Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood is an incredible singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress — a true multi-talent. She’s released several successful albums, appeared in numerous feature films and television shows, and she’s even played on Broadway.

While it’s apparent that she’s made a name for herself across the entertainment industry, it’s always good to look back on how she started. So, let’s check out her life story and career path, and see why she’s been the talk of the town lately.

Early Life

Brandy Rayana Norwood was born on February 11th, 1979 in McComb, Mississippi. She comes from a musical family, seeing as her father, Willie Norwood, was a renowned gospel singer and choir director. Her brother Ray J is a talented singer and rapper, and her cousin is none other than Snoop Dogg himself. It seems that a career in the entertainment industry was in her cards all along.

She’s always had an interest in music, joining the local church choir, and performing her first gospel solo when she was a mere toddler.

In her teens, Brandy started entering talent competitions and performing at various public functions. By 1993, she had a contract with the Atlantic Recording Corporation and was in the midst of recording her debut album.

Career

In 1994, her debut album Brandy was released to critical acclaim. It peaked at number 20 on the Billboard 200. It was a massive success, and her songs I Wanna Be Down and Baby were incredible hits.

She gave acting a try as well and was cast as Moesha in the sitcom of the same name. Although the sitcom was scrapped after the 6th season, Brandy’s performance was outstanding and earned her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress.

Brandy’s singing career was thriving, and by 1998, her duet with Monica, The Boy Is Mine, earned her first-ever GRAMMY Award.

To date, she’s released six studio albums, her latest one being Two Eleven from 2012, and she’s starred in numerous films and television shows.

In 2015, she made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago.

Brandy Norwood Relationships: Who Has She Dated?

Brandy has been in the public eye for a long time, so it’s no wonder that many of her relationships were publicized as well.

Blake C (Trife) (1995)

Fredro Starr (1995-1996)

Kobe Bryant (1996)

Wanya Morris (1996-1997)

Mase (1998)

Usher (1998-1999)

Robert Smith (2000-2003)

Tyrese Gibson (2002-2009)

Quentin Richardson (2004-2005)

Michael Knight (2006)

Flo Rida (2009-2010)

Terrence Jenkins (2010-2011)

Ryan Press (2010-2014)

Sir the Baptist (2017)

In the News

It was just brought to light that Brandy is the person behind Romeo’s signature eyepatch style. Romeo recently revealed that in the early ‘90s, Brandy accidentally tossed a book toward him and cut his retina. He’d undergone three major eye surgeries after the incident and had to wear an eyepatch for a while afterward.

If you want to learn more exciting details about Brandy Norwood, keep up with The Shade Room!