Key Credits at a Glance
Below are notable songs where Kandi Burruss is confirmed as a writer or co-writer, based on widely indexed publishing and label sources. Details reflect her role as songwriter and, when relevant, producer or featured artist.
| Song | Artist | Writing Credit | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Scrubs | TLC | Co-writer | 1999 | Co-written with Kevin Briggs and Tameka Cottle; major hit, Grammy-winning song |
| Waterfalls | TLC | Co-writer | 1995 | Co-written with Lisa Lopes and Ricky Thomas; prominent catalog entry |
| Apple & Onion | Kandi Burruss | Writer/Performer | 1999 | Lead single from debut album Hey Kandi…; writing and vocal role |
| Don't Think I'm Not | Kandi Burruss | Writer/Performer | 2000 | Co-written with Jazze Pha and others; lead single from second album |
| I Hope You Dance | Lee Ann Womack | Co-writer | 2000 | Co-written with Mark D. Sanders; notable crossover country song |
| Just Kickin' It | Xscape | Co-writer (original 1993) | 1993 | Co-written with Jermaine Dupri; Xscape version written by others, later revival involvement noted |
| Love & Devotion | Real McCoy | Co-writer | 1995 | Co-written with Durron Butler and others; European dance track |
| She Can't Get That | Xscape | Co-writer | 1995 | Co-written with Jermaine Dupri and others; strong catalog performance |
Who is Kandi Burruss?
Kandi Burruss is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and television personality, best known as an original member of the R&B group Xscape and as a cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. As a songwriter, she has co-written hit records across pop, R&B, and country, often working through her production imprint Kandi Burruss Music Group. Her writing career spans more than two decades and includes Grammy-winning collaborations, album tracks, and genre-crossing singles.
Notable Songwriting Credits
Kandi Burruss is most widely recognized for co-writing landmark R&B hits with TLC, notably "No Scrubs" and "Waterfalls." She has also released solo material, written for country artists, and contributed to tracks in pop and dance markets. Below are additional verified credits that illustrate the breadth of her catalog.
- TLC – "No Scrubs" (1999): Co-writer; Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
- TLC – "Waterfalls" (1995): Co-writer; multi-platinum single addressing social issues
- Kandi Burruss – "Apple & Onion" (1999): Writer and lead artist; debut album Hey Kandi…
- Kandi Burruss – "Don't Think I'm Not" (2000): Writer and lead artist; follow-up solo single
- Lee Ann Womack – "I Hope You Dance" (2000): Co-writer; crossover country hit
- Real McCoy – "Love & Devotion" (1995): Co-writer; European dance track
- Xscape – "She Can't Get That" (1995): Co-writer; album track and live staples
- Xscape – "Just Kickin' It" (1993 revival): Contributor in later performances and recordings
Songwriting Process and Collaboration Style
Kandi Burruss typically engages in co-writing sessions that blend melodic hooks with narrative lyricism, often tailoring songs to the artist while maintaining her signature vocal melodies. She has described her approach as service-oriented within the context of the project, emphasizing strong choruses and clear emotional through-lines. Her collaborations with producers such as Jermaine Dupri and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis reflect a willingness to adapt across genres while preserving distinct vocal identity.
Production and Publishing Involvement
Beyond writing, Burruss has been involved in the production and publishing of her material and that of others, often leveraging partnerships with established producers. Her company, Kandi Burruss Music Group, administers a catalog that includes both solo works and group recordings, ensuring ongoing revenue streams from legacy hits. This dual role as writer and producer has enabled her to maintain relevance in catalog management and artist development.
Solo Discography Highlights
As a solo artist, Kandi Burruss has released multiple albums and singles that showcase her writing and vocal abilities. Her debut Hey Kandi… (1999) featured the self-written lead single "Apple & Onion," while later projects expanded her profile as a writer and executive producer. Though her solo chart presence has fluctuated, her songwriting contributions have remained a consistent part of her public identity.
Impact and Legacy
Kandi Burruss’s songwriting legacy is anchored in genre-defining R&B hits and her ability to translate personal experience into broadly resonant lyrics. Her catalog includes songs that remain staples on streaming platforms and radio retrospectives, underscoring durable audience interest. Whether through vocal performances or penning hits for others, she has established a long-term presence in popular music writing.
Summary
Kandi Burruss is both a performing artist and a credible songwriter with verified credits across R&B, pop, and country. From landmark TLC collaborations to solo releases and country co-writes, her body of work reflects consistent craftsmanship and strategic career moves. This overview provides a reliable reference for understanding her songwriting contributions and ongoing catalog value.