Before building an audience in reality television, becoming a restaurateur, lighting up screens both large and small, and establishing herself as a multidimensional entrepreneur, Kandi Burruss first cemented her legacy as one of the music industry’s most prolific talents — both on the charts and behind the scenes.
Throughout her generation-spanning career, the Atlanta native has moved gracefully between the spotlight and the shadows. As a vocalist, she captivated listeners with a richly unique, textured voice; as a songwriter, she quietly shaped the sound of a generation, penning hits for some of music’s most celebrated names; and as a performer, she commanded every stage she graced with an effortless, magnetic presence.
The 50-year-old emerged onto the scene in the 1990s as a member of Xscape. Alongside Tamika “Tiny” Harris, and sisters LaTocha Scott and Tamika Scott, the quartet earned mainstream success and established themselves as one of the era’s defining R&B groups. Their platinum-selling 1993 debut album Hummin’ Comin’ at ‘Cha produced two top-ten Billboard Hot 100 hits — “Just Kickin’ It” and “Understanding.”
Continuing their success, both Off the Hook (1995), and Traces of My Lipstick (1998) earned platinum certification. With the cult-classics such as “Who Can I Run To,” “The Arms of the One Who Loves You” and “My Little Secret,” as standouts in their full catalog, the group earned accolades include Soul Train Music Award recognition, the ASCAP Golden Note Award, and boasts millions of records sold.
Kandi’s impact in music is not limited to Xscape’s achievement. She continued her career pushing her pen, attaining writing credits with the likes of TLC, Destiny’s Child, NSYNC, Mariah Carey, and more. Notably, she won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for her work on TLC’s “No Scrubs,” which boosted her profile with a Billboard Music Award, and made her the first Black woman in history to win the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year in any genre.
As a solo artist, she reached the charts with her debut single “Don’t Think I’m Not” peaking number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. With full creative control, her 2000 album Hey Kandi… expanded on her signature style. She released her sophomore solo effort a decade later. Additionally, as a featured artist Kandi established herself as the sweet spot on tracks with T-Pain, Rasheeda, and more.
With a gift that few in entertainment can match, Kandi’s empire extended beyond music with purpose. Kandi joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta from its second season and went on to stand as one of the longest-serving, and most successful cast members in the entire Real Housewives franchise. As a fan-favorite, she parlayed her status as an elite peach holder into multiple spin-off series including The Kandi Factory, Kandi’s Wedding, Kandi’s Ski Trip, and Kandi & The Gang.
And still, it does not stop there. In 2018, she made her broadway debut as Mama Morton in Chicago, as well as production credits in Thoughts of a Colored Man, The Piano Lesson, and more. Most recently, she joined the producing team for the Broadway revival of Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal as well as returned to the stage in & Juliet, portraying Angélique in a limited engagement. On screen, she has brought characters to life in The Chi, Reasonable Doubt, Insecure, and more. Did we mention she became the first woman to win The Masked Singer in 2020?
As a queen of multiple revenue streams, she also has her hand in multiple ventures including, Bedroom Kandi an intimacy and sexual wellness company, the Old Lady Gang restaurant, Kandi Koated Entertainment and additional undertakings.
A true force in music and beyond, Kandi’s career is proof of her creative genius, commercial acumen, natural aptitude and spirited determination. Her full catalog continues to generate new opportunities through samples, interpolations, and collaborations, making her one of the most successful songwriter-performers of a generation. And with no sign of slowing down, Kandi’s spotlight has not dimmed, only glowing brighter with each move in the present and future.
