Singer, songwriter and actress Brandy Norwood has been the talk of the town lately. She had a reoccurring role on the hit show “Star,” appearances on “Love and Hip Hop Hollywood,” and a recent collaboration with Chance The Rapper on “Baby Mama.” It is no surprise that people have been circulating back to the 90’s to remind themselves of how she made a name for herself.
Here are 5 reasons why Brandy was the IT GIRL of the 90’s.
1. Moesha
Brandy took on the role of Moesha Mitchell in 1995. The sitcom followed the lives of the Mitchell family and friends. It also highlighted some major adolescent problems that almost everyone can relate to. The show won several NAACP awards and was one of the highest rating African American shows that aired on UPN during that time. All six seasons of Moesha are now available on Netflix, so if you haven’t seen it, now is your chance!
2. Epic filmography
Brandy starred in many movies in the 90’s. Most of the movies she stared in turned out to be classics that I still get excited watching today. Sis really did a three-peat by staring in three movies for three years straight. Brandy made history by staring in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella in 1997. Not only was she first Black Cinderella, but also she co-starred with the late Whitney Houston. The next year, she landed a role in I Still Know what You Did Last Summer as Julie James’ spunky roommate Karla. Many still refer to this role because she is one of the few Black characters to stay alive during an entire horror film. In 1999, Brandy co-starred with another great Diana Ross in the film Double Platinum.
3. The Boy Is Mine
Young or old…you know this song! In 1998 Brandy teamed up with Monica for an Epic duo. “The Boy is Mine” gained many positive reviews from music critics and climbed the BillBoard’s Hot 100 to number one. The two maintained that number one spot for several weeks also earning a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group in 1999. This song was like any other because it told story of two women dealing with the same man. The music video was just as amazing as the song. Brandy was one of the key writers of this song and it was also featured on her Never Say Never album.
4. Cover Girl Commercial
Cover Girl Cosmetics was HUGE in the 90’s. It was one of the few brands that made sure to include women of color in ads and commercials. Brandy made headway when she was featured in several of the company’s ommercials.
5. Her Friendship with Kobe Bryant
Rumors of Brandy and Kobe Bryant were everywhere after he starred in an episode of “Moesha.” The two also went to prom together when they were just 17 years old. They quickly put the rumors to an end after they did an interview with the celebrity news show “Entertainment Tonight.” The two reassured fans that they were just friend and the relationship they had was very special.

By Brittanie Sturdivant, Sophomore, Open Campus Parsons School of Design
Instagram: B_Slay_S