Brandy Reveals Bombshells in New Memoir 'Phases'

The R&B singer opens up about her personal and professional struggles, including tensions with Monica and advice from Whitney Houston.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:18pm

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and glittering sequins, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to conceptually represent the glitz and grit of Brandy's celebrity journey.Brandy's raw memoir 'Phases' pulls back the curtain on the superstar's personal and professional struggles, offering a rare, unfiltered look into the realities of fame.Carson Today

In her new memoir 'Phases,' Grammy-winning R&B singer Brandy reflects on her personal and professional ups and downs, sharing untold stories about her music career and private life. The book includes revelations about her relationship with Monica, her first love with Boyz II Men's Wanya Morris, her battle with bulimia, and her close bond with brother Ray J. Brandy also opens up about her last conversation with her idol Whitney Houston just days before Houston's death in 2012.

Why it matters

Brandy has long been an iconic figure in R&B music and pop culture, but she has kept much of her personal life private. This memoir provides a rare, unfiltered look into the superstar's world, shedding light on the challenges she has faced both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. The revelations offer a deeper understanding of Brandy's journey and the realities of fame.

The details

In 'Phases,' Brandy reflects on the drama surrounding her hit duet 'The Boy Is Mine' with Monica, revealing that music mogul Clive Davis 'without warning' renamed Monica's album to claim ownership of the song. Brandy also opens up about her relationship with Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men when she was just 16, saying she 'genuinely believed it was true love' but that he 'took advantage' of her. The singer also shares her struggles with bulimia as a teen and her 'hatred' for her Moesha character by the show's later seasons. Brandy also discusses lying about being married before welcoming her daughter, as well as the deep depression she faced after being involved in a fatal 2007 car crash.

  • Brandy received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 30, 2026.
  • Brandy's memoir 'Phases' was released on March 31, 2026.

The players

Brandy

A Grammy-winning R&B singer known for hits like 'The Boy Is Mine' and 'Have You Ever?' as well as starring roles on 'Moesha' and in the 1997 live-action 'Cinderella' opposite Whitney Houston.

Monica

A fellow R&B singer who collaborated with Brandy on the hit song 'The Boy Is Mine' in 1998.

Wanya Morris

A member of the R&B group Boyz II Men, who Brandy dated when she was 16 and he was in his early 20s.

Whitney Houston

Brandy's idol, who starred alongside her in the 1997 live-action 'Cinderella' film.

Ray J

Brandy's younger brother, who also pursued a music career.

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What they’re saying

“Without warning, Clive [Davis] announced he was renaming Monica's album The Boy Is Mine. I was taken aback.”

— Brandy

“I genuinely believed it was true love. I believe he took advantage.”

— Brandy

“I no longer felt I had the right to continue living my life, or even to experience fleeting glimmers of joy.”

— Brandy

“I'm gonna be better. This is just a season, not the whole story.”

— Whitney Houston

What’s next

Brandy is expected to promote her new memoir 'Phases' with a book tour and media appearances in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Brandy's raw and honest memoir 'Phases' provides a rare, unfiltered look into the personal struggles and triumphs of one of R&B's most iconic singers. The revelations offer a deeper understanding of the realities of fame and the challenges Brandy has faced both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.