Canela (pronounced Kuh-NAY-luh) is an American R&B singer and songwriter. She is best known in the mixtape circuit for her DJ Clue-remixed song, "Sponsor", and for co-writing Anastacia's worldwide top 20 hit, "Why'd You Lie to Me". She once recorded an album in 2001, however it was shelved after her label folded. Biography Early life Canela Cox was born in Los Angeles, California. She moved to Amsterdam (Holland, Europe) at the age of 12 where her mother, a former Diana Ross' background vocalist, Rocq-E Harrell performed as an R&B singer and recording artist. Upon moving back to the United States at age 18, Canela continued to pursue her musical endeavors performing with numerous musical groups throughout Los Angeles. 2000 – 2001 In 2000, Canela was featured on Jennifer Lopez's multi-plantinum selling single, "Love Don't Cost a Thing". Though Canela was uncredited for her work on Lopez's song, she performed as Lopez's background vocalist for numerous tours and new songs. While performing with Lopez at a Los Angeles concert, her talent was recognized by Rodney Jerkins, who brought her to DreamWorks Records' attention, and was immediately signed to the label in 2001. In early 2001, Canela began to record for her self-titled debut album, which featured production by Darkchild, Tim & Bob, Lil' Mo, Fred Jerkins III, Brycyn Evans, & DJ Clue. She and DreamWorks announced at the time that it would be released sometime in December 2001. Her buzz single, "Sponsor", was released to radio in March 2001 during the process of the recording for her album. In addition to its release, a DJ Clue remix, featuring Fabolous, was released to mixtape circuits, which received heavy underground play. Both versions of the single, however, failed to chart. Months following the failure of Canela's previous single, "Everything", produced by Darkchild, was released to radio as the official lead single for her debut. A music video was shot for the song, and was able to be viewed on BET's 106 & Park. However, "Everything" suffered the same failure as her buzz single. Because her single failed to chart, DreamWorks Records put a halt on Canela's debut. In December 2001, just days before Canela's debut was to be released, DreamWorks Records was bought by Universal Music Group, which caused the label to fold, thus her debut was shelved. 2002 – 2004 Months after Canela dispersed from DreamWorks Records, Canela co-wrote Anastacia's 2002 single