Grammy-Award Winning Singer Brandy Debuts Her 1st Book at Brooklyn Paramount in NYC

Fresh off her successful nationwide “Boy Is Mine” tour with Grammy Award–winning singer Monica, music icon and actress Brandy enters a new chapter with the release of her first book, Phases, which was released on March 31, 2026. The singer hosted an intimate book launch for her loyal fans in New York at Brooklyn Paramount on April 1^sr , with moderator New York radio personality and author Angie Martinez and announcer, rapper MC Lyte.

The two have had a long friendship since meeting in 1994 at the launch party for Brandy’s 1^st self-titled debut album and later appearing together on the iconic music show Video Music Box.

“I wanted to give young Brandy a voice,” said Brandy as she sat down with Martinez, explaining her motivation for writing the book. She shared that she had been more introverted over the past few years, staying off social media during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. “When I look back at young Brandy, she was fearless!” she said.

Brandy began her story at the very beginning, at the tender age of four in McComb, Mississippi, where her father, gospel singer and choir director Willie Norwood, recognized her talent early on. “My father described my voice as an anomaly,” she said.

Once her talent was recognized, in 1983 her mother, Sonja Norwood—who was present at the book launch—quit her job as an H&R Block district manager, relocated the family to Carson, California, and became Brandy’s manager throughout her early career. “My family was deeply invested in this dream,” said Brandy. “My mom said at the time that she loved her job, but my dream was also her dream.”

Martinez read an excerpt from the book about her mother quitting her job: “On page 79, Brandy asked why her mother left a job she loved. She responded, ‘Yes, I do, but I love you more, and this is just a career,’” Martinez read.

Brandy details her childhood, reminiscing about her adolescence before fame and tackling many obstacles, including dealing with bullies and learning to stand up for herself. She also shared how she first realized she was famous—when she was mobbed by fans at a Del Taco in Los Angeles in 1996. “It was exciting for me!” said Brandy.

After being signed to Atlantic Records in 1993, Brandy began working on her debut album. During the early production stages, she was cast in the short-lived ABC sitcom Thea alongside comedian Thea Vidale, which lasted only one season.

Brandy also spoke briefly about her late friend and actress Yvette Wilson, who played her aunt on Thea and later portrayed Andell Wilkerson on Moesha and its spin-off, The Parkers. Wilson passed away in 2012 at the age of 48 from cervical cancer.

Martinez shared another excerpt describing when Brandy met Wilson and a personal moment on set when Brandy experienced her first period. “Wilson told Brandy that she was coming into her power and that every woman remembers their first—and now she would remember hers on the set of the show that would give her big break,” Martinez read. “I love this story—women need relationships like this,” she added.

After Thea, Brandy landed her own show on UPN, Moesha. Martinez described it as “a show that raised a generation” and noted it was one of the most-watched premieres in 1996. Brandy spoke about her experience playing Moesha as a teen and growing up in front of the camera.

“Moesha became a cultural phenomenon, but there were times I felt like playing her overshadowed me,” she said. “I was a teen playing a teen, but I felt like Moesha became a persona tied to who I was. I realized I became lost in season four in 1998, when I had to play both Moesha and Brandy. I knew how to act like Moesha, but when it was time to be Brandy, I didn’t know who that was.”

Following the release of her Grammy-nominated debut album, Brandy produced several Billboard Hot 100 hits, including “I Wanna Be Down,” “Baby,” and “Brokenhearted,” a duet with Boyz II Men’s Wanya Morris. In 1998, during the third season of Moesha, she released her second album, Never Say Never, which included major hits such as “Have You Ever?,” “Top of the World” featuring Mase, and the No. 1 Grammy-winning single “The Boy Is Mine.”

Brandy also spoke about the passing of her idol and mentor, Whitney Houston, who died on Brandy’s birthday in February 11, 2012. The two co-starred in the 1997 Disney film Cinderella and performed together on “Impossible/It’s Possible.”

Brandy was also featured on the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack with her 2× Grammy-nominated single “Sittin’ Up in My Room,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her “Best Video from a Film” at the 1996 MTV Movie Awards.

“She was the greatest!” said Brandy. Recalling their first meeting in 1995 at Nickelodeon, she said, “Her voice was like honey velvet. I saw her and ran away! —I would probably do the same today!” said Brandy. “I remember it like it was yesterday. I was crying at the time of her death, and she will always be my North Star,” she said.

Martinez asked what connected her most to Houston. “It was her voice—soulful, powerful, and angelic. She was everything. I wanted her to see me and recognize my talent. She taught me to sing from my diaphragm instead of my nose and throat,” Brandy said. “It changed my voice and humbled me. I wish she knew how much everyone loved her.”

Brandy also spoke about her 23-year-old daughter, Sy’rai Smith, who is now following in her footsteps and entering the entertainment industry. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Entertainment Business from the Los Angeles Film School in 2025.

 She is currently working on her debut project. Brandy said she is mentoring her daughter in the same way Houston mentored her. “For years, I knew she could sing, even as a child,” she said.

Martinez then shifted the conversation to fame and family, bringing up Brandy’s brother, actor and rapper Ray J, who also guest-starred on Moesha. Brandy shared her feelings about how her early success may have overshadowed his opportunities.

“I felt like it was my fault,” she said. “I wanted him to be successful at the same time I was. I would have taken second place just to see it happen for him.” she said

When asked why she chose to write a book now, Brandy said, “I was carrying so much and wanted to take responsibility. Each chapter touches on different experiences. I’ve learned that the most powerful love is self-love.” she said “When I started writing, I wanted people to know where I come from. I was hesitant to share it, but I needed to do it for myself,” she added.

Looking ahead, Martinez asked what’s next for Brandy. “After ‘The Boy Is Mine’ tour and performing for 20,000 people, it changed my life,” she said. “It brought me back into the light. I don’t have a bucket list, but I want to reach the next level as an entertainer, maybe a residency.”

Martinez closed the evening with fun and rapid questions. When asked what she likes most about herself and what made her happiest.  Brandy responded, “I like that I can make people laugh. And I’m happiest when I have nothing to do!”

She was next asked what prayer or affirmation does she use daily. She said, “For today, my affirmation is: there is nothing left to fear.”

Photo Credit: Shaun Andru (IG@Shaun-Andru)

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