Casandra Elizabeth Ventura, known mononymously as
Cassie, is an American singer, dancer, actress, and model. Born in New London, Connecticut, she began her musical career after meeting record producer Ryan Leslie in late 2004, who signed her to his record label, NextSelection Lifestyle Group. Two years later, Ventura released her debut single "Me & U", which was discovered by rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs; Leslie agreed to partner his NextSelection imprint with Combs' Bad Boy Records for the commercial release of her debut album. The song marked the first of her two entries on the
Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number three by July 2006.