Famous For
Self Titled Album: Cassie; Films: Step Up 2


Quick Bio
Cassie was born in New London, Connecticut to a Filipino father and a mother of Mexican and Afro-West Indian descent. Ventura began her career as a model at the age of fourteen, appearing in ads for Delia's, Adidas, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Seventeen, all while attending The Williams School, a preparatory school in New London. When she completed high school in 2004, she announced that she would pursue her career in modeling and singing, foregoing college.
In New York City, Cassie modeled for Abercrombie & Fitch via Wilhelmina Models, and attended classes at the Broadway Dance Center. Music producer Ryan Leslie spotted her at clubs and parties in late 2004; later he vowed that he was charmed by her personality.
Shortly after a formal introduction to Ryan Leslie, Cassie became the focus of NextSelection. The two wrote a duet called "Kiss Me". After recording the track, Next Selection made a management move and played the song for music executive Tommy Mottola. Leslie also co-wrote and produced Ventura's first single, "Me & U", in 2005. Cassie was introduced to Sean "Diddy" Combs' by a make-up artist for one of her modeling assignments.