R&B superstar Brandy has partnered with Motown Records with plans to release a new album soon, the company tells Billboard.
"I've always wanted to work with Ethiopia [Habtemariam, Motown's CEO and chairwoman]," says Brandy. "I've just always thought that she was just a bad-ass Black woman who loves music, knows music, and I saw her work her way up because she's so talented. So when I heard that she was who she is now at Motown, I was like, 'If I ever were to go back to a major label, I would want to work with Ethiopia.' And it happened."
Adds Habtemariam in a statement: "Brandy is one of the most prolific voices in the history of music. Her contribution to R&B continues to influence newcomers and contemporaries around the world. We are ecstatic to welcome Brandy to the Motown family and eager to join her in making musical history."
With the news on Friday (June 24), Brandy also released a performance of her song "Rather Be" from her last album, B7, for COLORS SHOW — a stylistic exclusive performance and content series by Mowtown and COLORSxSTUDIOS celebrating Black Music Month. Previous performers in the series include Quavo and TakeOff of Migos, Elhae and Ne-Yo, among others, all of whom are Motown signings.
Brandy notes she thrilled she is to be a part of "the legacy of Motown." She says, "I used to always wonder when I would watch Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and all of the amazing Motown artists, 'Would I ever be able to make it in that time? What would I have sounded like on Motown?' I would have loved to have that Motown sound. And then, years later, I get this opportunity to do this unbelievable partnership with them. And it's Ethiopia. And it's Motown. And I'm like, 'Wow, this is the universe! I'm going with this! I have to go with this.' They've just been so supportive of me."
The Grammy-winning hitmaker, 43, has maneuvered through the label system many times throughout her career. Brandy initially signed to Atlantic Records in 1993, where she released her first four albums — 1994's Brandy, 1998's Never Say Never, 2002's Full Moon and 2004's Afrodisiac — which all peaked in the top 10 of Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Then she briefly signed to Epic Records in 2008 to release Human that same year. Three years later, she inked a joint deal with RCA Records and Breyon Prescott's Chameleon Entertainment, which she sued in 2016 after alleging Chameleon did not allow her to record or release new music. They reached a settlement in 2017.
Brandy's last full-length studio album, B7, was released in 2020 under her own imprint, Brand Nu, and distributed through eOne. The album landed at No. 1 on Billboard's Independent Albums chart, her debut on the tally. Now, she's prepping her eighth studio album and first under Motown, which she says is coming soon.
"I can't wait to get started on the music because it's going to be so refreshing, so different. And I'm just looking forward to singing and listening and learning and growing all over again. I feel like I'm reborn," Brandy says. "I feel like I have a whole new energy, a whole new spark, to keep going, to keep moving, and to keep doing what I love to do, which is sing, rap, act and dance."
Brandy is managed by Ryan Ramsey of SALXCO.
https://www.billboard.com/pro/brandy-signs-motown-records-new-album/
(https://i.postimg.cc/tCXJRn3g/Screen-Shot-2022-06-24-at-3-14-11-PM.png)
Apparently she already knows what the next album will be giving. I'm excited for her - plus she owns her masters and a partnership still gives her freedom/control i believe.
https://www.billboard.com/pro/brandy-signs-motown-records-new-album/
(https://i.postimg.cc/tTTttb2W/F2-FD77-A4-623-E-418-C-BA86-694601-FDD2-D8.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/CKpQNRqD/BC6847-AC-5078-4-B77-A575-4-ABBE99-B2-EC5.jpg)
Wow this is a book has it really been over a decade since she was on a label?
Ethiopia been in her comments for about a year now. I think we're gonna get music faster than people think
:plzstop: :plzstop:
Brandy!!!!
:gorlonfire::dead::gorlonfire:
:flamebroiled:
You beat me to it!
Just merged the thread and kept your better thread title
:supluv:
I'm so so excited and happy for our girl :wub: :wub: :wub:
OMG!!!! I love this moment and photo for them!!! They stan for each other
:stressed:
I am really happy for Brandy. Everything she's gotten has been earned. She has always been an underdog.
So many people count her out, but with God, her friends and family she always claws her way back.
Her cousin and Ethiopia are going to make sure she's good. I am just waiting for Disney to give her a lead voiceover role.
WAIT!!!!!
:flamebroiled: :flamebroiled: :flamebroiled:
Bitch this is major
I have a good feeling that Motown are gonna treat her right
Wtf
Im readyyyyy
I hope she works with
Kaytranada
Scott Storch
etc
dddddddddddddddddddddddd
Brandy Ross is really coming strong huh? We don't deserve her at fucking all. :stressed: :gorlonfire:
So happy for our girl Bran, this is huge and I know the new album is going to be a masterpiece!!
:gorlonfire:
It's on Apple in lossless quality :wub: lemme check Tidal. Check out the fine print at the bottom! It's Motown AND Brandy's imprint. Beautiful, independent Queen
(https://i.postimg.cc/sDF0YnZx/A8-EF1-A3-F-87-A6-4-CC1-AB92-8-B60319-C8-FA1.jpg)
YESSSS
2022>>>
Quote from: Say Something on June 24, 2022, 02:55:14 PM
I am really happy for Brandy. Everything she's gotten has been earned. She has always been an underdog.
So many people count her out, but with God, her friends and family she always claws her way back.
Her cousin and Ethiopia are going to make sure she's good. I am just waiting for Disney to give her a lead voiceover role.
!!!
Quote from: Sovereign. on June 24, 2022, 03:36:29 PM
Quote from: Say Something on June 24, 2022, 02:55:14 PM
I am really happy for Brandy. Everything she's gotten has been earned. She has always been an underdog.
So many people count her out, but with God, her friends and family she always claws her way back.
Her cousin and Ethiopia are going to make sure she's good. I am just waiting for Disney to give her a lead voiceover role.
!!!
!!!
One thing about Brandy. She's always gonna book a deal.
Motown has a lot of good, young R&B talent on their roster too.
Any news of who she's been in the studio with?
I need Kaytranda and D'Mile on the album.
:stressed:
This is too much. The US needed some good news today and Brandy came through
Brandy better give a good quality Brandy album, no more experimental stuff from her
Performing "Rather Be" to usher in this new journey of hers with this label and everything was NOT on my bingo card.
Keep surprising us B
:stressed:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfM0GItpPOA/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Signed self. :stressed:
THIS BIG ASS PRESS RELEASE!!!
:gorlonfire:
I'M IM(PRESS)ED INDEED!!!
:flamebroiled:
Is Motown gonna release the b7 deluxe like we wanted?
:plzstop:
BOOK!!!!!
Quote from: The definition on June 24, 2022, 03:52:49 PM
Brandy better give a good quality Brandy album, no more experimental stuff from her
I def don't want another 2:11
it was safe rnb
b7 and Afro both where experiments and turned out beautifully
I hope she continues to trailblaze in that way
Yes! :plzstop:
I feel like now that shes on a label her music will be more STANDARD R&B. Motown already letting her know wassup with this performance. Rather Be was the most radio friendly song from B7 and they said bitch perform THAT ONE :dead:
Quote from: Say Something on June 24, 2022, 02:47:06 PM
R&B superstar Brandy has partnered with Motown Records with plans to release a new album soon, the company tells Billboard.
"I've always wanted to work with Ethiopia [Habtemariam, Motown's CEO and chairwoman]," says Brandy. "I've just always thought that she was just a bad-ass Black woman who loves music, knows music, and I saw her work her way up because she's so talented. So when I heard that she was who she is now at Motown, I was like, 'If I ever were to go back to a major label, I would want to work with Ethiopia.' And it happened."
Adds Habtemariam in a statement: "Brandy is one of the most prolific voices in the history of music. Her contribution to R&B continues to influence newcomers and contemporaries around the world. We are ecstatic to welcome Brandy to the Motown family and eager to join her in making musical history."
With the news on Friday (June 24), Brandy also released a performance of her song "Rather Be" from her last album, B7, for COLORS SHOW — a stylistic exclusive performance and content series by Mowtown and COLORSxSTUDIOS celebrating Black Music Month. Previous performers in the series include Quavo and TakeOff of Migos, Elhae and Ne-Yo, among others, all of whom are Motown signings.
Brandy notes she thrilled she is to be a part of "the legacy of Motown." She says, "I used to always wonder when I would watch Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and all of the amazing Motown artists, 'Would I ever be able to make it in that time? What would I have sounded like on Motown?' I would have loved to have that Motown sound. And then, years later, I get this opportunity to do this unbelievable partnership with them. And it's Ethiopia. And it's Motown. And I'm like, 'Wow, this is the universe! I'm going with this! I have to go with this.' They've just been so supportive of me."
The Grammy-winning hitmaker, 43, has maneuvered through the label system many times throughout her career. Brandy initially signed to Atlantic Records in 1993, where she released her first four albums — 1994's Brandy, 1998's Never Say Never, 2002's Full Moon and 2004's Afrodisiac — which all peaked in the top 10 of Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Then she briefly signed to Epic Records in 2008 to release Human that same year. Three years later, she inked a joint deal with RCA Records and Breyon Prescott's Chameleon Entertainment, which she sued in 2016 after alleging Chameleon did not allow her to record or release new music. They reached a settlement in 2017.
Brandy's last full-length studio album, B7, was released in 2020 under her own imprint, Brand Nu, and distributed through eOne. The album landed at No. 1 on Billboard's Independent Albums chart, her debut on the tally. Now, she's prepping her eighth studio album and first under Motown, which she says is coming soon.
"I can't wait to get started on the music because it's going to be so refreshing, so different. And I'm just looking forward to singing and listening and learning and growing all over again. I feel like I'm reborn," Brandy says. "I feel like I have a whole new energy, a whole new spark, to keep going, to keep moving, and to keep doing what I love to do, which is sing, rap, act and dance."
Brandy is managed by Ryan Ramsey of SALXCO.
https://www.billboard.com/pro/brandy-signs-motown-records-new-album/
:shook:
Quote from: Micheal Watson on June 24, 2022, 04:24:48 PM
Quote from: The definition on June 24, 2022, 03:52:49 PM
Brandy better give a good quality Brandy album, no more experimental stuff from her
I def don't want another 2:11
it was safe rnb
b7 and Afro both where experiments and turned out beautifully
I hope she continues to trailblaze in that way
Quote from: Vonc2002 on June 24, 2022, 04:27:41 PM
I feel like now that shes on a label her music will be more STANDARD R&B. Motown already letting her know wassup with this performance. Rather Be was the most radio friendly song from B7 and they said bitch perform THAT ONE :dead:
:omgwatshappening:
It's time to really get to the music whew!
Amazing
Hope they don't put her with NE-YO again unless he has a certified smash. Them songs like Fear of Flying were so MEH
Quote from: RAY7 on June 24, 2022, 04:52:23 PM
Hope they don't put her with NE-YO again unless he has a certified smash. Them songs like Fear of Flying were so MEH
there were a few good ones. that could have been HITS if released. '
Decisions was a SMASH IMO
:gorlonfire:
I loved quite a few of those neyo songs INCLUDING Fear of flying
Quote from: Vonc2002 on June 24, 2022, 05:26:07 PM
I loved quite a few of those neyo songs INCLUDING Fear of flying
of course you did
Quote from: RAY7 on June 24, 2022, 04:52:23 PM
Hope they don't put her with NE-YO again unless he has a certified smash. Them songs like Fear of Flying were so MEH
i honestly don't think he writes as much for others now
Quote from: Vonc2002 on June 24, 2022, 04:27:41 PM
I feel like now that shes on a label her music will be more STANDARD R&B. Motown already letting her know wassup with this performance. Rather Be was the most radio friendly song from B7 and they said bitch perform THAT ONE :dead:
sdddd HEY, don't give them all the credit! I think she wanted to make us happy too.
It's time for mess
(https://i.postimg.cc/JnQYRXq8/D1-DCB8-E2-1569-4-D0-B-A759-60-FFA961957-F.jpg)
Quote from: Harlem on June 24, 2022, 02:54:19 PM
OMG!!!! I love this moment and photo for them!!! They stan for each other
:stressed:
They may Stan for one another NOW, but wait until Brandy doesn't get her way and things get messy. I'm cautiously optimistic though.
Quote from: Vonc2002 on June 24, 2022, 05:26:07 PM
I loved quite a few of those neyo songs INCLUDING Fear of flying
Fear of God>>
Quote from: RAY7 on June 24, 2022, 04:52:23 PM
Hope they don't put her with NE-YO again unless he has a certified smash. Them songs like Fear of Flying were so MEH
That was then. I think hes capable of giving her better stuff now. NeYo was in high demand then and was giving out his best shit to more popular artists. I wouldnt mind a song or two penned by him. But I need her and Victoria to team up again. Camper can stay far away.
LOVE THIS.
Quote from: RAY7 on June 24, 2022, 05:33:29 PM
Quote from: Vonc2002 on June 24, 2022, 05:26:07 PM
I loved quite a few of those neyo songs INCLUDING Fear of flying
of course you did
Dont u like sasha fag and break my soul? Boy move away from me
Man im so happy for this woman. On her boss shit for real
(https://i.postimg.cc/tCXJRn3g/Screen-Shot-2022-06-24-at-3-14-11-PM.png)
Quote from: Saving All My RIGs on June 24, 2022, 06:15:50 PM
Man im so happy for this woman. On her boss shit for real
(https://i.postimg.cc/tCXJRn3g/Screen-Shot-2022-06-24-at-3-14-11-PM.png)
:blush: :blush:
Quote from: break minha alma 🙅🏾 on June 24, 2022, 06:19:52 PM
Quote from: Saving All My RIGs on June 24, 2022, 06:15:50 PM
Man im so happy for this woman. On her boss shit for real
(https://i.postimg.cc/tCXJRn3g/Screen-Shot-2022-06-24-at-3-14-11-PM.png)
:blush: :blush:
King :blush:
Quote from: Vonc2002 on June 24, 2022, 04:27:41 PM
I feel like now that shes on a label her music will be more STANDARD R&B. Motown already letting her know wassup with this performance. Rather Be was the most radio friendly song from B7 and they said bitch perform THAT ONE :dead:
andsdfsnsfdff
lay the law down then Motown
:welllol:
Quote from: M-Rocka on June 24, 2022, 04:04:12 PM
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfM0GItpPOA/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Signed self. :stressed:
My God today 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Brandy side by side with the CEO >>>>
I know that's mf RIGHT
:butwait!:
Quote from: Say Something on June 24, 2022, 02:55:14 PM
I am really happy for Brandy. Everything she's gotten has been earned. She has always been an underdog.
So many people count her out, but with God, her friends and family she always claws her way back.
Her cousin and Ethiopia are going to make sure she's good. I am just waiting for Disney to give her a lead voiceover role.
Quote from: Rxxf on June 24, 2022, 06:32:01 PM
Quote from: Say Something on June 24, 2022, 02:55:14 PM
I am really happy for Brandy. Everything she's gotten has been earned. She has always been an underdog.
So many people count her out, but with God, her friends and family she always claws her way back.
Her cousin and Ethiopia are going to make sure she's good. I am just waiting for Disney to give her a lead voiceover role.
:stressed: :stressed: :stressed:
Please keep her away from Neyo
Quote from: Vonc2002 on June 24, 2022, 04:27:41 PM
I feel like now that shes on a label her music will be more STANDARD R&B. Motown already letting her know wassup with this performance. Rather Be was the most radio friendly song from B7 and they said bitch perform THAT ONE :dead:
I LOVE YOU FOR THIS!!!!!
:ohwow:
:letsmessfag:
Quote from: RAY7 on June 24, 2022, 04:52:23 PM
Hope they don't put her with NE-YO again unless he has a certified smash. Them songs like Fear of Flying were so MEH
"Decisions" was cute though.
Major Label doesn't automatically mean they're just gonna throw her in with whoever and demand she record what they want IMO. Like Brandy said recently, if she can't ultimately make the music she wants to make with the people she wants to create with at this point in her career, then why even do it? Of course there's compromise and other opinions will be taken into account, but, they wanted Brandy for a reason and the b7 and verzuz time period is surely one of those reasons. Controlling her and taking her back to the time where she was just recording and flipping everyone's demos made for her would be pointless. No matter what anyone says, she's one of the greatest creatives the music industry has EVER had.
I'm predicting a happy medium for all involved and the careful wording of them defining this as a "Partnership" is beautiful although i understand fans always being cautiously optimistic.
Quote from: Cartierline on June 24, 2022, 02:59:11 PM
Bitch this is major
I have a good feeling that Motown are gonna treat her right
!!!!!
:scrumptious:
I don't know a lot about the business but i did hear Brandy presented them with ideas of her own that they all really LOVED so this is an exciting time for everyone involved. Ethiopia worked her way up from the bottom and is one of the best in the business. I guess we will all see in the coming weeks or months whatever it is but I'm excited :'(
Quote from: Brandy's Unconditional Ocean on June 24, 2022, 07:46:39 PM
I don't know a lot about the business but i did hear Brandy presented them with ideas of her own that they all really LOVED so this is an exciting time for everyone involved. Ethiopia worked her way up from the bottom and is one of the best in the business. I guess we will all see in the coming weeks or months whatever it is but I'm excited :'(
I just...
Brandy Ross bitch omfff
Quote from: Saving All My RIGs on June 24, 2022, 07:10:08 PM
Major Label doesn't automatically mean they're just gonna throw her in with whoever and demand she record what they want IMO. Like Brandy said recently, if she can't ultimately make the music she wants to make with the people she wants to create with at this point in her career, then why even do it? Of course there's compromise and other opinions will be taken into account, but, they wanted Brandy for a reason and the b7 and verzuz time period is surely one of those reasons. Controlling her and taking her back to the time where she was just recording and flipping everyone's demos made for her would be pointless. No matter what anyone says, she's one of the greatest creatives the music industry has EVER had.
I'm predicting a happy medium for all involved and the careful wording of them defining this as a "Partnership" is beautiful although i understand fans always being cautiously optimistic.
I appreciate you :wub:.
Quote from: Young on June 24, 2022, 06:23:33 PM
Quote from: M-Rocka on June 24, 2022, 04:04:12 PM
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfM0GItpPOA/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Signed self. :stressed:
My God today 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Bby, I'm tearing up a bit. :stressed: :stressed: :stressed:
Love this for Brandy!
Ne-Yo didn't write 'Fear of Flying,' Amanda Ghost did.
We eating! :oof:
Quote from: clutch on June 24, 2022, 08:29:28 PM
Love this for Brandy!
Ne-Yo didn't write 'Fear of Flying,' Amanda Ghost did.
I really like that song too. Probably wasn't even "finished" to Brandy's standards. So many demos were leaked back then
Quote from: Cartierline on June 24, 2022, 02:59:11 PM
Bitch this is major
I have a good feeling that Motown are gonna treat her right
!!!
Speaks a bit more on her musical direction here
(https://i.postimg.cc/TPtNh33m/Screen-Shot-2022-06-24-at-6-25-09-PM.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Jhrd1kMM/Screen-Shot-2022-06-24-at-6-21-18-PM.png)
the way they kinda rolled out the red carpet for she and the Tiwa Savage collab is a hell of a way to start off a partnership. I forgot Tiwa is on that roster with her
Quote from: clutch on June 24, 2022, 08:29:28 PM
Love this for Brandy!
Ne-Yo didn't write 'Fear of Flying,' Amanda Ghost did.
didnt she and bran have a fallin out after she left atlantic
Guys Bran is so resilient and blessed :plzstop:
This is crazy
This is incredible to be wanted by a major label so late in your career. I am sure Brandy feels extremely loved and blessed! I can only congratulate her on this venture, and hope for the best. I wish her well.#B8
Quote from: Saving All My RIGs on June 24, 2022, 09:26:38 PM
Speaks a bit more on her musical direction here
(https://i.postimg.cc/TPtNh33m/Screen-Shot-2022-06-24-at-6-25-09-PM.png)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Jhrd1kMM/Screen-Shot-2022-06-24-at-6-21-18-PM.png)
SIT there :oof:
You guys expecting some "generic" R&B from her are so funny. That's never been Brandy. She's not just gonna put her voice on top of a Mary J production just because she's signed to a major. Brandy has always had a hunger to get to the top of the charts again. Idk if she will, but I'm excited for what she's gonna put out. I want another rap verse on top of a pop song like Gonna Find My Love, but better then that song.
Brandy should make music that feels good and authentic to her. Period.
The shade she's getting in some of the comments on articles with the press release,... 'Motown ain't been hot since Michael Jackson left'
Quote from: The definition on June 25, 2022, 01:35:42 AM
The shade she's getting in some of the comments on articles with the press release,... 'Motown ain't been hot since Michael Jackson left'
Do we care? :kii:
And elephants are still heavy.
Interesting. If the COLOURS show is their doing then that's a good sign. I just don't go up for Brandy and labels anymore, we've been here before lol.
Brandy Ruffin is coming!!!!!! :gorlonfire:
Quote from: Vonc2002 on June 24, 2022, 05:26:07 PM
I loved quite a few of those neyo songs INCLUDING Fear of flying
Fear GOD was EVERYTHING :gorlonfire:
I can't wait for B8 :loose2when:
I'm ready for the first single to drop next month to heat up the summer!
In the mean time I'm still ready for Full Moon 2.0