Brandy Album Listening Party Re-Cap November 21, 2008

Wednesday night brought another big name to Rochester - Brandy!!
An album release party was given for Brandy premiering her new project "Human", scheduled to be released on December 9, 2008. Sponsored by WDKX Radio and host, VENU on St. Paul Street, this event rivaled those given in major cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Guests began  arriving around 6:30 to find Brandy posters and CD's everywhere I set up prior to the doors opening. The DJ played many of Brandy's hits as we waited for her. Around 7:30, the guest of honor arrived.
As she walked through the door, people clapped, cheered and one woman almost tackled Brandy when she ran up to her and gave her a big bear hug! Instead of being shocked and scared (as I would be if someone I didn't know jumped out at me), Brandy returned the hug and thanked her for coming.
The Dean's List decided to grab her before everyone else got to her and we sat and chatted for a minute. I decided that I wouldn't bombard her with the questions that all the other media outlets are asking. So, I decided to do it Dean's way:

I shared with her that I was really excited that she had a new project coming out and asked her what took her so long? "Life", she said. "We all go through things and have to work through them and that takes time." She is really happy with the new project and believes it was worth waiting for. While we were talking, her new CD was playing. "Hear me rapping? That's me", she said. She then proceeded to chair dance and rap along with the song.
I told her that I  met her once before at a restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona. We both lived there at the same time. I would see her at all of the Phoenix Suns games. At that time she was engaged to Quentin Richardson (now of the Knicks). She said that she and Quentin have remained friends. While we were on the subject, I asked her who her favorite team was now that she was no longer in Arizona. "I'm a Laker fan for life! Kobe and I have been friends for a long time - I've always loved the Lakers, even though I couldn't tell Q that."
Brandy is really looking forward to the holidays. "It's the only two days of the year that my mom cooks". She can't wait to eat her mom's banana pudding and sweet potato pie. The whole family will be together at her mother's house on Thanksgiving and they will spend Christmas at Brandy's house.
Brandy knows that the future holds great things for her. "My CD will come out next month and I have some television and movie projects in the works", she said. She wouldn't give up any of the details she is still in talks. She  dreams of working musically with Beyonce and wants to act with Denzel.
I asked her what a day in the life of Brandy (not working) was like. "I mainly stay home with my daughter, hang out with friends and play 'World of Warcraft'". Folks - I've researched 'World of Warcraft' on the internet and I still don't know how to explain it.
Some of her favorite things are:
  • Sport - Basketball (to watch) and Tennis (to play)
  • Food - Fried Chicken
  • Movie - The Notebook
  • Show - The Cosby Show
  • Mac or PC - Mac - "Of Course"
  • Male Artist - Ray J
  • Female Artist - Beyonce
Brandy seems very grounded, humble and thankful for everything she has, everything she has gone through and where she is in her life right now. The "Life" that she spoke of, looks real good on her. She is no longer the little girl we all fell in love with during the "Thea" and "Moesha" days. Brandy has become a beautiful and wise woman.
Just as I was about to wrap up, Brandy's smash hit "Best Friend" came on. I told her that I had just lost my best friend almost two weeks ago - my dog Kemet. I guess she felt my pain because she held my chin in her hand, looked me in the eyes and said, "It will be alright and just like I did, you can get through anything." She gave me a big hug and proceeded to work the room - which she did very well in five-inch heels.
After posing for pictures and signing autographs for everyone in attendance, she finally sat down and had a bite to eat. She was so impressed with the food that VENU had to offer, she asked to meet the chef.
As soon as I can get my hands on her new CD "Human" (due out December 9th), I'll let all of you know what I think. I loved what I heard Wednesday night and can already tell you that "Paradise", an old Phil Collins tune is my favorite.
Overall, the event was phenomenal. "A memorable night out with Brandy!! Good company, music, food and fun. I had a great time last night and I am looking forward to the next M&G event. I wasn't sure what to expect. I'm used to the performance format but last night exceeded all of my expectations." - Maurice Ragland, Owner - VENU
Brandy has made The Dean's List

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