Cassie is the debut album released by American singer Cassie, released on August 8, 2006, by NextSelection Life Group, Bad Boy Records, and Atlantic Records. Cassie was discovered by record producer Ryan Leslie, who helped her record demo tapes. After Cassie was signed by Diddy, the founder of Bad Boy Records, she continued to work with Leslie who produced the entire album. Musically, Cassie is an experimental R&B and pop album with hip hop influences, containing "looming synthesizer patterns" and "ice-cream-truck melod[ies] to give it a slightly twisted and threatening edge", as well as "flippant playfulness." The album was well-received critically and praised for its production. In addition to being called "confection", it drew comparisons to Janet Jackson. It debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 100,374 copies, staying on the chart for thirteen weeks. As of January 2010, the album had sold 650,000 copies worldwide. Cassie received a vinyl reissue nine years after its original release, reasserting its cult following and influence in certain circles according to music critics. "Me & U" was released as the lead single from the album on May 16, 2006. It peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and hit the top twenty in ten other countries. "Long Way 2 Go" was released as the second and final single from the album in September 2006. It did not perform as well as "Me & U" in the United States, only reaching number ninety-seven on the Hot 100, having achieved more success internationally, charting within the top forty of various countries, including number twelve in the United Kingdom. Background At the age of fourteen Cassie began modeling, and when she was sixteen, she was modeling for local department stores, Delia's fashion catalog, and Seventeen. She also briefly appeared in the music video for R&B singer Mario's "Just a Friend 2002." Encouraged by producer Rockwilder, Cassie took vocal lessons as well as using her schools performing arts program, taking modern ballet. She finished high school in 2004, and instead of going to college like her peers, Cassie moved to New York City, where she returned to modeling and classes at the Broadway Dance Center. Whilst in New York, Cassie began booking print and commercial modeling gigs while being represented by Wilhelmina Models. Development Ryan Leslie started spotting Cassie at clubs and parties in late 2004. They were