Brandy

Among the best of a talented crop of female urban singers that emerged in the mid-1990s, Brandy Norwood soon established herself as a multi-media star. After reaching the top ten with her 1994 self-titled debut album, the singer signed on to star in the hugely popular television show MOESHA, and her second album was recorded during breaks from filming. A soulful vocalist whose mature-sounding early performances belied her young age, Brandy's music made liberal use of modern hip-hop influences while her signing style often recalled vintage R&B. Occasionally dismissed as a lightweight teen idol, Brandy later began working with such superstar producers such as Kanye West and Timbaland, which boosted her credibility. In 2006, Brandy's career suffered a setback when she was involved in a tragic multi-car accident that left one driver dead and several others injured.

• dance
• r&b/soul
• hip hop/rap