Brandy was in the hot seat on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live” last night. The “Put It Down” singer played “Plead the Fifth,” where she was asked three questions and was only allowed to skip one.
When asked what triggered her famous feud with Monica in the ’90s, she replied, “Our camps and the fans. They kinda put us against each other before we even knew each other.”
She named Frank Ocean as the “toughest” artist that she has collaborated with so far. “He’s so particular and he knows exactly what he wants, so he pushes me and challenges me to be the best vocalist on the songs that he writes,” said Brandy, who worked with the Odd Future member on “Scared of Beautiful.”
She was not surprised when Frank revealed that he was in love with a man. “I just knew he was a genius,” she said. “To tell his truth, it’s so inspiring and I’m so happy for his success.”
She believes there are other closeted artists out there. “People don’t understand or accept and that’s bad that they don’t do that,” she said. “I’m wishing they would just tell us.”
Brandy is making the media rounds to promote her new album Two Eleven and stopped by “Good Morning America” today to talk music and perform live.
“I couldn’t find my place in music. I didn’t know which way I was gonna go, but I found it and I’m happy, happier than I’ve ever been,” the singer said about her current project, which is expected to sell 65-70,000 copies in its first week. “This is really a good time for me.”
Brandy then took the “GMA” stage for a live performance of “Put It Down” and “Wildest Dreams.” Outfitted in leather shorts and gold gloves and accompanied by two female dancers, she appeared to be having fun with her top 5 hit.
Eighteen years after the release of her multi-platinum debut, Brandy basks in the glory on her sixth album Two Eleven. Boasting big-name collaborators including Chris Brown, Frank Ocean, Rico Love, Sean Garrett, and Bangladesh, the set aims to please the toughest of R&B critics with cuts like “Wildest Dreams,” “Hardly Breathing,” and “Scared of Beautiful.”
“No gimmicks, real R&B music,” said the now 33-year-old singer of the project, which pays homage to her late idol Whitney Houston with its title.
Brandy kicked off her album release week with a series of promotional appearances. During her visit to “106 & Park,” she debuted a sneak peek of her new video for “Wildest Dreams,” the second single off Two Eleven. The video was shot just days ago with director Matthew Rolston. In the 30-second teaser, the R&B diva struts around and shows off some new moves as she dances with her girls.
The record, produced by Tha Bizness and written by Sean Garrett, was inspired by her boyfriend Ryan Press. “The song is just about me feeling like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe this is really happening,’” she told Rap-Up.com. “He loves me for every personality I have. He loves me for every flaw. He accepts me as who I am and he can see me for who I am.”
Brandy celebrated the release of her sixth album Two Eleven with some of her most loyal fans during a concert at Best Buy Theater in New York City last night. The R&B diva also took a moment to pay homage to her idol Whitney Houston with a dance medley that included “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” “How Will I Know,” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).”
“I just want to take this time to take a moment of silence and give Whitney some silent love right now,” she told the crowd. “She is and will always be the greatest voice of all time. I’ll forever love her and forever miss her. Two Eleven is my way of tributing her and solidifying the bond that we had when she was alive and the bond that we will have for the rest of my life. I will just continue to contribute to her legacy.”
Watch her tribute her idol and perform hits from her catalog—from “I Wanna Be Down” to “Put It Down.”
Life is good for Brandy. The R&B veteran stopped by Power 105’s “The Breakfast Club” this morning to chat about all things—personal and professional—going on in her life, from her new album Two Eleven (in stores tomorrow) to her role in Tyler Perry’s The Marriage Counselor and getting married…for real this time.
It was ladies’ night as BET presented its annual “Black Girls Rock!” celebration at the Loews Paradise Theatre in New York City on Saturday. Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, the star-studded affair honored the achievements of women of color with heartfelt performances, tributes, and special awards. This year’s honorees included Dionne Warwick (Living Legend Award), Alicia Keys (Rock Star Award), and Janelle Monáe (Young, Gifted, & Black Award).
Ciara thrilled with some new moves and new material off her upcoming album One Woman Army, and was joined by Missy Elliott for “1, 2 Step.” Brandy delivered a knock-out performance of “Wildest Dreams,” and Keyshia Cole tore the house down with her new single “Trust and Believe” off her upcoming album Woman to Woman.
Alicia ignited the stage with her female anthem “Girl on Fire,” while Luke James, Anthony Hamilton, and Eric Benét serenaded the ladies with “Wildflower.”
“Black Girls Rock!” premieres Sunday, November 4, on BET.
With just days to go until her sixth album Two Eleven arrives, Brandy went in front of the lens to shoot the video for her second single “Wildest Dreams.” The 33-year-old singer braved the L.A. rain and got glammed up, giving her Starz a sneak peek on Twitter. She even invited some of them to the set to see her perform live.
“Rehearsing at the Wildest Dreams video shoot!! Yesterday was a movie!! Hats off to the Frank Gatson team and Matthew Rolsten!” tweeted Brandy, who was visited by her daughter Sy’rai and baby cousin Ethan.
The record, produced by Tha Bizness and written by Sean Garrett, was inspired by her boyfriend Ryan Press. “The song is just about me feeling like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe this is really happening,’” she told Rap-Up.com. “He loves me for every personality I have. He loves me for every flaw. He accepts me as who I am and he can see me for who I am.”
If you missed our exclusive interview with Brandy, watch it here.
