The girl power version of “I Wanna Be Down” came out way back in 1994. Those were simpler times for Brandy. I would guess they were simpler times for most of us. But, you know, especially Brandy. This was back when the remix was king, girls had an unhealthy relationship with both synthetic braids and over-sized hats, and a little soft lighting from Hype Williams made the most hardened of female rappers look like they were shooting a CoverGirl ad. This was before MC Lyte and Yo Yo had faded into obscurity and acting made Queen Latifah more famous than rapping ever could. Before Brandy’s fatal car accident had her embroiled in three multi-million dollar lawsuits and got her fired from her cushy reality show hosting gig. And please notice an adolescent Ray J before he showed the world how much he wanted to be down with Kim Kardashian.
1994. Simpler times.
OMG! I used to love this song/video! Great choice for the rewound… it definitely brightened my day.
I must never have seen this video because I was looking for a YoYo with braids; I don’t remember her rocking processed hair. Before I pressed play I thought she was Stacy Dash.