The group's second album Off the Hook was released in 1995; it was certified Platinum on November 16, 1995.[1] The lead single "Feels So Good" and "Who Can I Run To" were both certified Gold in the United States.[1] Their third and final album Traces of My Lipstick was released in 1998. The lead single "The Arms of the One Who Loves You" was certified Gold on May 14, 1998, and the album was certified Platinum on June 21, 1999, in the United States.[1] The group disbanded in 1998 to pursue solo projects and reformed in 2017.
In February 2018, because Kandi Burruss had taken a hiatus due to being on Broadway, the group temporarily downsized, calling itself XSCAP3. That group released the singles "Wifed Up" and "Dream Killa", and an EP, Here for It (2018).
Career
Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha (1992–1994)
After Tamera Coggins left the group in 1993, Xscape became a quartet. They were later discovered by Jermaine Dupri, who immediately signed the group to his So So Def label and debuted the quartet at his birthday party in 1992. The group released their debut album, Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha, on October 12, 1993,[2] which peaked at number seventeen the U.S. Billboard 200 and number three on the Top R&B Albums chart. It was critically and commercially successful, being certified platinum within a year, and produced two Hot 100 top 10 singles--their debut single "Just Kickin' It" and second single "Understanding", both of which became platinum and gold-certified number-one hits, respectively, on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The follow-up singles, "Love on My Mind" and "Tonight", were not as successful.
In 1994, Xscape was the opening act for R. Kelly and Salt-N-Pepa's Very Necessary 12 Play Tour.[3]
Xscape released their second studio album, Off the Hook, in 1995. The lead single, "Feels So Good", reached #32 of the US Hot 100,[4] while "Who Can I Run To" peaked at #8.[4] The follow-up singles, "Do You Want To" and "Can't Hang", the latter featuring rapper MC Lyte, were released as a double A-side single. It went only as high as number 50 on the Hot 100[4] but peaked at #9 on the "Hot R&B/Hip Hop" charts.[5] The album eventually went platinum.
In 1996, the group was featured on a number of singles, including singing background vocals on a remix version of Mariah Carey's 11th Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper "Always Be My Baby". The remix, formally known as the "Mr. Dupri Mix", also featured a rap verse by their So So Def label mate, Da Brat. The group also appeared on MC Lyte's single "Keep On Keepin' On", which appeared on the Sunset Park soundtrack. The single reached number 10 on the Hot 100, becoming MC Lyte's best single on the pop charts and #3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. In 1997, the group's songs appeared on the soundtracks to the films Love Jones and Soul Food.
In early 1998, Xscape was featured on the Keith Sweat produced single, a cover of Atlantic Starr's "Am I Dreamin'", by R&B newcomer group Ol' Skool. The single was a success in North America, peaking at #31 on the "Hot 100", and was later featured on Xscape's third album Traces of My Lipstick.
Traces of My Lipstick debuted at #28 on the Billboard 200 and at #6 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop album chart; over a million copies were sold in the U.S. The album featured the top 10 hit "The Arms of the One Who Loves You", which reached #7 on the Hot 100 chart, and "My Little Secret", which reached #9. Although their unofficial third single was released, "Softest Place on Earth" reached #28 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
After Traces of My Lipstick, LaTocha Scott initially left the group to pursue a solo career. She later joined her sister Tameka Scott and Tameka Cottle to reform the group. The three members requested Burruss also rejoin. When Burruss declined, she was asked to sign a "leaving member notice", signing over her rights to the Xscape name. She signed and the remaining three original members went on to make appearances on the Big Momma's House and Hardball soundtracks, before going on another hiatus until 2005.
Failed comeback (2005–2006)
After a five-year hiatus, sisters LaTocha and Tamika Scott reunited with Tameka "Tiny" Cottle and new member Kiesha Miles to record a fourth album, Unchained. The new single, "What's Up", was released on a mixtape and later got some airplay in hometown Atlanta.[6] However, the album was not released due to lack of promotion from the record label.
Reunion (2017–present)
On June 25, 2017, the original four group members had their first performance together in over 18 years at the 2017 BET Awards.[7] They would also perform at the Essence Festival and at Chene Park in Detroit.
In September 2017, the group announced a reunion tour featuring 29 cities from late November through early January 2018, and were to be joined by Monica and Tamar Braxton.[8] On September 22 of the same year, the group made their first appearance together on daytime television on The Wendy Williams Show, performing "My Little Secret" and "Understanding".[9] On November 12, Kandi publicly announced that she would not be making new music with Xscape at this time.[10] Two new singles titled "Wifed Up" and "Dream Killa" were released on December 1, neither single featuring Burruss.
In late 2017, Kandi Burruss indicated in numerous interviews her lack of interest in recording new music as Xscape, stating that she was pursuing Broadway roles instead.[11] Consequently, Tiny, LaTocha and Tamika formed the subunit XSCAP3, which included three of the five original Xscape members, with the notable exception of Burruss. As a trio, XSCAP3 signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in January 2018 for representation in all areas.[12] The trio also formally created a recording label, XSCAP3 Entertainment. In late 2017 to early 2018, the members of XSCAP3 recorded six original songs that were later included in their subunit's debut EP.
On March 2, 2018, "XSCAP3" released their EP titled "Here for It" on all digital outlets.
On May 8, 2021, Verzuz presented a pre-Mother's day battle featuring both Xscape and another popular 1990s female R&B group, SWV. Both DJs, AONE and Spinderella, were responsible for music play for both groups. In 2022, it was announced that the two groups would be featured in a limited series on Bravo, springing off of the success of their Verzuz battle. On March 5, 2023, SWV & Xscape: The Queens of R&B premiered. This is the group's second limited series on the network following 2019's Xscape: Still Kickin' It.
During that same year, LaTocha Scott distanced herself from the group following a dispute between her husband and manager, Rocky Bivens, and a promoter.[14] She has begun to focus on solo endeavors in gospel music.[15]
The remaining three members continue to perform as Xscape, without LaTocha.
^ abcd"American album certifications – Xscape". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 28, 2017. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Album, then click SEARCH
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