Blu Cantrell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Blu Cantrell
Cantrell in 2008
Background information
Birth name	Tiffany Cobb
Born	(1976-03-16) March 16, 1976 (age 49) Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
Died	Error: Need valid death date (first date): year, month, day
Genres	R&B soul
Occupations	Singer songwriter
Years active	1997–present
Labels	Arista

Tiffany Cobb (born March 16, 1976), known as Blu Cantrell, is an American R&B singer. She became famous in 2001 with her song "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)". This song reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 music chart.

In 2002, "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)" was nominated for a Grammy Award. Her second album, Bittersweet, came out in 2003. It also received a Grammy nomination. This album included the very popular song "Breathe" with Sean Paul. "Breathe" was a big hit around the world, especially in the United Kingdom. It was number one on the UK Singles Chart for four weeks.

Early life and family

Blu Cantrell was born Tiffany Cobb in Providence, Rhode Island. Her mother, Susi Franco, was an actress and a jazz singer. Blu Cantrell has African-American, German, and Italian family roots.

Her parents separated when she was young. Blu and her five brothers and sisters—Adam, Tino, Nick, Kelli, and Summer—were raised by their mother.

Music career highlights

Starting out in music

In the late 1990s, Blu Cantrell began her music career. She worked as a backing singer for artists like Sean "Puffy" Combs. In 1999, she joined a girl group called 8th Avenue. This group worked with singer Teddy Riley. They recorded some songs and appeared on Blackstreet's album Finally. However, the group later broke up.

After this, Blu Cantrell met music producer Tricky Stewart. He first wanted her to join his girl group, 321. But after they recorded some music, he decided to help her start a solo career. She then met Arista Records head Antonio "L.A." Reid. He offered her a contract after hearing her sing one song. Many labels wanted to sign her, but Reid's offer was the best.

First albums and big hits

After signing with Arista, Blu Cantrell started recording her first album. She worked with famous producers like Dallas Austin and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. In July 2001, her first album, So Blu, was released. Critics liked the album, and it sold well. It reached number eight on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album was certified gold in the US and Canada.

The first song from the album, "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)", became a top ten hit. It was popular in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. It reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. This song earned her two Grammy Award nominations in 2002. She was also nominated for an American Music Award. In 2002, Blu Cantrell also had a small part in the movie Drumline. She sang the American national anthem in the film.

In 2003, Blu Cantrell released her second album, Bittersweet. This album also received good reviews from critics. It was even nominated for a Best R&B Album. The album was very successful outside the United States. This was thanks to its hit song "Breathe", which featured Sean Paul. "Breathe" became her highest-charting song. It was number one in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It also reached the top ten in many other countries.

Later career and performances

In 2005, Blu Cantrell decided to leave Arista Records. She then started touring a lot on her own. She also acted in a musical stage play called Gossip, Lies and Secrets in 2007. The next year, she appeared on the TV show Celebrity Circus.

In 2013, Blu Cantrell said she was working on her third album. She confirmed this again in 2016. Even though she hasn't had many big hits in the US since her early success, Blu Cantrell still performs. She often performs in Australia and Europe for her fans.

Discography

• So Blu (2001)
• Bittersweet (2003)

Filmography

Awards and nominations

American Music Awards

Grammy Awards

Images for kids

• 

  Blu Cantrell in 2007

See also

In Spanish: Blu Cantrell para niños