Xscape (group)
| Company type | Vocal group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Founder | Kandi Burruss, Tamera Coggins, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, LaTocha Scott, Tamika Scott |
| Defunct | 2000 (first disbandment), 2006 (second disbandment) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2017; active with lineup changes |
| Successor | Xscap3 (during Burruss's brief absence) |
| Headquarters | Atlanta , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Kandi Burruss, Tameka Cottle, Tamika Scott, LaTocha Scott (former), Tamera Coggins (former), Kiesha Miles (former) |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Number of employees | 3–5 (members over time) |
| Parent | So So Def Recordings (label) |
Xscape—also referred to as Xscap3—is a female vocal group originating from Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 1990, the original lineup consisted of Kandi Burruss, Tamera Coggins, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle, along with sisters LaTocha Scott and Tamika Scott. Following Coggins' departure in 1991, the group continued as a quartet. After being discovered by Jermaine Dupri, they secured a contract with his label, So So Def. Their debut album, Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha (1993), featured two top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100: "Just Kickin' It" and "Understanding". The album achieved platinum status in the United States, having sold over one million units according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Their sophomore effort, Off the Hook (1995), also earned platinum certification. The lead singles "Feels So Good" and "Who Can I Run To" both received gold certification. The group's third studio project, Traces of My Lipstick (1998), maintained their streak of platinum-selling releases. Xscape disbanded in 1999 to focus on individual endeavors but reunited in 2017. In early 2018, Burruss briefly exited, prompting the remaining members to perform under the name Xscap3, during which they released the EP Here for It. Later in 2022, LaTocha Scott left once more to pursue solo work, leaving Xscape as a trio.
By 2023, Xscape has sold upwards of 12 million records domestically and secured six top-ten entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
1990–1994: Origins and initial phase
The formation of Xscape took place in 1990 when Kandi Burruss, Tamera Coggins, Tameka Cottle, and siblings LaTocha Scott and Tamika Scott were students at Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Georgia.[1] After performing at a birthday party for Jermaine Dupri in 1991, they were signed to his label, So So Def. Coggins exited the ensemble in 1992.
Their first single, "Just Kickin' It", debuted on the charts in August 1993 and preceded their album Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha, which was released on October 12, 1993. Produced by Dupri alongside Manuel Seal, this album reached number seventeen on the Billboard 200 and climbed to number three on the R&B Albums chart.[2] It surpassed one million sales in the U.S., earning platinum certification.[3] The single topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart and peaked at number two on the Hot 100, with sales exceeding two million copies.[2][3] The follow-up track "Understanding" also secured a place within the Hot 100's top ten and received platinum status.[3]
In 1994, Xscape served as an opening act for Salt-N-Pepa during the Very Necessary 12 Play Tour and contributed "Who's That Man" to the soundtrack of The Mask.[4]
1995–1997: Release of Off the Hook
On July 11, 1995, Xscape unveiled their second album titled Off the Hook, which featured production from Organized Noize, Kevin Kendricks, and Daryl Simmons. This record peaked at number twenty-three on the Billboard 200 chart and reached number three on the R&B Albums listing.[2] The lead single "Feels So Good" attained position thirty-two on the Hot 100.[2] This album reflected a more refined and mature musical direction.[5]
Their rendition of "Who Can I Run To" achieved number one on the R&B chart and entered the Hot 100’s top ten,[2] also earning platinum certification.[3] Additionally, double A-side singles "Do You Want To" and "Can't Hang" ranked among R&B’s top ten hits.[2] Off the Hook surpassed one million copies sold and was honored with a Soul Train Music Award for R&B/Soul Album of the Year – Group in 1996.[3] That same year, Xscape toured alongside LL Cool J and R. Kelly as part of The Down Low Top Secret Tour and appeared on MC Lyte’s top-ten single "Keep On, Keepin' On".[2]
1998–2004: Traces of My Lipstick, hiatus, and individual ventures
Their third studio album, Traces of My Lipstick, was recorded between mid-1997 and early 1998. During this period, LaTocha Scott revealed intentions to pursue a solo career, which led to renegotiations of their recording contract. Upon its release in May 1998, the album moved 78,000 units in its initial week. The singles "The Arms of the One Who Loves You" and "My Little Secret" both reached the top ten on U.S. charts and achieved gold status.
Scott departed from the group amid promotional activities to concentrate on her solo ambitions, prompting the band to enter a hiatus. Her first solo single, "Promises," was featured on a compilation in 1998. By June 1999, Traces of My Lipstick had earned platinum certification. During the group's break, Burruss and Cottle formed the duo "KAT," though they were unable to secure a record deal. Nevertheless, they co-wrote "No Scrubs" for TLC's successful 1999 album FanMail. This track reached number one worldwide and garnered a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. Subsequently, Burruss signed with Columbia Records, having co-written Destiny's Child's chart-topping hit "Bills, Bills, Bills."
In October 1999, LaTocha Scott contributed the track "Liar Liar" to the soundtrack of The Best Man. Her solo project Life Goes On experienced several delays before being ultimately shelved by So So Def Records. Early in 2000, Xscape briefly reunited as a trio without Burruss and appeared on Lil' Bow Wow's debut single "Bounce with Me". The group officially disbanded later that year.
Burruss launched her solo debut Hey Kandi... in September 2000; its lead single "Don't Think I'm Not" achieved a top-ten position in the UK and received silver certification. In 2003, LaTocha Scott released the album Solo Flight 404 through Raw Deal Records.
2005–2013: Unsuccessful reunion attempt
In 2005, Xscape regrouped with original members Tameka Cottle, LaTocha Scott, Tamika Scott, alongside new addition Kiesha Miles; however, Burruss opted not to rejoin. They recorded an album titled Unchained, which never saw an official release. Their single "What's Up" did not enter the charts, leading to their disbandment in 2006.
In February 2013, LaTocha Scott and Tamika Scott performed as Xscape at the So So Def 20th Anniversary Concert.
2017–present: Reunion
On June 25, 2017, the original lineup reunited for their first joint appearance in eighteen years at the BET Awards 2017.[6] In September, they showcased several of their signature tracks on The Wendy Williams Show[7] before embarking on The Great Xscape Tour in November.[8] Later that year, their Bravo reality series Xscape: Still Kickin' It debuted,[9] highlighting efforts to mend differences and prepare for touring.
Following the conclusion of the tour in January 2018, Burruss exited to pursue a Broadway role,[10] while the remaining members continued under the name Xscap3.[11] In March, they released the EP Here for It, featuring singles such as "Wifed Up" and "Dream Killa".[12] Burruss rejoined the group for their Essence Festival performance in July.[13] In 2019, they were recognized at Black Music Honors.[14]
On May 8, 2021, Xscape competed against SWV in a Verzuz event held before Mother’s Day. In November 2022, they were awarded the Lady Of Soul Award at the Soul Train Awards.[15] LaTocha Scott left once more in December amid disagreements with management.[16] Their collaborative reality series with SWV launched in March 2023,[17] followed by a joint headlining tour titled The Queens of R&B Tour scheduled for March 2024.[18]
Current
- Kandi Burruss (1990–1999), (2017–present)
- Tameka Cottle (1990–1999), (2000), (2005–2006), (2017–present)
- Tamika Scott (1990–1999), (2000), (2005–2006), (2017–present)
Former
- LaTocha Scott (1990–1999), (2000), (2005–2006), (2017–2022)
- Tamera Coggins (1990–1992)
- Kiesha Miles (2005–2006)
Discography
- Studio albums
- Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha (1993)
- Off the Hook (1995)
- Traces of My Lipstick (1998)
Tours
Headlining
- Traces of My Lipstick Promotional Tour (1998)
- The Great Xscape Tour (2017–2018)
- Xscap3 Tour (2018–2020)
Co-headlining
- R&B Music Experience (2023; alongside Tyrese)
- The Queens of R&B Tour (2024; with SWV)
Special guest appearances
- So So Def 25th Anniversary Tour (Jermaine Dupri) (2018)
Opening performances
- Very Necessary 12 Play Tour (Salt-N-Pepa and R. Kelly) (1994)
- The Down Low Top Secret Tour (LL Cool J and R. Kelly) (1996)
External links
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedallmusicbio - ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedbillboardchart - ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedriaa - ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Nielsen Business Media, Inc. (June 3, 1995). Xscape cultivates mature sound. Billboard, Volume 107: No. 22, Page 15.
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Xscape Still Kickin' It
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Xscap3 All Music
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Essence Fest
- ↑ Black Music Honors
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
- ↑ The Queens of R&B Tour
- Articles with short description
- African-American girl groups
- American R&B girl groups
- American girl groups
- American contemporary R&B musical groups
- Musical groups from Atlanta
- Musical groups established in 1990
- Musical groups disestablished in 2000
- Musical groups disestablished in 2006
- Musical groups reestablished in 2005
- Musical groups reestablished in 2017
- Vocal trios
- Vocal quartets
- 1990 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)
- Pages with reference errors
- Pages with script errors