Kandi: The R&B and Pop Powerhouse

Kandi Burruss, known mononymously as Kandi, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and television personality from Atlanta, Georgia. She first achieved major success as a member of the multi-platinum 1990s R&B group Xscape before launching a prolific solo career and writing hit songs for some of pop music's biggest names.

Early career

Born Kandi Burruss in 1976, her musical journey began in Atlanta's vibrant music scene. She co-founded the girl group Xscape with Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, LaTocha Scott, and Tamika Scott in the early 1990s, quickly catching the attention of producers Jermaine Dupri and So So Def Recordings.

Breakthrough

Kandi's breakthrough arrived with Xscape's 1993 debut album, "Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha," which was certified double platinum by the RIAA. The album spawned the top ten R&B hit "Just Kickin' It," establishing the group and Kandi as formidable new voices in contemporary R&B.

Key tracks

Just Kickin' It — This Xscape single became a definitive 90s R&B anthem, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

No Scrubs — Co-written by Kandi for TLC, this global smash spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award.

Bills, Bills, Bills — Kandi co-wrote this number-one hit for Destiny's Child, which helped define the group's early sound and commercial dominance.

Don't Think I'm Not — Her debut solo single in 2000 reached the top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold.

Fly Above — This 2010 solo track showcased her mature vocal style and songwriting, becoming a fan favorite and radio staple.

Following her success with Xscape and as a songwriter, Kandi launched her solo career on her own label, Kandi Koated Entertainment. Her debut solo album, "Hey Kandi..." (2000), featured production from She'kspere and yielded the gold-certified single "Don't Think I'm Not." She continued to balance her solo work with high-profile songwriting, penning tracks for artists like Alicia Keys and Fantasia.

Kandi expanded her brand into television, becoming a long-standing cast member on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." This platform allowed her to promote her music ventures, including later albums like "Kandi Koated" (2010) and the EP "Ready" (2023). Her business acumen and consistent presence in both music and media have solidified her status as a versatile and enduring figure in the industry.

Fans of Kandi's blend of soulful R&B and pop sensibility also enjoy the music of Monica, who shares her Atlanta roots and 90s R&B pedigree. The songwriting prowess and vocal harmonies of TLC reflect a similar era and collaborative spirit. For contemporary R&B with a strong melodic focus, explore Ari Lennox. The confident, anthemic style of Destiny's Child is also connected to Kandi's influential pen.

Kandi's catalog, from Xscape classics to her solo hits, receives regular airplay on a variety of radio stations featured here. Her music is a fixture on urban adult contemporary stations, 90s and 2000s throwback channels, and online R&B radio streams that celebrate influential songwriters and performers.

Listeners can discover the full range of Kandi's music, from group anthems to solo projects, on the R&B and pop radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear the hits she performed and the many more she crafted behind the scenes.