Casandra Ventura (born August 26, 1986), known professionally as Cassie, is a half Filipino and half black singer, model, and dancer. After being introduced to music producer Ryan Leslie, she was signed to his music-media company, NextSelection Lifestyle Group. Leslie wrote and produced Cassie's first single, "Me & U", which became a major hit in 2006. He convinced Sean "Diddy" Combs to partner his Bad Boy Records with Leslie's NextSelection imprint for the release of her debut album, Cassie, which was released in August 2006. Her second album, Electro Love, has yet to be released.