Two Eleven is the sixth studio album by American recording artist Brandy. Released on October 16, 2012, it served as the singer's debut release with Chameleon Entertainment and RCA Records after departing from Epic Records soon after releasing her previous album, Human (2008). The album's title is taken from Norwood's birthday; it is also the day on which her idol and friend, entertainer Whitney Houston died eight months prior to Two Elevens release.
Two Eleven is the first album from Norwood to include a diverse roster of collaborators, including songwriting credits from Frank Ocean, Chris Brown and Sean Garrett. Production comes courtesy of the likes of Bangladesh and Rico Love, amongst others. Upon its release, the album received critical acclaim, with many complimenting Norwood's vocals, the album's production and the overall direction. Two Eleven debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 65,000 copies, becoming Norwood's fourth top-ten album and her first in eight years. It also debuted atop the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, her second album to do so.
The album produced two singles. "Put It Down", featuring Chris Brown, was released in May 2012. It peaked within the top five on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, becoming Norwood's tenth top-ten single on the chart and her first in a decade, but peaked only at number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Wildest Dreams" was released as the second and final single in August 2012, failing to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number 68 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Background and development
Two Eleven is Norwood's sixth studio album, and follow up to one of her least commercially successful releases, Human (2008), and 2005's greatest hits album The Best of Brandy, both of which missed the US Billboard 200 album charts top-ten. Norwood began conceiving Two Eleven in the week Human was released, in December 2008. Human, was originally scheduled to be released in November but was delayed to accommodate last minute recording sessions with American producer and close friend of Norwood, Timbaland. The records produced were ultimately omitted from Humans track listing due to Timabaland not being able to get his trademark vocals on the songs. As a consequence, Norwood stated in an interview with Rap-Up magazine that she wanted Timbaland to be heavily involved in the next album, along with frequent collaborator Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, who had executively produced Human, expressing her wish of both musicians executive producing her next project together."
Norwood began working on the album with her then-record label, Epic Records, to which she had signed in April 2008. Amongst those to record with the singer were songwriting and production partners Tricky Stewart and The-Dream. In early 2009, songwriter Amanda Ghost was appointed president of Epic Records, ultimately leading to speculation around the future of Norwood's record contract and its eventual termination as confirmed by Tricky Stewart. Soon after, it was reported that Norwood had been dropped by Jay-Z's management company Roc Nation, something which Norwood's team refuted in July 2009 by stating "They [Epic] have not dropped her. We are trying to get a release from them. We're in waiting" and that "Brandy and Roc Nation parted amicably".
Norwood's joint record deal with RCA and producer Breyon Prescott's Chameleon Records was finalized in late 2010, however, it was not announced to the public until August 2011, when it was also confirmed that Norwood's sixth studio album would be released in 2012. After Norwood was signed in late 2010, professional recording and submissions for the album began. Much of the earlier material recorded under Epic Records was left with the label and allocated to other artists such as Jennifer Lopez. Speaking of her new record deal during an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Norwood commented: "I'm reinventing myself and I feel fearless, [Two Eleven is] mature, it's gritty, it's edgy. RCA reminds me of how Atlantic used to be, they really believed in my vision as an artist when they signed me at 14, RCA welcomed me and Breyon Prescott and Peter Edge showed such passion for what I wanted to do". Before Prescott worked with Norwood he sought the permission of the singer's long-time collaborator and friend Darkchild. Prescott told Darkchild that he wanted to work on making an R&B record with Norwood. Darkchild agreed giving him his blessings.
