By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
If you think you've known Brandy, you haven't seen anything yet.
The BV Newswire has learned that the former multimedia superstar will be the subject of an E! channel expose which will detail how she went from singing in a Mississippi church to rise to international stardom. The show also talks in detail about her professional ups and downs.
"Brandy: The E! True Hollywood Story" will premiere June 23 at 6pm et/pt on E!
Following in the path of a niche that was carved out by late hip-hop soul starlet Aaliyah, Brandy Ryanna Norwood stormed the music scene with her infectious pop and soul sensibilities. Previously known as a TV actress (on ABC's short-lived sitcom 'Thea'), the camera-ready musical prodigy seemed poised for mainstream success -- which she did achieve with a string of chart-topping singles, including 'Baby,' 'I Wanna Be Down' and 'Brokenhearted.'
From there, the precocious teen morphed into a superstar -- with a starring role in the TV show ('Moesha'), a CoverGirl contract, movie roles ('Cinderella' and 'I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,' respectively) and a Mattel doll. She garnered a Grammy Award for the record-breaking hit single duet 'The Boy Is Mine' (with Monica).
Along the way, she dealt with personal insecurities, a string of high-profile relationships (with then sought after black, rich young bachelors Kobe Bryant, Wanya Morris, Mase, and Quentin Richardson), and tragic loss including her involvement in the highly-publicized car accident that resulted in a fatality last December.
On the show, close associates, co-stars and industry colleagues sit with E! to disclose the personal and professional ups and downs of the young star, who when life spun out of control, never lost sight of her dream.
Some highlights below...
Producer Chris Stokes on the fatal car accident -- "I was just so overwhelmed and so sorry for the family and so sorry for Brandy. I was completely a loss for words."
'Moesha' co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph on the fatal car accident – "I do not believe that Brandy got up, got in her car with the intention to hit somebody."
Producer Mike City on Brandy's debut album – "To find out that she was only 14 years old, it sounded like she was 24. I was like this is crazy."
Former 'Vibe' magazine chief Emil Wilbekin on Brandy's mother taking over as her manager – "Sonja is definitely a pit bull, but I think she at the end of the day has Brandy's best interest at heart."
'Moesha' producer Ralph Farguhar on Brandy's initial reading for the show – "She was horrible. I called up my wife, I said 'I'm dead. I just sold the network a bag of smoke.'"
Sheryl Lee Ralph on show fans during their cross-country tour – "Oh we got trampled with the police and everything, everybody trying to get us to safety. It was just Moesha madness."
'Moesha' co-star Countess Vaughn on rumors of her fighting with Brandy – "What really pissed me off was because we were 15 years old, and these adults were coming in on an argument that would've blown over, but it didn't because of the outside and the media."
'Moesha' co-star Shar Jackson on Brandy's hectic schedule – " It got to a point where I'd see her, we'd spend the whole day together, and the only thing I saw her eat was a trail mix or something."
Sheryl Lee Ralph on Brandy's breakdown – "She just flat passed out. She was exhausted. She just passed out. That was it, boom."
Countess Vaughn on Brandy giving birth to daughter Sy'rai – "I believe it changed her life. She really brought something out of Brandy."
Shar Jackson on tragic death of co-star Merlin Santana in 2002 – "It hit her hard. It his us all really, really hard, but we were all there and being really, really supportive of each other."
Shar Jackson on tragic death of co-star Lamont Bentley in 2005 – "Losing Lamont, we're still not through that."
Music super-producer David Foster on Brandy – "She definitely caught lightning in a bottle and beat the odds because there's so many actors that are actors because the singing thing didn't work out, but she is one of the few that made the cross."
Through archival footage, Brandy also speaks on her relationships.
About her mother, she said, ""People hate on my mom so much, like they say, 'Well, Brandy's mom needs to let her grow up.' And sometimes she can be like a little over protective, but I don't know what I would do without her."
About the faux marriage to producer Robert Smith -- her daughter's father, she said, "Unfortunately, I didn't have the love so I had to be brave and say this is not where I want to be. I'm not happy. I need to move on."
About breaking up with Morris, who is believed to be her first love, she shared, "It's kind of hard because that was my only boyfriend in the whole world, so I'm still getting over him. I still can think about it and cry."
BV Extras:
Celebrate Black Music Month with Black Voices.


Comments: (119)
Add a comment
By: Ana on 6/14/2007 7:20PM
Should be an interesting watch. No one can deny her talent as a singer/actress. The car accident was just that, an accident. Unlike Paris, Lindsey and other young people in Hollywood, she was not drunk or high on illegal drugs! Isn't it sad that the world idolizes people who act so immoral. Paris has gotten more media coverage for going to jail, than a missing woman and several missing children!!!! Sick
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: sonya on 6/13/2007 11:38AM
i feel sorry for brandy i think all this madness started after she split up with her husband and shes still trying to recover from that i think people shhould just leave her alone shes been through so much and i think she will be fine my heart goes out to you brandy im still your number one fan may god bless you and keep you and your family safe
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: elizabeth on 6/13/2007 11:42AM
I shared before Brandy, never fear nor worry, God's got ur back, front, sideways and girl, ur future is in His hands.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: John on 6/17/2007 10:34PM
Brandy Pray and keep your head up. God will take care of you. Wherever you are. Be blessed.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Tony Powell on 6/14/2007 10:54AM
In this country we are the most commental, suggestive and opinionated people on the face of the planet. And why? Because we are programmed to do so. Other people lives seem to be more interesting, admirable and exciting than our own. Therefore we only have a few Brandy's, or others we veiw as super this or that. Our accomplishments are not that great because our focus isn't on self, but someone else (business).
Brandy, at the end of the day it's your life. Your raise or fall, however you choose to veiw it, it's still simply life. Everyone goes through and lives it similarly, but your's is spotlighted by nosey people because you are viewed as success fallen. Your does and don'ts, wills and won'ts, rights or wrongs are your own stipulations in and on your life, so what everyone else says or thinks be damnned. So just stay real and true to yourself and continue to live life to it's fullness. Because with each new and coming day inconstancy continues to change it's mind about everything.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Rico on 6/13/2007 12:06PM
I've always been a loyal Brandy companion! I will continue to pray for her and that she will learn from her mistakes and pray to God for guidance! Everyone makes mistakes! We are to learn and challenge ourselves to become better people daily! Lots of love and prayers for the family through this ordeal and just remember to keep God first! He will give you strength! I will ALWAYS be LOYAL!!! Don't 4get your pal in NJ!!!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Zuri Kyle Chambers on 6/13/2007 11:52AM
You Say that you love me and can't live without me, then why do you call me only when you need me? Don't Wait Til The Darkest Hour To Call On Him....The Lord Knows What You Need Before You Even Ask! I'm Praying For You Brandy!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: T. Moore on 6/13/2007 3:05PM
I'm just astonished at the fact that Brandy has not lost a substantial amount of fans. As a Brandy fan myself, I feel really good that we, her fans, will be able to support her and pull her through this difficult time the best we can with her future career goals, while the rest if left up to God. Just by reading the majority of these comments, I can assume that Branyds fan base has not dwindled because of her string of tragedies. I for one, would like to see the documentary just to get a fresh review and update on Brandy. Hopefully she will not have to go to jail. This was an accident, Paris Hilton's and Lil' Kim's offenses were deliberate.
Please keep the faith Brandy.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Catherine Liggins on 6/13/2007 12:19PM
Brandy, just trust in God. I pray that your family surround you with love and encouragement. As others have said, "HOLD YOUR HEAD UP!. I hope your family tells you that often. I believe that you are trying to live your life right. Be a good Mother to your child. Put God first; pray and praise Him. Praise God even through these hard times. We all have them. I'm sorry that you had to experience the burden that the accident put on you, but try to reach out to the family of the deceased and realize that you are also blessed to still be alive, and that your purpose in God's will is not over yet.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: puddin on 6/13/2007 12:39PM
people takes the bull by the horns and don't know which way to lead him. Because they don't know what the hell to start with. Only that child and whoever was at the scence knows what happen and i hope that when they do the ENews i hope they do it right.I believe in you brandy you will get thro this.(By the way i was talking about the media).
Reply to this Comment | Report This