Short Biography

Cassandra Ventura (born August 26, 1986), known by her stage name Cassie, is an American model, R&B and pop singer-songwriter, dancer, actress and occasional music video actress. She is best known for her single "Me & U" , which became a hit in 2006.

Early life

Cassie was born in New London, Connecticut, to a Filipino father and an African American/Mexican/WestIndian mother which she confirmed in August/September 08` issue of Complex magazine. Cassie graduated from The Williams School, a preparatory school in New London, Connecticut. When she completed high school in 2004, she announced that she would pursue her career in modeling and singing, foregoing college. [1][2]

[edit] Modeling career

At age nineteen, Cassie began her career as a model. Represented by Wilhelmina Models, she appeared in print ads for Delia`s, Adidas, Abercrombie & Fitch, Seventeen and appeared in a commercial for Clean and Clear, in a swimsuit spread; and was on the prime billboard space in Times Square for the Target Corporation. Cassie is also a spokesmodel for the Sean John women`s collection, along with Lauren London; which Diddy said would be released in July 2007.[3] She is also signed to 1/One Management in New York City.

[edit] Music career

After high school, she moved to New York City and continued modelling; as well attending classes at the Broadway Dance Center. Meanwhile, music producer Ryan Leslie spotted her at clubs and parties in late 2004 frequently. Shortly after a formal introduction to Ryan Leslie, Cassie became the focus of NextSelection. The two wrote a duet called "Kiss Me" and after recording the track, NextSelection made a management move to play the song for music executive Tommy Mottola. Leslie also co-wrote and produced Cassie`s first single, "Me & U". Cassie was introduced to Sean "Diddy" Combs by a make-up artist from one of her modeling assignments which helped her to get a shot at a music career.

Before signing with Bad Boy, Cassie`s first single, "Me & U", had already hit the airwaves and was a major hit in dance clubs. On its official release, "Me & U" proved to be a hit song.[4] It reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Billboard Pop 100. Her follow up single, "Long Way 2 Go" was far less successful, peaking at ninety-seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Cassie`s debut album, Cassie, was released on August 8, 2006 and sold 321,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan.[5] In contrast to her album sales, Cassie`s hit single, "Me & U", sold over 1 million digital downloads.[6] To promote her album, Cassie performed on Total Request Live and 106 & Park: BET`s Top 10 Live. Her performances were described as "rocky" and "less-than-stellar", but Diddy said that it was due to her inexperience.[7] He said that he would be "with her through her development", and that he has no "question on her ability [to sing]".[7] Cassie addressed the events on her MySpace page, saying that she is aware that her performances were "pretty bad," and that she was "still getting over stage fright".[7]

MTV News reported in June 2007 that contrary to rumors, Cassie had not been dropped from Bad Boy Records after only releasing two singles from her album, and would be working with producers Kanye West and Pharrell Williams on her second album.[3] In January 2008, Billboard magazine reported that her album is scheduled for release in June 2008,[8] and includes producti

Miscellaneous Information

Friends and Family

Lauren London [Friend]

Missy Elliot [Friend]

Rod Ventura [Brother]

Cassie Scerbo [Friend]

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