Kandi Burruss left the music group Xscape to pen hits for many artists, winning a Grammy and multiple awards along the way. Following the Real Housewives of Atlanta on Bravo Television, she now drops an album called Kandi Koated. Windy City Times met her at the club to find out why she is so sweet.
Windy City Times: Hi, Kandi. What a fun party and I am not tardy!
Kandi Burruss: I like your candy necklace.
WCT: Thanks. Is it weird for you to watch the Xscape videos like they have on the televisions behind us at this place?
Kandi Burruss: Yeah, it caught me off guard when I first walked in. I was like, "Whoa!" It threw me off. I didn't know they were going to be playing videos from the first album.
WCT: That's wild.
Kandi Burruss: I always tell people that I was growing up when we first came out so when I see pictures and videos to me that's like looking at a high school yearbook. If everyone saw your high school picture how would you feel?
WCT: Embarrassed. I was a nerd in high school! You have been such a big songwriter for so long, writing such hits as "No Scrubs" for TLC, several for Destiny's Child and "There You Go" for Pink.
Kandi Burruss: I did. I wrote songs for other people for so many years.
WCT: How does it feel to do your own thing now?
Kandi Burruss: It feels good. For a while I thought I wasn't going to get that opportunity again. So it is really a blessing to be back doing my thing. I see so many artists come and go. So I know it's not just a given that you get to do that. It doesn't just happen like that. I am really happy and blessed to be able to come back again after all this time.
WCT: How do you feel about the music business? It's really different now.
Kandi Burruss: It's totally different. Back in the day it wasn't all about your personal life. When I first came out nobody was on the Internet. There were no blogs. So you were only hot because your music was hot. You were not hot because of your personal life. Now you could famous for being a celebrity for no reason. You know what I mean?
WCT: I do.
Kandi Burruss: Oh, and the way that records are being pushed. Labels don't really develop artists like they used to. They don't take time so it's totally different.
WCT: Are you doing more seasons for the Housewives?
Kandi Burruss: They sent a letter saying that they want to do another one.
WCT: That's awesome. Do you like being on the show?
Kandi Burruss: It's cool.
WCT: You should play at a gay club in Chicago. I know [Real Housewives of Atlanta co-star] Kim Zolciak did, and they loved her there.
Kandi Burruss: That would be nice. If they asked me to come out, I would.
WCT: You are touring with Fantasia, right?
Kandi Burruss: I am.
WCT: She is a sweetie.
Kandi Burruss: She is, and it's like a family being on the road.
WCT: I heard a remix of your single "Leave U" and it's perfect for the clubs. I wish you best of luck with this new album and the New Year.
Kandi Burruss: Thank U!
Visit kandionline.com/web to cure your sweet tooth for Kandi. Hurry to www.ticketmaster.com to purchase your ticket for Fantasia Barrino, Eric Benet and Kandi Burruss all in one show at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress, on Thursday, Dec. 30.