Brandy: Special Delivery
Encyclopedia
Brandy: Special Delivery is an American reality series following R&B singer Brandy
's pregnancy with baby Sy'rai. The series aired on MTV
. The premiere episode premiered in the United States and Germany on June 18, 2002, with Canada following on June 21, where it took The Osbournes
TV slot on Tuesdays 10:30 pm. The show eventually spawned four episodes.
episode, MTV
felt the material was interesting and entertaining enough to sustain a five-episode-series.
Before the series even aired, it drew comparisons to The Osbournes
which Special Delivery would replace. MTV denied any similarities stating, "The show really has nothing to do with The Osbournes".
The Osbournes badmouthed the project, with Ozzy
saying "It'd all be bullshit [...] They'd only show you what they wanted you to see"; wife Sharon
stated "Does she really think showing her vagina is going to help her career?" and daughter Kelly
added: "Who wants to see her weird ass giving birth?".
. Brandy and her mother Sonja then go shopping for the yet-unnamed daughter. After shopping and her first parenting
class you see Brandy putting finishing touches on her hit song "He Is
" adding ad-libs
. Also she is visiting her husband and producer Robert "Big Bert" Smith, who resides in the New York Palace Hotel
, which began burning all of a sudden. Therefore Brandy and her husband must leave New York and head back to their house to see the finished nursery
, designed by her decorator Maser. By the end of the episode you see Brandy performing her top-twenty-single "Full Moon" on Dick Clark's television special
American Bandstand 50th Anniversary Celebration, which took place on May 3, 2002.
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Brandy Norwood
Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
's pregnancy with baby Sy'rai. The series aired on MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
. The premiere episode premiered in the United States and Germany on June 18, 2002, with Canada following on June 21, where it took The Osbournes
The Osbournes
The Osbournes is an American reality television program featuring the domestic life of heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne and his family. The series premiered on MTV on March 5, 2002, and in its first season, was cited as the most-viewed series ever on MTV...
TV slot on Tuesdays 10:30 pm. The show eventually spawned four episodes.
Production history
Originally only planned to be a regular DiaryDiary (TV series)
Diary is an American documentary television series that premiered February 16, 2000, on MTV.The show's opening titles begin with the slogan "You think you know ... but you have no idea."-Overview:...
episode, MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
felt the material was interesting and entertaining enough to sustain a five-episode-series.
Before the series even aired, it drew comparisons to The Osbournes
The Osbournes
The Osbournes is an American reality television program featuring the domestic life of heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne and his family. The series premiered on MTV on March 5, 2002, and in its first season, was cited as the most-viewed series ever on MTV...
which Special Delivery would replace. MTV denied any similarities stating, "The show really has nothing to do with The Osbournes".
The Osbournes badmouthed the project, with Ozzy
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
saying "It'd all be bullshit [...] They'd only show you what they wanted you to see"; wife Sharon
Sharon Osbourne
Sharon Rachel Osbourne is an English television host, author, music manager, businesswoman and promoter as well as the wife of heavy metal singer-songwriter Ozzy Osbourne....
stated "Does she really think showing her vagina is going to help her career?" and daughter Kelly
Kelly Osbourne
Kelly Michelle Lee Osbourne is an English media personality, television personality, host, judge, fashion designer, singer, and actress, best known for being the daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne...
added: "Who wants to see her weird ass giving birth?".
Episode 1
First aired June 18, 2002- The first episode begins with Brandy introducing herself as a mother-to-be, singer and actress and how she managed to deal with all of that in the past. Then you see Brandy rehearsing for a performance for the tv show
American Bandstand
American Bandstand is an American music-performance show that aired in various versions from 1952 to 1989 and was hosted from 1956 until its final season by Dick Clark, who also served as producer...
. Brandy and her mother Sonja then go shopping for the yet-unnamed daughter. After shopping and her first parenting
Parenting
Parenting is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood...
class you see Brandy putting finishing touches on her hit song "He Is
He Is
"He Is" is a song by American singer Brandy. It was written by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell, Harold Lilly and Brandy and co-produced by Campbell and the singer for her third studio album Full Moon . The song was released as the album's third and final single in the United States during the third...
" adding ad-libs
Ad-Libs
Ad-Libs is an improvisational comedy troupe based in Dallas, Texas. Combining improvisation along with video segments, Ad-Libs was conceived by Phil Larsson in 1986...
. Also she is visiting her husband and producer Robert "Big Bert" Smith, who resides in the New York Palace Hotel
The New York Palace Hotel
The New York Palace blends the historic landmark Villard Mansion with a modern 55-story tower. Located at the center of Manhattan in Midtown at the corner of 50th Street and Madison Avenue, it is directly across the street from St Patrick's Cathedral, and a short walk from Rockefeller Center and...
, which began burning all of a sudden. Therefore Brandy and her husband must leave New York and head back to their house to see the finished nursery
Nursery (room)
A nursery is usually, in American connotations, a bedroom within a house or other dwelling set aside for an infant or toddler. A typical nursery would contain a crib , a table or platform for the purpose of changing diapers , as well as various items required for the care of the child...
, designed by her decorator Maser. By the end of the episode you see Brandy performing her top-twenty-single "Full Moon" on Dick Clark's television special
Television special
A television special is a television program which interrupts or temporarily replaces programming normally scheduled for a given time slot. Sometimes, however, the term is given to a telecast of a theatrical film, such as The Wizard of Oz or The Ten Commandments, which is not part of a regular...
American Bandstand 50th Anniversary Celebration, which took place on May 3, 2002.
- Guest Starring: Dick Clark, Drano, Jackie Maser, Wanda Dennis
Episode 2
First aired June 25, 2002- The second episode starts off with Brandy and Robert having a playful argumentArgumentIn philosophy and logic, an argument is an attempt to persuade someone of something, or give evidence or reasons for accepting a particular conclusion.Argument may also refer to:-Mathematics and computer science:...
, about Brandy having become - due to her pregnancy - fat and how Robert should not stare at other women because of that. After that the viewer gets to see Brandy recording a song, tentatively for the scrapped album B-RockaAfrodisiacAfrodisiac is the fourth studio album by American recording artist Brandy Norwood, released by Atlantic Records on June 28, 2004 on most international territories and on June 29, 2004 in Canada and the United States...
. Then you see Brandy at parenting classParentingParenting is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood...
. Smith shows big disinterest in class, stating thousands of years ago there was no parenting class. Afterwards you see Robert and Brandy eating in a restaurant in Santa MonicaSanta MônicaSanta Mônica is a town and municipality in the state of Paraná in the Southern Region of Brazil.-References:...
one day before Mother's DayMother's DayMother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
. The next day Brandy and her husband visit parents' Sonja and Willie NorwoodWillie NorwoodWilliam Raymond Norwood, Sr. known as Willie Norwood is an American Gospel singer and has been involved in singing since early childhood. His father and mother sang in the church choir...
's house. Brandy there reveals how she had to push back or cancel any by the time ongoing musical and professional project. Sonja also tells how the relationship to her daughter has changed since the latter's pregnancy. Also both agreed that choosing to bear the baby was the right decision despite it being damaging to her career. Brandy said: "[...] I'm not gonna be pregnant forever too [...] Tell J.Lo and Britney [SpearsBritney SpearsBritney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
] they can keep their flat stomachStomachThe stomach is a muscular, hollow, dilated part of the alimentary canal which functions as an important organ of the digestive tract in some animals, including vertebrates, echinoderms, insects , and molluscs. It is involved in the second phase of digestion, following mastication .The stomach is...
s for a minute but I will be back". After that the audience first gets to see the uncle-to-be Ray JRay JWilliam Ray Norwood Jr. , better known by his stage name Ray J, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor.-Early life:...
, Brandy's brother. Before heading back to the studio Brandy, her mother and her grandmother are nostalgically looking at old pictures, reflecting her past career. In the studio she continues recording the "pop version" to the gospelGospel musicGospel music is music that is written to express either personal, spiritual or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music....
song "He Is", as it is supposed to be the album's third single. Brandy seems very underwhelmed with the outcome and questions weather to release the song as the third single. She ends up calling the product of the recording session "real shitShitShit is usually considered vulgar and profane in Modern English. As a noun it refers to fecal matter and as a verb it means to defecate or defecate in; in the plural it means diarrhea...
". The radio station 100.3 The Beat threw a public baby showerBaby showerIn some countries, a baby shower is a way to celebrate the pending or recent birth of a child by presenting gifts to the parents at a party. The term "shower" is often assumed to mean that the expectant mother is "showered" with gifts.-Description:...
for the singer. At the end of the episode Brandy is at the doctor getting an ultrasoundUltrasoundUltrasound is cyclic sound pressure with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human hearing. Ultrasound is thus not separated from "normal" sound based on differences in physical properties, only the fact that humans cannot hear it. Although this limit varies from person to person, it is...
of her baby.
- Guest stars: Willie NorwoodWillie NorwoodWilliam Raymond Norwood, Sr. known as Willie Norwood is an American Gospel singer and has been involved in singing since early childhood. His father and mother sang in the church choir...
, Ray JRay JWilliam Ray Norwood Jr. , better known by his stage name Ray J, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor.-Early life:...
, Wanda Dennis
Episode 3
First aired July 2, 2002- The show's third episode opens with Brandy's private baby showerBaby showerIn some countries, a baby shower is a way to celebrate the pending or recent birth of a child by presenting gifts to the parents at a party. The term "shower" is often assumed to mean that the expectant mother is "showered" with gifts.-Description:...
. Mother Sonja is dealing with the fact that she is becoming a grandmother. The shower took place on the first of June. After the party you see Brandy being shown the hospital by midwife Grace Holmes. Her doctor, Dr. Felicia Ota, also reveals how the baby is going to be born within the next few days. Brandy started to cry seeing how "medical" the hospital actually is. Brandy is then visiting her friend Drano since she was upset about him not showing up at Brandy's baby showerBaby showerIn some countries, a baby shower is a way to celebrate the pending or recent birth of a child by presenting gifts to the parents at a party. The term "shower" is often assumed to mean that the expectant mother is "showered" with gifts.-Description:...
. Back at Brandy's house she gets a visit by midwife Holmes, who teaches them how to bear the baby in the best way possible. After that Brandy goes shoppingShoppingShopping is the examining of goods or services from retailers with the intent to purchase at that time. Shopping is an activity of selection and/or purchase. In some contexts it is considered a leisure activity as well as an economic one....
to distract herself from the stress and the anxiety caused by the forthcoming childbirthChildbirthChildbirth is the culmination of a human pregnancy or gestation period with the birth of one or more newborn infants from a woman's uterus...
. Following the shopping Brandy is doing a "pregnancy photoshoot" with photographer Darien Davis. The episode comes to an end when Brandy plays tennis with her husband.
- Guest stars: Mike CityMike CityMike City is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. Flowers is also the founder and CEO of Unsung Entertainment, Inc. He's currently working on his personal album titledMike City a.k.a...
, Grace Holmes, Drano, Jackie Maser
Episode 4
First aired July 9, 2002- The final episode features Brandy and her husband talk about the birth of their child, which took place at the night from June 15 to June 16
- Guest Starring: Ray J, Willie Norwood, Dr. Felicia Ota
Main cast
- BrandyBrandy NorwoodBrandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
- R&B singer and actress - Robert "Big Bert" Smith - Brandy's husband and producer
- Sonja Norwood - Brandy's mother and manager
- Ray JRay JWilliam Ray Norwood Jr. , better known by his stage name Ray J, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor.-Early life:...
- Brandy's brother (episodes 2 & 4) - Willie NorwoodWillie NorwoodWilliam Raymond Norwood, Sr. known as Willie Norwood is an American Gospel singer and has been involved in singing since early childhood. His father and mother sang in the church choir...
- Brandy's father (episodes 2 & 4)
Secondary cast
- Sy'rai Iman Smith - Brandy's daughter (episode 4)
- Drano - a manager and the baby's godfatherGodparentA godparent, in many denominations of Christianity, is someone who sponsors a child's baptism. A male godparent is a godfather, and a female godparent is a godmother...
(episodes 1 & 3) - Dick Clark - TV-host (episode 1)
- Wanda Dennis - parent mentor (episodes 1 & 2)
- Jackie Maser - Brandy's interior decorator (episodes 1 & 3)
- Mike CityMike CityMike City is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. Flowers is also the founder and CEO of Unsung Entertainment, Inc. He's currently working on his personal album titledMike City a.k.a...
- producer of the song "Full Moon" (episode 3) - Dr. Felicia Ota - Brandy's doctor (episode 3 & 4)
- Darien Davis - Brandy's photographer (episode 3)
- Grace Holmes - Brandy and Robert's midwife (episodes 3 & 4)
Music
During the show the viewers get to hear several of Brandy's songs from her current and her previous albums. The following lists every song played during the show. (in the order of being played)Episode 1
- "Happy" (theme song)
- "Top of the WorldTop of the World (Brandy song)"Top of the World" is a song by American singer Brandy, featuring uncredited vocals by rapper Mase. It was written by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, Mason Betha, LaShawn Daniels, Traci Hale, Isaac Phillips, and Nycolia Turman for Brandy's second studio album, Never Say Never and...
" (featuring Ma$e) - "One Voice"
- "He IsHe Is"He Is" is a song by American singer Brandy. It was written by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell, Harold Lilly and Brandy and co-produced by Campbell and the singer for her third studio album Full Moon . The song was released as the album's third and final single in the United States during the third...
" (being recorded) - "Come a Little Bit Closer"
- "U Don't Know Me (Like U Used To)"
- "Sunny Day"
- "Love Wouldn't Count Me Out"
Episode 2
- "Happy" (theme song)
- "What About Us?"
- "Top of the World" (featuring Ma$e)
- "U Don't Know Me (Like U Used To)"
- "Best Friend"
- "Full Moon"
- "Give Me You"
- "BabyBaby (Brandy song)"Baby" is an R&B song by American singer Brandy. It was penned by Keith Crouch, Kipper Jones, and Rahsaan Patterson and produced by Krouch for her self-titled debut studio album, Brandy . Released as the album's second single on January 24, 1995 , the song spent four weeks on top of the Billboard...
" - "Almost Doesn't CountAlmost Doesn't Count"Almost Doesn't Count" is an Grammy-award nominated R&B ballad written by Shelly Peiken and Guy Roche for Brandy's second studio album Never Say Never . It also was produced by Roche and released as the album's fourth single during the second quarter of 1999 .The ballad reached the top 20 in New...
" - "I Wanna Be DownI Wanna Be Down"I Wanna Be Down" is the debut song performed by American singer Brandy. It was co-written and produced by Keith Crouch and Kipper Jones for the singer's self-titled debut studio album, Brandy , and released as its lead single during the third quarter of 1994...
- "Always on My Mind"
- "B-Rock Intro"
- "Come a Little Bit Closer"
Episode 3
- "Happy" (theme song)
- "Top of the World" (featuring Ma$e)
- "U Don't Know Me (Like U Used To)" (Remix featuring Shaunta & Da BratDa BratShawntae Harris , better known as Da Brat, is an American rapper and actress. Her debut album, Funkdafied, sold one million copies, making her the first female rapper to have a platinum-selling album.-Early life:...
) - "Tomorrow"
Episode 4
- "Who's That Girl?Who's That Girl? (Eve song)"Who's That Girl" is the first single taken from Eve's second album Scorpion and her fifth U.S. single, whereas it was her debut single throughout Europe....
" (by EveEve (rapper)Eve Jihan Jeffers , is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer and actress. Her first three albums have reached a total of over 8 million albums sold worldwide. She has also achieved success in fashion as she started a clothing line titled "Fetish." She won a Grammy Award in 2002 for the...
) - "The Boy Is MineThe Boy Is Mine"The Boy Is Mine" is a duet by American recording artists Brandy and Monica. It was written by LaShawn Daniels, Fred Jerkins III, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and Brandy with co-production by Darkchild and Dallas Austin, and released as the lead single from both singers' second albums during the...
" - "Low RiderLow Rider"Low Rider" is a song written by the band War and appearing on their 1975 album Why Can't We Be Friends?. It reached number one on the Billboard R&B charts and peaked at number seven on the Pop Singles chart....
" - "He Is"
- "U Don't Know Me (Like U Used To)"
- "Rock the BoatRock the Boat (Aaliyah song)"Rock the Boat" is an R&B song written by Static Major, Eric Seats and Rapture Stewart for Aaliyah's third studio album, Aaliyah . It was produced by Keybeats and released as the album's second single in North America in August 2001 and as the 3rd international single during the first quarter of...
" (by AaliyahAaliyahAaliyah Dana Haughton , who performed under the mononym Aaliyah , was an American R&B recording artist, actress and model. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was raised in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of 10, she appeared on the television show Star Search and performed in concert alongside...
) - "What It Is" (by Busta RhymesBusta RhymesTrevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...
featuring KelisKelisKelis Rogers Kelis Rogers Kelis Rogers (born August 21, 1971 is an American musical artist. She is a BRIT Award, Q Award and NME Award winner and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards. She has had nine top 10 singles on the UK Singles Chart...
)