Birthed in Houston, Texas initially named Girls Tyme, the original Destiny's Child comprised of Latavia Robinson, Latoya Luckett, Kelly Rowland and lead singer Beyoncé Knowles. Destiny's Child are the most successful female group in history with over 60 million records sold, sold out world tours and former lead singer Beyonce has gone on to become one of the most celebrated icons in music.
Their departure left a void which has never been filled. Whilst spawning the Wyclef-assisted classic platinum-certified single "No, No, No", the self-titled debut album only peaked at number 63 on the US Album Charts. Remember the second single 'With You' featuring Jermaine Dupri? I didn’t think so.
The group’s seminal sophomore album,
The Writings on the Wall, marks when Destiny's Child became
that girl group! DC weren't short on controversy either; members Latavia Robinson and Latoya Luckett saw the video for smash-hit single "Say My Name" on TV with Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin in their place. Franklin left shortly after the release of fourth single "Jumpin' Jumpin'".
What makes this a classic? It is an album you can pop in the player fresh out of the wrapper, press play and tell the fast forward button “Find a new hobby!” But to me, it takes more than a solid album to be stamped a classic. There must be some sort of impact or significance in my opinion; an album everyone spoke about, played in cars, brings back memories of a particular time, moved the genre forward and/or one that many will agree on.
If I had to sum this album up in one sentence I'd say: "Voice of the next generation via the voice of the next generation."
Kandi Burruss first rose to prominance as a member of moderately successful '90s r&b female group Xscape. Best known for debut single Just Kickin' It (and personal favourite My Little Secret), the So So Def collective also featured on Lil Bow Wow's debut album 'Beware of Dog' alongside Da Bratt on Bounce Wit' Me. Following the group's split, Kandi released a solo album entitled 'Eye Kandi' lead by well-received single 'Don't Think I'm Not'.
Although the album underperformed, the absolute opposite can be said of her multiaward winning songwriting credentials. Kandi along with her pen crafted a string of genuine smash-hits that helped launch hugely successful careers via female-empowering R&B anthems including Pink's "There You Go" and Destiny's Child's first number 1 "Bills, Bills, Bills", as well as TLC's record-breaking comeback "No Scrubs". She introduced slang terms such as "scrub", "trifilin'" & "bug-a-boo" to the world causing males to question their swagg' as evidenced by response songs from Sporty Thieves namely the unforgettable 'No Pigeons'.
Nowadays, Kandi can be viewed on hit US reality show The Real Housewives of Atlanta and released Kandi Koated - her first album since 2001's Eye Kandi.
SoulCulture spoke with Kandi to discuss her hiatus, the lack of girl groups in R&B, why she'd enter shows like X-Factor and American Idol, the impact her ex-fiance's murder had on her latest album Kandi Koated and becoming disillusioned with music. Oh and "No Scrubs", obviously.