Brandy, the R&B singer known as the Vocal Bible, has released a candid memoir titled Phases, co-written with Gerrick Kennedy. The book details her rise to fame, personal struggles, and encounters with music legends including Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.
In the memoir, Brandy describes meeting Whitney Houston at the 1995 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, where she was so overwhelmed she ran away screaming. She also recalls fainting when introduced to Michael Jackson in a recording studio, saying her legs turned to jelly and she blacked out.
Brandy opens up about her insecurities and abuse, including being groped at age 13 by a member of the R&B group Immature. She also reveals a secret relationship at age 15 with Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, who was then 23.
The book highlights issues of duty of care in the music industry, as Brandy suffered a nervous breakdown at age 20 while juggling her role on Moesha with a demanding schedule and addiction to diet pills. She also recounts being bullied at school and finding strength from her mother, Sonja, who confronted an onscreen mother on the set of Thea.
