Toni Braxton

Toni Michelle Braxton (born October 7, 1968 in Severn, Maryland) is a six-time Grammy Award winning African American R&B singer. She is most notable for her dark, deep, thick contralto vocals, which are low even by contralto standards. On April 21, 2001, Braxton married Mint Condition keyboardist Keri Lewis. That same year, she had her first child, a son named Denim Cole Braxton-Lewis. Braxton's second son, Diezel Ky Braxton-Lewis, was born in 2003.

Toni troubles

In 1998, Braxton filed a lawsuit against her label, LaFace/Arista. She claimed that she had fulfilled what her original seven-year contract with the label had required, and she wished to be released from her contract. Arista, however, had not agreed to let Braxton go. It was reported that she had received far less for her two albums than most artists of her status. With only two album releases, Braxton had sold over 15 million albums at that point.

Related Topics:
1998 - LaFace - Arista

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At the end of January, Braxton filed for bankruptcy protection with liabilities totaling more than $1 million. The filing was a result of recent disputes over her contract with Arista. Her publicist said of the action: "...the only sensible option... She is confident that with the court's protection, she will be able to make a fresh start."

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A bankruptcy judge ruled in Braxton's favor by denying the dismissal of the claim (as filed by her record label). Braxton has said of the lawsuit: "I can't talk about the suit, but I love those guys very much. It's just business."

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Also to add to the bad year, Braxton's then fiance, Curtis Martin of the New York Jets, ended his relationship with her leaving Braxton hurt and without a record contract.

Related Topics:
Curtis Martin - New York Jets

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