Xscape

Xscape is an American R&B vocal group formed in Atlanta in the early 1990s, achieving significant commercial success during the decade. Managed and produced by Jermaine Dupri and signed to his So So Def Recordings imprint under Columbia Records, the group became known for their harmonious vocals and hit singles. The original lineup consisted of sisters LaTocha Scott and Tamika Scott, along with Kandi Burruss and Tameka "Tiny" Cottle.

History

The group was formed in Atlanta after the members, who were attending Tri-Cities High School, began performing together. They were discovered by Jermaine Dupri, who signed them to his burgeoning So So Def Recordings label in 1992. Their debut album, Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha, was released in 1993 and was a commercial success, propelled by the hit singles "Just Kickin' It" and "Understanding". Their follow-up, Off the Hook (1995), featured production from Dupri and Dallas Austin and included the top-ten hit "Who Can I Run To", a cover of a song by The Jones Girls. Internal tensions, particularly between the Scott sisters and Kandi Burruss, began to surface during the recording of their third album, Traces of My Lipstick (1998). The group disbanded later that year, with members pursuing solo careers in music, television, and business. In 2017, the original members reunited for a performance at the BET Awards and subsequently embarked on a successful reunion tour, though Kandi Burruss later departed from the touring lineup.

Members

* LaTocha Scott (1991–1998, 2017–present) – lead and background vocals * Tamika Scott (1991–1998, 2017–present) – lead and background vocals * Kandi Burruss (1991–1998, 2017–2023) – lead and background vocals * Tameka "Tiny" Cottle (1991–1998, 2017–present) – lead and background vocals

Musical style and influences

The group's sound is rooted in 1990s R&B, heavily incorporating the rhythms of new jack swing and the more soulful, hip-hop-inflected style that would become known as hip hop soul. Their vocal arrangements featured tight harmonies and alternating lead vocals, with LaTocha Scott often handling the more powerful, gospel-tinged passages. Key production influences came from their primary collaborators Jermaine Dupri and Dallas Austin, who provided sleek, radio-friendly tracks. Their music drew comparisons to other successful female groups of the era like SWV, TLC, and En Vogue, while also showing the influence of earlier soul acts such as The Clark Sisters and The Jones Girls.

Discography

* Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha (1993) * Off the Hook (1995) * Traces of My Lipstick (1998)

Awards and nominations

The group received several accolades, including a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album – Group, Band or Duo for Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha. They were also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for the song "Understanding". Their work has been recognized at the Lady of Soul Awards and the NAACP Image Awards.

Category:American R&B musical groups Category:Musical groups from Atlanta Category:So So Def Recordings artists