Cassie Biography 

American singer and model Cassie Ventura gained popularity in 2006 for her club hit “Me & U.” That popularity increased with the release of her album and even a brief acting role in Step Up 2: the Streets. Ventura looks to be back on the music map when her second album premiers in June of 2008.

Cassandra Ventura, known popularly as just Cassie, was born August 26, 1986 in New London, Connecticut. Her father is of Filipino descent, while her mother is both Mexican and Afro-West Indian.

Ventura actually began her career not in singing but in modeling. She balanced jobs with Abercrombie & Fitch, Delia’s, and Seventeen magazine all while completing her schoolwork for The Williams School.

She completed her high school education in 2004 and opted to pursue her career full-time rather than attend college. Ventura did, however, attend the Broadway Dance Center where she received instruction.

Ventura’s entry into entertainment came in 2004 when she began appearing in the club and party scene where she attracted the attention of Ryan Leslie, a successful music producer. Hitting it off immediately, they co-wrote the single “Kiss Me” together. It was then played for Tommy Mottola, the man behind singing sensations such as Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez.

Liking what he heard, Ventura got the green light for her next single, “Me & U.” This proved to be an instant club hit, and it even went to number three on the Billboard “Hot 100.”

Shortly after, Ventura was on one of her various modeling assignments when a makeup artist introduced her to fashion mogul, producer, and musician Sean “Diddy” Combs. Recognizing talent when he saw it, Combs signed Ventura to his Bad Boy label.

After the new label deal went through, Ventura’s follow-up single was entitled “Long Way 2 Go.” Unfortunately, it only just barely cracked the “Hot 100” list, and it was substantially less popular in sales than her previous single.

Her self-titled debut album first hit the shelves on August 8, 2006. It had a mediocre reception with 319,000 sales.

But by 2007, Ventura was already underway on her second album. Producers are reported include Bryan Michael Cox and Mario Winans, and it is slated for a June release in 2008.

Outside of music, Ventura and Combs teamed up again when she agreed to serve as a spokemodel for his womenswear line. Actress Lauren London also signed on for the project.

She even dabbled in acting, albeit briefly, for the dance film Step Up 2: the Streets. She appeared opposite Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, and Adam G Sevani.

Others may recognize her for her appearances in various music videos for Kanye West and Jay Z.

In her personal life, Ventura has had to fend off many romantic rumors including relationships with Combs, Leslie, and even her female co-model London.

She has also been linked (in more unconfirmed rumors) to Nebo and Richie Akiva.