy's fourth album Afrodisiac was released on June 29, 2004 in North America, amidst both her weakest promotional blitz ever and the well-publicized termination of her short-lived business relationship with entertainment manager Benny Medina. Afrodisiac is the fourth studio album by American singer Brandy, released by Atlantic Records on June 28, 2004 Events 512 - A Solar eclipse is recorded by a monastic chronicler in Ireland. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Benny Medina (born January 24, 1958) is a producer, talent manager and record executive who has been involved in the careers of a variety of recording artists ^[16] Norwood ended her contract with his Los Angeles-based Handprint Entertainment after less than a year of representation following controversies surrounding Medina's handling of the lead single "Talk About Our Love",^[16] and failed talks of a purported co-headlining tour with R&B singer Usher. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West " Talk About Our Love " is an R&B song performed by American entertainer Brandy, co-written by producers Kanye West and Harold Lilly Usher Raymond IV (born October 14 1978 known simply by his first name Usher, is an American R&B and pop Singer - Songwriter ^[16] Upon parting Norwood admitted her switch to Medina made her appreciate what she had with her mother, stating that "it was such a drastic change that it didn't work for me. Nobody out there can match her passion for me. "^[16] Despite the negative blitz, Timbaland-produced Afrodisiac became Brandy's most critically acclaimed album to date,^[17] with some citing the "more consistently mature and challenging" effect of Timbaland on Brandy's music,^[18] and others calling it "very listenable and emotionally resonant", comparing it to "Janet Jackson at her best". Timothy Z Mosley (born March 10, 1971) better known by his Stage name Timbaland, is an American Record producer, Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16 1966 is an American recording artist and entertainer ^[19] Norwood described the CD as her most mature and versatile effort by then: "I just wanted to sing my heart out and connect with people. I wasn’t old enough or mature enough before to get into people’s hearts. Now I am. "^[20] Nevertheless Afrodisiac became the least successful album of Brandy's career: While it debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, selling 500,000 copies domestically, the album widely failed to chart or sell noticeably outside the United States. The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard ^[21] "Talk About Our Love" reached number 6 in the UK but follow-up singles failed to obtain success on the pop charts. The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official UK Charts Company (OCC on behalf of the British record industry

At the end of 2004, however, Norwood asked for and received a release from Atlantic Records, after eleven years with the company. As a direct consequence the label brought a collection of all of her singles, The Best of Brandy, on the market. The Best of Brandy is the first Compilation album by American R&B / pop singer Brandy. "I think it's awesome to have an album that reflects the songs that people have enjoyed over the years," Brandy said in an interview the following year, "I'm happy to say that many of the tracks included are my favorites too. "^[22] Thereupon she reportedly started shopping for a new record deal under Knockout Entertainment, her brother's label. Knockout Entertainment is singer Ray J 's Vanity label, founded in 2004 ^[23]

2006–present

In June 2006, Norwood was cast as one of three talent judges on the first season of America's Got Talent, an amateur talent contest on NBC with executive producer Simon Cowell and host Regis Philbin. America's Got Talent is an American A talent show is a live performance spectacle (sometimes on television where contestants perform Acting, Singing, Dancing, Acrobatics, The National Broadcasting Company ( NBC) is an American Television network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's } Simon Phillip Cowell (born October 7 1959 is an English artist-and-repertoire ("A&R" executive and Television personality / producer Regis Francis Xavier Philbin (born August 25, 1931) is an Emmy Award -winning American Television personality and occasional Actor The broadcast was one of the most-watched programs of the summer,^[24] and concluded on August 17, 2006 with the win of 11-year-old singer Bianca Ryan. Events 986 - A Byzantine army was destroyed in the pass of Trajan's Gate by the Bulgarians under the Comitopuli Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Bianca Taylor Ryan (born September 1 1994 is an American singer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who won the debut season of NBC

In late 2006, TMZ broke the story that Brandy was involved in a wreck on a Los Angeles freeway on December 30. The accident claimed the life of 38-year-old Awatef Aboudihaj. An eyewitness tells TMZ Brandy was traveling at around 65 miles per hour but did not stop when traffic in front of her slowed. Brandy's vehicle struck the vehicle in front of her and triggered a four car crash. There is no evidence of drugs or alcohol and she was not arrested. Brandy was originally scheduled to return for a second season of the America's Got Talent in summer 2007, but eventually decided to step down, feeling that "she couldn't give the new season the attention and commitment it deserved". Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[25] She was replaced by reality TV star Sharon Osbourne. Sharon Rachel Osbourne (née Levy, previously Arden; born 9 October 1952) is an English Music manager and promoter

Norwood is currently putting the finishing touches on her untitled fifth studio album, her first release on Epic Records. Epic Records is an American Record label. It is owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment. ^[26][27] The project involves producers and songwriters such as Rodney Jerkins, The Neptunes,^[28] Kerry "Krucial" Brothers,^[29] Greg Curtis,^[30] Kara DioGuardi,^[31] Rockwilder,^[32] Tim & Bob,^[33] WyldCard, and executive producer Bryan Michael Cox. Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (born July 29 1977 in Pleasantville New Jersey) is a Grammy Award -winning Songwriter, The Neptunes (or "Neptoons" is the name for the record production duo consisting of Ahmed Abbas, also known as "Q" or "Quix" is a American Songwriter, Actor and Record producer, who until recently has Kara Elizabeth DioGuardi (born December 9, 1970) is an American Songwriter, Record producer, and Singer who has Rockwilder (born Dana Stinson) is an American hip hop and R&B Record producer. Tim & Bob (Tim Kelley and Bob Robinson aka Funktwons are a Grammy Award -winning American hip-hop / R&B production group from Kendrick J Dean better known by his production name WyldCard, is an American Grammy Nominated Musical composer, and Record producer. Bryan-Michael Cox (born December 1, 1977) is an award winning American Songwriter and Record producer. Brandy is also said to be in the works of a soundtrack for a yet-untitled sci-fi/action video game for PlayStation Portable in which she will be providing the voice for the main character. The PlayStation Portable (officially abbreviated PSP) is a Handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. ^[26]

Acting career

In 1993, while recording her debut album, Brandy landed the role of Danesha Turrell in the ABC sitcom Thea, playing the 12-year-old daughter of protagonist Thea Turrell (Thea Vidale). The American Broadcasting Company ( ABC) is an American Television network. Thea is an American Sitcom that premiered September 3, 1993 on ABC, and last aired on February 14, 1994 Thea Vidale (born November 26, 1956, in Washington DC, US) is an African-American stand-up comedian and Actress. The series was taken off the screens eight months after its release but earned her a Young Artist Award nomination for "Outstanding Youth Ensemble in a Television Series. The Young Artist Awards are presented yearly by the Young Artist Foundation "

Her short lived engagement earned Brandy her first starring role in the UPN sitcom Moesha. United Paramount Network ( UPN) was a Television network that broadcast in over 200 markets in the United States and that was in production for over eleven Moesha is an American Situation comedy produced for the UPN network from January 23, 1996 to May 14, 2001 Appearing alongside Sheryl Lee Ralph and Countess Vaughn, she played Moesha Mitchell, a typical 16-year-old girl from Los Angeles growing into adulthood. Sheryl Lee Ralph (born on December 30 1956 in Waterbury Connecticut) is a Tony Award -nominated American Actress and Singer Countess Danielle Vaughn (born August 8 1978 is an Image Award -winning American actress and singer, known for her role as Kim Parker in Moesha Denise Mitchell is a Fictional character on the television show Moesha played by Brandy Norwood. The show first aired in January 1996 on UPN and soon became the most watched show on the television network. ^[34] Norwood who had not seen herself as an actress before, finally gained confidence: "I think Moesha is so much like me that I feel real comfortable. "^[35] In 2001 the network canceled the show after six seasons on the air, leaving it ending with a cliffhanger for a scrapped seventh season. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. A cliffhanger or cliffhanger ending is a Plot device in which a movie, Novel, or other work of fiction contains an abrupt ending often leaving ^[36]

In 1997, Norwood was hand-picked by executive producer Whitney Houston^[37] to play the title character in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s television version of Cinderella featuring a multi-cultural cast that also included Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg, Bernadette Peters and Houston. Whitney Elizabeth Houston' (born August 9 1963 is an American Singer-songwriter, Actress, Film producer, Arranger and former Richard Rodgers (1902 &ndash 1979 and Oscar Hammerstein II (1895 &ndash 1960 were a well-known American songwriting duo Rodgers and Hammerstein 's Cinderella is a musical written for Television by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II Jason Alexander (born September 23 1959 as Jay Scott Greenspan) is an American television cinema and Musical theatre comedic actor best known for his role Whoopi Goldberg (born Caryn Elaine Johnson; November 13, 1955) is an American actress, comedienne, and television Bernadette Peters (born February 28 1948 is an American Actress and Singer from New York City. The two-hour Wonderful World of Disney special garnered an estimated 60 million viewers, giving the network its highest ratings in the time period in 16 years,^[38] and won an Emmy Award. The first incarnation of the Walt Disney anthology television series, commonly called The Wonderful World of Disney, premiered on ABC on October 27 About filming Brandy later told Jet: "It was the best experience I could ever have. "^[37]

A year after, Brandy made her big screen debut after winning the supporting role of sassy Karla Wilson in the franchise-flick I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer is a Horror film released in 1998 as a sequel to I Know What You Did Last Summer. The movie outperformed the original with a total of 16. I Know What You Did Last Summer is a Thriller / Horror film released in 1997. 5 million at its opening weekend but critical reaction towards the film was largely disappointing, with film review site Rotten Tomatoes calculating a poor rating of 7% based on 46 reviews. Rotten Tomatoes is a Website devoted to reviews information and news of Movies. ^[39] Norwood, however, earned positive reviews for her "bouncy"^[40] performance which garnered her both Blockbuster Entertainment Award and MTV Movie Award nominations for "Best Actress" and "Best Breakthrough Female Performance" respectively. Blockbuster Inc ( is the largest chain of DVD and Video game rental stores in the world The MTV Movie Awards is a film awards show presented annually on MTV ( Music Television) In 1999, she co-starred with Diana Ross in the telefilm drama Double Platinum. Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) Diana Ross (born March 261944 is an American twelve-time Grammy and Oscar -nominated singer Record producer and actress whose musical repertoire Drama is the specific mode of Fiction represented in Performance. Double Platinum is a 1999 Telefilm starring Diana Ross and Brandy Norwood.

Since the early 2000s Norwood's focus on acting has permanently decreased to occasional guest appearances on several television shows such as Reba (2002), Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (2002), American Dreams (2004), House (2005) and One on One (2006). Reba was an American sitcom starring Country music singer Reba McEntire. Sabrina the Teenage Witch was an American sitcom based on the Archie comic book series of the same name. American Dreams is an American Television Drama program broadcast on the NBC Television network. House, also known as House MD, is an American Medical drama, which debuted on the FOX network on November 16 2004 One on One is an American sitcom that aired on the now-defunct UPN. As reported, she's however working on a yet-untitled Touchstone Television-produced sitcom for The CW since mid-2004. ABC Studios is the Television production division of Disney-ABC Television Group. The CW Television Network ( The CW) is a Television network in the United States launched at the beginning of the 2006-2007 television season. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Brandy will play a die-hard New Yorker who moves to Los Angeles to take a job as an entertainment editor. New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous "It's going to be me playing [a character based on] my life, but it's not going to be me as Brandy," she explained in an interview with MTV News. MTV News is the news division of MTV, the first and most popular Music Television network in the U "It's going to be a totally different person, but with the same challenges that I go through in my life . . . being a single mom, raising my child, trying to have a life, trying to have friends and trying to do my own thing. "^[41] The pilot for the series, which will be co-executive produced by Norwood, her mother Sonja, and producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, is said to be written by Girlfriends & The Game creator Mara Brock Akil. Girlfriends is a popular American sitcom that premiered on September 11, 2000 on The Game is an American Comedy-drama television series that was created by Mara Brock Akil and produced by Frasier s Mara Brock Akil ( May 27, 1970, Los Angeles) is a US television writer and producer ^[42]

Discography

Further information: Brandy discography

Number-one singles

Filmography

Film

Television series

• Thea (1993-1994)
• Moesha (1996-2001)
• Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1 episode, 2002)
• Reba (1 episode, 2002)
• American Dreams (1 episode, 2004)
• House (1 episode, 2005)
• One on One (4 episodes; 2006)

Reality television

• Brandy Norwood: A Special Delivery (2002)
• America's Got Talent (season 1, 2006)

Awards

Main article: List of Brandy awards

References

External links

• ForeverBrandy.com Official website
• Official MySpace
• Family tree
• Brandy at Allmusic
• Brandy at the Internet Movie Database