R&B singer B. Smyth, known for ‘Twerkaholic,’ dies of respiratory failure at 30
She went on to work with artists including Kelly Clarkson, Jason Derulo, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry
She was a staple of the Billboard R&B chart from 1997 to 2009
She was recognized for her distinctive dance moves and use of her mouth during performances
Carmen Cusimano, who was in a relationship with R&B singer B. Smyth, died today after a long battle with the brain cancer, she recently announced on her Facebook page.
Smyth, who is known for her twerk-heavy dance moves and for her use of her mouth during performances, died at approximately 2:30 p.m. PT in Los Angeles surrounded by her family and friends. She was 30.
Carmen Cusimano was born in Los Angeles on May 12, 1977, the daughter of actress Dolores Fisher and musician Frank O’Connor. She lived with her grandfather and then moved to South Central Los Angeles where she attended public school.
Cusimano studied acting and went on to study drama as a youngster, but when she realized she could get into acting more easily through dance, she took up lessons. She initially began playing the accordion before taking up dance and performing around the world.
R&B singer and Grammy award-winning dancer B. Smyth died Wednesday of respiratory failure. She was 30. / Courtesy of B. Smyth
After performing her signature twerk moves in the clubs of New York City, Smyth moved to Los Angeles and began learning song-and-dance moves from the likes of Tony Goldwyn, Tommy Tune, and DJ Spasmodic. Smyth went on to record three solo albums, including ‘Twerkaholic’ in 1998, ‘I’m Not Here’ in 2004, ‘Breezy’ in 2008 and ‘Let’s Talk’ in 2010.
In 2011, Smyth partnered with record producer and DJ Zedd for ‘Zedd And B. Smyth.’ She was recognized for her distinctive dance moves and use of her mouth during performances.
In 2013, the R&B singer won the Grammy for Best Dance Recording with her collaboration with Nicki Minaj — the song
