In the early ’90s, certain R&B groups (and certain record labels) ruled the airwaves, and part of that era was super producer Jermaine Dupri and the talented singing quartet, Xscape. Though the group eventually disbanded, there were well-received solo efforts from many of its members. Kandi Burruss is a fixture on reality TV and is a noted songwriter. Tameka “Tiny” Cottle hit the jackpot by marrying rap megastar T.I. years ago.
And notably, its lead singer, Latocha Scott, is now in New York City, preparing to kick off her new tour.
Scott’s most recent single “Complicated” features Maybach Music Group’s Wale, and immediately pulls you in as she stretches her vocals over the dramatic beat about the complications within her relationship. When we spoke to LaTocha recently, we asked her if she feels her responsibility has changed, and she boldly admits:
“We were always ahead of our time with songs like “Understanding”. So now, I just want to make sure I give timeless music. Something they can always listen to later. The same way Anita Baker did for me. Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey.”
On if it’s challenging being a solo artist, Scott says:
“I don’t call it challenging. When you love what you do and you’re passionate about it, everything is forever evolving so you definitely have to keep up with the times. For the children, they’re our ears right now at this point. I’ll talk to my son and he’ll say you may want to get on a song with ‘this person’ or ‘that person,’ but changing who I am as a person or my vocal ability, I don’t think I’ll ever do that because that’s not who I am.”
On the chance of an Xscape reunion, Scott reveals:
“If the stars line up, then, so be it. I would love to do another Xscape reunion.”
And though Scott is committed to the music, she spends a lot of her time with her charitable foundation, Golden Girl, where she speaks to young girls about self esteem and self love:
“It’s very dear to my heart. It focuses on developing and magnifying self love. I just want to let these young girls know to never let someone else’s negative opinion to become your reality because I didn’t. You can always overcome adversity by just believing in yourself.”
Scott’s EP, Complicated: The Truth in the Booth, comes out this August. Her album is scheduled for release at the top of 2013.
Check out LaTocha Scott live in New York on Sunday, August 12 at B.B. Kings.
