Early career In the late 1990s, Cantrell established herself as a professional backing vocalist for artists such as
Sean "Puffy" Combs. In 1999, she became a member of the girl group 8th Avenue, a protégé of singer
Teddy Riley. The band recorded several songs and appeared on
Blackstreet's 1999 album
Finally, but their material was shelved after Riley left Blackstreet to reform his previous group
Guy, and Blackstreet were dropped by
Interscope Records. Shortly thereafter, 8th Avenue also disbanded. Before long, Cantrell was introduced by both a dancer friend and R&B singer
Usher to music producer
Tricky Stewart, the head of Red Zone Entertainment. but was less successful in the United States, peaking at number 37 on the
Billboard 200. The album was a success internationally, where sales were boosted by its hit single "
Breathe", a collaboration with
Sean Paul. Her highest-charting single yet, it topped the charts in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, and reached the top ten of the majority of charts it appeared on, ranking among the biggest-selling releases of the year. "Breathe" was followed by the top thirty single "
Make Me Wanna Scream". At about the same time, Cantrell's recording deal was up for renewal and though she was in a position to re-sign with the label, the singer chose to leave the company following the resignation of her mentor
L.A. Reid. Despite the lack of US success after her one big hit, Cantrell continues to perform in Australia and Europe. ==Personal life==