Brandi Williams
| Brandi Williams | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Brandi Danielle Williams |
| Born | October 5, 1982 |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Actress |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active |
2004–present (solo) 2000–present (actress) |
| Associated acts | Blaque, Lisa Lopes |
| Website |
brandidwilliams |
Brandi Danielle Williams (born October 5, 1982) is an American Actress, Singer, Songwriter, and Dancer. She is most notable for singing in the R&B trio Blaque.[1][2]
Early life
Her family includes members of the musical community, such as Smokey Robinson, Claudette Robinson, and Bobby Rogers of The Miracles, Cherrelle, Wanda Young of The Marvelettes, Marvette Britto (New York Publicist) and Pebbles (1980s hit-making recording artist and founder of another girl group TLC). Brandi began singing at the age of 3 in Detroit. By age 10, Brandi relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and attended Ridgeview Middle School. She soon immersed herself in music.
Blaque
In 1994, after meeting up with Shamari at a talent show, Brandi joined the female music group Blaque. The group consisted of 3 members, Shamari Fears, Brandi Williams and Natina Reed. The member who had come up with the idea of forming a group was Natina, who was a good friend of Ronald Lopes, younger brother of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, rapper of the trio TLC. Lisa had noticed Natina's musical talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Lisa also promised to help Natina in forming a girl group. Blaque's first appearance was a cameo in Lil' Kim's "Ladies Night" video. In 1998, along with Lisa, the group went to New York where they met Chairman & CEO Tommy Mottola and scored a record deal with Columbia Records. Soon after signing they started working on their debut album.
On March 27, 1999, when Brandi was 16 years old, Blaque released their first single "808" written by Reed & R. Kelly. It peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 & was certified platinum. Their self-titled debut album was released on June 1, 1999 and it debuted #53 on the Billboard 200. The album sold up to one million copies achieving triple-platinum and led to tours, awards & nominations and interviews. Blaque's third single "Bring It All To Me" succeeded even better than the first one, staying in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 for many weeks.
Trouble with Blaque
By 19, trouble lurked in mid-2002. Right when the group was about to release their second 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 single peaked at #91 on Billboard's R&B/hip-hop chart. Their mentor, Lisa Lopes, died on April 25, 2002 in a car crash in Honduras. In June 2003, British trio Mis-Teeq re-recorded "Can't Get It Back". Mis-Teeq and Telstar agreed not to use the album version, instead releasing the alternate "Ignorants Radio Edit" as an official single version. She is related to Kiely Williams.
Blaque's new groove in 2003 resulted in another flop. Their third LP, "Torch", was made with the help of Missy Elliott, Rodney Jerkins, Linda Perry, Warryn Campbell, Wylee and Jazz. Two singles from the album, "Ugly" and "Hopeless", failed to be released on the radio and "Torch" was pushed back. However, the single "I'm Good" of the Honey soundtrack achieved some success. It made both the Billboard's R&B/hip-hop chart & Rhythmic Top 40. It also made the international charts except the UK.
In early 2004, Reed left the group in order to go to the ministries. She was replaced by Erica Pullins. They had earmarked an overseas tour and failed to release an album they recorded with Pullins causing them to disband. In 2007, all three members of Blaque regrouped and began performing at various outlets in Germany. Not too much after, a new album was announced. Blaque will also have a reality show titled 'Blaque In The House' for which the trailer was released to YouTube.
Solo career
Brandi founded a production company known as Tune Town Productions, while also making solo recordings in preparation for her debut album. She had an uncredited vocal role on the rapper Nelly's single Grillz (November 2005), which also featured Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp, but did appear in the music video.
Williams' solo debut was set to launch in 2007, but since has been put on hold due to the reuniting of Blaque.
On October 4, 2011, Williams' released her first solo single 'Love It' off her debut solo album, which is scheduled to be released in 2014.
Discography
Albums
| Year | Album | U.S. | U.S. R&B | UK | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | The Real Brandi D. | TBR | TBR | TBR | TBR |
Media
Album appearances
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "Grillz" Nelly featuring Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp and Brandi Williams | Sweatsuit |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2003 | Honey | Herself |
| 2001 | On the Line | Brandy S. |
| 2000 | Bring It On[2] | Lafred |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2000 | V.I.P. | Herself | (only in 1 episode) |
Cameo appearances
| Year | Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | "Ladies Night" | Lil' Kim |
| 2001 | "Welcome to Atlanta" | Jermaine Dupri & Ludacris |
References
- ↑ "Brandi Williams". Internet Movie Database. 2010-12-26. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
Member of the singing trio "Blaque" with Natina Reed and Shamari Fears
- 1 2 Cynthia Fuchs (2000). "Bring It On". PopMatters. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
Kirsten smiled and said it was so "great" to play a white girl cheerleader competing with a team of black cheerleaders, some played by the members of Blaque — Natina Reed, Shamari Fears, and Brandi Williams — which was the most obvious reason for her appearance with Carson Daly that day. Kirsten talked about how "great" the Blaque girls were