Born Cassandra Ventura in Connecticut in 1986, Cassie moved to New York City following graduation from high school to pursue modeling. While modeling for Abercrombie & Fitch and attending dance classes at the Broadway Dance Center, Cassie caught the eye of music producer Ryan Leslie. Before long, the two collaborated on the hit duet “Kiss Me.”
By 2005, with Leslie pulling the strings, Cassie had her first single entitled “Me & U,” climbing to number one on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Cassie’s debut album was launched in summer 2006. For her second album, Cassie utilized the producing talents of Leslie, Sean Combs and Mario Winans, among others.
While appearing in music videos for Kanye West and Jay-Z, Cassie had perhaps her greatest exposure in “Step Up 2 the Streets,” the dance picture directed by Jon Chu, with Cassie playing Sophie.
Cassie Says
On her new album:
“You can hear my vocals better this time around. There’s real emotion and a much realer connection with my fans.”
On humanity:
“The world would be a much better place if we all got along. We all have something in common. We’re all just people.”