Greetings, everyone, and welcome! Today, we delve into an intriguing interview conducted by producer Dallas Austin on Blatt TV, where he delves into the longstanding feud between Monica and Brandy. Though this feud may be considered ancient history, its significance in the realm of music remains noteworthy. Rewinding back to the 90s, a trio of young female R&B/pop sensations emerged onto the scene: Aaliyah, Brandy, and Monica. Aaliyah led the pack with her debut album, “Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number.” Despite her youth, Aaliyah exuded a magnetic aura that captivated audiences, leading many to emulate her style. Her music garnered widespread acclaim, with her album achieving double platinum status within a year and selling over three million copies in the US alone, and six million worldwide. Aaliyah’s debut marked a pivotal moment, paving the way for aspiring young talents to follow in her footsteps. As she blazed a trail, a new wave of young female artists emerged, inspired by her groundbreaking success. Reflecting on personal experiences, the interviewer reminisces about being enamored with Aaliyah at the age of 15, emulating her performances and seeking guidance on developing a distinct style. This sentiment echoes the admiration and impact Aaliyah had on a generation of music enthusiasts.
Following Aaliyah’s debut album release in 1994, Brandy unveiled her self-titled debut album later that same year. Brandy embodied the archetype of the cheerful girl next door. Her music emanated sweetness and innocence, complemented by a meticulously crafted image. Despite achieving commercial success, Brandy’s debut album faced a slow uptake initially. Label executives lacked confidence in her as an artist, necessitating her to laboriously establish herself. Achieving gold status held immense significance for her, given the skepticism she faced from numerous quarters in the industry. Brandy recalls the initial indifference towards her album’s release, yet through perseverance and faith, she defied expectations. Her subsequent success served as a resounding rebuttal to those who doubted her potential. Brandy emerged as one of the preeminent R&B figures of the 90s, with her debut album selling over six million copies globally and yielding four hit singles, including “Baby,” “Best Friend,” “Brokenhearted” featuring Wanya Morris, and “I Wanna Be Down.” Additionally, she found success in television, starring in the popular sitcom “Moesha.” Ultimately, Brandy’s ascent to stardom invalidated the predictions of label executives who had dismissed her prospects.
In 1995, Monica debuted with her album “Miss Thang.” Setting herself apart from Aaliyah and Brandy, Monica brought a distinct sass and mature sound. Despite her young age, her powerful voice often surprised listeners. Unfazed by pressures to conform to a “girl-next-door” image, Monica embraced her authenticity, guided by mentor Dallas Austin. Encouraged to be herself, Monica exuded confidence and sometimes bluntness, which some perceived as too grown or attitude-filled. Yet, she remained true to herself, reflecting Austin’s supportive guidance. He nurtured her like a daughter, prioritizing her well-being and reinforcing her self-worth. Monica’s outspokenness, a hallmark of her persona, inspired the album’s title, “Miss Thang.” Despite advice to tone down her candor, Monica stayed resolute, supported by Austin’s belief in her authenticity and her ability to resonate with a like-minded audience.
Upon releasing her debut single, “Don’t Take It Personal,” Monica skyrocketed to success. The track sold so rapidly that her label decided to temporarily halt sales, aiming to channel the audience’s enthusiasm towards her full album purchase. “Miss Thang” emerged as a multi-platinum sensation, featuring hits like “Don’t Take It Personal,” “Before You Walk Out of My Life,” and “Why I Love You So Much.” Monica, along with Brandy and Aaliyah, enjoyed immense popularity. Yet, as their fame flourished, inevitable comparisons arose. Despite each artist’s distinct style and musical approach, they were frequently juxtaposed. All three were young Black women producing exceptional R&B music. However, the comparisons escalated to the point where people began to pit Brandy against Monica, creating unnecessary rivalry.
Initially, the media attempted to stoke tensions between Brandy and Aaliyah. It was rumored that Brandy had commented on Aaliyah’s attire, suggesting it was too mature and not something her mother would approve of. When asked about it, Aaliyah responded, “What did she actually say? Did you hear it? I didn’t pay much attention. I believe those were her feelings.” Despite this, Brandy later gave Aaliyah a shoutout at the Soul Train Awards, expressing her admiration. Thankfully, there was no animosity between them. Brandy later shared in an interview with Billboard that she and Aaliyah had hung out at various events, and Aaliyah had been supportive, even congratulating Brandy on winning a Lady of Soul Music Award. Aaliyah’s respect for Brandy was evident when she declined a role in “Scary Movie” to avoid parodying her. Aaliyah also held deep respect for Brandy and Monica, reciprocated by both singers. However, as Monica and Brandy’s friendship grew, so did their perceived rivalry, fueled by external factors. Tensions even arose during the filming of their music video, with Monica admitting she had to address a misunderstanding with Brandy on set. Despite appearing in the same video, their interactions were limited to scenes, devoid of genuine camaraderie. The media frenzy escalated when Monica and Brandy allegedly had an altercation before performing at the MTV Video Music Awards. It’s crucial to remember that these conflicts were largely manufactured by the industry, with the two artists being teenagers caught up in the drama.
They found themselves thrust into competition, pressured to conform to specific standards of singing and appearance. Despite Brandy’s widespread popularity, she faced criticism for her voice not matching Monica’s strength, while Monica was faulted for not embodying Brandy’s polished image. This discord, compounded by their mismatched personalities, fueled the rift between them. Yet, paradoxically, their feud generated even more attention, particularly with the release of their chart-topping hit, “The Boy Is Mine,” reigning at number one for an impressive 13 weeks and earning them their sole Grammy together. Remarkably, their collaboration also inspired Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey to unite for “When You Believe,” marking a turning point in their own rivalry.
Brandy and Monica flourished both as a duo and as solo artists. Monica’s sophomore album, “The Boy Is Mine,” achieved multi-platinum status, featuring standout tracks like “The First Night,” “Angel of Mine,” and “For You I Will,” with “Angel of Mine” reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning platinum certification. Brandy’s sophomore effort, “Never Say Never,” yielded hits such as “Top of the World,” “Almost Doesn’t Count,” and “Have You Ever,” catapulting her to international fame and influencing a new wave of artists like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, who herself drew inspiration from Brandy’s vocal prowess.
In addition to her musical triumphs, Brandy carved out a successful acting career, starring in the acclaimed series “Moesha” and featuring in films like “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Cinderella” alongside Whitney Houston, and “Double Platinum” alongside Diana Ross. The ’90s proved to be a fruitful era for Brandy, Monica, and their contemporary Aaliyah, all leaving indelible marks on the music scene.
Following their ’90s feud, Brandy and Monica set aside their differences and joined forces again in 2012 for “It All Belongs to Me.” Reflecting on the journey, Brandy revealed how Monica initially declined a collaboration out of respect for their past hit, “The Boy Is Mine.” Monica wanted to ensure any new work wouldn’t overshadow their iconic ’98 track. Their teenage competitiveness during “The Boy Is Mine” era was replaced by maturity and mutual respect in their later collaboration. Monica echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their refusal to let external voices influence their relationship.
The reunion of Brandy and Monica sparked immense joy among fans, yet it was tempered by the loss of their mentor and inspiration, Whitney Houston. Whitney’s passing strengthened their bond, having been not just musical influences but also personal friends. Despite plans for a joint tour, individual commitments to albums and acting diverted their paths. However, their renewed friendship hit a snag when Brandy subtly shaded Monica’s “So Gone” challenge on social media. Monica addressed the issue on “The Real,” maintaining her composure amidst the shade. The exchange hinted at underlying tensions, reminding everyone that even the strongest bonds can face challenges.
When Monica paid tribute to Missy Elliott at the Hip Hop Honors show, Brandy implied that Monica was mimicking her. It seemed like a trivial spat, yet oddly amusing. Another instance arose when Monica referred to Whitney Houston as her fairy godmother, prompting Brandy to assert that Whitney was actually hers. Although the exchange seemed innocuous, it sparked backlash against Brandy on social media. This led Brandy to urge Monica to rein in her fans on Instagram. Monica, however, chose to disregard the situation. Later, Brandy faced criticism from Monica’s fans when she claimed “The Boy Is Mine” as her own during her Essence Festival performance. Monica didn’t contest the statement, acknowledging that technically it was her song. Brandy acknowledged, “It wasn’t my song; it was hers.” Brandy did engage in petty social media moments briefly but eventually refrained from responding to negativity. Conversely, Monica consistently praised Brandy in interviews, maintaining a deep respect for her as an artist. Monica’s admiration for Brandy’s singing voice is evident, describing it as “one of a kind.” Both singers possess unique talents, rendering comparisons unnecessary. Despite the manufactured feud, Brandy and Monica’s contributions to the music industry remain significant and should not be overshadowed by petty drama. While a collaboration between them would be welcomed, for now, they focus on their individual careers. Share your thoughts on this video in the comments below, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. Thanks for watching!