Kandi With Rickey Smiley

Picture from Kandi.

check out @RickeySmiley aka Ms Bernice

Kandi Never Gives Up

Interview from Loren Ridinger (LorensWorld).

Kandi Burruss the 34 year old former Xscape artist is no stranger to the music & entertainment industry. The songwriter behind TLC's "No Scrubs", Destiny's Child's "The Writing is on the Wall" , "Bills, Bills, Bills" was the first African American to win ASCAP's songwriter of the year award in 2000. A producing & writing career that has led her to work with some of the best artists in the world like Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Boys II Men, Da Brat, Nsync, Usher, Fantasia, Mya, Joe, Whitney Houston among many others. Most recently Kandi appeared on Bravo's Hit reality TV series The Real Housewives of Atlanta in where she gives us access to her world from working with artists to the launch of her new album Kandi looks to inspire and empower all women especially single mothers. With her new album launching this FALL, a new season of Atlanta Housewives in October, a new charity, a lifestyle website, Kandi the talented singer, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur and mom shows us that that if you can conceive you can make it happen.

Did you always know you wanted to be in the music industry?
It was not until I got to high school that I realized that I really wanted to be a music artist.

What’s the key to succeeding in the music industry?
Never giving up. I think that sometimes people give up too soon. It is not going to happen over night. I think it is talent and timing as well as drive and determination. Some people have the talent but not the drive. Some people have mediocre talent but their determination and drive is strong. They never give up, so eventually they’re going to knock the door down.

You have quite the resume when it comes to writing hit songs. What do you hope people take away when they listen to one of your songs?
A song that they can relate to. Most of my songs come from personal experiences and a lot of people go through the same things so I want them to feel like I am telling their story.

Of the songs you’ve written which is your favorite?
“Easier”, the duet I have with Faith Evan because it is the song I dedicated to my brother and anybody that has ever lost someone that hears the song says it lifts their spirits up.

We have a lot of single moms writing in asking for advice on balancing life, work, and motherhood. What advice would you give a single mom who is looking to move up in their career, but feels the guilt of not dedicating all her time to her children?
That is a hard thing that I struggle with myself. What I have realized is the saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is very true. Everyone needs a co-parent. If you are a single mother like myself and your child’s father is not really involved, you still need somebody to help at times. That person can be a family member or a friend. Just make sure you do your best to be at all the important events, but you cannot feel guilty about trying to make a better life for you and your child. Every time you can sacrifice a business situation to do something extra special for your child, do it. Do not let your career consume you to the point that you miss out on some of the most important memories of your child’s life. Money is important but not that important.

If your daughter told you she wanted to be in the music industry, what would you say?
I would support her 110 percent. She is already writing songs.

In 2009 you lost your former fiancé, Ashley “AJ” Jewel. What comfort you the most while dealing with your loss?
My family.

How did it change you?
It did not really change me because I had experienced losing someone very close to me prior to that.

What advice would you offer someone dealing with a similar loss?
I think everybody deals with death differently. For me I tend to focus more on work because I don’t like to think about sadness. I don’t like to sit and be depressed so I have to do things to keep my mind occupied. I don’t feel like being alone, sad, and depressed is healthy.

What is your meditation?
I pray a lot and I used to journal a lot which is something I will probably start back doing because it is good to get your thoughts out on paper. Of course, I pour my emotions out in my songs.

What do you think makes a woman beautiful?
Confidence.

Which other Housewives cast would you not mind being a part of?
None

What is currently on your ipod?
My new album that will be released November 23! I am so excited! As well as Fantasia’s new album. I love it.

If you could work with any artist who would it be?
Shania Twain, I love her.

What’s next for Kandi Burruss?
I am starting my foundation as well as the release of my album on November 23. I am going on tour with Fantasia in November and the expansion of my boutique TAGS in Atlanta.

Words to live by?
If you can conceive the thought, you can make it happen!

Didn't get enough of Kandi, send me a tweet @lorenridinger and I will ask her your questions.

xo

Loren

Kandi Going On Tour

Post from SingersRoom.

True R&B fans have another treat coming their way. First Kem, Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim, Raheem DeVaughn, and Hal Linton came together for the 2010 Budweiser Superfest tour and now it’s the ladies turn.

Fantasia, Kandi Burruss and crooner Eric Benet will join forces for a tour this fall/winter, a rep confirms to Singersroom.
The pairing comes on the heals of Fantasia’s Billboard Top 200 #2 charting debut after selling 177,000 units of ‘Back to Me’ in the first week of release, marking her highest charting album to date. ‘Back to Me’ also debuted at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, a career best for Fantasia. "Free Yourself" and "Fantasia" peaked at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively.

Singer Kandi Burruss, who also confirmed the tour via Twitter, stating, “I’m going on tour with my girl Fantasia in November! It’s gonna be so fun,” recently released her new single “Leave You” via Warner Bros. Burruss’ long-waited sophomore solo project, ‘Kandi Koated,’ is schedule for a Nov. 23 release.

Crooner Eric Benét is also gearing up to release his fifth studio album, ‘Lost in Time,’ via Reprise Records this fall. 'Lost in Time' is the follow-up to Benét’s ultra-romantic 2008 album Love & Life, which was nominated for a 2009 Grammy Award for “Best R&B Album.” The disc is led by the mid-'70s-vibed single “Sometimes I Cry.”

Tour dates will be announced shortly…

Kandi "The Bitter And The Sweet"

Click HERE to see Kandi talk about why her cousin gave up a full scholarship.

Kandi Performs At The Atlanta Motor Speedway

Greg Street, DJ Nabs, DJ Finesse, Kandi Burruss, and JC on "The Diron O Show" @ The Atlanta Motor Speedway for Fastlife Fridays.! Kandi starts at about 3:00 minutes.

Kandi Talks About Giving Up Control

Kandi Sings At For Sisters Only

Pictures of Kandi at the 19th annual For Sisters Only event at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Photos: MetroMix

 

Kandi Chats About Her New Songs And The RHOA

Video of Kandi taken during the WEEN Awards.

Kandi Talks About Being TV Fine Vs. Hood Fine

Click HERE to see Kandi's latest Bitter & The Sweet video.

Kandi Would Love To Work With Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill Or Shania Twain

Article from Bleu.

Interview conducted by Monte’ Alexander
If success is measured by longevity, Kandi Burruss is among an elite group of artists whose careers spawn nearly two decades. First coming on the scene as a member of Jermaine Dupri’s platinum-selling R&B quartet Xscape in the 90’s; Kandi has transformed from a member of just another girl group to an accomplished songwriter, reality television starlet and exceptional business woman.

Photo: Dexina Nelson

Her songwriting credits reads like a ‘Who’s who’ list with artists ranging from Alicia Keys and Pink to Destiny’s Child and Whitney Houston; in 2000 Kandi became the first women to win ASCAP’s Rhythm & Soul Songwriter of the Year. Bleu had the opportunity to talk with Kandi about her new single, “Leave U,” new album, and some inside scoop about the upcoming season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Bleu: Your new album is called “Kandi Koated Nights,” tell us about the new album.

Kandi: Kandi Koated. I just say Kandi Koated because I’m so indecisive (laughs). So let’s just say “Kandi Koated”. It’ll be Kandi Koated something, just not sure yet (laughs). The album is real R&B; it’ll take you back to Xscape. R&B with that bump, mid-tempos, feel good songs, relationship songs, happy, upset; a little bit of everything. There are 3 uplifting records that have nothing to do with relationships. I worked with Ne-Yo, he wrote and produced, and Bryan Michael Cox. I recorded a lot of great songs but like I said I’m so indecisive (laughs) so probably only 12 songs will make the album though, of course.

Bleu: The lead single, “Leave U” premiered last week. What is the inspiration behind the track?
Kandi: I wanted to go back in the studio and work with Jazze. A friend of mine, Avon, and I were collaborating, talking about different styles and concepts; strong concepts. And he was like “You need that one record with that old, Xscape sound.” Most of Xscape biggest records were mid-tempos, so “Leave U” fits that style and sound.

Bleu: Are there any features or collaborations on the album?
Kandi: There’s a song with Tiny. I’m thinking about adding another woman on it, just not sure who though. It’s called “Superwoman”. Ne-Yo sings background on a song. His vocals haven’t been taken out, you can hear him. But I wouldn’t call that a feature, it’s not a duet or anything. So right now, no features.

Bleu: Your new album was originally titled, B.L.O.G.S., why was the title changed?
Kandi: I decided to change it after AJ’s passing. We use to see different things on these websites about us and during that time I wanted to get back at those people who had something to say. After he passed, certain things inspired the new material and songs on the album. I wanted to leave all the negative things in the past so I wanted to change the title and direction.

Bleu: True R&B music seems to be making a comeback. How do you feel your new material stands against some of the other R&B artists who’ve released music this year?
Kandi: The album is strong. I wanted to go back in the studio to make sure this album is one of the strongest albums I’ve ever done. Going back in the studio allowed me to pull out that extra ammo and work with Ne-Yo. I recently talked to Sean Garrett about possibly working on something for the album and even JD (Jermaine Dupri), might add something to it. So it’s definitely gonna be a strong album. It’s the type of album that even if you don’t like me, (laughs) you’ll be able to appreciate the album. So the new music will be able to stand against all the music that’s out.

Bleu: Is a music video being planned for “Leave U” and if so, when can we expect it?
Kandi: We’re just getting directors and still planning the video now. The actual impact date for the song isn’t until September 14th, we leaked it to some websites and a few radio stations for early adds but we’re still getting the video together, but one is coming.

Bleu: If you could describe your new album in 3 words, what would they be?
Kandi: Um, well dang, I don’t know about three words but I can say three phrases (laughs); finding love, having love and losing love.

Bleu: Your debut album (Hey Kandi) was released in 2000, why such the long delay in bringing you follow-up?
Kandi: Well, it was multiple things. At first, I was really unhappy. Unhappy at how the album was handled. The single, “Don’t Think I’m Not,” did well, but the album didn’t. So after that I was like forget it but then changed my mind. Next thing you know, I got pregnant. So I had to get use to being a mom and wanted to focus on raising my daughter. When I did get back into it, I focused on songwriting and was successful, so when I got another record deal, label saw me as Kandi “The Songwriter” and not as Kandi “The Artist”. It was like they’d prefer me to write a song for a hot new artist instead of using it for myself. Last year when I release the EP, it was the #1 album on iTunes that week and we knew we had something. People still cared and wanted to hear music from Kandi, so that was refreshing.

Bleu: What’s your take on the current state of R&B?

Kandi: It’s on the come up. Monica, Fantasia, Trey Songz, Dondria and classic R&B artists like Raheem DeVaughn and Jahiem, the type who never stopped making that classic sound. A lot of artists who had hits in the past are coming back. Labels are allowing artists who had success in the past to have an opportunity. At one time, labels weren’t signing anybody who were over 30, now it’s space for everybody. People forget that artists who aren’t “mainstream” are moving units. Jahiem sold over one hundred thousand copies the first week with his new album. Adult Contemporary R&B radio is popping! And it’s because of artists like Jahiem, Raheem DeVaughn, Fantasia and Monica. People are coming out in droves to see those type of artists. So artists, who are more adult contemporary radio centered; are the ones that are holding R&B together

Bleu: Are there any artists that you’ve worked with in the past or artists that you haven’t worked with that you would like to?

Kandi: A country artist. None in particular, of course everybody would want to work with Carrie Underwood. I like Faith Hill, always loved her voice. Shania Twain, if she is working on some new music, I’d like to work with her (laughs). My mom introduced me to country music early on; the lyrical content of country music is what makes it unique.

Bleu: Last year, your boutique T.A.G.S. opened in Atlanta. How’s business?
Kandi: (laughs) Everything is going good! We’re looking to open another location possibly in Buckhead. We want to have two in the Atlanta area, so more people can get to it and so that we can attract more people. But business is good.

Bleu: Do you plan on expanding T.A.G.S. in areas outside of the Atlanta area.
Kandi: I would like to but bring it to areas that aren’t really known for fashion. So places like Nashville and Charlotte.

Bleu: Tell us about your weekly blog series on Hello Beatuiful.com.

Kandi: I met one of the directors of BlackPlanet and he told me they had the Hello Beautiful blog. He and I talked about different things I could possibly due with the blog and after AJ’s passing, they posted a letter I wrote and the response was crazy. So I started to do a blog but I didn’t wanna do a boring one so I figured I’m around celebrities all the time, so why not do videos with us discussing issues that we all go through in everyday life.

Bleu: You’ve become sort of a multi-media fixture. Your Ustream show, “Kandi Koated Nights” is extremely popular with the Twitter crowd. How did you get involved with that?
Kandi: I fell into it actually (laughs). I was doing a contest where if I called your cell phone and heard my song “Fly Above” as your caller tone, I’d take you out to dinner when I came to your city. My business partner Neeq, she does the show with me, suggested we go on Ustream and pick the winners. You know the comment box on the side where you can chat and leave messages, somebody in the room left a nasty comment and I told them to wait until after midnight and I’d give them comment because this wasn’t Kandi After Dark. Next thing you know, we had 40,000 people watching at one time. After that people started to email stories about different subjects and ask for our advice. It’s basically a recorded conversation amongst friends, we give honest answers and opinions; it’s gonna be on the Housewives this season. They recorded some footage when I have the lady’s on. It scares me sometimes, though (laughs). I have a habit of speaking before I think and on the show I’m so honest that I’ll give my opinion and then think about it like “oops, what did I just say” (laughs). It’s all in good fun, though.

Bleu: You joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta last year, how has that experience been for you?
Kandi: Fun. It’s been fun even though I didn’t like taping as much the second time around. This season we taped longer, it’s gonna 18 episodes this year. We had four camera crews so I thought they’d split the crews up between all of us but it felt like they were taping me all the time (laughs). We taped 5 days a week and sometimes, 7 days a week. The show added a lot to me. It showed what I’m doing business wise and made people see that even though there was a time when people didn’t see me, I was still working, The new season starts October 4th and this season you’ll see a lot of everybody’s real personal issues. I’m sure you’ve read and see everything NeNe’s been through and she definitely let people in. You’ll also get to see how me and Kim’s dynamics have changed. This season a lot of things have changed and it’s worth the watch.

Bleu: Speaking of Kim, “Tardy For the Party”. You gave all the tone deaf people of the world rejoiced after hearing what you did with that song. Would you ever work with Kim again?
Kandi: (laughs) thank you. And sure, I’d work with her again, if we can work out the business. I didn’t make any money off “Tardy for the Party,” she did. We actually did record another song together.

Kandi Ponders The Pros And Cons Of Being A Songwriter

Click HERE to see Kandi's latest "Bitter and the Sweet".

Kandi At The WEEN Awards

Pictures of Kandi from last night when she attended the 2010 Ween Awards at the Asia SocietySeptember  in New York.

Kandi with producer Michael Mauldin and producer Bryan-Michael Cox

Angie Martinez, Miss Info and Kandi

Kandi and  Hot 97's Ebro attend

Kandi-RHOA

Pics./tweets from Kandi.

Here I am with @estelledarlings

I met Gayle King & she is a really nice person!

Warner Bros. Artist @Kandi in NYC for the WEEN awards

Here I am with 2 of the Warner Bros execs @joeyie @mrsredbottoms & my manager @MichaelTMauldin

Kandi-RHOA

Pic./tweet from Kandi.

Just finished interviewing @Kandi and big boy .

Video From Kandi's Hello Beautiful Blog

Kandi's The Bitter And The Sweet

Click HERE to see Kandi's take on longevity in the music industry.

Kandi's New Single "Leave You"

Post from Essence.com.

Singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" and formerly of Xscape debuts her new single "Leave You" -- exclusively on ESSENCE.com. Also, Kandi describes the inspiration behind the track...

Exclusive from Kandi, describing the inspiration behind the song:

"Working on this album, I knew I wanted to get back in the studio with Jazze Pha, a long-term friend and great producer. He and the two co-writers of the song are very talented people who I feel really understand me as an artist.

"I went into the session wanting to record a real R&B song that took you back to my Xscape days. We were known for songs that felt good, had a great groove to them, and displayed strong vocals and hard hitting production. 'Leave You' -- in my opinion -- is my 2010 version of that.

"The song was not about a specific situation of mine but more my desire to create that record everyone can relate to. If someone is not doing the things they did to get you when they have you -- it is time to take that walk and leave!"

Kadi At Blendz

Pics. of Kandi.

At Blendz with @kandi & @itsrange

Paula, owner of @blendzmidown, @kandi and @itsrange at his listening party 2day. HOT dress Kandi

Kandi Talks About Men,Love And Sex

Go HERE to see Kandi and Ne-Yo talk about men and how they view sex and love on Hello Beautiful.

NeNe,Kim And Kandi Interviews

Interviews from late last year.