In 2008, Brandy started creating music under the moniker “Bran’Nu.” Bran’Nu spewed bars on Brandy’s “Human” album’s single “Gonna Find My Love,” far from the “Vocal Bible” she became known as.
Bran’Nu got back on the mike at the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards during a female R&B cypher. Brandy may be pursuing a hip-hop career after playing a rapper on ABC’s scripted series “Queens.”
On Tuesday, Dec. 14, ABS got up with the singer and actress to talk about it all, including her relationship with her brother, Ray J.
Brandy revealed that she enjoys rapping and singing as Naomi on “Queens,” and that Naomi’s lyrics are equally strong when heard through her alter-ego Bran’Nu.
“Rap is something I love. I love hip-hop. Hopefully, I can dive more into it,” said Brandy. “I think the show has been such a blessing for me to get re-inspired to rap. I love the fact that I get a chance to sing on the show as well.”
She added, “I would love to do something in the rap world.”
Brandy, like her younger brother Ray J, is known for dividing her time between R&B and hip-hop music. To symbolize his love for Brandy, Ray recently surprised her with a tattoo of her name and emblem on his lower arm. She intends to repay the favor with a song one day.
“I’ve been attempting to collaborate with Ray for years. I’ve got the music and I’ve got the vocals. Brandy informed us, “I’m ready to go anytime he is.” “It all comes down to time.” It’ll all fall into place when it’s supposed to, but I’m eager to get started.”
The “High Heels” singer also wants to collaborate with her daughter, Sy’Rai Smith, on new music.
She stated that she is always there for her daughter, particularly throughout her recent weight-loss journey.
“[Sy’Ria] has this beautiful light, and I’ve always encouraged her to find her confidence within. Beauty is within,” Brandy said. “She’s mind-blowing to me, like to watch her come into her own and to really be this positive person that just really found her confidence and really made the choice on her own to make healthy choices. I just encourage her to continue to do that.”
Brandy added, “I’m so happy for her and that she’s coming into her own.”
She’s proud of her kid, who she hopes will follow in her mother’s footsteps, according to the 42-year-old.
“I would love for her to follow in my footsteps,” Brandy expressed. “I think she has everything it’s going to take. She has a beautiful spirit about her and I want her to get into her whole philanthropy. I think it’s great, like what I’m doing with T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods. I would love for her to do things like that giving back, and that’s all a part of it.”
Brandy has teamed up with T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods for the second year to create the #SnowballFightAgainstHunger initiative to help Feeding America. Tik Tokers may use the snowball-themed effect, which allows users to hurl a virtual snowball, from December 12 to December 26. T.J. gets a point for every time the snowball effect is used. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods will each donate $1, up to a total of $1 million, to support hungry families.
“This is the time of year you really want to connect with people and make people feel like they’re not alone…especially just with family and everything that we’ve been through,” said Brandy. “So I just wanted to be a part of this. It makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I have purpose and I want to use it for a good cause.”
