For the first time in over 10 years, Brandy returns to the top 10 on the R&B/hip-hop charts. The singer’s “Put it Down” featuring Chris Brown, marks her 10th appearance on the top ten. “What About Us?” peaked at No. 3 in 2002.
Prior to the release of her hit single, Brandy took some time off from the musical charts. She was featured on Timbaland’s “Timbaland Presents Shock Value 2.” On the album, she introduced her short-lived, rapping alter-ego Bran’Nu.
Also during this time, she and her brother, Ray J, premiered their reality series “Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business” on VH1.
The show debuted in April 2010 and gave viewers an inside look into the lives of Brandy and her brother and the family’s management and production company, R&B Productions. The show spawned the compilation album, “A Family Business,” and its promotional single was Brandy and Ray J’s joint track, “Talk to me.”
Brandy went on to appear as a contestant on Season 11 of “Dancing with the Stars,” placing fourth overall. The competition landed her acting roles on the CW’s “90210,” Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva,” and BET’s “The Game.” Although Brandy was not topping the charts during this time, she certainly was keeping herself busy.
After her rapping experience with Timbaland, her venture into reality television, and even a string of a capella performances of soul music, Brandy’s sixth studio album “Two Eleven” will be released on Oct. 16.
The new songs possess Brandy’s authentic R&B sound, but they also have a new edge to them. Collaborating with Brandy are hip-hop producer, Bangladesh, and singer/songwriter Sean Garrett. Many other producers and songwriters have been involved with the album including Timbaland, Kevin McCall, and The Bizness, and singer/songwriters Frank Ocean, Chris Brown, and Drake.
The first single from the album, “Put It Down,” features Chris Brown. The single has received many positive reviews and, therefore, “Two Eleven” is expected to be a record-breaking album for Brandy with numerous hits. The album will consist of 17 tracks and will be available in stores and iTunes on Tuesday, Oct. 16.
Rhonda Bartlett is a fourth-year student majoring in professional studies and minoring in theatre and journalism. She can be reached at RB681837@wcupa.edu.