Kandi
used to be in the group Xscape but then they separated and she became a
successful solo artist and songwriter by her own terms. Many people will know
the hit single “Don’t Think I’m Not” but may not know that she’s written
songs for TLC [No Scrubs], Destiny’s Child [Bills Bills Bills] and for other
established artists such as Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men and Whitney Houston.
Kandi speaks to me about what she’s been doing while out of the spotlight,
her new album and an insight to her personal life.What have you been up to since the last album?
I had a daughter so I’ve been doing the mom thing and I’ve been working with other artists. I’ve been working on a lot of rap stuff with artists like Lil Scrappy and E-40. Now I’m back and have been starting to write for other artists again.
How do you think you’ve matured as an artist over the past few years?
I’ve definitely matured a lot as far as vocals are concerned and my voice has become stronger. As far as the subject matter goes for the new album I’ve always been described as edgy but now even more so, extremely direct! I don’t bite my tongue at all.
What was your time out of the industry like for you, did you enjoy it?
It was kinda cool. I’m not one of those artists who feel they have to be in the public eye that’s why I’m OK with being a songwriter, being behind the scenes and working with other artists. Some people are just like “where you been” because most people don’t read the credits or know that I’ve written songs for artists like Alicia Keys and TLC. I’m cool with that, as long as I’m able to live how I wanna live and do what I wanna do it’s OK to be laid back sometimes.
Why was I Need chosen as the first single, is that going to be international as well as released in the States?
We’re not even finished with the album yet but know that it’s been a long time since I’ve had a record out so we thought it would be a good idea to release a couple of buzz records. It’s just to get my presence back on the street and let them know Kandi’s coming back.
What can we expect from the new album?
I’ve put a lot of true stories on the record so in some of the songs you’ll feel like “damn is she talking about somebody for real” – well I am! I’ve worked with Jagged Edge on a track for the album which they wrote, also Lil Scrappy and production from some up and coming producers. I’m supposed to be doing something with Lil Jon and Akon for the record as well. I’m really excited about it because it’s real to me and a lot of people are gonna be able to relate.
Does it have a title yet?
There’s a song I recorded called It Can’t Rain Forever and I’m thinking of calling it that. I’ve gone through a lot of ups and downs over the last few years but I always think “It can’t rain forever”, I’m not sure about the title yet but I really like the track.
You’ve worked on projects with so many people already but is there anyone left who you’d really like to work with?
To be honest with you I’d love to touch base with Jermaine [Dupri] again because it’s been so long since we’ve worked together on something. I really want to rekindle that relationship because he made so many hits for us when I was still in Xscape. I think if we hooked up again it would be a hot record!
Are there any songs you’ve written that you wish you kept for yourself?
Not at all, I feel the songs I wrote for the other artists were meant to be. I care as much about my song writing career as I do about my artist career and I know that the only way to keep people wanting you to write songs for them is to give them hot records. If you keep all the hot records to yourself nobody is gonna want you to write for them.
What does your ASCAP award mean to you?
It means a lot to me. I was the first female songwriter for Rhythm and Soul to win the award. At first I didn’t realise how big of a deal it was until the awards show itself. When it got to the show I got so teary eyed when I was accepting my award because after Xscape separated I didn’t know what would become of me or my career and to become a successful songwriter was a major thing for me. I was so used to being in a group for so many years I didn’t know I would be able to make it by myself and have longevity. I was overwhelmed and boo-hooing!
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from the music industry?
I would say you gotta be cool with everybody because you never know who’s gonna be the next person to come up. I’ve seen people who used to be interns turn into the head honchos in charge. If you weren’t treating them cool when they were interns and then you need their help it won’t happen. You will always have ups and downs in your career so you have to remember to be good to everybody. The attitude that some artists have will come back on them later. I knew Lil Jon when he was an intern promoting for So So Def and now we work together and sometimes he calls me up to write him hooks or whatever.
Can you tell me something that nobody else knows about you yet?
My parents divorced and my dad has been married six times. We have a cool relationship but we’re not as close as I would like us to be.
How has that affected you?
I think it’s affected me a lot because of the way I look at relationships. Some people say I’m a male basher but I’m not, I just feel like a lot of the songs I write have drama in them like Bills Bills Bills and people love the drama, it sells records. I was brought up by a single mom so I guess I do have a lot of views on that. My stepfather put so much into me as a kid when I started making money I bought him a truck. A lot of people don’t know this but my daughter’s father is Block who owns Block Entertainment. We’re cool and don’t have any problems or anything. My daughter’s now 3 years old and I named her Riley after my brother who passed away when I was in high school. Now you know too much of my business!
I don’t want to pry…
Nah it’s cool!
www.kandimusic.com
www.myspace.com/kandiburruss
By Rashmi Shastri - Jul 2006