|
 FINELY-AGED BRANDY
She Says She’s Never Thrown A Diva Tantrum, But We Love Brandy Anyway (Maybe Because We’re Jealous Of Her Shopping Habits And That She’s Dating A Hot Athlete).
There’s a song on Brandy’s new album Afrodisiac called “Should I Go” that’s certain to become an anthem for burned-out gay porn stars everywhere. “I’m standing on the edge of the industry,” she sings over a haunting sample from Coldplay’s “Clocks,” “…wondering if it’s all that important to me / tempted to leave it in my rearview / because this game ain’t what I’m used to /should I go, should I stay / I’m in control either way.”
Of course, Brandy’s singing about her disillusionment with the music industry—not the gay porn biz—although, come to think of it, these days, there’s a lot of talented people getting screwed in both of them.
“There was definitely a time where I just felt overwhelmed,” the 25-year-old Mississippi-born singer/actress says when asked about the song.
“So I took a break from it all and just saw how the business is so different than when I started. Everything is just different.”
One can understand Brandy feeling overwhelmed, given all she’s been through in the last few years, both personally and professionally. In 2001, she got secretly married to music producer Robert Smith, whom she recently divorced. In 2002, she gave birth to a daughter, Sy’ria, while MTV cameras documented her every contraction on the show Brandy: Special Delivery. That same year, she released an album, Full Moon, which failed to reach the commercial heights of her previous discs.
It all left her asking herself the question: Should I stay or should I go? Luckily for her fans, she’s opted to stay.
“I couldn’t give up because music is my passion,” she says. “It’s what makes me feel the best in life. I need to do it. I need to create. It’s what I live for.”
And she’s delivered her most assured, arresting disc yet with Afrodisiac.
Your new album is called Afrodisiac. What are your favorite aphrodisiacs? The way my daughter smells is an aphrodisiac. [Laughs] She smells so good. She smells like a baby. And shopping is an aphrodisiac.
What’s your favorite thing to blow money on?
Louis Vuitton bags. I have a bit of a problem.
If there were such things as Shoppers Anonymous meetings, would you go?
Definitely. If there was a Louis Vuitton rehab, I would be there as well, except I don’t want to
give it up. I love them.
What’s the best time you ever had in a limo?
[Giggles] I don’t have to say it, do I?
We think we get it. [Wink, wink] You have a new boyfriend, L.A. Clippers basketball player Quentin Richardson. Do you like watching him play?
Yes. I love basketball. I love going to the games and just being there to support him. He’s
definitely an aphrodisiac.
If you could be a man for a day, what would you want to experience?
I would like to understand men’s perception of women. It’s a very powerful force, the way men act when they see a beautiful woman, so I want to know how they see her. The music business is very image obsessed.
Do you feel pressure to always look your best?
I love dressing up and getting my hair done and looking my best. I love for girls to want to look like me and for the boys to think I’m cute. I want to look how I feel, and at this time in my life, I always feel great, so I want to look great.
You’ve worked with a number of gay icons, like Diana Ross in the TV movie Double Platinum.
What’s your favorite memory of her?
I just remember her giving me so much advice about fame and about life and what longevity is all about and how women should stay poised and classy.
Have you ever thrown a really good diva tantrum?
Not because of ego. I have had tantrums where I felt down and depressed and I had to walk away from something because my emotions took me over. But as far as something like, “I’m Brandy and I’m the best,” I’ve never done that before and I’m proud that I haven’t. I’m not here by myself. Everybody around me plays a part and is involved in this movement called Brandy, and for me to be cocky and make people feel like nothing is just laughable. Without my record company, without radio, without my fans, I wouldn’t be able to live a lifestyle and do what I have to do to take care of myself and my daughter.
INSTINCT: You’ve been through a lot these last few years…
BRANDY: I have been through a lot. [Laughs] And everything that I’ve experienced, I talk about on this album. It’s my most honest, personal, passionate, mature, sensual, romantic album. This time I just thought, I’m going to be me, no matter what. The vocals are more intense and emotional than on past albums. Did you purposely go for a more raw sound? I just decided to let go. On previous albums, I would worry about things like, “Is this note right?” This time I just said, “This is my life. All I need to do is sing about it the way I experienced it.” I want people to listen to it and feel like they can call me up and say,
“Brandy, what’s up, man? Let’s hang out.”
Okay, what’s your number? I’m sure we have some readers who’d be happy to be
your new best friend.
See, you guys are very passionate. I’m passionate. We’re the same in that sense.
Have you ever performed at a gay club?
No, but I would love to. I’ve been to gay clubs before, and one time this guy came up to me and said, “Brandy, girl, your music makes me want to turn straight.” I know he was playing
with me, but it was so sweet.
What qualities do you appreciate most in your gay friends?
Honesty.
So if you’re wearing something that maybe doesn’t look so good…
They’ll tell me right out, “Missy, you need to change that. That’s not it.” They have no shame, and I love that, because it’s, like, I’m your friend and I cherish this friendship and I’m going to tell you the real deal.
|
written by Shop Star Style on May 29, 2007
Shop Star Style has become the favorite stop for many celebrities and the who's who in Hollywood. One trip to ShopStarStyle.com and you will be hooked. Looking for the hottest handbag at a discount price? It's here. Looking for gifts for birthdays, weddings or someone you love? It's here. Got to have that necklace you saw in In Style Magazine? It's here. Where did Lindsay get that dress? Yes, at Shop Star Style. From bling to bluejeans, celebs like Jessica Simpson, Nicole Ritchie, Paris Hilton and Mischa Barton get their goodies here. Fortunately, says owner Jennifer Ross, "you don't have to be a star to afford them!" Shop Star Style is the celebrity hot spot and carries the hottest & newest trends and styles styles such as Chloe Paddington, Chanel Cambon, Dior Saddle, Louis Vuitton Perforation, Louis Vuitton Onatah, Louis Vuitton Denim (with new colors), Fendi Spy Bags, Hermes Birkin bags, Prada Messenger bags, Balenciaga Motorcycle bags, Gucci Hobo. Designer Purses, Handbags (authentic, leather, vintage, novelty, brag, baby, diaper, totes, clutch, hobo, beaded, evening, satchels, sling) and more! Also find deals on other bags such as Luggage, Briefcases, Sports Bags, Backpacks, Computer Laptop Protectors, Cell Phone Sleeves, Apple Ipod Skins and even Shoes, Jewelry, Perfumes, Cosmetics, Skincare. Shop Star Style invites you to browse our online catalog and choose from hundreds of designers at 50-85% off retail. Whether shopping for a gift, or your own essential, enjoy the trouble free shopping experience with Shop Star Style. http://www.shopstarstyle.com