Gorls like Brandy, Monica, Mya, Ashanti, Bey, etc. came out at a time when they were able to really slay financially. Even if you weren't the biggest album seller you could still pull in a decent coin.
They were touring large venues, booking major TV shows, movies, & endorsements. All of that allows them the financial freedom to pretty much do what they want nowadays.
If they want to sign to a major label they can. If they want to go independent they have the coin to fund their shit and make it look good. If they want to stay at home with their families living comfortably while doing shows here & there, they can.
Meanwhile the gorls of today have to constantly stay out there grinding for peanuts. Releasing music constantly, being on 2 & 3 TV shows, trying to keep their name in the press/blogs, etc. to only sell 50k or less first week.
Hell, the 90s/early 00 gorls are probably still making more off their back catalogs than the gorls can pull in nowadays.