Cassie

Let’s Get To Know Cassie

High school graduation couldn’t come soon enough for Cassie, who hightailed it out of her New London, CT, hometown as soon as she scooped up her diploma. She headed for New York City with dreams of music stardom. To try and fund her dream, Cassie decided to try a little modeling in the side. This side job turned into a career in itself, as Cassie’s stunning looks made her a go-to girl for brands such as Target, Clean and Clear, and Abercrombie and Fitch. She also graced magazines, such as Complex mag, appeared in Mario’s Here I Go Again music video, and was hand picked by Missy Elliot to represent Elliot’s Adidas Respect M.E. line.

Cassie in Complex Magazine

Her modeling jobs opened some doors into the music community for Cassie, and one night she was introduced to music producer Ryan Lewis. Lewis, who with his Next Selection Lifestyle group has been involved in songwriting and producing for artist like Beyonce and Britney Spears, agreed to produce a track for Cassie. On the strength of that track (Kiss Me), Lewis signed a production deal for Cassie’s debut album. He also brought her music to Sony Records head honcho Tommy Mottola, who instantly signed her to a management contract.

Lewis and Cassie recorded a few tracks, and in late 2005, they headed over to Germany for a promotional tour. At the same time, they leaked her new single, Me and U online. The single made a huge splash in clubs across Europe and was soon released on a limited edition full color picture disc 12”.

Lewis’ industry contacts began to sit up and take notice of Cassie. Diddy signed up to work with Lewis on releasing Cassie’s debut album, and Next Selection/Bad Boy produced a video for Me & U, which, as of July 2006, has been climbing the MTV and BET request charts. Also as of July 2006, Me & U was in the top ten of nine different Billboard charts. Cassie’s debut full length album is set for release in August, 2006. In that month, she will also make an appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards to promote the album.

The Music

What makes Cassie stand out from the rest of the R&B crowd is her sweet and clear voice. So many singers are trying desperately to sound more sexy…more suggestive, Cassie’s vocals are full of innocence, even when her words are not, and it is this that makes her stand out. In a genre in which style sometimes means much more than substance, Cassie genuinely seems to have something different.

Me & U so far is her standout track, with Timbaland style beats and simple vocal delivery. The remix does not work as well - it’s over produced and over the top - detracting from the low key appeal of the original.

Check back at LTK Music for a more in depth Cassie review following the release of her album August 8.