Biography

Hailing from East London, Cleopatra Humphrey also known as Mz Bratt is already an inspirational figure to many in the world of UK Urban/Dance music. Recently signing a record deal with Atlantic Records (B.o.B, Plan B, Estelle), she is billed by many industry experts as 2011′s one to watch. Emerging from the current UK Urban scene as the lone female pioneer within a male dominated arena, many deem her to be the UK’s answer to American Superstar Nicki Minaj.

At the tender age of 12, Mz Bratt developed an interest in writing lyrics as a pastime. She would describe herself at school as a ‘tomboy’ and surrounded herself with a group of friends who were predominantly male. By the age of about 14, she had developed enough confidence to deliver and express the lyrics she had written in the form of emceeing. She would compete in MC contests at school where she would even go on as far as to beat all of the boys.

Her exceptional talent struck renowned award-winning urban producer Terror Danjah (Kano, Sway, Chipmunk, Shola Ama) who took her under his wing after hearing her at local MC battles and seeing her huge MySpace following. This was soon followed by the news that Mz Bratt had been selected to be part of the T4 entertainment show ‘Music-Cool’, where she starred as the LEAD female. Mentoring the show were Alesha Dixon, Gary Kemp (spendex ballet) and Jermaine Jackson. Performing the lead roll of Cinderella in their LIVE T4 performance, she at one point reduced guest judge Jamelia to tears with her outstanding talent and vocal ability.

Mz Bratt later embarked on a huge US and European tour with London club/ house duo ‘The Count & Sinden’ which also included shows at Glastonbury and Bestival. She featured on remixes and records with artists including godfather of Grime Wiley, Chart- topping Tinchy Stryder and Rnb sensation Taio Cruz. Mz Bratt gained more recognition and even captivated interest from highly successful Universal Music label ‘All Around the World’, who have seen massive success with then label mates N-Dubz who sold over 500,000 Albums. In 2009, her first record deal was signed and she went on to release her debut single ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ produced by Terror Danjah. The single had been heavily rotated on BBC’s 1xtra and Radio 1 having been championed by DJ’s Tim Westwood and Pete Tong.

Supporting N-Dubz on tour alongside Tinie Tempah and accompanying Tinchy Stryder alongside Chipmunk, Mz Bratt has toured with some of the forerunners of the UK urban scene, always putting on high energy packed performances. In late 2009, coinciding with the release of her Second mixtape ‘Give it 2 ‘em Volume 2’ was her second single release with AATW – ‘I Like You’ featuring R’n’B singer Sadie Ama, also produced by Terror Danjah. Furthermore Mz Bratt featured on Grammy nominated US star Jazmine Sullivan’s hit ‘Bust Your Windows.’ Mz Bratt soon became the name on everyone’s lips.

Infectious beats and intelligent lyrics, fused with a diverse range of genre influences including dancehall, reggae, grime, rnb, hip hop, soul and even classical, all play an important part in Mz Bratt’s music today. One major inspiration however, is Mz Bratt’s father who was a musician in late 80’s/ early 90’s underground, acid house cult ‘Spiral Tribe.’ Her father (MC Scallywag) held many house parties and at the age of around 5/6 she was able to observe the music environment and ‘witness music at its realist.’ This early exposure to music of a liberating nature has certainly contributed to the development of Mz Bratt’s own unique signature electro-fused hip-hop sound. This influence is most evident in her recently released infectious single ‘Selecta’ produced by Redlight. ’Selecta’ was play-listed on Radio 1 & 1xtra and soon became the summer anthem for many. Crowd responses to high-energy performances of Selecta were phenomenal, especially at Notting Hill Carnival with Rampage and at Wireless festival on Wiley’s set.

Godfather of Grime, Wiley added Mz Bratt to his A-List collective – a group of UK grime artists including the likes of Ice Kid, Brazen, J2K, Sadie Ama and Wrigley where she has collaborated on many underground tracks. In addition Mz Bratt featured on the female empowered track titled ‘Woman’s World’ by Selah alongside Sadie Ama, which received heavy rotation on 1xtra. She was added to the MOBO tour performing as part of a huge line-up of artists such as Skepta, Aggro Santos, Donae’o and Scorcher. She has also supported Kano, Fugative and Roll Deep on tour and is due to support Wiley on tour later this year.

Mz Bratt is fast becoming a massive fashion icon for women, as she is now the face for womenswear for British street clothing brand ‘Boxfresh.’ She has even presented the fashion segment of BBC2’s urban music and culture television series ‘No Hat’s No Trainer’s’ advising men and women on the latest fashion trends.

Her music has been featured on the soundtracks of UK hit urban movies such as Shank and 4,3,2,1. Mz Bratt is now branching out into acting, commencing with a small role in ‘Anuvahood’ – the third sequel to Box Office smashes Kidulthood and Adulthood directed by the award winning Noel Clarke.

Not just a pretty face, Mz Bratt is a strong character and can definitely hold her own up against the guys. Whether it is music, acting, presenting or modeling, Mz Bratt proves she has got what it takes to become a multi-talented global superstar and a pioneer for females all over. Her infectious personality, combined with her confident ability to create music across multiple genres makes for a breath of fresh air within todays music scene.

Her new single Get Dark is playlisted on BBC Radio 1xtra & had heavy rotation on Radio 1 with support from the likes of Annie Mac, Mista Jam and Nick Grimshaw. Get Dark, produced by Mikey J (Kano) has a raw hip-hop feel, emphasising her ingenious lyrics. The video shows Mz Bratt oozing with confidence and superb style.

She has just been tipped as BBC Radio 1xtra’s ‘Hot 4 2011’ after signing a huge deal with Atlantic Records (Warner Bros). Label mates include international superstars B.oB, T.I. and Estelle. Currently hard at work on her new album with Atlantic, and fresh off tour with Bruno Mars we can only expect bigger and better things to come for