Brandy Norwood

Brandy Rayana Norwood was born on February 11, 1979, in McComb, Mississippi, the daughter of Willie Norwood, a gospel singer and choir director, and Sonja Norwood (née Bates), a district manager for H&R Block.{{cite news |last=Roberts |first=Tara |date=May 1997 |title=Bringing Up Brandy |url=https://issuu.com/tararob/docs/bringing_up_brandy |work=Essence |pages=116–119}} Norwood is the older sister of entertainer Ray J. Through her mother, she is related to guitarist and singer Bo Diddley, her third cousin.{{cite web |last=Hildebrand|first=Lee|url=https://www.sfgate.com/music/article/brandy-gets-back-in-game-after-sad-loss-4280735.php|date=February 17, 2013 |title=Brandy gets back in game after sad loss |access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=SFGate}} Rapper Snoop Dogg has claimed that he and Norwood are cousins, though Norwood has stated she is unsure if they are actually related.{{cite web|title=Brandy Says She Wouldn't Date Ray J's Homie Joe Budden + Shares Impact Kobe Bryant Had On Her Life | date=September 14, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn4rC4RFEgU |work=Power 106 Los Angeles|via=YouTube|access-date=February 11, 2024 |language=en}}. Event occurs at 19:26.{{Cite instagram|user=dazdillinger|postid=BD0zA1wtIUJ|title= CUZZNZ @4everbrandy @rayj @sashabankswwe @snoopdogg ITS SUPERSTARS IN OUR FAMILY 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰|first=Daz|last=Dillinger|date=April 5, 2016|access-date=November 11, 2019}} She is also reported to be a cousin of wrestler Mercedes Moné and rapper Daz Dillinger.{{Cite tweet |number=529848274069757952 |user=SashaBanksWWE |title=@Stankology yes |first=$asha |last=Banks |date=November 4, 2014 |access-date=July 18, 2017}}{{cite web |last=Moss |first=Corey |date=September 26, 2006|title=Snoop Reunites With Dre |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1541667/snoop-reunites-with-dre-blue-carpet.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404041015/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1541667/snoop-reunites-with-dre-blue-carpet.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 4, 2011 |access-date=October 10, 2006 |work=MTV News}}{{cite web |last=Price|first=Joe |date=June 5, 2024|title=Ray J Reflects on His Affiliation With Piru Bloods, Discusses Family Ties With Snoop Dogg |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/backwoodsaltar/ray-j-talks-piru-bloods-and-snoop-dogg|access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=Complex}}

Raised in a Christian household, Norwood started singing through her father's work as part of the choir at Southside Church of Christ, performing her first gospel solo at the age of two.{{cite magazine|first=Cheo|last=Hoadri Coker|date=July 1, 2004|title=Not That Innocent|magazine=Vibe|page=93|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wCYEAAAAMBAJ&q=brandy+church+NORWOOD&pg=PA93|access-date=June 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313160150/https://books.google.com/books?id=wCYEAAAAMBAJ&q=brandy+church+NORWOOD&pg=PA93#v=snippet&q=brandy%20church%20NORWOOD&f=false|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 13, 2021}} In 1983, her parents relocated to Carson, California, where she was schooled at Bancroft Junior High School and later attended the Hollywood High Performing Arts Center. Norwood's interest in music and performing increased after becoming a fan of singer Whitney Houston at the age of seven,{{cite web|date=July 31, 1995|first=Jennifer|last=Weiner|title=Brandy Striving To Be 'As Large As Whitney'|work=Rome News-Tribune|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lyk1AAAAIBAJ&pg=6521,859979&dq=brandy+album&hl=en|access-date=June 29, 2010}} but at school, she experienced trouble with persuading teachers to send her on auditions as she found no support among the staff.{{cite web|title=Starry-Eyed|first=Jeremy|last=Helligar|website=People.com|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20125467,00.html|date=June 8, 1998|access-date=February 18, 2010|archive-date=June 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604044512/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20125467,00.html|url-status=dead}}

Norwood began entering talent shows by the time she was eleven, and, as part of a youth singing group, performed at several public functions.{{cite news|first=Anita M.|last=Samuels|date=April 2, 1995|title=Brandy; At 16, Her Debut Is a Sweet Success|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/02/arts/up-and-coming-brandy-at-16-her-debut-is-a-sweet-success.html|access-date=June 29, 2010}} In 1990, she signed with Teaspoon Productions, headed by Chris Stokes and Earl Harris, who gave her work as a backing vocalist for their R&B boy band Immature and arranged the production of a demo tape.{{cite magazine|date=May 15, 1995|title=Brandy And Her Parents Sued For Breaking Management Agreement|magazine=Jet|publisher=Johnson Publishing Company|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Nz0DAAAAMBAJ&q=brandy+Teaspoon+atlantic&pg=PA64|access-date=June 28, 2010}} In 1993, amid ongoing negotiations with East West Records, Norwood's parents organized a recording contract with the Atlantic Recording Corporation after auditioning for Darryl Williams, the company's director of A&R. To manage her daughter, Norwood's mother resigned from her job, while Norwood herself dropped out of Hollywood High School, and was tutored privately from tenth grade onward.

During the early production stages of her debut album, Norwood was selected for a role in the short-lived ABC sitcom Thea, portraying the daughter of a single mother played by comedian Thea Vidale. Initially broadcast to high ratings, the series' viewership dwindled and ended up running for only one season, but earned her a Young Artists Award nomination for Outstanding Youth Ensemble alongside her co-stars.{{cite web|title=Awards for Brandy Norwood|publisher=IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005275/awards|access-date=2010-03-19}} Norwood recalled that she appreciated the cancellation of the show as she was unenthusiastic about acting at the time, and the taping caused scheduling conflicts with the recording of her album. She stated, "I felt bad for everybody else but me. It was a good thing, because I could do what I had to do, because I wanted to sing."{{cite news|first=Jill|last=Gerston|date=1996-02-11|title=Brandy, Pop Star, Plays a Teen-Ager, Though Not Just Any Teen-Ager|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/11/tv/cover-story-brandy-pop-star-plays-a-teen-ager-though-not-just-any-teen-ager.html?pagewanted=2|access-date=2010-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114161942/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/11/tv/cover-story-brandy-pop-star-plays-a-teen-ager-though-not-just-any-teen-ager.html?pagewanted=2|url-status=live|archive-date=November 14, 2013}}{{cite web|date=1995-03-12|title=Thea{{'}}s Brandy Bounces Back With Hit Album|work=The Victoria Advocate|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_T0KAAAAIBAJ&pg=4290,2633642&dq=brandy+album&hl=en|access-date=2010-06-28}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Norwood's self-titled debut album was released in late September 1994 and peaked at number twenty on the U.S. Billboard 200.{{cite web|title=Brandy|work=AllMusic|publisher=Allmusic.com|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p142547|pure_url=yes}}|access-date=2010-06-29}} Critical reaction to Brandy was generally positive, with AllMusic writer Eddie Huffman declaring Brandy "a lower-key Janet Jackson or a more stripped-down Mary J. Blige [...] with good songs and crisp production."{{cite web|first=Eddie|last=Huffman|title=Brandy (1994) review|work=AllMusic|publisher=Allmusic.com|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r207120|pure_url=yes}}|access-date=2008-04-21}} Anderson Jones of Entertainment Weekly asserted, "Teen actress Norwood acts her age. A premature effort at best, that seems based on the philosophy 'If Aaliyah can do it, why can't I?'."{{cite magazine|date=1994-11-04|first=Anderson|last=Jones|title=Music Review: 'Brandy'|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url= https://ew.com/article/1994/11/04/music-review-brandy/|access-date=2019-11-11}} Brandy went on to sell over six million copies worldwide,{{cite web|title=Ich Weiss Noch Immer, Was Du Letzten Sommer Getan Hast (1998)|work=Kinoweb.de|url=http://www.kinoweb.de/film99/IStillKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer/film03.html|access-date=2008-09-30|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920045643/http://www.kinoweb.de/film99/IStillKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer/film03.html|archive-date=September 20, 2018|url-status=dead}} and produced three top ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including "I Wanna Be Down" and "Baby", both of which reached the top of the Hot R&B Singles chart and were both certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.{{cite web|title=Brandy – Timeline| work=Rockthenet|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-b/brandy_main.htm|access-date=16 March 2007}} "Brokenhearted", a duet with Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, became a number-two hit on the charts. The album earned Norwood two Grammy Award nominations for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance the following year, and won her four Soul Train Music Awards, two Billboard Awards, and the New York Children's Choice Award. In 1995, she finished a two-month stint as the opening act on Boyz II Men's national tour,{{cite web|date=2002-08-26|title=Shaggy The 'Humna Kid,' Brandy And Wanya, Mariah's 'Fantasy': This Week in 1995|work=MTV News|publisher=MTV.com|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457176/20020826/shaggy.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020916164314/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457176/20020826/shaggy.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 16, 2002|access-date=2008-04-24}} and contributed songs to the soundtracks of the films Batman Forever and Waiting to Exhale, with the single "Sittin' Up in My Room" becoming another top-two success. In 1996, Norwood also collaborated with Tamia, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight on the single "Missing You", released from the soundtrack of the F. Gary Gray film Set It Off. The single won her a third Grammy nomination in the Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals category.

In 1996, her short-lived engagement on Thea led Norwood to star in her own show, the UPN-produced sitcom Moesha. Appearing alongside William Allen Young and Sheryl Lee Ralph, she played the title role of Moesha Mitchell, a Los Angeles girl coping with a stepmother as well as the pressures and demands of becoming an adult.{{cite news|title=Singer Brandy Turns Actress In New TV Series Moesha|work=Jet|date=1996-02-26}} Originally bought by CBS, the program debuted on UPN in January 1996, and soon became their most-watched show.{{cite news|first=Lawrie|last=Mifflin |title=UPN's Moesha, The Nonwhite Hit Nobody Knows |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/09/26/arts/television-radio-upn-s-moesha-the-nonwhite-hit-nobody-knows.html?pagewanted=1 |date=2001-06-04|access-date=2008-01-25}} While the sitcom managed to increase its audience every new season and spawned a spin-off titled The Parkers, the network decided to cancel the show after six seasons on the air, leaving it ending with a cliffhanger for a scrapped seventh season.{{cite news|title=UPN Cancels Moesha After Six Seasons|work=Jet|date=2001-06-04}} Norwood was awarded an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress for her performance. In 1997, Brandy, Ray J, and their parents started The Norwood Kids Foundation, which helps disadvantaged, at-risk youths in Los Angeles and Mississippi through the arts and self-help programs.{{cite web|title=Brandy – Chardonnay Pitts |url=http://www.bet.com/shows/the-game/cast/chardonnay-brandy.html |publisher=BET |access-date=27 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328055419/http://www.bet.com/shows/the-game/cast/chardonnay-brandy.html |archive-date=March 28, 2014 }}

File:Brandy Essence Awards.jpgs in 1997]]

In 1997, Norwood was hand-picked by producer Whitney Houston to play the title character in Rodgers and Hammerstein's television version of Cinderella featuring a multiracial cast that also included Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg, and Houston.{{cite news|first=Lynn|last=Norment|title=Brandy: On Her New Movie, Growing Pains and Dating In The Spotlight|work=Ebony|date=2008-05-06}} The two-hour Wonderful World of Disney special garnered an estimated 60 million viewers, giving the network its highest ratings in the time period in 16 years, and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Art Direction for a Variety or Music Program the following year.{{cite news|title=Cinderella TV Movie Special Produces Spectacular Rating For ABC|work=Jet|date=1997-11-24}}

Fledgling producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins was consulted to contribute to Norwood's second album Never Say Never. Norwood co-wrote and produced six songs for the record, including her first number-one song on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, "The Boy Is Mine", a duet with singer Monica that has become the most successful song by a female duo in the music industry. Exploiting the media's presumption of a rivalry between the two young singers, the song was one of the most successful records in the United States of all time,{{cite news|title=At age 21, the N.J.-based producer is king of his world |author=Jim Farber |date=2002-02-06 |work=New York Daily News |publisher=NYDailyNews.com |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/2000/02/06/2000-02-06_r___b_rodney_at_age_21__the_.html |access-date=2008-04-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010151245/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/2000/02/06/2000-02-06_r___b_rodney_at_age_21__the_.html |archive-date=October 10, 2008 }} spending a record-breaking thirteen weeks atop the Billboard charts, and eventually garnering the pair a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Never Say Never was released in June 1998 and became Norwood's biggest-selling album, selling over 16 million copies worldwide and reaching number two on the Billboard 200.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/brandy/chart-history/tlp/|title=Brandy – Billboard|publisher=Billboard|access-date=February 15, 2021}} Critics rated the album highly, with AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine praising Norwood and her team for wisely finding "a middle ground between Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige—it's adult contemporary with a slight streetwise edge."{{cite web|title=Never Say Never (1998) review|work=AllMusic|publisher=Allmusic.com|first=Stephen Thomas|last=Erlewine|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r351851|pure_url=yes}}|access-date=2006-11-10}} Altogether, the album spawned seven singles, including Norwood's second number-one song, the Diane Warren-penned "Have You Ever?" To promote the album she went on the Never Say Never World Tour in 1999, consisting of shows in Europe, Asia, and the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1426526/brandy-sets-dates-for-summer-tour-with-tyrese-c-note/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807063358/http://www.mtv.com/news/1426526/brandy-sets-dates-for-summer-tour-with-tyrese-c-note/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 7, 2018|title=Brandy Sets Dates For Summer Tour With Tyrese, C-note|date=April 27, 1999|work=MTV News|access-date=April 28, 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1426522/brandy-cuts-short-american-tour-to-make-tv-return/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625035745/http://www.mtv.com/news/1426522/brandy-cuts-short-american-tour-to-make-tv-return/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 25, 2016|title=Brandy Cuts Short American Tour To Make TV Return|date=June 15, 1999|work=MTV News|access-date=April 28, 2022}}

After backing out of a role in F. Gary Gray's 1996 film Set It Off,{{cite news|first=Denene|last=Millner|title=Brandy Pours It On A Veteran Superstar At 19|work=New York Daily News|publisher=NYDailyNews.com|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/brandy-pours-veteran-superstar-19-record-article-1.804507|date=1998-07-05|access-date=2010-03-04}} Norwood made her big screen debut in the supporting role of Karla Wilson in the slasher film, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. The movie outperformed the original with a total of $16.5 million at its opening weekend, but critical reaction to the film was largely disappointing, with the film review site Rotten Tomatoes calculating a poor rating of 7% based on 46 reviews.{{cite web |title=Review of I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)|work=Rotten Tomatoes|date=November 13, 1998 |publisher=Rottentomatoes.com|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_still_know_what_you_did_last_summer/|access-date=2007-05-14}} Norwood, however, earned positive reviews for her "bouncy" performance,{{cite news|last=Steyn|first=Mark|date=1999-05-08|title=Here's What I Know|work=The Spectator}} which garnered her both a Blockbuster Entertainment Award and an MTV Movie Award nomination for Best Breakthrough Female Performance. In 1999, she co-starred with Diana Ross in the telefilm drama Double Platinum about an intense, strained relationship between a mother and daughter.{{cite news|title=Brandy And Diana Ross Team Up In TV Movie Double Platinum|work=Jet|date=1999-05-10}} Shot in only twenty days in New York City, both Norwood and Ross served as executive producers of the movie which features original songs from their respective albums Never Say Never (1998) and Every Day Is a New Day (1999), as well as previously unreleased duets. The same year, Norwood headlined VH-1's Divas Live '99, alongside Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, and Cher.

After a lengthy hiatus following the end of Moesha, and a number of tabloid headlines discussing her long-term battle with dehydration, Norwood returned to music in 2001, when she and brother Ray J were asked to record a cover version of Phil Collins' 1990 hit "Another Day in Paradise" for the tribute album Urban Renewal: A Tribute to Phil Collins.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459391/20030106/ja_rule.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030108200022/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459391/20030106/ja_rule.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 8, 2003|title=For The Record: Quick News On Ja Rule, B2K, Aimee Osbourne, Brandy, Guns N' Roses, Yardbirds & More|work=MTV News|publisher=MTV.com|date=2003-01-06|author=MTV Staff|access-date=2009-06-06}} Released as the album's first single in Europe and Oceania, the song became an instant international success overseas, scoring top-ten entries on the majority of all charts it appeared on.{{cite web|url=http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Brandy+and+Ray+J&titel=Another+Day+In+Paradise&cat=s|title='Another Day in Paradise' Chart History|work=Hitparade|publisher=Swisscharts.com|access-date=2009-06-06}} Norwood also contributed the Mike City track “Open” to the soundtrack from Osmosis Jones. The track remained unavailable on digital download and streaming sites until its rerelease twenty years later on October 8, 2021.{{cite web|url= https://music.apple.com/gb/album/open-from-osmosis-jones-single/1586317361|title=Brandy Open|date=October 8, 2021|access-date=October 9, 2021|website=Apple Music}}

Full Moon, Norwood's third studio album, was released in February 2002. It was composed of R&B and pop-oriented songs, many of them co-created with Jerkins, Warryn Campbell and Mike City. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Its lead single "What About Us?" became a worldwide top-ten hit, and the album's title track was a Top 20 hit in the United States and the UK.{{cite web|url=http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Brandy&titel=What+About+Us%3F&cat=s|title='What About Us?' Chart History|work=Hitparade|publisher=Swisscharts.com|access-date=2009-06-06}}{{cite web|url=http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Brandy&titel=Full+Moon&cat=s|title='Full Moon' Chart History|work=Hitparade|publisher=Swisscharts.com|access-date=2009-06-06}} Media reception was generally lukewarm, with Rolling Stone describing the album as "frantic, faceless, fake-sexy R&B."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/brandy/albums/album/138185/review/6067490/full_moon|title=Full Moon Review|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=2002-04-25|last=Berger|first=Arion|access-date=2008-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070429053230/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/brandy/albums/album/138185/review/6067490/full_moon|archive-date=April 29, 2007|url-status=dead}} Within the coming year, Norwood and Robert "Big Bert" Smith began writing and producing for other artists such as Toni Braxton, Kelly Rowland, and Kiley Dean.{{cite web|first=Billy Jr. |last=Johnson |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/brandy/news/brandy-and-husband-write-songs-for-toni-braxton-and-kelly-rowland--12063792 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710213205/http://new.music.yahoo.com/brandy/news/brandy-and-husband-write-songs-for-toni-braxton-and-kelly-rowland--12063792 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-07-10 |title=Brandy And Husband Write Songs For Toni Braxton And Kelly Rowland |work=Yahoo! Music |date=2002-04-25 |access-date=2009-06-06 }} Norwood's foray into reality television began in 2002 with the MTV series Diary Presents Brandy: Special Delivery; the show documented the final months of Norwood's pregnancy and the birth of her daughter Sy'rai.File:BrandyNorwoodJuly04.jpg{{'}}s album release party in New York City in July 2004.]]

Returning from yet another hiatus, Norwood's fourth album Afrodisiac was released in June 2004, amid the well-publicized termination of her short-lived business relationship with entertainment manager Benny Medina.{{cite web|title=Brandy Leaves Medina |work=Breaking News |publisher=BreakingNews.ie |date=2004-07-19 |url=http://archives.tcm.ie/breakingnews/2004/07/19/story157683.asp |access-date=2007-05-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929150909/http://archives.tcm.ie/breakingnews/2004/07/19/story157683.asp |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |df=mdy }} Norwood ended her contract with his Los Angeles-based Handprint Entertainment after less than a year of representation following controversies surrounding Medina's handling of the lead single "Talk About Our Love", and failed negotiations of a purported co-headlining tour with R&B singer Usher. Despite the negative publicity, Afrodisiac became Norwood's most critically acclaimed album,{{cite web|title=Afrodisiac (2004) by Brandy|work=Metacritic|publisher=Metacritic.com|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/brandy/afrodisiac |access-date=2004-08-04}} with some highlighting the "more consistently mature and challenging" effect of Timbaland on Norwood's music,{{cite web|url=https://popmatters.com/music/reviews/b/brandy-afrodisiac.shtml|title=Brandy -Afrodisiac (Atlantic)|work=PopMatters|publisher=PopMatters.com|access-date=2004-06-28|last=Sawyer|first=Terry|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040922002939/http://popmatters.com/music/reviews/b/brandy-afrodisiac.shtml|archive-date=September 22, 2004|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} and others calling it "listenable and emotionally resonant", comparing it to "Janet Jackson at her best."{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=A4q27gjer46ib |title=Afrodisiac review |work=AllMusic |publisher=Allmusic.com |access-date=2008-06-29 |last=Kellman |first=Andy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012184250/http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=A4q27gjer46ib |archive-date=October 12, 2007 }} A moderate seller, the album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, and received certifications in the United States, Europe and Japan.{{cite web|author=Yahoo! Staff |date=2005-03-30 |title=Brandy To Release Greatest Hits Album |work=Yahoo! Music |url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/18021422/ |access-date=2008-05-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629144830/http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/18021422/ |archive-date=June 29, 2011 }} "Talk About Our Love" reached number six in the United Kingdom, but subsequent singles failed to score successfully on the popular music charts.{{cite web|title=Brandy and Kanye West – Talk About Our Love|url=http://acharts.us/song/478|publisher=aCharts.us|access-date=2008-04-26}} Later that year, she guest-starred as Gladys Knight in the third-season premiere of American Dreams, in which she performed "I Heard It Through the Grapevine".{{cite web|title=Star Tracks|work=People|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20145422,00.html|access-date=2013-04-04|date=2004-09-20}}

After eleven years with the company, Norwood asked for and received an unconditional release from Atlantic Records at the end of 2004, citing her wish "to move on" as the main reason for her decision.{{cite web|first=Alyssa|last= Rashbaum|title=Another Breakup For Brandy: This Time It's Her Label|work=MTV News|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1493335/20041101/brandy.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041105030512/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1493335/20041101/brandy.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2004|access-date=2010-06-20|date=2004-11-01}} Completing her contract with the label, a compilation album titled The Best of Brandy was released in March 2005. Released without any promotional single, it reached the top 30 in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, where the collection was appreciated by contemporary critics who noted the creativity of Norwood's back catalogue.{{cite web|title=Brandy – The Best of Brandy – Review |first=Thomas |last=Inskeep |work=Stylus |url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/brandy/the-best-of-brandy.htm |date=2005-04-13 |access-date=2010-03-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201054420/http://stylusmagazine.com/reviews/brandy/the-best-of-brandy.htm |archive-date=February 1, 2010 |df=mdy }} Andy Kellman of AllMusic expressed, "This set, unlike so many other anthologies from her contemporaries, hardly confirms dwindling creativity or popularity."{{cite web|first=Andy|last=Kellman|title=The Best of Brandy review|work=AllMusic|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r731908|pure_url=yes}}|access-date=2010-06-20}} Thereupon she reportedly began shopping a new record deal under the auspices of Knockout Entertainment, her brother's vanity label.{{cite web|last=Josephs |first=Tasheka |date=2006-09-25 |title=Brandy Preps New Album |work=Vibe |publisher=Vibe.com |url=http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2006/09/brandy_preps_new_album/ |access-date=2008-09-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202095322/http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2006/09/brandy_preps_new_album/ |archive-date=December 2, 2008 }}

In February 2006, Norwood began appearing in a recurring role on UPN sitcom One on One, playing the sister to brother Ray J's character D-Mack.{{cite web|first=Ed|last=Robertson|date=2006-05-14|title=Memories: Brandy does 'One on One'|work=Medialife|publisher=MedialifeMagazine.com|url=http://www.medialifemagazine.com/memories-brandy-does-one-on-one/|access-date=2008-09-09}} In June, she was cast as one of three talent judges on the first season of America's Got Talent, an amateur talent contest on NBC executive-produced by Simon Cowell and hosted by Regis Philbin. The broadcast was one of the most-watched programs of the summer, and concluded on August 17, 2006, with the win of 11-year-old singer Bianca Ryan. Norwood was originally slated to return for the second season in summer 2007, but eventually decided not to, feeling that she "couldn't give the new season the attention and commitment it deserved," following a fatal 2006 car accident in which she was involved.{{cite web|date=2007-04-20|title='I'm Leaving America's Got Talent{{'}}|work=ContactMusic|publisher=ContactMusic.com|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/brandy%20im%20leaving%20americas%20got%20talent_1028669|access-date=2007-04-21}} She was replaced by reality TV star Sharon Osbourne.

Norwood's fifth studio album, Human, was released in December 2008, produced by Toby Gad, Brian Kennedy, and RedOne.{{cite web|first1=Shaheem |last1=Reid |first2=Matt |last2=Elias |date=2008-08-15 |title=Brandy Readies Human After Four-Year Hiatus |work=MTV News |publisher=VH1.com |url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1593409/20080822/story.jhtml |access-date=2008-08-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080826030425/http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1593409/20080822/story.jhtml |archive-date=August 26, 2008 }}{{cite web|date=2008-08-15|title=Epic Records Readies the Release of 'Human'|publisher=Marketwatch.com|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/epic-records-readies-release-human/story.aspx?guid={BFD16F28-4B0F-4FA0-B88E-F0DDEC84E59F}&dist=hppr,|access-date=2008-08-15}} Distributed by Koch Records and Sony Music, the album marked Norwood's debut on the Epic Records label,{{cite news|last1=Jones|first1=Steve|last2= Strauss|first2=Gary|date=2008-08-15|title=Coming Attractions: Remember Brandy? She's Coming Back|work=USA Today|publisher=USAToday.com|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/2008-08-14-coming-attractions_N.htm|access-date=2008-08-15}} and her reunion with long-time contributor and mentor Rodney Jerkins, who wrote and executive produced most of the album. Generally well received by critics, Human debuted at number fifteen on the U.S. Billboard 200 with opening week sales of 73,000 copies.{{cite magazine|last=Hasty|first=Katie|date=2008-12-17|title=Taylor Swift Reclaims Billboard 200 Throne|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Billboard.com|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266095/taylor-swift-reclaims-billboard-200-throne|access-date=2008-12-20}} With a domestic sales total of 214,000 copies, it failed to match the success of its predecessors.{{cite magazine|last=Ramirez|first=Erika|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/474678/brandy-reps-talk-two-eleven-album-four-year-hiatus|title=Brandy & Reps Talk 'Two Eleven' & Four-Year Hiatus|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=2012-10-12|access-date=2012-10-27}} While lead-off single "Right Here (Departed)" scored Norwood her biggest chart success since 2002's "Full Moon", the album failed to impact elsewhere, resulting in lackluster sales in general and the end of her contract with the label, following the controversial appointment of Amanda Ghost as president of Epic Records, and Norwood's split with rapper Jay-Z's Roc Nation management.{{cite web|last=Marie|first=Brianna|date=2008-05-20|title=The Latest On Brandy Amidst Her European Tour|publisher=UrbanBridgez.com|url=http://urbanbridgez.com/ubgblog/2009/05/20/the-latest-on-brandy-amidst-her-european-tour/|access-date=2009-05-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521222216/http://urbanbridgez.com/ubgblog/2009/05/20/the-latest-on-brandy-amidst-her-european-tour/|archive-date=May 21, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|date=2009-02-09 |title=That Grape Juice Interview: Brandy |publisher=ThatGrapeJuice.net |url=http://www.thatgrapejuice.net/2009/02/that-grape-juice-interview-brandy.html |access-date=2009-05-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206173123/http://www.thatgrapejuice.net/2009/02/that-grape-juice-interview-brandy.html |archive-date=February 6, 2009 |df=mdy }}{{cite web|title=Jennifer Lopez Walks in Brandy's Louboutins|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Rap-Up.com|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/10/28/jennifer-lopez-walks-in-brandys-louboutins/#more-29927|date=2009-10-28|access-date=2009-12-01}}

In December 2009, she officially introduced her rapping alter-ego Bran'Nu with two credits on Timbaland's album Timbaland Presents Shock Value 2,{{cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=2009-12-09|title=Brandy Thanks Timbaland For Endorsing Her New Rap Career|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627932/20091209/brandy.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213043521/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627932/20091209/brandy.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 13, 2009|access-date=2010-06-30|work=MTV News|publisher=MTV.com}} and was cast in the pilot episode for the ABC series This Little Piggy, also starring Rebecca Creskoff and Kevin Rahm, which was recast the following year.{{cite news|first=Nellie |last=Andreeva |date=2009-04-15 |title=David Walton Asking '100 Questions' At NBC|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i0c3836c99f47720ace5c211321210974 |access-date=2009-04-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417080121/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i0c3836c99f47720ace5c211321210974 |archive-date=April 17, 2009 }}

File:Brandy in 2011a (headshot).jpg in 2011]]

In April 2010, Norwood and Ray J debuted in the VH1 reality series Brandy and Ray J: A Family Business along with their parents. The show chronicled the backstage lives of both siblings, while taking on larger roles in their family's management and production company, R&B Productions.{{cite news |title=Brandy & Ray J to Star with Family in VH1 Reality Series |newspaper=Rap-Up |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2006-07-16 |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/02/03/brandy-ray-j-to-star-with-family-in-vh1-reality-series/#more-37809 |access-date=2010-02-04}} Executive produced by the Norwood family, the season concluded after eleven episodes, and was renewed for a second season, which began broadcasting in fall 2010.{{cite web|first=Rich|last=Juzwiak|title=Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business Season 2 To Premiere Sunday, December 5|publisher=VH1.com|date=2010-11-15|url=http://blog.vh1.com/2010-11-15/brandy-ray-j-a-family-business-season-2-to-premeire-sunday-december-5/|access-date=2012-12-29|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709224959/http://blog.vh1.com/2010-11-15/brandy-ray-j-a-family-business-season-2-to-premeire-sunday-december-5/|archive-date=July 9, 2013|df=mdy-all}} A Family Business, a compilation album with previously unreleased content from the entire cast was released on Saguaro Road Records in June 2011.{{cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Gail |title=Label Saguaro Road Widens To Encompass R&B And Gospel |work=Reuters |date=2010-07-16 |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINTRE66G03H20100717 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919001735/https://in.reuters.com/article/idINTRE66G03H20100717 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=2008-10-04}} Critics such as The Washington Post declared it an "awkward and adorable and really, really wholesome collection."{{cite news|last=Stewart|first=Allison |title=Album review: Brandy and Ray J, "A Family Business"|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=2011-07-22 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/click-track/post/album-review-brandy-and-ray-j-a-family-business/2011/07/22/gIQALhefTI_blog.html|access-date=2012-12-29}} While the album failed to chart, it produced three promotional singles, including the joint track "Talk to Me".{{cite magazine |first=Monica |last=Herrera |date=2010-09-20 |title=Brandy Talks Dancing with the Stars, Bristol Palin & New Music |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Billboard.com |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/956212/brandy-talks-dancing-with-the-stars-bristol-palin-new-music |access-date=2010-09-21}}

In fall 2010, Norwood appeared as a contestant on season 11 of the ABC reality show Dancing with the Stars, partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. She ultimately placed fourth in the competition, which was a shock to the judges, viewers, studio audience, and other contestants that considered her one of the show's frontrunners throughout the entire competition.{{cite web |last=Chan |first=Anna |url=http://theclicker.todayshow.com/_news/2010/11/16/5478918-dancing-cuts-yet-another-front-runner |title='Dancing' cuts yet another front-runner |publisher=Theclicker.todayshow.com |access-date=2012-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120132649/http://theclicker.todayshow.com/_news/2010/11/16/5478918-dancing-cuts-yet-another-front-runner |archive-date=November 20, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} In August 2011, it was confirmed that Norwood had signed a joint record deal with RCA Records and producer Breyon Prescott's Chameleon Records.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/07/19/brandy-performs-put-it-down-live-in-washington-dc/ |title=Brandy Performs 'Put It Down' Live in Washington, D.C. |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2012-07-19 |access-date=2012-08-15}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/01/13/brandy-hints-at-drake-collaboration/#more-109978 |title=Brandy Hints at Drake Collaboration |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2012-01-13 |access-date=2012-01-17}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/08/22/brandy-signs-with-rcachameleon-records/#more-94757 |title=Brandy Signs with RCA/Chameleon Records |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2011-08-22 |access-date=2012-01-17}} In September, a new talent show, Majors & Minors, created by musician Evan Bogart, premiered on The Hub. It followed a group of young performers age 10–16 and their chance to be mentored by some established artists such as Norwood, Ryan Tedder and Leona Lewis.{{cite web|first=Shirley |last=Halperin |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/majors-minors-creator-evan-bogart-238783|title='Majors & Minors' Creator Evan Bogart on Junior Talents, What Justin Bieber Should Do Next (Q&A)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=2011-09-23 |access-date=2012-04-03}} Later that same year, Norwood returned to acting roles with recurring appearances on The CW's teen drama series 90210, and in the fourth season of the Lifetime's comedy series Drop Dead Diva, in which she played the role of Elisa Shayne.{{cite magazine|last=Bierly |first=Mandi|url= https://ew.com/article/2011/08/31/drop-dead-diva-brandy/ |title='Drop Dead Diva' guest star Brandy talks!|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=2011-08-21 |access-date=2019-11-11}}

In 2011, Norwood joined the cast of the BET comedy series The Game, playing the recurring role of Chardonnay, a bartender.{{cite web|first=Lauren |last=Schutte |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/brandys-game-character-arc-revealed-270104 |title=Brandy's 'The Game' Character Arc Revealed |work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=2011-06-12 |access-date=2012-04-03}} She became a regular cast member by the next season.{{cite web|first=Crystal |last=Puccio |url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2013-03-27/brandy-norwood-calls-the-games-chardonnay-pitts-a-hot-mess/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405025409/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2013-03-27/brandy-norwood-calls-the-games-chardonnay-pitts-a-hot-mess/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 5, 2013|title=Brandy Norwood Calls The Game's Chardonnay Pitts "A Hot Mess"|publisher=VH1.com|date=2013-03-27 |access-date=2012-04-04}} In February 2012, Norwood reteamed with Monica on "It All Belongs to Me", which was released as a single from the latter's album New Life.{{cite web|first=Erin |last=Carlson| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/brandy-monica-new-single-282725|title=Brandy and Monica Reunite For First New Single in 14 Years |work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=2012-01-17 |access-date=2012-04-03}} Norwood's own comeback single "Put It Down" featuring singer Chris Brown was released later that year. The song reached number three on Billboard{{'}}s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming her first top ten entry in ten years.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/474885/chart-juice-brandys-put-it-down-marks-her-first-top-10-in-10-years|title=Chart Juice: Brandy's 'Put It Down' Marks Her First Top 10 in 10 Years | magazine= Billboard |publisher=Billboard.com |date=2012-10-27 |access-date=2012-12-10}} Her sixth album Two Eleven, which was released in October, saw a return to her R&B sound, but with what Norwood described a "progressive edge".{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/09/producer-bangladesh-plots-his-radio-domination-but-not-before-settling-differences.html |title=Producer Bangladesh Plots His Pop Domination, But Not Before Settling Differences |work=LA Times Blogs |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=2010-09-27 |access-date=2010-10-03}} A moderate commercial success, it was viewed as a humble comeback from Norwood, reaching number three on the US Billboard 200, and the top of the Billboard US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.{{cite magazine|first=Gary |last=Trust|title=Jason Aldean's 'Night Train' Rolls to No. 1 On Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/474498/jason-aldeans-night-train-rolls-to-no-1-on-billboard-200|date=2012-10-24|access-date=2012-10-24}}

In March 2013, Norwood returned to film, joining an ensemble cast consisting of Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Lance Gross and Vanessa L. Williams in Tyler Perry's drama Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor.{{cite news|last=Sneider|first=Jeff|date=2011-11-01|title=Brandy joins Tyler Perry's 'Marriage'|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2011/film/news/brandy-joins-tyler-perry-s-marriage-1118045414/|access-date=2011-11-03}} Norwood plays supporting character Melinda, a woman with secrets. The film received generally negative reviews from critics but became a moderate US box office success.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/temptation_2013/|title=Temptation (2013)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=2013-04-03}}{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=marriagecounselor.htm|title=Tyler Perry's Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor (2013)|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=2013-10-08}} In June 2013, Norwood signed with Creative Artists Agency, headquartered in Los Angeles,{{cite web|first=Rebecca |last=Sun |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/brandy-signs-caa-562208|title=Brandy Signs With CAA (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=2013-06-04 |access-date=2013-06-04}} and in early 2014, she arranged a management deal with MBK Entertainment with CEO Jeff Robinson.{{cite web|first=Kieran |last=Ward |url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2013/10/grape-juice-ar-brandys-seventh-studio-album/ |title=Brandy's Seventh Studio Album |website=ThatGrapeJuice.com |date=2013-10-21 }}; {{cite web|first=Maxine |last=Chapman |url=http://s2smagazine.com/82549/brandy-admits-two-eleven-disappointment-talks-next-album/ |title=Brandy admits 'Two Eleven' disappointment, talks next album |publisher=S2S Magazine |date=2015-10-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018055146/http://s2smagazine.com/82549/brandy-admits-two-eleven-disappointment-talks-next-album/ |archive-date=October 18, 2013 |df=mdy }}; and {{cite web|url=http://instagram.com/p/sWPP1gFLpC/?modal=true |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/sWPP1gFLpC |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|title=Wave |publisher=Instagram |date=2014-08-31 }}{{cbignore}} In July, she was also inducted as an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.{{cite web |first= Dominique| last= Hobdy| url= http://www.essence.com/2014/07/17/coffee-talk-brandy-inducted-honorary-member-alpha-kappa-alpha-sorority-inc/|title=Coffee Talk: Brandy Inducted as Honorary Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.|publisher=Essence Magazine|date =2014-07-17}} The same month, Norwood released a cover version of Coldplay's song "Magic" to her TwitMusic account; it peaked at number one on Billboard{{'}}s Trending 140 chart.{{Cite tweet| title= 4everBrandy's cover of Coldplay's "Magic" hits No.1 on the Trending 140| number= 488722109347426305| date= 2014-07-15| access-date=2016-12-06| user= Billboard}}{{cite magazine|title=New Music: Brandy – 'Magic' (Coldplay Cover)|magazine=Rap-Up|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2014/07/13/new-music-brandy-magic-coldplay-cover/|date=2014-07-13|access-date=2014-07-14}} Also in 2014, Norwood made guest appearances on VH1's Love and Hip Hop: Hollywood and the TV Land sitcom The Soul Man. At the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards, she reunited with Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Yo-Yo to perform the hip hop remix of "I Wanna Be Down" in celebration of its 20th anniversary.{{cite magazine|title=Brandy, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, & Yo-Yo Reunite at BET Hip-Hop Awards|magazine=Rap-Up|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2014/10/14/brandy-queen-latifah-mc-lyte-yo-yo-i-wanna-be-down-remix-bet-hip-hop-awards/|date=2014-10-14|access-date=2016-01-07}}

After finishing the filming of the final season of The Game, Norwood made her Broadway debut in the musical Chicago, in which she played the lead role of Roxie Hart, beginning in April 2015.{{cite magazine|first = Jennifer|last = Maas|url = https://www.ew.com/article/2015/03/24/brandy-debut-broadway-roxie-hart-chicago|title = Brandy to debut on Broadway as Roxie Hart in Chicago|magazine = Entertainment Weekly|access-date = 2015-03-25}} Although initially a six-week run, her engagement was extended until August 2015,Quinn, Dave. [http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Grammy-Winner-Brandy-to-Join-CHICAGO-National-Tour-for-2016-Los-Angeles-Dates-20151231 "Brandy Norwood Extends Run in Chicago"], NBC News, June 1, 2015 prompting Norwood to reprise the role on several occasions in 2016 and 2017.{{cite news| last= Peterson| first= Tyler| url= http://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/Brandy-Norwood-Extends-Run-in-Chicago--305755531.html |title= Grammy Winner Brandy to Join CHICAGO National Tour for 2016 Los Angeles Dates| work= Broadway World| date= December 31, 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2017/02/23/brandy-norwood-will-step-into-d-c-chicago-as-roxie/|title=R&B star Brandy will step into D.C. 'Chicago' as Roxie|first1=Nelson|last1=Pressley|date=February 23, 2017|website=Washingtonpost.com}}{{cite web|author= BWW News Desk |url = http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Brandy-Norwood-to-Return-to-the-Cell-Block-in-Broadways-CHICAGO-20170727|title = Brandy Norwood to Return to the Cell Block in Broadway's CHICAGO|website = Broadway World|access-date = 2017-07-28}} Also in 2015, Norwood appeared on British house duo 99 Souls's mashup single "The Girl Is Mine", for which she re-recorded her vocals from "The Boy Is Mine".{{cite web| url=http://www.kissfmuk.com/music/news/destinys-child-and-brandy-mash-up-will-be-released/|title=Destiny's Child and Brandy mash-up will be released|publisher=Kiss 100}} The song reached the top five in Belgium and the United Kingdom as well as the top 40 on other international charts, where it became her highest-charting single in years.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/48676/99-souls/|title=99 SOULS {{!}} full Official Chart History|publisher=The Official Charts Company}}

In January 2016, Norwood co-executive produced and starred as the lead in the BET sitcom Zoe Ever After,{{cite web|url=http://www.centrictv.com/entertainment/scene-heard/articles/2015/08/10/brandy-wants-you-to-star-in-her-new-sitcom-zoe-ever-after.html|title=Brandy Wants You To Star In Her New Sitcom 'Zoe Ever After'| website= CentricTV.com |access-date= December 24, 2015}} a multi-camera romantic comedy about a newly single mom stepping out of the shadow of her famous boxer ex-husband.{{cite web|first= Denise| last= Petski|url=https://deadline.com/2015/08/brandy-norwood-bet-comedy-series-zoe-ever-after-cast-1201510899/|title=Brandy Norwood's BET Comedy Series 'Zoe Ever After' Sets Cast| website= Deadline Hollywood| date= 2015-08-31| access-date= 2015-09-01}} While it debuted to respectable ratings,{{cite web|first= Iyana| last= Robertson| url= http://www.vibe.com/2015/04/kelly-rowland-brandy-new-shows-bet/|title=Kelly Rowland And Brandy Land New Shows On BET |work= Vibe | date= April 21, 2015|access-date=2015-04-25}} Norwood decided not to return to the show, and it was soon after cancelled.{{cite web| first= Rodney| last= Ho| url= http://radiotvtalk.blog.ajc.com/2016/06/01/bets-sunday-best-appears-to-be-cancelled-or-at-least-not-coming-back-in-2016//| title= BET's 'Sunday Best' appears to be cancelled – or at least not coming back in 2016| website= AJC.com| date= 2016-06-01| access-date= 2017-01-15| archive-date= August 13, 2017| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170813105811/http://radiotvtalk.blog.ajc.com/2016/06/01/bets-sunday-best-appears-to-be-cancelled-or-at-least-not-coming-back-in-2016/| url-status= dead}} The same month, Norwood released the standalone single "Beggin & Pleadin" through her own label Slayana Records, after receiving a positive response to initially unveiling the track on SoundCloud.{{cite web| url= https://soundcloud.com/4everbrandy/beggin-pleadin|title=Beggin & Pleadin|website= SoundCloud.com| author= 4everbrandy| access-date= December 6, 2016}}{{cite web|first=Vannessa |last=Jackson |title=Brandy Releases Her First Single In 4 Years & 2016 Could Really Be Her Year — LISTEN |work=Bustle|url=http://www.bustle.com/articles/133848-brandy-releases-her-first-single-in-4-years-2016-could-really-be-her-year-listen|date=2016-01-06|access-date=2016-01-09}}{{cite web| url= https://itun.es/us/vA7nab| title= Beggin & Pleadin – Single by Brandy| website= iTunes.com| date= January 21, 2016}} That February, Norwood announced her Slayana World Tour, which highlighted stops in both Europe and Oceania.{{cite web| url=http://www.mobo.com/news-blogs/brandy-announces-2016-uk-tour-dates| title=Brandy announces 2016 UK tour dates – MOBO Awards| website=mobo.com| access-date=December 14, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708211645/http://www.mobo.com/news-blogs/brandy-announces-2016-uk-tour-dates| archive-date=July 8, 2017| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}} Her first headlining tour in eight years, it was ended ahead of schedule on June 30 after Norwood was hospitalized due to exhaustion.{{cite web|first=Cameron|last=Adams|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/face-of-triumph-brandy-returns-to-music-after-battle-with-depression/news-story/7405eb8e6df41f1ce1eeb2eaec75da78|title=Face of triumph': Brandy returns to music after battle with depression|work=News Corp Australia Network|date=2016-06-08|access-date=2016-06-23}} In March, Norwood sued Chameleon Entertainment Group and its president, Breyon Prescott, after the label reportedly refused to allow her to record and release new albums. After the lawsuit was thrown out of court due to one particular clause, Norwood filed another one several months later, demanding $270,000 in compensation and a "court declaration that she is contractually freed from Chameleon." Both parties reached a settlement in 2017.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/brandy-refiles-lawsuit-chameleon-entertainment-7445716/ | title=Brandy Refiles Lawsuit Against Chameleon Entertainment: 'On Paper, It Looks Like I'm a Slave' | magazine=Billboard }}

In November 2016, Norwood became the second recipient of the Lady of Soul Award at the Soul Train Music Awards. Her stripped-down nine-minute song medley was met with praise.{{cite web|first= Raisa| last= Bruner|url=https://time.com/4583513/brandy-soul-train-video/|title=Watch Brandy Bring the '90s Back at the Soul Train Awards| website= Time.com| date= 2016-11-28| access-date= 2017-01-15}} Two months later, Norwood competed with her brother Ray J on the FOX reality cooking series My Kitchen Rules.{{cite web |url= https://deadline.com/2016/05/fox-my-kitchen-rules-cooking-series-curtis-stone-cat-cora-lance-bass-brandi-glanville-1201755650/| title= Fox Orders 'My Kitchen Rules' Cooking Series With Curtis Stone & Cat Cora|last1=Petski|first1=Denise |date=13 May 2016| work= TV Tonight |access-date=15 May 2016}} In July 2018, Norwood became a series regular on the Fox musical drama television series Star. She played the role of Cassie, starting as a recurring role in the second season, and remained a series regular until the series' ending in 2019.{{cite web|first= Denise | last= Petski |url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/star-brandy-norwood-promoted-series-regular-season-3-fox-series-1202419999/|title='Star': Brandy Norwood Upped To Series Regular For Season 3 Of Fox Series |website= Deadline Hollywood |date= 2018-07-02 |access-date= 2018-07-02}} The same year, she appeared on "Optimistic", a Sounds of Blackness cover that preceded the self-titled debut of supergroup August Greene, consisting of Common, Robert Glasper and Karriem Riggins,{{cite web| first= Ben |last= Kaye |title= Common, Robert Glasper, Karriem Riggins form August Greene|work=Consequence of Sound|date=January 18, 2018 |url= https://consequence.net/2018/01/common-robert-glasper-karriem-riggins-form-august-greene-share-debut-single-optimistic-featuring-brandy-stream/|access-date=May 8, 2020}} as well as on Dutch DJ's Lucas & Steve's "I Could Be Wrong", a dance-heavy rework of her 1994 single "I Wanna Be Down" that became a minor hit on the dance charts.{{cite magazine| first=Ben|last=Kaye|title=Billboard Dance Chart Upstarts: Lucas & Steve x Brandy, Studio Killers & Chicane|magazine=Billboard|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/dance/8462155/billboard-dance-chart-upstarts-lucas-steve-x-brandy-studio-killers|date=June 21, 2018|access-date=May 8, 2020}}

File:Brandy Norwood 2019.png

In 2019, Norwood was honored with the BMI President's Award at the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, organized by Broadcast Music, Inc.{{cite web|title=Brandy Honored with the BMI President's Award at the 2019 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards |website= BMI.com |url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2019-bmi-rb-hip-hop-awards|date=August 30, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2020}} In June, she appeared on Canadian singer Daniel Caesar's second album Case Study 01, lending vocals to their duet "Love Again". Released as a single, it earned them a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance at the 62nd awards ceremony and reached the top of the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart, becoming Norwood's first song to do so.{{cite magazine |first= Trevor| last= Anderson| title=Brandy Earns Career First as Daniel Caesar Duet 'Love Again' Tops Adult R&B Songs|magazine=Billboard|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8544526/brandy-daniel-caesar-love-again-number-1-adult-rb-songs-chart|date=November 22, 2019|access-date=May 8, 2020}} In September 2019, she released the buzz single "Freedom Rings" which was released to coincide with the 25th anniversary of her self-titled debut album.{{cite web| first= Elizabeth |last=Aubrey|title=Brandy returns with a fierce new single|work=NME|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/brandy-returns-new-single-freedom-rings-25th-anniversary-debut-approaches-2551992|date=September 27, 2019|access-date=May 8, 2020}} in August 2019, Norwood revealed she had been in the recording studio working on a song with Justin Timberlake, Ray J and Pharrell Williams.{{cite news|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2019/08/brandy-hits-the-studio-with-pharrell-and-justin-timberlake/|title=Brandy Hits the Studio With Pharrell and Justin Timberlake|last=Samuels|first=Keithan|date=August 7, 2019|access-date=March 18, 2024|work=Rated R&B}} However, the song remained unreleased.

Norwood's seventh studio album B7, her first album in eight years, was released in July 2020. Her first project as an independent artist, it was released through her own label Brand Nu Inc., with distribution handled by eOne Music. A departure from her previous work, Norwood co-wrote and co-produced the majority of the album, which was chiefly produced by Darhyl Camper.{{cite web |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/brandy-b7-album_n_5eb6d3a8c5b64711c0c8befe |title=Brandy Promises Her Upcoming Album 'b7' Is Her Most Authentic Yet |work=HuffPost |publisher= Verizon Media |last=Finley |first=Taryn |date=May 11, 2020 |access-date=June 14, 2020}} The release was preceded by lead single "Baby Mama" featuring Chance the Rapper.{{cite web |title=Brandy – B7 – Amazon.com Music |url=https://www.amazon.com/B7-Brandy/dp/B087R9NKKG/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1588875562&sr=1-1 |website=Amazon.com |access-date=May 7, 2020 |location=United States}} B7 debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200, also reaching number 2 on UK R&B Albums.{{cite web |url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/official-hip-hop-and-r-and-b-albums-chart/|title=Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart Top 40|website=OfficialCharts.com|date=August 7, 2020|access-date=August 7, 2020}}{{cite tweet |user= billboardcharts |number= 1292579828818939906|date=August 9, 2020|access-date=August 10, 2020|title=@4everBrandy's 'B7' debuts at No. 12 on this week's #Billboard200}} The album received generally positive reviews from critics, with numerous publications including it on their lists of the best albums of 2020, and earned a nomination in the Album of the Year category at the 2020 Soul Train Awards.{{cite web |first=Zach|last=Seemayer|title=2020 BET Soul Train Awards: The Complete Winners List |url=https://www.etonline.com/2020-bet-soul-train-awards-the-complete-winners-list-156959|website=etonline.com |access-date=May 18, 2021|date=November 29, 2020}}

In August 2020, Norwood and Monica battled in the webcast series Verzuz. Filmed at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia,{{cite tweet|user=verzuzonline|author-link=Verzuz|number=1297313709703024640|title=Get ready for the queens! @4everBrandy and @MonicaDenise on #VERZUZ! Monday, August 31st, 8PM EST on our IG and Apple Music. Drinks by @ciroc|date=August 22, 2020|access-date=August 23, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/music/brandy-monica-announce-verzuz-battle/|title=Brandy and Monica announce epic Verzuz battle: 'Get ready for the queens!'|first=Rosy|last=Cordero|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|date=August 23, 2020|access-date=August 23, 2020}} it was watched by a record-breaking 1.2 million viewers on the Instagram live stream alone.{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/brandy-and-monica-address-beef-in-record-breaking-verzuz-battle-notching-1-2-million-views/ar-BB18zzrO?li=BBnb2gh|title=Brandy and Monica address beef in record-breaking Verzuz battle notching 1.2 million views|first=Rachel|last=Yang|date=September 1, 2020|access-date=September 1, 2020|publisher=MSN}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/monica-debuts-new-track-trenches-during-verzuz-battle-with-brandy-2742390|title=Monica debuts new track 'Trenches' during Verzuz battle with Brandy|first=Anna|last=Rose|publisher=NME|date=September 1, 2020|access-date=September 1, 2020}} BET listed the moment as number one on its "The 20 Most OMG Viral Moments of 2020" list.{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/nsvfvr/the-20-most-viral-moments-of-2020|title=The 20 Most OMG Viral Moments Of 2020|work=BET|date=January 3, 2021|access-date=January 3, 2021}} Two months later, Norwood performed a medley at the Billboard Music Awards, which were held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California.{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2020/10/billboard-music-awards-2020-performances-brandy-ty-dolla-ign-doja-cat-and-more|title=Billboard Music Awards 2020: Watch Performances From Brandy, Ty Dolla $ign, Doja Cat And More|publisher=Vibe|date=October 14, 2020|access-date=November 10, 2020}}

In March 2021, Norwood was chosen by John Legend as a mentor on the twentieth season of the singing competition series The Voice.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/NBCTheVoice/status/1374730222285770756|title=Now this is one epic lineup! Star-struck, Say hello to your #VoiceBattles Advisors: @4everBrandy, @LuisFonsi, @DarrenCriss, and @DanAndShay!|website=Twitter|access-date=April 23, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://etcanada.com/news/768162/the-voice-brandy-is-moved-to-tears-by-team-legends-talented-teen-singers/|title='The Voice': Brandy Is Moved To Tears By Team Legend's Talented Teen Singers|publisher=ETcanada|last=Kile|first=Meredith|date=April 13, 2021|access-date=April 23, 2021|archive-date=May 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511165245/https://etcanada.com/news/768162/the-voice-brandy-is-moved-to-tears-by-team-legends-talented-teen-singers/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/4everBrandy/status/1381725664592728069|title=It's my final night on @NBCTheVoice mentoring Team Legend tonight! @johnlegend thank you for this moment, your artists are so special|website=Twitter|date=April 12, 2021|access-date=April 23, 2021}} Also that month, Norwood collaborated with Disney on the single "Starting Now",{{Cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2021/05/brandy-is-our-forever-princess-on-new-song-starting-now-listen/|title=Brandy Is Our Forever Princess on New Song 'Starting Now'|last=Folk|first=Antwane|date=May 21, 2021|website=Rated R&B|access-date=May 22, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.soulbounce.com/2021/05/brandy-is-the-ultimate-disney-princess-on-starting-now/| title= Brandy Is The Ultimate Disney Princess On 'Starting Now'|last=Hamm|first=Ken|website=Soul Bounce|date=May 21, 2021|access-date=May 22, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://rapradar.com/2021/05/21/brandy-starting-now/|title= Brandy 'Starting Now' |last= Duong |first= Paul |website=Rap Radar|date=May 21, 2021|access-date=May 22, 2021}}{{cite web| url= https://music.apple.com/gb/album/starting-now/1567082046?i=1567082047|title="Starting Now" |work=iTunes|access-date=May 21, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/4everBrandy/status/1393237880768716803|title=7 days 'til "Starting Now" drops |work=Twitter|access-date=May 14, 2021}}{{cite tweet |user= 4everBrandy| number= 1388137520584613895 |title= Starting Now out 5/21 @disney #UltimatePrincessCelebration | author= |access-date=May 14, 2021}} the theme song for the music special Disney Princess Remixed — An Ultimate Princess Celebration, released in August 2021.{{cite web |url= https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/disneys-ultimate-princess-celebration-features-brandy-kelly-marie-77327895?crl8_id=ae761910-2e3d-4ea4-8275-eeab4a784649|title=Disney's 'Ultimate Princess Celebration' features Brandy, Kelly Marie Tran and more |work=Good Morning America|last=Bernabe|first=Angeline Jane|date=April 27, 2021|access-date=May 16, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.x1023.com/starting-now-brandy-to-release-new-original-song-for-disneys-ultimate-princess-celebration/ |title= 'Starting Now': Brandy to release new original song for Disney's 'Ultimate Princess Celebration' |work=x1023|date=April 27, 2021 |access-date=May 16, 2021}} Also that month, Norwood, alongside Naturi Naughton, Eve and Nadine Velazquez, joined the cast of ABC's music drama series Queens in which she played one-fourth of a veteran hip-hop group.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/brandy-abc-music-pilot-queens-1234924800/|title=Brandy Joins ABC Music Drama Pilot 'Queens'|last=Otterson|first=Joe|website=Variety|date=March 8, 2021|access-date=April 23, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/03/brandy-new-tv-show-queens.html|title=Brandy to Return to TV in ABC Hip-Hop Drama Queens|last=Haylock|first=Zoe|website=Vulture|date=March 8, 2021|access-date=April 23, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/brandy-queens-abc-hip-hop-group|title= Brandy Will Star in a New ABC Drama About a Reunited Hip-Hop Group |last=Cuby|first=Michael|website=Nylon|date= March 9, 2021 |access-date=April 23, 2021}}{{cite web |url= https://thatgrapejuice.net/entertainment/2021/04/brandy-naturi-naughton-eve-more-continue-shooting-new-abc-music-series-queens/ |title=Brandy, Naturi Naughton, Eve, & More Continue Shooting New ABC Music Series 'Queens'|website=thatgrapejuice.net|date=April 16, 2021|access-date=April 23, 2021}} Norwood recorded several new songs for the series which debuted to reviews largely positive reviews in October 2021; with Variety praising the quartet's musical offering, calling their raps “sharp and distinct […] making clear their talent as both individuals and a swaggering collective,” but was not renewed the following year.{{cite web|last=Framke|first=Caroline|date=October 18, 2021|title=ABC's 'Queens' Lets Brandy, Eve, Crafty Melodrama Shine: TV Review|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/reviews/queens-review-brandy-eve-abc-1235091806/ |access-date= October 18, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US}}

In March 2022, Norwood released "Nothing Without You", a duet alongside daughter Sy'Rai,{{cite web |url= https://ratedrnb.com/2022/03/brandy-and-her-daughter-syrai-share-new-song-nothing-without-you/|title=Brandy and Her Daughter Sy'Rai Share New Song 'Nothing Without You'|website=Rated RnB|date=March 18, 2022|access-date=March 18, 2022}} recorded for the soundtrack to the comedy film Cheaper by the Dozen (2022).{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-premieres/brandy-syrai-cheaper-by-the-dozen-soundtrack-1234652161/ |title= Premiere: Brandy And Her Daughter Sy'Rai Release "Nothing Without You" Duet For New 'Cheaper By The Dozen' Soundtrack |website= Vibe|last=Abraham|first=Mya|date=March 17, 2022|access-date=March 18, 2022}} In April, singer Mariah Carey revealed "The Roof (When I Feel the Need)," a re-recorded and re-imagined version of her 1998 single "The Roof (Back in Time)" featuring new vocals from Norwood,{{cite web| url= https://twitter.com/4everBrandy/status/1515126034756218886|title=Me and @MariahCarey go back like babies and pacifiers|date=16 April 2022|access-date=17 April 2022}} for the former's course on MasterClass.{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2022|title=Mariah Carey Reveals A Reimagined Fan Favorite With Brandy For Her Masterclass |url= https://uproxx.com/pop/mariah-carey-the-roof-masterclass/|access-date=April 14, 2022|website=UPROXX}} In October 2022, Norwood was nominated for Best Global Act at the All Africa Music Awards 2022 for "Somebody's Son," her collaboration with Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/BrandyLegion/status/1583091829162901504|title=Congratulations to Brandy on her first ever nomination at the 2022 @afrimaofficial Awards for "Best Global Act"|website=Twitter|date=20 October 2022|access-date=17 November 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://guardian.ng/apo-press-releases/all-africa-music-awards-afrima-2022-public-voting-starts-sunday-september-25/|title=All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) 2022: Public Voting Starts Sunday September 25|work=The Guardian|date=September 24, 2022|accessdate=November 17, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://furtherafrica.com/2022/09/24/all-africa-music-awards-unveils-2022-nominees/|title=All Africa Music Awards unveils 2022 nominees|work=Further Africa|date=September 24, 2022|accessdate=November 17, 2022|first=Elizabeth|last=Khumalo}}

File:Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023 New York City (53353057141) (cropped).jpg in 2023]]

In April 2023, Norwood's daughter, Sy'Rai, confirmed that her mother would be the vocal and executive producer on her forthcoming debut EP.{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/brandy-vocal-producer-syrai-debut-album-1234751876/|title=Sy'Rai Reveals Mom, Brandy, As Vocal And Executive Producer Of Her Debut EP|website=Vibe|last=Abraham|first=Mya|date=26 April 2023|access-date=20 May 2023}} In November 2023, Norwood released her eighth studio album, Christmas with Brandy, a collection of six original songs and six cover versions of Christmas standards.{{cite web|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/brandy-holiday-album-christmas-with-brandy/|title=Brandy Announces First Ever Holiday Album Christmas with Brandy|website=U Discover Music|last=Peacock|first=Tim|date=October 20, 2023|access-date=October 20, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2023/10/brandy-announces-holiday-album-christmas-with-brandy/|title=Brandy Announces Holiday Album Christmas with Brandy|website=Rated RnB|last=Folk|first=Antwane|date=October 20, 2023|access-date=October 20, 2023}} The project marked her major label return after signing with Motown Records in June 2022 and reached the top thirty on the US Top Holiday Albums chart.{{cite web|last=Mamo|first=Heran|date=June 26, 2022|title=Brandy Partners With Motown Records Ahead of Eighth Album|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/brandy-signs-motown-records-new-album/|access-date=June 25, 2022|website=Billboard.com|language=en-US}} Its release coincided with the release of the Netflix Christmas comedy film Best. Christmas. Ever!, directed by Mary Lambert and starring Norwood alongside Heather Graham, Jason Biggs, and Matt Cedeño.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/best-christmas-ever-trailer-brandy-norwood-heather-graham-netflix-1235626249/|title=Brandy Norwood, Heather Graham Butt Heads Over the Holidays in Netflix's 'Best. Christmas. Ever!' Trailer|website=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Gajewski|first=Ryan|date=October 24, 2023|access-date=November 6, 2023}} While the film became hit in its first week on the streaming service, it earned largely negative reviews from critics and audiences, with The Guardian calling it one of "worst" comedies of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/nov/16/best-christmas-ever-review-netflix-comedy-might-be-worst-of-the-season|title=Best. Christmas. Ever! review – Netflix comedy might be worst of the season|website=The Guardian|last=Lee|first=Benjamin|date=November 16, 2023|access-date=November 30, 2023}} On November 23, 2023, Norwood performed "Someday at Christmas" at the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-performances-2023-1235805392/|title=Cher, Brandy, Jon Batiste and More to Perform at 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade|website=Variety|last=Thompson|first=Jaden|date=November 23, 2023|access-date=November 24, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://americansongwriter.com/brandy-looked-absolutely-ageless-during-her-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-performance/|title=Brandy Looked Absolutely Ageless During Her Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Performance|website=American Songwriter|last=Boisvert|first=Lauren|date=November 23, 2023|access-date=November 24, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://thatgrapejuice.net/2023/11/performances-cher-brandy-en-vogue-more-rock-2023-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-watch/|title=Performances: Cher, Brandy, En Vogue, & More Rock 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade|website=That Grape Juice|date=November 23, 2023|access-date=November 24, 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Jaden |date=2023-11-23 |title=Cher, Brandy, Jon Batiste and More to Perform at 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-performances-2023-1235805392/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

On February 4, 2024, Norwood performed at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards; Burna Boy's single, "Sittin' on Top of the World", which heavily sampled Norwood's own "Top of the World", had been nominated for Best Melodic Rap Performance.{{Cite web |title=2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Nominees List {{!}} GRAMMY.com |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=www.grammy.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-burna-boy-perform-with-brandy-and-21-savage-at-grammys-2024-3582714|title=Watch Burna Boy perform with Brandy and 21 Savage at Grammys 2024|website=NME|last=Duran|first=Anagricel|date=February 5, 2024|access-date=February 6, 2024}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/21-savage-brandy-burna-boy-grammys-taylor-swift-beyonce-1234959427/|title=21 Savage and Brandy Will Join Burna Boy for Historic Grammys Performance|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Hiatt|first=Brian|date=February 1, 2024|access-date=February 6, 2024}} On June 7, Norwood made a cameo appearance as a news anchor in Ariana Grande's "The Boy Is Mine" music video, alongside Monica.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ariana-grande-boy-is-mine-video-brandy-monica-cameos-1235703500/|title=Watch Brandy & Monica Make Surprise Cameos in Ariana Grande's 'The Boy Is Mine' Music Video|date=2024-06-07|access-date=2024-06-08|magazine=Billboard|last=Dailey|first=Hannah}} On June 21, 2024, Grande released "The Boy Is Mine (Remix)", which features both Norwood and Monica.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/cmalone/2024/06/21/ariana-grande-invites-brandy-and-monica-for-the-boy-is-mine-remix/|title=Ariana Grande Invites Brandy And Monica For 'The Boy Is Mine' Remix|website=Forbes|last=Malone Mendez|first=Chris|date=June 21, 2024|access-date=June 22, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/listen-to-ariana-grandes-the-boy-is-mine-remix-with-brandy-and-monica-3767507|title=Listen to Ariana Grande's 'The Boy Is Mine' remix with Brandy and Monica|website=NME|last=Pilley|first=Max|date=June 21, 2024|access-date=June 22, 2024}} In July 2024, Descendants: The Rise of Red, a standalone sequel to the Descendants franchise, was released on Disney+, in which Norwood reprised the role of Cinderella,{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2022-11-21 |title=Brandy & Rita Ora Among 7 Cast In 'Descendants' Sequel 'The Pocketwatch' At Disney+ |url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/brandy-amp-rita-ora-cast-descendants-sequel-the-pocketwatch-disney-plus-1235176605/ |access-date=22 November 2022|website=Deadline |language=en-US}} and appeared on the film's soundtrack, contributing vocals to "Love Ain't It" alongside Rita Ora, Malia Baker and Kylie Cantrall, and "So This Is Love" alongside Paolo Montalban.{{cite web|url=https://thatgrapejuice.net/2024/07/new-songs-brandy-so-this-is-love-rita-ora-love-aint-it-from-descendants-rise-of-red-soundtrack/|title=New Songs: Brandy – 'So This Is Love' & Rita Ora – 'Love Ain't It' |website=That Grape Juice|date=July 12, 2024|access-date=August 1, 2024}} A24's The Front Room, a psychological horror film from directors Max and Sam Eggers and based on the original short story by Susan Hill, was released in September 2024, starring Norwood as Belinda;{{cite web | first=Rebecca|last=Rubin|url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/a24-front-room-brandy-eggers-brothers-1235349931/ | title=Brandy to Star in A24 Psychological Horror Film 'The Front Room' Directed by Eggers Brothers |date=August 25, 2022|website=Variety.com|access-date=September 24, 2023 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/the-front-room-trailer-brandy-norwood-faces-the-mother-in-law-from-hell-in-new-a24-horror/|title=The Front Room Trailer: Brandy Norwood Faces The Mother-In-Law From Hell In New A24 Horror|website=Empire Online|last=King|first=Jordan|date=21 June 2024|access-date=1 August 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/trailers/brandy-the-front-room-trailer-a24-max-sam-eggers-1236041941/|title='The Front Room' Trailer: Brandy Faces Off Against a Deranged Mother-in-Law in A24 and Sam Eggers' Horror Film|website=Variety|last=Dunn|first=Jack|date=June 20, 2024|access-date=August 1, 2024}} the film grossed just over $3.1million worldwide.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl2993455105/?ref_=bo_da_table_8|title=The Front Room|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=3 November 2024}} Norwood's performance in the film garnered positive reviews from critics.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/sep/05/front-room-brandy-review|title=The Front Room review – Brandy Norwood shines in muddled camp horror|website=The Guardian|last=Horton|first=Adrian|date=5 September 2024|access-date=5 April 2025}}

On January 8, 2025, it was announced Norwood would release her memoir, which would "share her full story". The memoir will release on October 7 of the same year, by Hanover Square Press.{{cite magazine |last1=Tagen-Dye |first1=Carly |title=Brandy Will 'Share Her Full Story' in New Memoir, Coming This Fall (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/brandy-announces-new-memoir-to-publish-in-fall-2025-exclusive-8770632 |magazine=People |publisher=Dotdash Meredith |access-date=January 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/2025008180145/https://people.com/brandy-announces-new-memoir-to-publish-in-fall-2025-exclusive-8770632 |archive-date=January 8, 2025 |location=United States |issn=0093-7673 |oclc=794712888 |date=January 8, 2025 |url-status=live}} On February 12, 2025, British artists AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith released the single "Crush", which heavily samples Norwood's 2002 Full Moon track "Love Wouldn't Count Me Out".{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/aj-tracey-and-jorja-smith-get-nostalgic-about-nights-on-msn-messenger-on-new-collab-crush-3837752|title=AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith get nostalgic about nights on MSN messenger on new collab Crush|website=NME|last=Duran|first=Anagricel|date=13 February 2025|access-date=14 February 2025}} In May 2025, Norwood was announced to reprise the role of Cinderella in Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, the fifth installment of the Descendants franchise.{{Cite web |last=Grobar |first=Matt |date=2025-05-06 |title=Brandy & Rita Ora Returning For 'Descendants: Wicked Wonderland' |url=https://deadline.com/2025/05/descendants-5-brandy-rita-ora-paolo-montalban-melanie-paxson-1236386383/ |access-date=2025-05-06|website=Deadline |language=en-US}}

Norwood has been classified as some to have a contralto vocal range.{{Cite web|last=Srivastava|first=Ankit|date=February 24, 2020|title=10 Little Known Facts About Brandy Norwood|url=https://www.thetalko.com/brandy-norwood-hidden-facts-singer/|access-date=November 8, 2021|website=TheTalko|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108192037/https://www.thetalko.com/brandy-norwood-hidden-facts-singer/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|date=December 17, 2012|title=COVER STORY: BRANDY CHATS GROWTH, BOUNCING BACK FROM ADVERSITY|work=Jet|url=https://www.jetmag.com/insidejet/cover-story-brandy-chats-growth-bouncing-back-from-adversity/|access-date=November 8, 2021|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108192037/https://www.jetmag.com/insidejet/cover-story-brandy-chats-growth-bouncing-back-from-adversity/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|last=Kafka|first=Alexander C.|date=April 11, 2017|title=2017 tour of Chicago starring Brandy Norwood (review)|work=DC Theatre Scene|url=https://dctheatrescene.com/2017/04/11/2017-tour-chicago-starring-brandy-norwood-review/|access-date=November 8, 2021}} Her voice has often been described as soft, raspy, and husky by music critics and Norwood herself.{{cite news| url=http://power98fm.cbslocal.com/2012/10/16/album-review-brandys-two-eleven/| title=Album Review Brandy's "Two Eleven"| work=Power98fm| date=October 16, 2012| access-date=November 2, 2012| first=Jennifer| last=Hall| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030115953/http://power98fm.cbslocal.com/2012/10/16/album-review-brandys-two-eleven/| archive-date=October 30, 2014| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}} Music critic and Slant Magazine writer Andrew Chan describes Norwood's vocal tone as having "an unusual mix of warmth and cold, hard edges". He further describes her vocal quality, saying, "Like little else in pop-music singing, Brandy's subtle manipulation of timbre and texture rewards close listening. [...] Her main claim of technical virtuosity has always been her long, cascading riffs, a skill many R&B die-hards revere her for."{{cite web|date=2012-10-14|first=Andrew|last=Chan|title=Album Review – Two Eleven (2012)|work=Slant Magazine|publisher=SlantMagazine.com|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/brandy-two-eleven/2889|access-date=2012-11-26}} Norwood is also noted for her use of multitrack recording to create intricate vocal arrangements and layering. Terry Sawyer of PopMatters writes on this skill, remarking, "While it's been said that Brandy's voice isn't exactly a barn burner, it's not mentioned enough that she does more than enough with what she's got. She never leaves her voice hanging in spotlit scarcity, folding its variegated terracing, whispering out the lead track, shouting in the back-up, and piling each song with enough interlocking sounds to create the tightly packed illusion of vocal massiveness."{{cite web|date=2004-09-17|first=Terry|last=Sawyer|title=Album Review – Afrodisiac (2004)|work=PopMatters|publisher=PopMatter.com|url=https://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/b/brandy-afrodisiac.shtml|access-date=2010-06-30}} In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Brandy at number 193 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.{{cite magazine|title=The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=1 January 2023|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/brandy-5-1234643003/|access-date=20 January 2023}}

Norwood's initial sound on her eponymous debut album was "street-oriented" R&B,{{cite web |last1=Samuels |first1=Anita M. |title=UP AND COMING: Brandy; At 16, Her Debut Is a Sweet Success (Published 1995) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/02/arts/up-and-coming-brandy-at-16-her-debut-is-a-sweet-success.html |website=The New York Times|date=April 2, 1995|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825133653/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/02/arts/up-and-coming-brandy-at-16-her-debut-is-a-sweet-success.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 25, 2020}} that incorporated elements of hip hop{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20104182,00.html|title=Picks and Pans Review: Brandy|work=People|date=October 24, 1994|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035804/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20104182,00.html |access-date=September 28, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2016}} and pop-soul. She sang about love while also highligting other topics such as, "tributes to her little brother ("Best Friend"), God ("Give Me You"), the perfect man ("Baby") and older crooners like Aretha and Whitney ("I Dedicate")". On her second album Never Say Never, she went for a more adult contemporary oriented direction while maintaining "a slight streetwise edge". Her third studio album Full Moon saw Norwood, and her then-creative partner Rodney Jerkins, experiment with blending her previous R&B sounds with futuristic, forward-thinking productions, including influences of 2-step garage and electro-funk.{{cite web|title=Brandy Talks For A Minute Or Two{{nbsp}}... Pregnant & Glowing|date=January 6, 2008 |publisher=YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gr6YrT0Wec|access-date=2010-02-11}}{{cite web|first1=Shaheem|last1=Reid|first2=Gideon|last2=Yago|title=Fans Will Get A New Taste Of Brandy On Full Moon|work=MTV News|publisher=MTV.com|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1452576/20020222/brandy.jhtml|date=2002-02-25|access-date=2010-02-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709185504/http://www.mtv.com/news/1452576/fans-will-get-a-new-taste-of-brandy-on-full-moon/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 9, 2018}}{{cite web|title=Picks and Pans Review: Full Moon|work=People|date=March 11, 2002|url=https://people.com/archive/picks-and-pans-review-full-moon-vol-57-no-9/|access-date=June 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609214315/https://people.com/archive/picks-and-pans-review-full-moon-vol-57-no-9/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 9, 2020}} Along with her style, her voice had gone through an evolution, with her light, girlish voice becoming much deeper, warmer, and smokier than it had been throughout the 1990s.{{cite magazine|date=2002-03-22|first=Craig|last=Seymour|title=Full Moon|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url=https://ew.com/article/2002/03/22/full-moon/|access-date=2010-06-11}} The lyrics also reflected the change, as the album explored more adult, sexual topics and focused on both physical and emotional aspects of an intimate relationship.

In 2004, her recent motherhood, life experiences, and growing affinity for British rock band Coldplay, caused her to shift toward a more experimental vision for her fourth studio album Afrodisiac. The album, a collaboration with producers Timbaland and Kanye West, utilized the distinctive illbient aesthetic, which fuses ambient pop, dub, and breakbeat soundscapes with progressive sampling methods.{{cite web| first= Shaheem |last=Reid|title=Brandy Gets Love From Kanye, Timbaland On New Album| publisher= MTV News| work= MTV.com |url= http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1486701/20040429/brandy.jhtml|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040503013954/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1486701/20040429/brandy.jhtml|url-status= dead|archive-date= May 3, 2004|date=2004-04-29|access-date=2010-06-30}} A four-year hiatus and a few life-changing occurrences caused Norwood to return to the music industry in late 2008 with Human, her fifth studio album, which discussed topics of love, heartache and honesty.{{cite news|title=Human Review|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/dec/05/urban-brandy-norwood-human | first=Alex | last=MacPherson | date=2008-12-05 | access-date=2010-04-26 | location=London}} Experiencing a career and personal rejuvenation in 2012, Norwood was eager to scale back her previous album's pop style and return to R&B on her sixth studio album Two Eleven. The album was a melding of both Norwood's 1990s R&B sound and the bass-heavy trends of post-2000s contemporary hip-hop.{{cite news|title=TrueExclusives Interviews Brandy |work=True Exclusives |publisher=TrueExclusives.com |date=2012-02-01 |url=http://trueexclusives.com/2012/02/01/truexclusives-interviews-brandy/ |access-date=2012-03-03 }}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Since the start of her career, Norwood has named Whitney Houston as her most prominent music and entertainment influence. Early in her career, she would often describe Houston as her "idol", crediting her voice, music, and performances as critical to her, both personally and professionally. In a 2014 interview, Brandy stated that, "as a professional musician, I would say that Whitney Houston is the greatest voice of all time."{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIONbL33lks |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/yIONbL33lks| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Brandy on Whitney Houston HSN Special|work=HSN|date=6 November 2012|access-date=12 September 2017}}{{cbignore}} She elaborates, saying "She was always the idea for me. I wanted to be like her, sing like her, and do everything she was doing."{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH8M5mWaCSk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/tH8M5mWaCSk| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Brandy remembers Whitney Houston: "She's definitely one of my Angels"|work=OWN|first=Oprah|last=Winfrey|date=3 August 2014|access-date=12 September 2017}}{{cbignore}} Beginning in the late 1990s, Houston would evolve as a personal friend and mentor to Brandy, with Houston nicknaming herself as Norwood's "godmother".{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c90CWobR5Yw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/c90CWobR5Yw| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Whitney & Brandy Behind the Scenes|work=ABC and The Wonderful World of Disney|date=2 November 1997|access-date=12 September 2017}}{{cbignore}}

Norwood also names her father, vocal coach Willie Norwood, as instrumental to her discovery and development as a musician. She exclaims that her dad "taught me everything that I know [about singing]". About her dad, Norwood states: "I grew up singing in church with my dad, where he was the musical director and we sang gospel songs in a cappella almost exclusively. He bought me my first 4-track tape recorder. At first, I didn't like my own voice, but he encouraged me to embrace the unique qualities of my voice."{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqCkxM5XDdM&list=PL1E3B8E9DE3EFDF10 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/pqCkxM5XDdM| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=TrueExclusives UpClose and Personal interview with Brandy|work=True Exclusives.com|author=Frank Silent|date=20 May 2010|access-date=26 September 2017}}{{cbignore}}

While developing her own style and vocal sound, Norwood would credit gospel-jazz singer Kim Burrell, new age artist Enya, and English singer-songwriter Sade as major influences. In speaking about them, she said, "...{{nbsp}}it was listening to those women, along with my own creative voice, that helped me to find my niche, my own sound."{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gNQEuM_quw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/5gNQEuM_quw| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=US Superstar Brandy LIVE in the Hangout|work=The Google Hangout|author=YouTube|date=20 September 2013|access-date=26 September 2017}}{{cbignore}}

Norwood has also noted several other musical inspirations, including Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, the Clark Sisters, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Coldplay, Janet Jackson, Timbaland, and her brother Ray J.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O2RmZnRk3g |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/4O2RmZnRk3g| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=S&R w/ Brandy|last=StylzandRoman|date=October 1, 2008|publisher=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=348&dat=19950731&id=lyk1AAAAIBAJ&pg=6521,859979&hl=en|title=Rome News-Tribune – Google News Archive Search|website=News.google.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/28/brandy-the-wiz-revival-recording-coldplay_n_7461642.html|title=Brandy Has BIG Plans For The Future|author=Brennan Williams|date=May 28, 2015|website=Huffingtonpost.com}}

Over the course of her acting career, Norwood has noted Lucille Ball, Jenifer Lewis, Gabrielle Union, Niecy Nash, and Kim Fields as being integral to her development as an actress, and the discovery of her strength in comedic roles.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdrSeQsnE-I |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/rdrSeQsnE-I| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Reflections with Gabrielle Union|date=July 15, 2015|publisher=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1twQaeOpfw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/w1twQaeOpfw| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Web Exclusive: Brandy Fan Questions Interview|publisher=YouTube|date=8 April 2014|access-date=26 September 2017}}{{cbignore}}

{{see also|List of awards and nominations received by Brandy}}

Since her 1994 debut album, Brandy has sold more than 40 million records worldwide with over 8.62 million albums sold in the United States alone.{{cite web|title=BET Experience "2018 BET Her Awards" host Brandy Norwood noted selling 40 million records worldwide and over 11 million albums in the US.|url=https://www.bet.com/bet-experience/2018/bet-her-awards/brandy.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814170258/https://www.bet.com/bet-experience/2018/bet-her-awards/brandy.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 14, 2018|access-date=February 4, 2019|publisher=BET.com}}{{cite magazine|last=Trust|first=Gary|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/ask-billboard-how-popular-is-country-music/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212104423/https://www.billboard.com/pro/ask-billboard-how-popular-is-country-music/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2022-02-12|title=Ask Billboard: How Popular Is Country Music?|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=2009-10-02|access-date=2012-07-20}} According to the RIAA, Brandy has 10.5 million certified units.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=top-selling-artists|title=Top Selling Artists|publisher=Recording Industry Association of America|access-date=2020-08-23}} In 2008, Billboard ranked her song "The Boy Is Mine" third on a special The 40 Biggest Duets of All Time listing.{{Cite magazine |author=Billboard Staff |date=2011-02-14 |title=The 40 Biggest Duets Of All Time |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/the-40-biggest-duets-of-all-time-473075/ |access-date=2022-10-23 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}

In 1999, Billboard ranked Norwood among the top 20 of the Top Pop Artists of the 1990s.{{cite web|date=2000-01-14 |first=Karu F. |last=Daniels |title=Brandy Outdoes Herself With Multiplatinum Certifications |work=Yahoo! Music |publisher=Music.Yahoo.com |url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12063168 |access-date=2007-07-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107062202/https://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12063168/ |archive-date=January 7, 2016 |df=mdy }} In 2010, Billboard included Norwood in their Top 50 R&B and Hip Hop Artists list of the past 25 years.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/950681/the-top-50-rb-hip-hop-artists-of-the-past-25-years |title=The Top 50 R&B / Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years – The Juice |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=2010-11-18 |access-date=2012-01-17}} Norwood was one of the youngest artists nominated for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/05/arts/new-faces-in-grammy-nominations.html |title=New Faces in Grammy Nominations |work=The New York Times |date=1996-01-05 |access-date=2013-08-08}} Her second album Never Say Never appeared in the "Top 100 Certified Albums" list by the RIAA.{{cite web|url=http://riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=top-100-albums |title=Top 100 Albums – June 04, 2013 |publisher=RIAA |access-date=2013-06-04}}

Norwood's vocal stylings have had a significant impact on the music industry, most notably with contemporary R&B, pop and gospel genres, where she is often subjectively referred to as the "Vocal Bible".{{cite web|first=Niki |last=McGloster

|url=http://www.vibevixen.com/2012/07/style-story-dawn-richard/2/ |title=Style Story: Dawn Richard |publisher=VIBE Vixen |date=2012-07-11 |access-date=2013-10-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021180815/http://www.vibevixen.com/2012/07/style-story-dawn-richard/2/ |archive-date=October 21, 2013 }} Her work has influenced numerous artists, including Jessie J, JoJo, Bridget Kelly, Olivia, Ariana Grande,{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5748215/gimme-five-ariana-grandes-most-inspirational-female-singers|title=Gimme Five: Ariana Grande's Most Inspirational Female Singers|website=Billboard.com}} Emeli Sandé, Tori Kelly, Jordin Sparks, Ryan Destiny, Tank, Teyana Taylor, Lil' Mo, Megan Rochell, Keyshia Cole,{{Cite web |title=Keyshia Cole: Calling All Hearts {{!}} HiFi Magazine |url=http://hifimagazine.net/blog/?p=2655# |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=hifimagazine.net}} Jhené Aiko,{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/vixen-qa-jhene-a%C3%ADko-working-kendrick-lamar-calling-men-bitches-falling-love-tupac-pg-2 |title=The Vixen Q&A: Jhene Aíko On Working With Kendrick Lamar, Calling Men 'Bitches' + Falling In Love With Tupac [Pg. 2 |publisher=Vibe |date=March 28, 2011 |access-date=January 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022114754/http://www.vibe.com/article/vixen-qa-jhene-a%C3%ADko-working-kendrick-lamar-calling-men-bitches-falling-love-tupac-pg-2 |archive-date=October 22, 2013 }} Raven-Symoné, Eric Bellinger,{{cite web|url=https://bleumag.com/2022/03/03/the-evolution-of-classic-eric-bellinger/|access-date=May 2, 2022|title=The Evolution of Classic : Eric Bellinger|date=March 3, 2022 }} Chris Brown,{{Cite web |title=Exclusive: Brandy Talks 'Two Eleven,' Compliments from Chris Brown, & Falling in Love |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2012/08/30/exclusive-brandy-talks-two-eleven-compliments-from-chris-brown-falling-in-love/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=Rap-Up |language=en-US}} Elle Varner, Rihanna,{{Cite web |title=Rihanna on embracing her Bad side |url=https://ew.com/article/2007/06/22/rihanna-embracing-her-bad-side/ |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=EW.com |language=en}} Angel, Normani,{{Cite web |date=2013-08-22 |title=Blog {{!}} TeenNick Top 10: An Interview With Fifth Harmony {{!}} Teennick.com |url=http://www.teennick.com/blog/teennick-top-10-an-interview-with-fifth-harmony.html |access-date=2024-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822150229/http://www.teennick.com/blog/teennick-top-10-an-interview-with-fifth-harmony.html |archive-date=August 22, 2013 }} and Kehlani{{Cite web |date=2020-11-11 |title=Kehlani's Favorite R&B Singers List Includes Brandy And Mariah Carey |url=https://uproxx.com/music/kehlani-favorite-r-b-singers-brandy-mariah-carey/ |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US}} while Norwood's vocals have been praised by several of her peers, including Natasha Bedingfield, Missy Elliott, Jennifer Hudson, Syleena Johnson, Gladys Knight,

Brian McKnight, Jill Scott, Angie Stone, Tamia,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jghp_4aFNqU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Jghp_4aFNqU| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Celebrities Congratulate Brandy on 20 Years & She Reacts!|publisher=TrueExclusives |date=2013-10-16 |access-date=2013-10-21}}{{cbignore}} Ty Dolla Sign,{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USrIoOHrORI&t=6s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/USrIoOHrORI| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Ty Dolla Sign Interview: Brandy, having to eat celery as a kid, EP with R. Kelly |work= MalcolmMusic| via= YouTube |last= Ohanwe |first= Malcolm|date=May 14, 2016|access-date=May 2, 2020}}{{cbignore}} Jazmine Sullivan,{{Cite magazine |last=Paul |first=Larisha |date=2022-03-25 |title=20 Years of Brandy's 'Full Moon': How the 'Vocal Bible' Set the Gold Standard For Modern R&B Vocalists |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/brandy-full-moon-rb-standard-1235049135/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} and Tamar Braxton{{Cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2tqidyZvs0&t=89s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/b2tqidyZvs0| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Tamar Braxton talks about Ariana Grande, John Legend & Brandy |work= MalcolmMusic |via= YouTube|last=Ohanwe|first=Malcolm|date=October 18, 2013|access-date=May 2, 2020}}{{cbignore}} among others. Additionally, on many occasions, Norwood has been thought of as a talented artist that music producers and songwriters have used to enhance their own artistic and creative energies.{{cite magazine|title=Afrodisiac Album Review|magazine=Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/6202779/review/6383758/afrodisiac|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071024044811/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/6202779/review/6383758/afrodisiac|url-status= dead |archive-date=October 24, 2007|access-date=2010-06-30}}{{cite web|first=Nathan|last=S.|title=Brandy – Human |publisher= | work= DJBooth.net|url=http://www.djbooth.net/index/albums/review/brandy-human-1208081/|access-date=2010-06-30}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/aj-tracey-jorja-smith-crush-music-video-1235265512/|title=AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith contemplate second chances in "Crush" video|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Paul|first=Larisha|date=February 12, 2025|access-date=February 14, 2025}}

Songwriter Sean Garrett credits the vocal work on the album Full Moon for his approach to writing, saying "I take a lot from what [Brandy] and Rodney did on the Full Moon album. I was extremely impressed with it and I always try to outdo that album".{{cite web|date=2011-10-11|title=Brandy & Sean Garrett in the Studio| work= UStream |via= YouTube |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zMoSBZzoq4| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023124808/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zMoSBZzoq4&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=2011-10-23 | url-status=dead|access-date=2012-12-31}} B.Slade spoke of the album, commenting Full Moon single-handedly changed the vocal game. "It has been the template for vocal choices and background vocal arrangements [for years]."{{cite web|date=2010-09-02|title=TV1 Interviews singer B.Slade |work= BlogTV |via= YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMcHHUNzXCQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/LMcHHUNzXCQ| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|access-date=2012-12-31}}{{cbignore}} R&B singer Melanie Fiona, especially admired the singer's work on that album.{{YouTube|DMTNJVdu2qY| Melanie Fiona Loves Brandy}} Neo soul singer India.Arie often cites the album, particularly the song "He Is" as being the template for a wide array of singers."{{cite web|date=2012-10-19|title=Brandy performs live at W.I.P./TrueExclusive Relaunch Party|work=True Exclusive |via= YouTube |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl5bafi_-9A |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/nl5bafi_-9A| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|access-date=2012-12-31}}{{cbignore}} The oft-praised vocal work on the album sparked the idea of Norwood gaining the subjective nickname the "vocal bible".{{YouTube|lrXENW1tpeA| Brandy In The Studio With Stacy Barthe & Corey Chorus}}{{cite web|url=http://www.vibevixen.com/2012/07/style-story-dawn-richard/2/ |title=Style Story: Dawn Richard |work=Vibe |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131021180815/http://www.vibevixen.com/2012/07/style-story-dawn-richard/2/ |archive-date=October 21, 2013 }}{{cite web|url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2012/09/grape-juice-interviews-brandy/#more-90065|title=That Grape Juice Interviews Brandy|work=..::That Grape Juice.net::.. – Thirsty?|date=September 14, 2012 }} Canadian R&B singer Keshia Chanté credited the album for inspiring her writing for her album Night & Day, while American singer Luke James referred to Full Moon as the "bible" of 2000s contemporary R&B, calling it the "blueprint of how to do vocals."

Afrodisiac has been credited as one of predecessors to the Alternative R&B subgenre. In a 2014 music and fashion conversation with NPR, singer and model Solange discussed the album, saying "Brandy is really the foundation of a lot of this very innovative, progressive, experimental R&B. Brandy really influenced a lot of that. Frank Ocean will say it. Miguel will say it."{{cite web|first = Ali Shaheed|last = Muhammed|date = 2014-02-14|title = Solange Knowles on Nas, Juvenile, and Dance Moves|work = NPR Conversations|publisher = NPR.org|url = https://www.npr.org/blogs/microphonecheck/2014/02/12/272432827/solange-knowles-on-nas-juvenile-and-dance-moves|access-date = 2015-04-13}} In an interview with MalcolmMusic, Miguel revealed that he was a "huge fan growing up", stating that Brandy had "killed it from the first album".{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkK_DxKh-KE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/JkK_DxKh-KE| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Miguel weighs in on Brandy, Alicia Keys & Beyoncé|work=MalcolmMusic|publisher=YouTube|last=Ohanwe|first=Malcolm|date=March 17, 2013|access-date=May 2, 2020}}{{cbignore}}

American neo soul singer Erykah Badu noted that her 1997 debut album, Baduizm, was partly influenced by Norwood's debut album,{{cite tweet|user=fatbellybella|number=251677695241494528|first=Erykah|last=Badu|title= Brandi's first album. Was one of my inspirations when {{sic|wri|tting|nolink=y}} Baduism. I looove that album|date=September 28, 2012|access-date=2019-11-11}} while Barbadian singer Rihanna said of her 2007 album Good Girl Gone Bad, "[Brandy] really helped inspire that album. I listened to [Afrodisiac] every day [while in the studio]."{{cite magazine|last=Watson|first=Margeaux|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20038840_20038841_20043298,00.html|title=Caribbean Queen|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=June 21, 2007|access-date=August 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425191016/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20038840_20038841_20043298,00.html|archive-date=April 25, 2009}} Kelly Rowland cited Norwood, who also wrote and produced for Rowland's debut album, as one of the inspirations for her second studio album Ms. Kelly (2007).{{cite web|first=Corey |last=Moss |date=2006-09-27 |title=Kelly Rowland Scraps Sappy Story, Picks Up Snoop |work=MTV News|url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1541798/20060926/rowland_kelly.jhtml |access-date=2010-06-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001103710/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1541798/20060926/rowland_kelly.jhtml |archive-date=October 1, 2007 }} John Frusciante, guitarist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, cited Norwood as the "main inspiration" behind the guitar work on Red Hot Chili Peppers' 2006 album, Stadium Arcadium.{{cite web|first=Shannon|last=Zimmerman| title=John Frusciante, The Empyrean|work=Spin Magazine|date=February 19, 2009|publisher=Spin.com|url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/john-frusciante-empyrean-record-collection|access-date=2010-06-30}} When discussing the work on her debut project H.E.R., singer H.E.R., who worked with the producer DJ Camper, revealed that Brandy was a "huge inspiration" to her, and that her being inspired Brandy impacted her musical output.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWiIU8yaMbM&t=23s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/OWiIU8yaMbM| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=H.E.R. talks about working with Rihanna & Bruno Mars controversy|work=MalcolmMusic|publisher=YouTube|last=Ohanwe|first=Malcolm|date=March 24, 2018|access-date=May 2, 2020}}{{cbignore}}

Norwood has made her impact in the film and television industry as well. Norwood was the first African American to play the role of Cinderella.{{cite web|url=http://www.latinpost.com/articles/18648/20140805/first-black-cinderella-keke-palmer-cast-in-groundbreaking-role-for-african-americans-on-broadway.htm|title=First Black Cinderella: Keke Palmer Cast in Groundbreaking Role for African-Americans on Broadway|work=Latin Post|date=August 5, 2014}} Her role as Cinderella in the 1997 film inspired many African American actors. Speaking on the role, Keke Palmer said "I feel like the reason I'm able to do this [becoming the first African American Cinderella on Broadway] is definitely because Brandy did it on TV". Norwood's TV-show Moesha on UPN was also one of the longest-running Black sitcoms of all time.{{cite web| url= https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/25/arts/television-radio-the-shrinking-life-span-of-the-black-sitcom.html|title=The Shrinking Life Span of the Black Sitcom|date=25 February 2001|work=The New York Times}} On stage, Norwood made Broadway history along with co-star Lana Gordan by becoming the first black co-leads in Chicago the Musical in 2017.{{cite web |url= http://people.com/theater/brandy-norwood-lana-gordon-chicago-the-musical/|title=Brandy Norwood and Lana Gordon Make Broadway History as Chicago the Musical's First Concurrent Black Leads|website=People.com}}

{{see also|Brandy Norwood products}}

Norwood has had many endorsements in her career. In 1999, she became a CoverGirl,{{cite web |url= https://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=123807 |title=A Brand New Brandy |publisher= ABC News |work= abcnews.go.com |access-date=2014-08-09}} appearing in a number of commercials. She also represented the brands Candie's in 1998 and DKNY in the Spring of 2000.{{cite web|url=http://thebrandyblog.com/modeling/ |title=Modeling |date=July 27, 2013 |publisher=The Brandy Blog! |access-date=2014-08-09}}[https://www.youtube.com/watchv=B3w8uxHz7DM]{{dead link|date=March 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426508/brandy-does-dkny-nyc.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206135720/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426508/brandy-does-dkny-nyc.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 6, 2012 |title=Brandy Does DKNY In NYC |publisher=MTV |date=2000-03-28 |access-date=2014-08-09}} In the late 1990s Norwood was represented by Wilhelmina Agency, one of the leading modeling agencies in the industry. In 1999, Mattel released the Brandy Doll. The doll featured Norwood in a reddish orange blouse and orange long skirt. Next to this, the Holiday Brandy Doll was released in 2000 along with another "Brandy Doll". Millions of the dolls were sold and they were one of the biggest selling toys for Mattel.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/515626/mattel-issue-brandy-doll.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413141814/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/515626/mattel-issue-brandy-doll.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |title=Mattel To Issue Brandy Doll |publisher=MTV |date=1999-06-30 |access-date=2014-08-09}} In 2005, Brandy became the spokesperson for Ultima, a company for hair weaves and wigs. As of 2014, she no longer represents them.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvF4nK2LQG4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/qvF4nK2LQG4| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Brandy shows off the new styles at Ultima Hair shoot '08 |date=June 11, 2008 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2014-08-09}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hairqueen.com/naprhapro10.html |title=Sensationnel Natural Protein Hair PRO 10 By BRANDY Weave |website=Hairqueen.com |access-date=2014-08-09}}

In 1996, Norwood, along with her brother Ray J, created the Norwood Kids Foundation. Its goal is to "use performing arts as a catalyst to shape the youth of today into self-confident, disciplined, responsible, and caring individuals capable of making a positive impact in their communities."{{cite web|url=http://norwoodkids.org/about-us/|title=Norwood Kids Foundation – About Us |access-date=April 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413155433/http://norwoodkids.org/about-us/|archive-date=April 13, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} In 1999, Brandy was the first international spokesman person for youth by UNICEF.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426519/brandy-named-international-youth-spokesperson-unicef.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413155720/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426519/brandy-named-international-youth-spokesperson-unicef.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |title=Brandy Named International Youth Spokesperson For UNICEF |publisher=MTV |date=1999-07-29 |access-date=2014-08-09}} She is an avid supporter of the Make A Wish Foundation and RAINN.{{cite web |url= http://thebrandyblog.com/charities-community-service/ |title=Charities & Community Service |date=July 27, 2013 |publisher=The Brandy Blog! |access-date=2014-08-09}} In 2000, Brandy donated $100,000 to 2000 WATTS, an entertainment community center founded by singer and actor Tyrese Gibson in the underprivileged community of Watts, Los Angeles, California. Brandy teamed up with shoe company Skechers' “Nothing Compares to Family” campaign in 2008.{{cite web |url= http://sandrarose.com/2008/07/brandy-teams-up-with-skechers-for-charity/ |title=Brandy teams up with Skechers for charity |website= sandrarose.com| publisher= Sandra Rose |date=2008-07-25 |access-date=2014-08-09}} In 2010, Norwood became involved with Get Schooled, a national non-profit mobile phone calls by celebrities to wake up students for school.{{cite web |url= https://getschooled.com/about-us |title=About |publisher=Get Schooled |access-date=2014-08-09}}{{cite web| url= https://getschooled.com/articles/344-brandy| title= Brandy| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140413142908/https://getschooled.com/articles/344-brandy| archive-date= April 13, 2014| website= getschooled.com| publisher= Get Schooled| date= | access-date= }} In 2014, Norwood teamed up with "text4baby", which spreads health and wellness to expecting moms via text message,{{cite web |author= Sarie |url= http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2014/02/14/do-gooder-brandy-norwood-partners-with-text4baby-to-help-new-moms/ |title= Do-Gooder: Brandy Norwood Partners with 'text4baby' to Help New Moms |publisher= | website= blackcelebkids.com |access-date=2014-08-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030093401/http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2014/02/14/do-gooder-brandy-norwood-partners-with-text4baby-to-help-new-moms/ |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} and became an honorary co-chairman of the 2014 Unstoppable Foundation.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCytXrgtzjM/ | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140601004455/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCytXrgtzjM&gl=US&hl=en| archive-date=2014-06-01 | url-status=dead|title=Brandy's PSA – We Are Unstoppable |via= YouTube |access-date=2014-08-09}} In 2018, she also appeared in a PSA for the American Heart Association and Hands-Only CPR with fellow Chicago the Musical cast members.{{cite tweet |user= ChicagoMusical |number=1002230924422057984|title= It's sexy to save a life - just ask @4everBrandy and the merry murderesses of the Cook County Jail! Please help us spread the word about #HandsOnlyCPR 1. Check 2. Call 911 and 3. Compress. Follow @Hands_Only_CPR and visit http://handsonly.nyc for more information.|author=Chicago the Musical|date=May 31, 2018|access-date=November 11, 2019}}

Norwood attended Hollywood High School but studied with a private tutor beginning in tenth grade. In 1996, she had a brief relationship with future Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant, whom she accompanied to his prom at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.{{cite web |url= https://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/kobe-bryant-brandy-prom-date-dress-020916|title= Kobe left lasting memory during prom date with Brandy 20 years ago|date=February 9, 2016|work=Fox Sports}} She also dated Boyz II Men lead singer Wanya Morris, whom she cited as her "first love".{{cite news|title=Here's What Goes With A Fine Brandy |first=Mitchell |last=Fink |work=New York Daily News |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/gossip/1999/09/03/1999-09-03_here_s_what_goes_with_a_fine.html |access-date= 2010-02-18 |date=1999-09-03 }}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot= InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Morris, who is over five years older, reportedly ended their relationship a month before her nineteenth birthday.{{cite news|title=Why Mum's The Word For Superstar Brandy| first= Frank| last= Durham |work= Sunday Mercury|date=1999-05-30}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}} Also during their work on the Never Say Never album, she briefly dated rapper Mase.{{cite magazine|title=Brandy – Not That Innocent|first=Chero|last=Hoadri Coker|magazine=Vibe|date=July 2004|page=94|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wCYEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22NOT+THAT+INNOCENT%22+BRANDY+%22BLACK+PEPPER%22&pg=PA88|access-date=January 17, 2007|via=Google Books|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226225753/https://books.google.com/books?id=wCYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA94#v=onepage&q&f=false|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 26, 2022}}

During the production of her album Full Moon in mid-2001, Norwood became romantically involved with producer Robert "Big Bert" Smith. The couple kept their relationship secret until February 2002, when Norwood announced that she was expecting her first child. However, a year after the birth of their daughter, Sy'rai Iman Smith, Norwood and Smith separated.{{cite web|agency= LAUNCH Radio Networks |date=2003-06-27 |title=Brandy And Her Husband On The Outs? |work=Yahoo! Music |url= http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12026717 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20100118150325/http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12026717 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2010-01-18 |access-date=2008-10-04 }} In 2004, Smith revealed that the pair had never been legally wed, but that they had pretended to marry to preserve Norwood's public image. Norwood responded that she regarded her relationship with Smith as a "spiritual union and true commitment to each other,"{{cite web|first= Joe| last= D'Angelo |date= 2004-07-21| title= Brandy's 'Ex-Husband' Says They Were Never Really Married| work=MTV News| url= http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489609/20040721/brandy.jhtml | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040725064732/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489609/20040721/brandy.jhtml | url-status= dead | archive-date= July 25, 2004 |access-date=2010-02-18}} though she later confirmed Smith's statement and justified her actions with the pressure of having to be a role model.{{cite web|first= JSylvia oe| last=Obell|title= Brandy Apologizes for Lying to Oprah About Her Marriage Back in 2002|website=essence.com| url= https://www.essence.com/celebrity/brandy-apologizes-lying-oprah-about-her-marriage-back-2002/|date=August 1, 2014|access-date=2010-02-18}}

By the following year, Norwood had begun a relationship with NBA guard Quentin Richardson, who was then playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. The couple became engaged in July 2004, but Norwood ended their 14-month engagement in September 2005.{{cite web|title=Brandy breaks off engagement|agency= UPI | url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/brandy-breaks-off-engagement-quentin-richardson-morphs-tattoo-1005596.php| website= realitytvworld.com |date=October 28, 2005|access-date=August 6, 2020}} It was reported that Norwood had to get a tattoo of Richardson's face on her back transformed into a cat.{{cite web|title=Brandy breaks off engagement|agency= UPI | url=http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/brandy-breaks-off-engagement-quentin-richardson-morphs-tattoo-1005596.php| website= realitytvworld.com |access-date= 2007-05-27}} In 2010, she briefly dated rapper Flo Rida.{{cite web|title= Celibate Brandy is unlucky in love|work= WENN.com|publisher= Toronto Sun|url= http://www.torontosun.com/life/2010/10/20/15760001.html|access-date= 2010-11-07|date= 2010-10-20|archive-date= March 4, 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045022/http://www.torontosun.com/life/2010/10/20/15760001.html|url-status= dead}} At the end of 2012, Norwood became engaged to music executive Ryan Press.{{cite web |title= Brandy Gets Engaged to Music Executive Ryan Press |website= Rap-Up.com |date= 2012-12-28 |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/12/28/brandy-gets-engaged-to-music-executive-ryan-press/#more-146223|access-date=2010-02-04}} In April 2014, Norwood called off her engagement with Press following their breakup earlier that year.{{cite web| first= Justin| last= Ravitz| url= http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/brandy-fiance-ryan-press-split-end-engagement-no-longer-together-2014154| title= Exclusive: Brandy, Fiance Shavonte Mcbryde Split, End Engagement: 'They Are No Longer Together' |work=Us Weekly| date= 2014-04-15| access-date=2014-04-15}}

Following the release of her seventh studio album B7, fans speculated on the meaning behind the album's closing track, "Bye BiPolar". While Norwood does not have bipolar disorder, according to notes that the singer wrote to accompany the album, "Bye BiPolar" is a metaphor for her love life and discussing the way that her mental health struggles have been exacerbated by toxic relationships.{{cite web |url= https://www.distractify.com/p/is-brandy-bipolar|title=Brandy's New Song "Bye BiPolar" Is an Open Discussion of Mental Health |first= Joseph |last= Allen |work= Distractify.com |date=July 31, 2020|access-date=August 4, 2020}} Norwood told the New York Post: "I have not been diagnosed as bipolar [...] but I've had moments where trauma has caused me to not be myself, and I felt at a point that I could've experienced moments of that."{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2020/08/06/brandy-drops-a-dose-of-sultry-rb-on-comeback-lp-b7/|title=Brandy talks Kanye, Whitney and her first album in eight years |first= Chuck |last= Arnold |work=New York Post|date=August 6, 2020|access-date=August 6, 2020}} In an interview with The Grio, Norwood said, "I've dealt with depression in the most severe ... like severe depression. I've dealt with trauma. I've dealt with PTSD. I've gone through a lot and I had to overcome a lot, but I had to overcome everything that I've overcame by doing the work," turning to therapy, prayer, journaling and meditation.{{cite web|url=https://thegrio.com/2020/08/07/brandy-album-b7-overcoming-depression/| title= Brandy talks new album 'B7' and overcoming 'severe' depression |first= Gerren Keith| last= Gaynor |date= August 7, 2020|access-date=August 7, 2020}}

On December 30, 2006, while driving on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles,{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2007/01/24/brandy-causes-fatal-car-crash/ |title= Brandy Tells Witness Fatal Crash Was Her Fault |website= TMZ.com |date=2007-01-24 |access-date=2010-02-04}} Norwood struck a Toyota driven by 38-year-old Awatef Aboudihaj, who later died from her injuries at the L.A. Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. Law enforcement officials later reported that Norwood was driving her car at {{convert|65|mph}} and did not notice that vehicles ahead of her had slowed considerably. Her vehicle then collided with the rear of Aboudihaj's, causing the Toyota to strike another vehicle before sliding sideways and impacting the center divider. As the Toyota came to a stop, it was hit by yet another vehicle.{{cite web| url= https://www.tmz.com/tag/brandy%20car%20accident/page/2/ |title=Brandy Car Accident |website= TMZ.com |access-date= 2010-02-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090706014521/http://www.tmz.com/tag/brandy%20car%20accident/page/2 |archive-date=July 6, 2009 }} However, a source in the California Highway Patrol later reported that Aboudihaj actually struck the car in front of her and then slammed on her brakes before Norwood made contact. The sudden stop caused Norwood to hit Aboudihaj's car.{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2007/12/28/brandy-in-the-clear/ |title=Brandy in the Clear |website= TMZ.com |date=2007-12-28 |access-date=2010-02-04}} As confirmed, toxicology reports showed that Aboudihaj had "slight traces" of marijuana in her system at the time of the crash.{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2007/12/26/brandy-crash-dead-woman-at-fault/ |title=Brandy Crash – Dead Woman at Fault? |website= TMZ.com |date=2007-12-26 |access-date=2010-02-04}}

Norwood was not arrested. Nevertheless, there have been multiple lawsuits filed against Norwood, all of which were ultimately settled out of court by her attorney Ed McPherson. Aboudihaj's parents filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against Norwood.{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2007/01/30/brandy-sued-for-wrongful-death/ |title=Brandy Sued for $50 Million |website= TMZ.com |date=2007-01-30 |access-date=2010-02-04}} Initially set to go to trial in April 2009,{{cite web|url=http://omg.yahoo.com/news/brandy-fatal-car-crash-changed-my-life-forever/15518 |title=Brandy: Fatal Car Crash 'Changed My Life Forever' |website= Yahoo.com |access-date=2010-02-04 }}{{dead link |date= November 2016 |bot= InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} the lawsuit was eventually cancelled as Norwood had settled out of court with Aboudihaj's parents.{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2009/11/13/brandy-settles-with-final-crash-victim/ |title=Brandy Settles with Final Crash Victim |website=TMZ.com |date=2009-11-13 |access-date=2010-02-04}} Aboudihaj's husband also filed a lawsuit against Norwood, suing her for an undisclosed amount of financial relief to cover medical and funeral expenses, as well as legal costs and other damages.{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2007/05/03/victims-husband-sues-brandy-over-fatal-crash/ |title=Victim's Husband Sues Brandy Over Fatal Crash |website= TMZ.com |date=2007-05-03 |access-date=2010-02-04}} He rejected his part of a $1.2 million settlement offer in February 2009,{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2009/06/02/brandy-settles-fatal-car-crash-case/ |title=Brandy Settles Fatal Car Crash with Victim's Kids |website= TMZ.com |date=2009-06-02 |access-date=2010-02-04}} but did settle in November of that year.{{cite web| url= http://www.eonline.com/news/brandy_settles_with_motorist_over_fatal/134244 |first= Josh| last= Grossberg| title= Brandy Settles With Motorist Over Fatal Crash| website= EOnline.com| date= July 15, 2009| access-date= December 6, 2016}} The couple's two children received $300,000 each, while two other drivers who were involved settled with Norwood for undisclosed amounts.{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2009/07/14/brandy-settles-lawsuit-with-crash-survivor/ |title=Brandy Settles Lawsuit with Crash Survivor |website= TMZ.com |date=2009-07-14 |access-date=2010-02-04}}{{cite web|url=http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/02/post-8.php |title=Court Documents In Brandy Norwood Fatal Accident |website= RadarOnline.com |date=2009-02-05 |access-date=2010-02-04}} In May 2009, Norwood stated, "The whole experience did completely change my life, and I can say that I think I'm a better person from it. You know, I still don't understand all of it and why all of it happened, but I definitely have a heart, and my heart goes out to everyone involved. I pray about it every single day, and that's all I can really say on the subject."{{cite web |url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/407/brandy_still_intoxicating/ |title=Brandy: Still Intoxicating |website=BluesAndSoul.com |access-date=2010-02-04 |archive-date=October 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025172143/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/407/brandy_still_intoxicating |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|Brandy discography}}

;Studio albums

• Brandy (1994)
• Never Say Never (1998)
• Full Moon (2002)
• Afrodisiac (2004)
• Human (2008)
• Two Eleven (2012)
• B7 (2020)
• Christmas with Brandy (2023)

Headlining

• Never Say Never World Tour (1999)
• Human World Tour (2009)
• Slayana World Tour (2016)

Opening act

• II World Tour (with Boyz II Men) (1995)

{{Main|Brandy filmography}}

• Chicago (April–August 2015; August 2017)

• Chicago (2016) (the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles){{cite web|url=http://lasentinel.net/brandy-norwood-to-play-roxie-hart-in-chicago.html|title=Brandy Norwood to Play Roxie Hart in 'Chicago' – Los Angeles Sentinel|date=December 16, 2015|website=Lasentinel.net}}
• Chicago (2017) (the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.)

• Brandy videography
• List of songs recorded by Brandy

{{Reflist}}

{{sister project links|d=Q690974|c=category:Brandy Norwood|q=Brandy Norwood|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|wikt=no|s=no}}

• {{Official website}}

• {{allMusic|id=p142547|label=Brandy}}
• {{IMDb name|0005275|Brandy}}
• {{IBDB name|500065}}

{{Brandy Norwood|state=expanded}}

{{Brandy Norwood singles}}

{{Navboxes

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{{MTV Movie Award for Best Musical Moment}}

{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist}}

{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series}}

{{Teen Choice Award for Choice Music – Female Artist}}

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{{America's Got Talent}}

{{Authority control}}

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