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'''Kandace Burruss''', better known by her [[stage name|stage names]] '''Kandi''' or '''Kandi Girl''' (born [[May 17]], [[1976]] is an [[United States|American]] [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] [[Grammy Award]]-winning [[singer]]/[[songwriter]] and [[record producer]]. She is also a former member of the [[music ensemble|group]] [[Xscape (band)|Xscape]] from [[College Park, Georgia|Atlanta]].
'''Kandi Burruss''', better known by her [[stage name|stage names]] '''Kandi''' or '''Kandi Girl''' (born [[May 17]], [[1976]] is an [[United States|American]] [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] [[Grammy Award]]-winning [[singer]]/[[songwriter]] and [[record producer]]. She is also a former member of the [[music ensemble|group]] [[Xscape (band)|Xscape]] from [[College Park, Georgia|Atlanta]].


==Biography==
==Biography==

Revision as of 04:07, 2 November 2009

Kandi Burruss

Kandi Burruss, better known by her stage names Kandi or Kandi Girl (born May 17, 1976 is an American R&B Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and record producer. She is also a former member of the group Xscape from Atlanta.

Biography

Kandi was born on May 17, 1976 in Atlanta, Georgia to a single mother, Joyce Jones. Her first major appearance was on BET's Teen Summit which was her first highlight to the public's attention [1].

Career

Xscape: 1993-1998

In 1990, Kandace Burruss joined LaTocha and Tamika Scott, and childhood friend Tameka "Tiny" Cottle to complete the Atlanta-based R&B group, Burruss and Latocha Scott often led the group Xscape. After being discovered by producer Jermaine Dupri, he eventually signed them to his label, So So Def Recordings and to Columbia Records in 1991.

With a record deal her 11th grade year, the group released their 1993 debut album Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha. The album spawned three singles: the platinum "Just Kickin' It", gold-selling "Understanding", and "Love on My Mind". The group was also featured on soundtracks and later received three Grammy nominations for Best New Artist, Best R&B Duo or Group Performance with Vocals, and Best R&B Song. The album received a platinum certification from the RIAA.

In 1995, the group released their second album, Off The Hook. The album spawned four hit singles: "Feels So Good", "Who Can I Run To", "Do You Want To" and "Can't Hang". The group received their second platinum certification.

Their third album, "Traces of My Lipstick" debuted lower than the previous two albums but eventually went on to also reach platinum status. The album spawned the two singles: "The Arms of the One Who Loves You" and "My Little Secret" which both reached the top ten on the U.S. Billboard 200.

In late 1998, in the midst of the group's success, Xscape disbanded.

Songwriting (1998-1999)

After the demise of the Xscape, Burruss began to focus on production and songwriting. In 1999, Burruss teamed with bandmate Tameka "Tiny" Cottle to score the international number one hit "No Scrubs" for TLC. The single received a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, MTV Video Music Award, Billboard Music Award and Soul Train Music Award. That same year, Burruss scored a hit for Destiny's Child on their second album, "The Writing's on the Wall". "Bills, Bills, Bills", also topped the Billboard "Hot 100" chart & was followed by their second single "Bug a Boo", also penned by Burruss. Kandi would go on to work with then newcomer Pink by penning her debut single "There You Go" off Pink's debut album "Can't Take Me Home".

Kandi's writing credits continued to grow by penning for the likes of Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Boyz II Men, Da Brat, NSYNC, N-Toon, Solo, Usher, Mya, Joe, MC Lyte and Whitney Houston.

Solo Work and Hey Kandi (2000-2002)

By 2000, Kandi was signed to Columbia Records as a solo artist and released her debut album, "Hey Kandi", on September 19, 2000. Debuting at number 72 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and 32 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, the album proved to be a disappointment compared to the success achieved by Xscape. However, the first single, "Don't Think I'm Not", did manage to reach #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #32 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song charts. The second single, "Cheatin' on Me" was released in January 2001 and peaked at number 72 on the "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs" chart.

Due to this commercial failure, Kandi was subsequently dropped from Columbia.

To Burruss this was only a temporary setback, and so she went back to her focus on songwriting and producing for other artists. That same year, Kandi won the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Award for "Songwriter of the Year" from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers becoming the first woman in history to achieve the honor.

She also worked and appeared on the soundtrack to Big Momma's House.

B.L.O.G. and Reality Television (2006-present)

In early 2006, Kandi began work on her sophomore album. The first single "I Need" was a promotional single only. It featured rap duo 8Ball and MJG. Another song, "Keep It Gangsta" featuring rapper Lil Scrappy, was also set to appear on the album, although it was never released as a promo single.

Failing to generate any buzz, plans for the new album were temporarily put on hold. Burruss then teamed with Atlanta female rapper Rasheeda to form the duo Peach Candy, signed to D-Lo Entertainment. Their first single, entitled "Bam," got little airplay and plans for this album were also put on hold. PeachCandy EP was released on iTunes with a 5-track lineup.

In 2009, Kandi joined the second season of the Bravo reality series, The Real Housewives of Atlanta and went back to work on her sophomore album, entitled B.L.O.G.. It is set to be released on November 10, 2009, and will coincide with the release of her debut EP, the Fly Above EP. The album will be released on her own record label Kandi Koated Entertainment and Capitol Records. The album is confirmed to feature appearances from artists such as Rick Ross, Rasheeda, Gucci Mane and possibly Missy Elliott. Despite speculation that the lead single would be either "I Like Him" featuring Rick Ross and Rasheeda or "Trade Him In" featuring Gucci Mane, the lead single, "Fly Above", was released on October 6, 2009.

Kandi also re-wrote and executive produced "Tardy For The Party" for Real Housewives of Atlanta co-star Kim Zolciak's debut album. The song was made available to iTunes on September 1, 2009.

Personal life

Burruss and ex-boyfriend Russell "Block" Spencer of Block Entertainment had a daughter named Riley on August 22, 2003.[2].

In late 2008, Kandi began a relationship with Ashley "A.J." Jewell and after dating several months, the couple became engaged to be married in January of 2009.

Tensions began to rise between Jewell, also a part of the second season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Kandi's mother over Jewell having six children of his own with four different mothers. In June of 2009, Burruss and Jewell called off the engagement and later dissolved their romantic relationship completely, though Jewell was quoted as saying they remained "good friends." Though he moved out of Burruss' home, his 12-year-old twin daughters remain in her care.

Less than four months after they separated, Jewell was killed outside of a club's parking lot in a fight on the night of October 2, 2009,. He suffered massive head trauma in a heated argument at an Atlanta strip club he co-owned, the Body Tap Club. The police made an arrest - a club employee named Fredrick Richardson. He has been charged with voluntary manslaughter [3]. However, Sickle Cell Anemia may have played a significant role in the death. According to the medical examiner, it's most likely that Jewell was worked up from the fight—and because of his condition, it's probable that he couldn't replenish the oxygen he lost during the incident ... which the Dr. says could have fatal consequences. Read more: http://www.tmz.com/#ixzz0U2Sn4mOQ Read more: http://www.tmz.com/#ixzz0U2Sd8bNS

Two days after Jewell's death, Kandi posted an exclusive open-letter expressing her heartfelt grief over her loss on HelloBeautiful [4].

Discography

Main article: Kandi Burruss discography

References

  1. ^ All Music Bio All Music, March 9, 2000
  2. ^ Real Housewives Of Atlanta Episode 2.5, OAD 27 August 2009
  3. ^ http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20310051,00.html Richardon Charged With Voluntary Manslaughter
  4. ^ http://hellobeautiful.com/your-world/exclusive-atlanta-kandi-burruss-speaks-on-death-of-fiance-aj/ Exclusive: "Real Housewives of Atlanta's" Kandi Burruss Speaks On Death of Fiance AJ
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