Brandy

Feb
7
Exclusive: Brandy and Monica to Perform at Pre-Grammy Gala

Monica and Brandy

Brandy and Monica delighted their fans by debuting their new single “It All Belongs to Me” on Monday. And now the R&B divas will team up to perform the song live at the Pre-Grammy Gala in Beverly Hills this weekend.

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Feb
6
New Music: Brandy & Monica – ‘It All Belongs to Me’

Monica and Brandy

Fourteen years after topping the charts with “The Boy Is Mine,” Brandy and Monica reunite on the highly-anticipated follow-up, “It All Belongs to Me.” Described by producer Rico Love as a “very soulful R&B song with pop sensibilities,” the ladies take a different approach from their 1998 single, kicking their men to the curb on the empowering tune.

“It is not anything like ‘The Boy Is Mine,’” explained Monica. “At this point, this is where you’re taking your power back and we gon’ come together. This is totally different than that era and I hope it speaks to all the people who are making diss tracks and going hard on each other. Come together and watch the numbers move.”

Brandy added, “This business is all about competition. They forgot about what is the most important, which is two talents coming together. It’s just great to come back and do something with [Monica]. This is definitely a blessing.”

Two different versions of the song will appear on Monica’s album New Life, due Apri 10, and Brandy’s RCA/Chameleon debut, due this spring. A video, directed by Chris Robinson, will be shot on February 13.

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Jan
28
Rihanna, Brandy Attend Michael Jackson ‘The Immortal’ Tour Opening

Rihanna

The stars were shining bright on opening night of Cirque Du Soleil’s Michael Jackson “The Immortal” World Tour at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday night (Jan. 27). Rihanna looked every bit a rock star, sporting her new “Thug Life” tattoo and studded leather motorcycle jacket, black leggings, and shades. She even found an “MJ mini-me” and snapped a photo with him for Twitter.

Her fellow diva Brandy paid homage to the King of Pop in a sheer MJ-inspired blouse with shoulder pads. Quincy Jones and Michael’s three children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket, also turned out for the tour kickoff.

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Jan
18
Brandy Performs ‘His Eye Is on the Sparrow’ at Sing-a-Rama II [Video]

Brandy took ‘em to church with a cover of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” The R&B songstress performed the gospel hymn last week during Sing-a-Rama II, an annual gospel gathering spearheaded by her father Willie Norwood. She received a warm reception from the crowd who clung to every word. In a few weeks, Brandy and Monica will release “It All Belongs to Me,” the highly-anticipated sequel to their duet.

Jan
17
Brandy and Monica Duet ‘It All Belongs to Me’ Due Next Month

Monica and Brandy

Brandy and Monica’s fans will get to hear the divas’ new duet sooner than expected. Their first collaboration in 14 years will be released next month.

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Jan
13
Brandy Hints at Drake Collaboration

Drake and Brandy

Brandy’s duet with Monica isn’t the only collaboration to look forward to on her upcoming album. The R&B songstress is set to record a song penned by Drake.

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Jan
12
Exclusive Q&A: Rico Love Shares Details on Brandy and Monica Duet

Monica, Brandy, Rico Love, and Breyon Prescott

The year was 1998 and Brandy and Monica were sitting on top of the charts with their smash “The Boy Is Mine.” Fourteen years later, the R&B divas have reunited to record a follow-up to their Grammy-winning duet, which spent 13 weeks at No. 1. Under the direction of songwriter-producer Rico Love, the new record picks up where the original left off.

“It’s a very soulful R&B song with pop sensibilities,” Love tells Rap-Up.com. “I wanted to make sure I made it a classic R&B record, but I definitely wanted to make sure that it had enough appeal to cross over and become a Top 40 record.”

The “Motivation” hitmaker hit the studio with both ladies last week in Miami to lay down the track. While they reportedly didn’t get along while recording the original Darkchild production, the chemistry was different this time. “They both had a blast,” says Love. “They have so much history together.”

In an exclusive interview with Rap-Up.com, Rico Love sheds light on how the collaboration came together, what it sounds like, and the enormous pressure he faced.

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Jan
10
Brandy Shares Excitement for Beyoncé and Jay-Z on ‘Showbiz Tonight’

Brandy and A.J. Hammer

The entertainment media has been consumed by the arrival of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s daughter. During a sit-down with A.J. Hammer on HLN’s “Showbiz Tonight,” even Brandy was bubbling with excitement for the new parents. The star of BET’s “The Game” shared her thoughts on the newborn’s name, Jay-Z’s emotional song, and offered advice to her fellow mom.

On the baby’s name, Blue Ivy Carter: “I think the name is gorgeous. It totally fits. I love it and I’m so happy for Beyoncé and Jay. They’re actually one of my favorite couples and both inspirations.”

On “Glory,” the song Jay recorded for his new daughter: “It’s a great song and to hear little Blue at the end, it was sooo beautiful, breathtaking actually.”

On her advice to Beyoncé: “I just think she needs to appreciate her baby right now and not worry about [losing the pregnancy weight]. Just enjoy it. … This is her first child. I would take the time and just be with my family and be with my newborn and chill out. That’s what I would do. But you know B, she’s a workaholic and she loves what she does. You have to respect her for that.”

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Jan
9
Brandy Finds Love, Reaches Out to Kim Kardashian, and Talks New Album

Brandy

Brandy was in the hot seat on Wendy Williams’ talk show. The singer-actress, who stars in the BET sitcom “The Game,” was candid about her personal and professional life, discussing everything from her new boyfriend and Kim Kardashian to her rapping alter ego Bran’Nu and new album.

On her daughter Sy’rai’s obsession with Justin Bieber: “She has Bieber fever like every other nine-year-old.”

On the new man in her life, music publishing executive Ryan Press: “I am… finally!” said Brandy when asked if she was in love.

On mending her relationship with Kim Kardashian, who stars alongside her in Tyler Perry’s The Marriage Counselor: “I never saw Kim because we didn’t have any scenes together, not because I cleared the way for her not to be around me. Honestly I can just take this moment and say that I really miss my friendship with Kim, I really do. I can’t wait to see her at the premiere and try to say something to her, tell her I love her and I’m here whenever she needs me.”

On her new album, due in May on RCA/Chameleon Records: “It’s a singing album. I’m singing my heart out,” said Brandy, who promised there will be no rapping this time. “It was a hobby. I was convinced to do it professionally, which I never should have listened to that advice.”

She was later joined by her castmates from “The Game.” Watch the full interview below.

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