Brandy: 'Fame can either make you or break you'

Brandy has expressed her belief that fame changes people.

The singer and actress revealed in a new interview with Parade that while she feels that she was "born to sing", she was not prepared for the negative aspects that her success would bring.

"Music has always been my life. I was born to sing. I was born to express myself in music. My dad was very involved in music, he's a musician, so we were always listening to music and singing. I don't know what my life would be without music. It's like my first language," she explained.

"Fame can change you. It can either make you or break you. I've gone through my ups and downs and different challenges, but there's a foundation that I've had from my family and from trying to keep honest people around me that's kept me on the right track."

However, Brandy insisted that although she has made many mistakes, she has still tried to use her fame for good.

"I'm not saying I'm perfect. I've made mistakes and gotten off track in certain ways, but I was able to keep a good head on my shoulders and I want to continue to do that," the 32-year-old said.

"I'm older and wiser now. It's not just about people noticing you, it's about really changing people's lives. That's what I want to use my fame for."

Brandy recently signed a new deal with RCA Records imprint Chameleon Records to release a new album in 2012.

In August, she landed a major recurring role on the upcoming season of 90210 as politician Marissa Jackson-Lewis.