Brandi Williams
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| Brandi Williams | ||
|---|---|---|
| Background information | ||
| Birth name | Brandi Danielle Williams | |
| Born | October 5, 1982 (age 24) | |
| Origin |  Detroit, Michigan, United States |
|
| Genre(s) | R&B, Hip Hop, Pop | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter, Actress | |
| Instrument(s) | Singing | |
| Years active | 1999-present (Blaque) 2004-present (solo) 2000-present (actress) |
|
| Label(s) | Elektra Records / WMG | |
| Associated acts |
Blaque | |
| Website | Official Site | |
Brandi Danielle Williams (born October 5, 1982) is an American actress, singer and songwriter. She is most notable for singing in the R&B trio Blaque.
Contents |
[edit] Early life
Her family includes such musical luminaries as Smokey Robinson, Bobby Rogers of The Miracles, Cherrelle, Marvette Britto (New York Publicist) and Pebbles (1980’s hit-making Recording Artist and founder of Multi-Platinum group TLC). Brandi began singing at the tender age of 3 years old in Detroit. By 10, Brandi relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and attended Ridgeview Middle School. She soon poured herself in music.
[edit] Blaque
In 1996, after meeting up with Shamari at a talent show, she had soon joined the female music group Blaque Ivory along with Natina Reed. Because that Reed meet Ronald Lopes while singing jingles for spirte to earn extra cash, they were lucky enough to meet with Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes of the multi-platinum trio TLC. Their first appearance was cameo in Lil' Kim's "Ladies Night" video. In 1997, along with Lisa, they went to NYC where met up with Chairman & CEO Tommy Mottola and scored a record deal with Columbia Records. They soon worked their debut album.
On March 27, 1999, they released their first single "808" written by Reed & R. Kelly which peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 & was certified platinum. Their self-titled debut was released on June 1, 1999 which debuted #53 on the Billboard 200. The album sold up to one million copies achieving platinum as well leading up to tours, awards & nominations, interviews and way much more. Their third single "Bring It All To Me" achievied even better, staying on top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 for many weeks. Williams quickly earned respect as a lead singer of a globally famous and successful female trio at the age of 18.
[edit] Trouble with Blaque
By 19, trouble learked in mid-2001. Right when ladies were about to release their sophomore album Blaque Out, they were let go of their contract from Columbia Records. Their album however, leaked onto the Internet for many weeks having an official release in Japan only. The video for their single "Can't Get It Back" due to unknown circumstances although the signle peaked at #91 on Billboard's R&B/hip-hop chart. Their mentor Lisa Lopes died on April 25, 2002 in Honduras in which they signed with Elektra. In June 2003, British trio Mis-Teeq re-recorded "Can't Get It Back". Mis-Teeq and Telstar agreed not to use album version, instead releasing the alternate "Ignorants Radio Edit" as an official single version.
Their new groove in 2003 resulted in another flop. Their third LP Torch with help from Missy Elliott, Rodney Jerkins, Linda Perry, Warryn Campbell, Wylee and Jazz. Two singles "Ugly" & "Hopeless" failed to be released on the radio & the album Torch was pushed back. However, the single "I'm Good" off the Honey Soundtrack achieved fair radio airplay as well as the music video. It made both the Billboard's R&B/hip-hop chart & Rhythmic Top 40. It also made international charts except the UK.
In early 2004, Reed left the group to pursue a singing career as a christian artist and was replaced by Erica Pullins. They had emarked an overseas tour and failed to release an album they recorded with Pullins causing them to take a disband.
[edit] Solo career
Brandi began recording tracks and founded her own production company over the last year and reconnected with veteran talent manager, Carlo J. Farina. Brandi has been recording to prepare for her debut album, signing recording artists to her production company (known as Tune Town Productions) and reviewing film scripts.
Most recently Brandi also connected with friend and fellow Recording Artist Nelly. Nelly pursued Brandi to record with him what became the enormous hit single Grillz (also with Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp) in November 2005. Brandi was not given credit publicly for being a part of the track, leaving some people unknown to the singer's identity.
Williams Solo Debut is set to launch in 2007. Also, her & Blaque will also have a new album coming out the same year. Brandi is preparing to captivate the attention of the worldwide audience with her captivating blended R&B and Hip-Pop musical style and fashion sense that will undoubtedly set trends around the globe.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
| Year | Album | U.S. | U.S. R&B | UK | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | TBR | TBR | TBR | TBR | TBR |
[edit] Media
[edit] Album Appearances
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "Grillz" with Nelly, Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp | Sweatsuit |
[edit] Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2003 | Honey | Herself |
| 2001 | On the Line | Brandy S. |
| 2000 | Bring It On | Lafred |
[edit] Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2000 | V.I.P. | Herself | (only in 1 episode) |
[edit] Video Cameo Appearances
| Year | Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | "Ladies Night" | Lil' Kim |
| 2001 | "Welcome to Atlanta" | Jermaine Dupri & Ludacris |
