Natina Reed was a multifaceted American talent who excelled as a singer, rapper, songwriter, and actress. She rose to prominence as a protégé of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, the renowned hip-hop artist and producer. After Lopes discovered her, Reed initially contributed as a writer for the group TLC before becoming a leading member of the girl group Blaque, signed to Left Eye Productions. The group’s popularity skyrocketed with the release of their self-titled debut album, which was certified platinum by the RIAA and peaked at number 53 on the Billboard 200. This success was fueled by the gold-certified single “808” and the chart-topping hit “Bring It All to Me.” Following their second album, Blaque Out!, the group took a hiatus between 2002 and 2007. During this period, Reed expanded her career into acting, appearing in television projects and the commercially successful film Bring It On. Although Blaque attempted to reunite in 2012, their comeback was tragically cut short by Reed’s untimely passing. She is survived by her son, Tren Brown, from her previous relationship with rapper Kurupt.
Childhood & Early Life
Natina Tiawana Reed was born on October 28, 1980, in Queens, New York, to parents Tamara Goodridge and Paul Reed. Following her parents’ early divorce, she grew up in a large family consisting of a brother, two sisters, and seven step-siblings; she was also the cousin of singer Farrah Franklin.
A natural performer from a young age, Natina began modeling for major retailers like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s and appeared in a national hot dog commercial by age eight. Her upbringing in her father’s church provided a creative foundation where she sang in the choir, performed in drama ministry, and played the drums. Her diverse talents included beat-boxing and writing, leading her to sell a jingle to Sprite and win a songwriting contest at age 13. While attending Cedar Grove High School in Georgia, she remained focused on a future in the entertainment industry.
Career of Natina Reed
Natina’s professional breakthrough came when Lisa Lopes discovered her and employed her as a songwriter for TLC, a role also encouraged by executive Tommy Mottola. Lopes eventually formed the group Blaque—an acronym for “Believe, Life, Achieving, Quest, Unity, and Everything”—consisting of Natina as the primary rapper and writer alongside Brandi Williams and Shamari Fears. Signed at age 19 to Left Eye Productions, Natina and her group became known for a signature blend of R&B, pop, and rap.
Blaque’s mainstream success arrived with their 1999 self-titled debut (released internationally as Blaque Ivory), which peaked at number 53 on the Billboard 200 and achieved platinum status. The album featured high-profile collaborations with Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah. Natina’s songwriting was central to the project; she co-wrote five tracks and was the sole author of the single “I Do,” which she wrote at 14. The lead single “808” reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Bring It All to Me” climbed to number five.
Transitioning into acting, Natina made her film debut as Jenelope in the 2000 hit Bring It On, which became a cult classic and earned over $90 million. Her television and film credits continued with appearances in V.I.P., the dance film Honey, and the TV movie Til 6 in the Morning. Musically, she appeared on her then-fiancé Kurupt’s 2001 album and released the Japanese version of Blaque’s second album, Blaque Out!, in 2002. Although the group disbanded in 2004 after the shelving of their third album Torch, Natina was actively preparing for a 2012 comeback, a solo album, and a return to acting at the time of her passing.
Family & Personal Life
In the early 2000s, Natina was engaged to rapper Kurupt, and the couple welcomed a son, Tren Brown, in 2002. In the years preceding her death, Natina faced various legal challenges, including a 2011 arrest for driving-related offenses.
Tragically, on October 26, 2012, Natina was struck by a vehicle while walking on Lawrenceville Highway in Georgia. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by the driver and passenger, she did not survive. A public funeral was held at Abundant Life Church in Lithonia, and she was laid to rest at North Atlanta Memorial Park.