Brandy & Monica Talk Whitney, Death and Cup Cakin in People Mag

R&B superstars Brandy Norwood and Monica Brown are featured in the latest issue of People magazine, which is currently on stands. As you’ll recall, the first collaboration between the two was back in 1998, with their record breaking smash hit The Boy is Mine, which earned them a grammy. The two have reunited 14 years later with another single, It All Belongs To Me, and they are also planning a summer tour together. In their People interview, they discuss their meeting with Whitney the day before her death, how death has affected their lives over the years and the status of their current relationships.
On their encounter with Whitney:
Brandy: She was like our godmom. I kept asking ‘Does it sound good?’ and she said, ‘It sounds great but turn the band down.’
Monica: She was lively and she wants us to make her proud. I thank God for those last few moments her.
In a sad twist of fate, days before the legendary singer Whitney Houston’s death, she stopped by a rehearsal and interview on Brandy, 33, and Monica, 31, to advise the girls and give them feedback. No doubt they were completely unprepared for the news of her death.
On death in their lives thus far:
Monica: Death made me appreciate life. After burying my first love (Jarvis “Knot” Weems who she witnessed commit suicide in 2000), I realized life was too short.
Brandy: I wish I had spoken to Monica after that terrible accident. It was a very hard time. My life had to be perfect; I didn’t want to show my mistakes. I learned the hard way you had to take responsibility.
On their current love lives:
Monica: I sing differently since I’ve met my husband. (NBA player Shannon Brown) And he is so attentive to my kids (two sons Rodney, 6, Romelo, 4 with ex hubby rapper Rodney “Rocko” Hill).
Brandy: My daughter Syria (9, with producer Robert Smith) loves Ryan, and he loves me for me. But I don’t have a ring.
Monica: Girl, I got you. I talked to Ryan. You’re good.
Brandy: You did? I told Ryan I’d marry him with a bubble-gum ring!
Brandy has been quietly dating Ryan Press, music producer for over two years.
The pair also expressed their joy in finally working together again:
Brandy: I’m honored. It doesn’t feel like work [tears up]
Monica: Don’t start. In the studio she’d have glassy eyes. I’m like Brandy! She’s very emotional.
Monica’s album New Life is set to hit stores April 10 and there has been speculation that Brandy will also drop an album in May. In the mean time, pick up the issue in stores now to read the full interview.