For those of you who read my blog with any regularity, you know that there are certain genres that I barely touch on. Hip hop, country, rock and R&B. There are artists in each of these genres that I respect and admire and I really do respect all genres of music. Like anyone, I have my favorites. As far as R&B is concerned...I just don't care for slow jams. I just don't! I need something with a beat. Something I can MOVE to. That all aside, if I hear a beautiful song, whatever the tempo, I'm going to take notice. Kandi Burruss' new single, "Haven't Loved Right" stopped me in my tracks and made me take notice.
I'll be honest, I'm a reality TV whore. More specifically...a Bravo reality TV whore. Ever since Kandi, formerly of R&B girl group Xscape, joined the Real Housewives of Atlanta last season I've been drawn to her. She's real. She's got talent. She's got depth. She's got a personality. She's not fake or phony like a lot of reality show "characters." She's genuine. I also got excited because I knew that she's be working on music while filming the series and that the audience would get to see inside that world. Sure, she's writing for cast mate Kim Zolciak but it's her solo relaunch that's most captivating to me.
When I learned that her ex-fiancee, AJ Jewell (who appeared on the show) was killed, my heart went out to Kandi. "Haven't Loved Right" is the perfect tribute to AJ, a man who was clearly an important part of her life. The song is about how she hasn't been able to love anyone else since he was taken away. That's some deep, raw emotional stuff right there! The performance in the video is gripping. Kandi looks gorgeous in a slinky purple number, performing against a black backdrop, while images of AJ periodically pop up on screen. Watching Kandi record the song on RHOA really tears at your heart strings. She's still so clearly affected by his memory and the personal meaning that these lyrics have for her
Kandi's second solo album, Kandi Koated, is out now via Kandi Koated/Asylum Records. Download it on iTunes HERE. Check out the video for "Haven't Loved Right" below. On a more positive note, check out the recently released video for new single "How Could You...Feel My Pain" HERE.
Check out Kandi on the web: