You probably know her as the sharp-witted businesswoman from The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Or maybe you recognize her face from that time she won The Masked Singer as the Night Angel. But honestly? If you grew up in the late '90s or early 2000s, Kandi Burruss was the invisible architect of your entire playlist.
She wasn't just "in the room." She was the pen.
Most people don't realize that Kandi Burruss songs she wrote basically defined the R&B-pop crossover era. We’re talking about anthems that shifted the culture. Songs that made "scrub" a household insult and forced guys to check their bank accounts before calling a girl.
It’s kinda wild when you think about it. She transitioned from being a member of Xscape—a powerhouse group in their own right—to becoming the first African-American woman to win ASCAP’s Songwriter of the Year award in 2000.
The "No Scrubs" Era: How Kandi Changed TLC Forever
Let’s get into the heavy hitters. You can't talk about Kandi’s legacy without starting with "No Scrubs."
Back in 1999, TLC was already huge, but "No Scrubs" sent them into the stratosphere. Kandi wrote this with her Xscape groupmate Tameka "Tiny" Cottle and producer Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs.
Here’s the thing most people get wrong: Kandi didn't initially write it for TLC. She and Tiny were actually working on a duet project because Xscape was falling apart at the time. They needed something for themselves. But when their team heard the track, they knew it was a monster. They gave it to TLC, and the rest is Grammy-winning history.
It’s funny. Kandi has mentioned in interviews that the song is basically the "gift that keeps on giving." Why? Because of the interpolation. When Ed Sheeran released "Shape of You" in 2017, fans immediately noticed the pre-chorus rhythm sounded a lot like "No Scrubs."
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"Boy, let's not talk too much / Grab on my waist and put that body on me."
Because the rhythm was so similar, Kandi, Tiny, and She'kspere were added as songwriters on "Shape of You." That’s a massive royalty check for a song written decades prior. That is the power of a Kandi Burruss pen.
Paying the "Bills, Bills, Bills" with Destiny’s Child
If "No Scrubs" was the anthem for avoiding losers, "Bills, Bills, Bills" was the anthem for holding them accountable.
Kandi was a major force behind Destiny's Child's second album, The Writing's on the Wall. She didn't just write the lead single; she helped craft the "staccato" vocal style that became the group's signature sound.
- Bills, Bills, Bills: The ultimate "pay me what you owe me" track.
- Bug a Boo: A song about the annoying guys who wouldn't stop calling (back when pagers were still a thing).
- Hey Ladies: A deep cut that fans still scream-sing today.
- So Good: Another vibe-heavy track from that iconic era.
The connection with Beyoncé didn't stop in the '90s. Even as recently as 2024 and 2025, Beyoncé has been licensing "Bills, Bills, Bills" for her live performances and concert films. Kandi recently showed off her hallway of plaques on social media, reminding everyone that those "Beyoncé royalties" are very, very real.
The Pink Connection
Most people forget that before Pink was a pop-rock rebel, she was an R&B singer. Her debut album, Can't Take Me Home, was heavily influenced by Kandi’s writing.
"There You Go" was Pink’s first big hit. It has that classic Kandi "sass"—that unapologetic, "I’m done with your drama" energy. Kandi wrote several tracks on that album, helping launch one of the biggest careers in music history. It’s a testament to her range. She can write for a girl group, a trio, or a solo powerhouse.
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More Than Just the Hits: The Breadth of Her Catalog
It isn't just about the Top 40 hits from twenty years ago. Kandi’s credits are spread across the industry in ways you might not expect.
She’s written for Usher ("Pop Ya Collar"), Alicia Keys, and even Ariana Grande. If you listen to Ariana’s "break up with your girlfriend, i'm bored," you’ll hear a familiar melody. That’s because it interpolates "'It Makes Me Wanna Scream" by NSYNC, which was—you guessed it—co-written by Kandi.
She has a way of creating melodies that stick in the subconscious. It’s almost like a mathematical formula for catchiness.
The Reality TV Music Cross-Over
Of course, we have to mention "Tardy for the Party."
While it might seem like a joke compared to a Grammy-winning TLC track, Kandi’s involvement in Kim Zolciak’s music was a huge storyline on RHOA. She took a catchy phrase and turned it into a legitimate club hit. It also led to a massive legal battle over royalties, which just proves one thing: Kandi Burruss does not play about her publishing.
She often tells aspiring songwriters to "discuss your splits the day you write the song." It’s a lesson she learned the hard way after an accountant stole $100,000 from Xscape during their first tour.
Why Her Songwriting Still Matters in 2026
The music industry has changed, but Kandi’s influence hasn't faded.
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We’re seeing a massive resurgence in '90s R&B sounds. Sampling is at an all-time high. Every time a new artist samples a 1999 hit, Kandi’s phone pings with a notification of a new deposit.
She’s also moved into Broadway, producing The Piano Lesson and Othello. She’s chasing that EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status. She already has the Grammy. She’s been nominated for Tonys and Emmys. She is literally one Oscar away from the most prestigious circle in entertainment.
Actionable Insights for Music Lovers and Creators
If you’re a fan of Kandi’s work or an aspiring writer, there are a few things you should take away from her career path:
- Ownership is everything: Kandi’s wealth doesn't come from just singing; it comes from owning the publishing rights to the songs she wrote.
- Versatility wins: She didn't stick to one genre. She hopped from R&B to Pop to Broadway.
- Collaborate wisely: Her work with Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs created a specific "sound" that defined a decade. Finding the right creative partner can change your trajectory.
- Protect your brand: Whether it's "Bedroom Kandi" or a restaurant, she uses her music fame to fuel other businesses.
Kandi Burruss songs she wrote are more than just nostalgia. They are a masterclass in songwriting, business, and survival in an industry that usually chews people up and spits them out.
To truly appreciate her impact, go back and listen to the lyrics of "No Scrubs." It wasn't just a song. It was a cultural shift. And Kandi Burruss was the one holding the pen.
To explore more about her business ventures or her transition into Broadway, check out her official discography or follow her latest production updates on the Tony Awards official site.