Line #73 Music/XscapeGroup


1	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/x_6.jpg]]
2	[[caption-width-right:350: Clockwise: Tamika, Kandi, Tiny, and [=LaTocha=]]]
3	->''What I need from you is understanding\
4	How can we communicate\
5	When you don't hear what I say?''
6	-->--"'''Understanding'''," ''Hummin' Comin' At 'Cha'' (1992)
7
8	'''Xscape''' is an R&B girl group that was formed in Atlanta, Georgia in the 1990s. Xscape was signed to Jermaine Dupri's So So Def Recordings and released their debut album, ''Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha'', in 1993. The album was a commercial success, spawning the hit singles "Understanding" and "Just Kickin' It".
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10	Xscape released their second album ''Off the Hook'' in 1995 and their third and final album, ''Traces of My Lipstick'' in 1998. Despite their success, Xscape faced internal struggles, which led to their initial disbandment in 1998. The group members pursued individual endeavors, with some venturing into songwriting, producing, and reality television. The love and support from their fans prompted a reunion in 2017, and they subsequently embarked on a highly successful comeback tour.
11
12	Don't confuse them with Music/MichaelJackson's posthumous album and title track ''[[Music/XscapeMichaelJacksonAlbum Xscape]]'', which was recorded and released long after the group's peak in popularity.
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14	!!Members
15	* '''Creator/KandiBurruss''': Kandi is the youngest member of the group, joining while still finishing high school. She is known for her low voice which helps round out the group's harmonies and her distinct tone. She also possesses a whistle register which she displays on songs like "Understanding" and "My Little Secret." Kandi, along with [=LaTocha=], sang many lead verses across the group's albums. She often found herself at odds with the Scott sisters during her time in the group. Her groupmates eventually voted out the group and she was replaced by Keisha Miles for a brief period. She managed to find success outside the group by writing songs for other musical acts such as Music/DestinysChild, {{Music/Pink}}[[note]]before her transition to Rock/Pop[[/note]], {{Music/TLC}}, and Music/{{NSYNC}}. In 2009, per Tiny's suggestion, Kandi landed herself on ''Series/TheRealHousewivesOfAtlanta'' in its second season. She departed the series just ahead of Season 16 but not before she managed to become the longest-running Housewife of the [[Series/TheRealHousewives entire franchise]]. Kandi has displayed herself to be a successful businesswoman, wearing many hats including music producer, restaurateuse, sex toy-CEO, group developer, playwright, film and stage producer, and boutique owner.
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17	* '''Tameka "[[OnlyKnownByTheirNickname Tiny]]" Harris''' (née '''Cottle'''): The first of the two Tamekas in the group received her nickname due to her small stature, standing at a grand 4'11. Tiny is a soprano, often singing either the top note or the one just under it if [=LaTocha=] takes the top. She along with Kandi penned the hit "[[Music/{{TLC}} No Scrubs]]" which earned the two of them the Grammy for Best R&B Song in 2000. She married rapper {{Music/TI}} in 2010. The two of them can be seen raising their seven children on their show ''T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle'' (2011-2017). Along with ''The Family Hustle,'' Tiny has also starred in ''Tiny & Toya,'' ''Tiny and Shekinah's Weave Trip'', and ''[[SpinOff T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle]]''.[[note]]with close friends Music/{{Monica}}, [[Creator/LeToyaLuckett [=LeToya=]]] [[Music/DestinysChild Luckett]] , [[Music/LilWayne Toya Johnson]], and their families[[/note]]
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19	* '''[=LaTocha=] Scott-Bivens''': The elder Scott sister and the eldest member of the group. [=LaTocha=] is known for her highly flamboyant and dynamic singing style with her frequent use of melisma. She often switches between the top and middle notes in the group's harmonies. Similar to the aforementioned members, she went on to do a little reality television. She joined the cast of ''R&B Divas: Atlanta'' in its second season in 2013. In 2023, she released her gospel debut, ''The Invitation: A Conversation with God.'' She currently has stepped away from performing with the group in order to focus on her solo endeavors.
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21	* '''Tamika Scott''': The other Tamika in the group is the younger Scott sister. She normally sings the note between her sister and Kandi in the harmonies. This means you may not hear her when she's singing but you'd notice the difference when she isn't. Outside of Xscape, Tamika has starred in Creator/TylerPerry's ''Meet The Browns'' as Milay Brown. She also released some solo music including a cover of Milira's "Go Outside In The Rain" (2019); "Tonight" (2023) featuring Creator/MethodMan; and her ''Family Affair'' EP which features her daughters, OSHUN and rapper Young Niyah. Entertainment aside, Tamika has also gone on to work in the food business. In 2022, she published her first cookbook, ''Table Set Cooking with Tamika Scott: A Taste of the South in Your Mouth.''
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23	!!Discography
24	!!!Studio Albums
25	* ''Hummin' Comin' At 'Cha'' (1992)
26	-->'''Singles''': "Just Kickin' It," "Understanding," "Love on my Mind," and "Tonight."
27	* ''Off The Hook'' (1995)
28	-->'''Singles''': "Feels So Good," "Who Can I Run To," and "Do You Want To/Can't Hang."
29	* ''Traces Of My Lipstick'' (1998)
30	-->'''Singles''': "The Arms of the One Who Loves You," "My Little Secret," and "Softest Place on Earth."
31	!!!Extended Plays
32	* ''Here for It'' (2018) [[note]]As [=XSCAP3=][[/note]]
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34	!!''As I stand here contemplating on the right trope to decide:''
35	* ACappella: "Tonight."
36	* BreakupBreakout: Kandi and Tiny moved on to reality television and other business ventures which allowed them to build notable careers outside of Xscape. The Scott sisters on the other hand are still primarily linked to their time in the group. However, they have still done things on their own.
37	* CoverVersion: "Who Can I Run To" is one of their biggest hits and signature songs. It was originally performed by The Jones Girls.
38	** "Is My Living In Vain?" originally by Music/TheClarkSisters on their debut album.
39	*** They auditioned for their record label with this song!
40	** "Am I Dreamin'" from ''Traces Of My Lipstick'' from originally performed by Atlantic Starr.
41	** "In The Rain" from the ''Love Jones'' soundtrack, led by Tiny and backed by Kandi, was originally performed by The Dramatics.
42	** "All This Love" for ''New York Undercover: A Night At Natalie's'', originally performed by {{Music/DeBarge}}.
43	* ADayInTheLimelight: Kandi and [=LaTocha=] sing so many of the lead verses that Tiny and especially Tamika don't often get as much shine. Here's some of their leads:
44	** Tiny:
45	*** "Do You Want To?"
46	*** The chorus of "Keep It On The Real"
47	*** "All I Need"
48	*** "Hold On"
49	*** "In The Rain"
50	** Tamika:
51	*** The hook of "Love On My Mind"
52	*** "Who Can I Run To?"
53	*** "All I Need"
54	* AHouseDivided: There has always been tension between Kandi and [=LaTocha=], the biggest personalities of the group. The two of them can never see eye to eye to this day. Although close to Kandi, Tamika naturally sided with her sister most of the time. Tiny would often have to play peacemaker. [[InsidiousRumorMill Tamika]] eventually started a rumor about Kandi--[[SlutShaming one that she still can't shake]]--in defense of her sister that pushed her away from them completely and contributed to the group's demise. Kandi and The Scott sisters went without contact with each other for nearly ''fifteen years.''
55	* IntercourseWithYou: "Softest Place On Earth" from ''Traces.'' This is one of their most beloved songs.
56	* LipstickMark: ''[[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Traces Of My Lipstick]]'' invokes this with its recurring theme of infidelity.
57	* MeaningfulRename: When the group released the ''Here For It'' EP, the group went by the name [=XSCAP3=]. This is because Kandi asked them not to use the name '''Xscape''' without her.
58	** Averted now that [=LaTocha=] isn't performing with the group anymore.
59	* MelismaticVocals: [=LaTocha=] is known for her fondness of this technique. The other three are more reserved in this fashion.
60	* TheMistress: "All About Me" and "My Little Secret" from ''Traces.''
61	-->''I like being in the same room as you and your girlfriend\
62	The fact that she don't know really turns me on''
63	--->-- [=LaTocha=], "My Little Secret"
64	* MySecretPregnancy: Tamika was pregnant with her eldest daughter, Oshun, when the group filmed the music video for "Love On My Mind." They attempted to cover it up.
65	** Averted with Tiny in the "Can't Hang" video.
66	* PutOnABus: Kandi when the group voted her out.
67	** Invoked again by Kandi herself. She didn't want to record new music so she is absent from the ''Here For It'' EP.
68	** [=LaTocha=] as of late 2022. She decided to step away from the group following more internal conflict.
69	* {{Main/Sampling}}:
70	** The remix of "Just Kickin' It" samples "Let's Do It Again" by the Staples Singers.
71	** "Who Can I Run To (Mr. Dupri Extended Remix" samples Teddy Pendergrass's "Love TKO."
72	* SignatureLine: "Every man wants a woman..." [[PlayedForLaughs courtesy of Kandi]] in "Just Kickin' It."
73	* SongOfPrayer: The group often covers "Give Me A Clean Heart" in their live sets.
74	* TakeThat: They were on the receiving end of a diss from Music/TheNotoriousBIG on "Just Playing (Dreams)"; where he called them ugly, and said he'd rather sleep with Creator/RuPaul before considering sleeping with any of them. The group took great exception to the remark, and while Biggie ''did'' attempt to apologize in person at a Soul Train Awards afterparty, Kandi refused to talk to him. Unfortunately, Biggie was murdered later that night, and Kandi [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJrfGSf8ds4 later admitted]] she regretted not accepting his apology.
75	* WeUsedToBeFriends: This was Kandi's main issue with Tamika though they have since mended fences.
76	* WhatEverHappenedToTheMouse: Kiesha Miles. She was added to the group as Kandi's replacement but it seems as if they have lost contact with her in the current day. She is the only member of Xscape to not appear in an interview for their episode of Unsung.

Context Music / XscapeGroup