History of Cassie Ventura in Timeline

Cassie Ventura, known mononymously as Cassie, is an American singer, dancer, actress, and model. She began her music career after meeting producer Ryan Leslie in 2004, who signed her to NextSelection Lifestyle Group. Later, Sean "Diddy" Combs discovered her and signed her to a joint venture with Bad Boy Records. Her debut single, "Me & U," released in 2006, peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

August 26, 1986: Casandra Elizabeth Ventura's Birth

On August 26, 1986, Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, known professionally as Cassie, was born in New London, Connecticut. She would later become a singer, dancer, actress, and model.

Others born on this day/year

2002: Appearance in Mario's Music Video

In 2002, Cassie briefly appeared in R&B singer Mario's "Just a Friend 2002" music video.

2004: Moving to New York City

In 2004, Cassie finished high school and moved to New York City where she returned to modeling and took classes at the Broadway Dance Center. She signed with Wilhelmina Models to represent her for print and commercial modeling gigs.

2004: Meeting Ryan Leslie

In late 2004, Cassie met producer Ryan Leslie, who signed her to his record label, NextSelection Lifestyle Group, marking the start of her musical career.

2005: Production and Success of "Me & U"

In 2005, Ryan Leslie wrote and produced Cassie's first single, "Me & U", which became a club hit in Germany. Diddy heard the song in a club and partnered his Bad Boy Records with Leslie's NextSelection imprint for Cassie's debut album.

August 8, 2006: Release of Debut Album Cassie

On August 8, 2006, Cassie's debut album, Cassie, was released, blending R&B, hip hop, and pop influences and paying tribute to her Filipino heritage. The album sold 321,000 copies in the United States, and the lead single "Me & U" peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over 1 million digital downloads.

2006: Debut Album Release

In 2006, Cassie released her self-titled debut studio album, which peaked at number four on the Billboard 200. The album included the lead single "Me & U" and the follow-up single "Long Way 2 Go".

2006: Signing with Bad Boy Records and Release of "Me & U"

In 2006, Cassie was discovered by Sean "Diddy" Combs and signed to a joint venture with Bad Boy Records, which led to the release of her debut single, "Me & U".

June 2007: Rumors of Being Dropped from Bad Boy Records

In June 2007, MTV News reported that Cassie had not been dropped from Bad Boy Records and was working with producers Kanye West and Pharrell Williams on her second album. She was no longer collaborating with Ryan Leslie.

November 13, 2007: Release of "Is It You"

On November 13, 2007, Cassie released the lead single "Is It You" to the Step Up 2 soundtrack. The song reached number eighty-five on the Canadian Hot 100 and fifty-two in the UK.

2007: Beginning of Relationship with Sean "Diddy" Combs

In 2007, Cassie began a long-term relationship with Sean "Diddy" Combs.

August 2008: Release of "Official Girl"

In August 2008, Cassie released the single "Official Girl" featuring Lil Wayne, though it failed to chart in the United States.

2008: Acting Debut in Step Up 2: The Streets

In 2008, Cassie made her acting debut in the dance film Step Up 2: The Streets.

2008: Release of "Official Girl"

In 2008, Cassie released the single "Official Girl" featuring Lil Wayne.

April 2009: Release of "Must Be Love"

In April 2009, Cassie released the single "Must Be Love" featuring Diddy, although it failed to chart in the United States.

July 2009: Announcement of Second Album Title: Electro Love

In July 2009, Cassie announced that her second studio album would be titled Electro Love. She described it as "sensual" and demonstrating more "independence".

August 2009: Release of "Let's Get Crazy"

In August 2009, Cassie released the single "Let's Get Crazy" featuring Akon, although it failed to chart in the United States.

December 2009: Signing with Interscope Records

In December 2009, Cassie signed a new record deal with Interscope Records.

2009: Release of "Must Be Love" and "Let's Get Crazy"

In 2009, Cassie released the singles "Must Be Love" featuring Diddy and "Let's Get Crazy" featuring Akon.

2009: Shaving her Hair

In 2009, Cassie shaved her hair, influenced by punk, and setting a trend among women.

October 2010: Recording Songs for New Album

In October 2010, it was reported that Cassie had recorded around fifty songs for her new album, taking her time to ensure it would be well-received.

February 14, 2012: Release of "King of Hearts"

On February 14, 2012, Cassie released the single "King of Hearts" along with its official music video.

April 24, 2012: Live Performance on 106 & Park

On April 24, 2012, Cassie performed "King of Hearts" live for the first time on BET's 106 & Park, receiving mixed to positive reviews.

July 2012: Announcement of RockaByeBaby Mixtape

In July 2012, Cassie announced she was working on her album and a new mixtape titled RockaByeBaby.

September 13, 2012: Release of "The Boys" Featuring Cassie

On September 13, 2012, Nicki Minaj released "The Boys" featuring Cassie as the lead single from her re-release album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up.

September 18, 2012: Release of "Balcony" to U.S. Urban Radio

On September 18, 2012, Cassie's single "Balcony", featuring Young Jeezy, was sent to U.S. urban radio stations.

April 2, 2013: Release of "Numb"

On April 2, 2013, Cassie released "Numb" featuring Rick Ross, along with its music video.

April 9, 2013: Premiere of "Paradise"

On April 9, 2013, the video for "Paradise" featuring Wiz Khalifa premiered on BET's 106 & Park.

April 11, 2013: Release of RockaByeBaby Mixtape

On April 11, 2013, Cassie released the RockaByeBaby mixtape, which was named the best mixtape of the year by Dazed & Confused.

April 2013: Face of Forever 21 Summer Collection

In April 2013, Cassie was announced as the face of the Summer 2013 Forever 21 collection.

2013: Release of RockaByeBaby Mixtape

In 2013, Cassie signed with Interscope Records and released her debut mixtape, RockaByeBaby, promoted by music videos for the singles "Numb" featuring Rick Ross and "Paradise" featuring Wiz Khalifa.

2013: Face of ASOS Spring Collection

In 2013, Cassie was the face of ASOS's spring collection, adding to her modeling portfolio.

March 2015: Diddy to Produce Cassie's Album

In March 2015, Cassie's then-boyfriend, Sean "Diddy" Combs, announced he would produce songs for her second studio album, marking his return to producing.

March 5, 2016: Hotel Assault Incident

On March 5, 2016, Sean "Diddy" Combs was filmed grabbing, punching, throwing, kicking, and stomping on Cassie in a hotel hallway.

March 11, 2016: Release of The Perfect Match

On March 11, 2016, The Perfect Match, a romantic comedy starring Cassie in the lead role, was released.

Loading Video...

2016: Starring in The Perfect Match

In 2016, Cassie starred in the film The Perfect Match.

Loading Video...

2017: Release of "Love a Loser" and "Don't Play It Safe"

In late 2017, Cassie released the singles "Love a Loser" featuring G-Eazy and "Don't Play It Safe".

2018: End of Relationship with Sean "Diddy" Combs

In 2018, Cassie's long-term relationship with Sean "Diddy" Combs ended.

January 2019: Working with New Producers

In January 2019, Cassie ended her relationship with Combs and left Bad Boy Records, and started working with producers Chris n Teeb and singer-songwriter Ro James.

September 2019: Marriage to Alex Fine

In September 2019, Cassie married personal trainer Alex Fine.

December 2019: Birth of First Daughter

In December 2019, Cassie and Alex Fine welcomed their first daughter.

March 2021: Birth of Second Daughter

In March 2021, Cassie and Alex Fine welcomed their second daughter.

November 16, 2023: Lawsuit Against Sean "Diddy" Combs

On November 16, 2023, Cassie filed a lawsuit against Sean "Diddy" Combs, alleging a decade-long cycle of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking under the Adult Survivors Act in New York.

May 2024: Release of Hotel Assault Video

In May 2024, CNN published a video from March 5, 2016, showing Sean "Diddy" Combs assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway, leading to Combs issuing a video apology.