Brandy covers the November issue of Vibe Vixen magazine and in it she dishes on the passing of her idol Whitney Houston, finding love with current beau Ryan Presson, making a her return to music and current album “Two Eleven”, her obsession with Lauren London and more.
On Whitney passing on her birthday, and would she ever do a tribute song:“I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. It’s really about the overall purpose, which is music. I remember her telling me, ‘Nobody can be you so don’t try to be something other than you. Be yourself and stay true to that.’ That was the last thing she said to me. That was the last time I heard her voice. It’s all a spiritual thing to me. The day, the passing, it’s all…
I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. It’s really about the overall purpose, which is music. I remember her telling me, ‘Nobody can be you so don’t try to be something other than you. Be yourself and stay true to that.’ That was the last thing she said to me. That was the last time I heard her voice. It’s all a spiritual thing to me. The day, the passing, it’s all..”
Being opening up to love again, with her beau Ryan:
I couldn’t get it right. I got really close to being married and it didn’t happen. After that, I dated a little bit and it was always something that just wasn’t connecting with love and me. I think it was because I was looking for love to do something for me; to make me happy, fill a void, make me feel complete, and all of these things don’t come from another, it comes from a love of self. I didn’t understand that at the time. I really had to confront all of that. I said a prayer and I waited and I saw Ryan.
On the struggles of her comeback and doing a strict R&B album:I thought it was over. I didn’t really have a deal and it seemed like no one was interested in giving me another chance. People were calling me a has-been and it felt like it was over for me.That’s what my fans wanted from me. I felt like that was my way to reintroduce myself to them and introduce myself to people that don’t even know me. They’re supporting me and it feels good. I took my daughter to the Mindless Behavior concert and 10- to 16-year-olds are screaming to the top of their lungs when I’m walking in. I started doing music before they were born! I just remember asking some little girl, ‘How do you know me?’
On her “Wildest Dreams” and “Put it Down” single, and why “Two Eleven”:It’s about me not believing I could find someone who cares about me, because at one time, I gave up on love. I just was like, I guess I’m going to be alone. I’m just going to take care of my daughter and do my thing.I didn’t see it, but I definitely wanted longevity. I can’t believe sometimes that I’m still standing after everything I’ve been through, but I’m here. With the success of “Put It Down” and moving forward with “Wildest Dreams,” it feels like a brand new time but it also feels familiar to me.It’s definitely different than any album I’ve done, but you can tell it’s still me.
Are you excited to work with Lauren London?
Yes! I’m obsessed with Lauren London because she’s so damn cute. I’m excited to work with her and to see her new character, but I’m going to miss Tia [Mowry]. She was such the anchor and backbone of that show.
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