Cassie Ventura, also known as Cassandra Elizabeth Ventura, known mononymously as Cassie, is an American singer, dancer, actress and model.
She began her musical career after meeting record producer Ryan Leslie in late 2004, who signed her to his record label, NextSelection Lifestyle Group.
Cassie’s self-titled debut studio album was released in August 2006, peaking at number four on the Billboard 200.
She has also modeled for various brands and appeared in films such as Step Up 2: The Streets and The Perfect Match.
In April 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend, musician and entrepreneur Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, alleging physical abuse and trafficking during their relationship.
Net worth | $4 million |
Profession | Singer, dancer, actress, model |
Date of birth | August 26, 1986 |
Nationality | American |
Background
Cassie was born on August 26, 1986, in New London, Connecticut, United States.
Her father is of Filipino descent, while her mother, Stacey Hobson, is of African-American, West-Indian and Mexican heritage.
Cassie has a brother named Rod Ventura.
Net worth
Cassie has an estimated net worth of $4 million.
She began her career in 2002 and has since released one album, Cassie, which earned $650,000 in record sales in 2005.
In addition to her music career, she has also modeled for various brands and magazines, including Calvin Klein, GQ and Bust.
Cassie has also appeared in films such as Step Up 2: The Streets and The Perfect Match.
In April 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit against Diddy but it was settled amicably just one day after its filing, with both parties expressing their best wishes for each other.
The amount and terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Career
Cassie began her musical career after meeting record producer Ryan Leslie in late 2004.
Her debut single, Me & U, was released in 2006 and became a massive hit, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
Cassie’s self-titled debut studio album, released in August 2006, peaked at number four on the Billboard 200.
She has also ventured into acting, appearing in films like Step Up 2: The Streets and The Perfect Match.
Cassie has been signed to modeling agencies Wilhelmina Models and One Management, and has modeled for various brands, including Calvin Klein.
In 2013, she released her debut mixtape, RockaByeBaby, which was promoted by the music videos for its singles Numb and Paradise.
Breakthrough single
Cassie’s breakthrough single was Me & U, released in 2006.
This hit song quickly gained popularity, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Known for its sultry vocals and catchy R&B sound, the song showcased Cassie’s talent and marked the beginning of her successful music career.
The song’s instant success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidified her position in the music industry and contributed significantly to her rise to fame.
Debut album
Cassie’s self-titled debut album, Cassie, was released on August 8, 2006, through NextSelection Life Group, Bad Boy Records and Atlantic Records.
It was produced by Ryan Leslie, who discovered Cassie and helped her record demo tapes.
Musically, the album is an experimental R&B and pop album with hip-hop influences, featuring “looming synthesizer patterns” and “ice-cream-truck melod[ies]”.
Awards and accolades
Some of Cassie’s notable recognitions include the 2012 MVPA Awards for Best Direction of a Female Artist and Best R&B Video, as well as the 2013 MVPA Award for Best Art Direction.
She was also nominated for the 2007 NRJ Music Awards in the category of International Revelation of the Year and the 2007 ASCAP Pop Music Awards.
Relationship history
Cassie and Diddy had an on-again, off-again relationship from 2007 to 2018; they met through Ryan, who introduced them.
Their romance was mostly private until 2012, when they began attending events together.
Additionally, there were rumors of an engagement in 2014, but neither party confirmed it.
Subsequently, in December 2015 and August 2016, breakup rumors surfaced, but they were later confirmed to be untrue.
In January 2018, Diddy expressed his desire to have more children with Cassie.
However, in October 2018, news broke that Cassie and Diddy had parted ways for good.
Cassie moved on with personal trainer Alex Fine, whom Diddy had originally hired to work with her.
Diddy sent his well-wishes via social media when Cassie announced her pregnancy with Fine and shared a cryptic message on Instagram after news broke that Cassie and Fine had tied the knot.
Diddy lawsuit
Cassie filed a lawsuit against Diddy over a series of allegations, including breach of contract, emotional distress and civil harassment.
Cassie sought a $30 million settlement from Diddy, threatening to write a damaging book about their relationship if her demands were not met.
The book, which was reportedly in the works, was said to contain sensitive information about Diddy’s personal life, potentially tarnishing his reputation.
The lawsuit was settled amicably, with both parties reaching an agreement for an undisclosed amount.
The resolution was not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing by either party, but rather a mutual decision to put the matter to rest.
Cassie and Diddy released a joint statement expressing their well-wishes and emphasizing that the settlement was not an indication of any wrongdoing.
The statement read, “We are pleased to have resolved this matter amicably and express our appreciation for the continued respect of our privacy as we move forward”.
The exact terms of the settlement, including the amount paid, were not disclosed to the public.
However, the resolution of the lawsuit marked the end of a longstanding legal dispute between the former couple, allowing them to move on with their lives.
Personal life
Cassie began a relationship with Fine in late 2018.
In June 2019, the two livebirds announced that they were expecting their first child together.
They got engaged in August 2019 and married the following month.
Their wedding photos were published on Vogue’s official website.
In December 2019, the couple’s first child, a daughter, was born. Their second daughter was born in March 2021.