Xscape climbed the charts in the 1990s and sold millions of records, but So So Def founder Jermaine Dupri says he was initially met with resistance after signing the group to his label.
Dupri recently sat down for an interview on the “R&B Money” podcast, and discussed the pushback he received when he introduced the group.
Atlanta-based Xscape’s founding members included Kandi Burruss, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, and siblings LaTocha Scott-Bivens and Tamika Scott.
While there was no disputing the R&B quartet’s talent, Dupri said music executives complained about the way the group looked.
“I took a stand and said, ‘Okay, find me somebody that can sing better than them.’ I started acting like, just going off of their talent, pure talent,” Dupri explained.
Related: Jermaine Dupri Dismisses Dawn Robinson’s Homeless Claim: ‘Ain’t No Way’
At the time, En Vogue was on the music scene and executives were looking for groups to rival their high fashion style.
Dupri said it didn’t help that Notorious B.I.G. dissed Xscape in his song “Just Playing (Dreams).”
Still, the music producer said he pushed back, because he knew Xscape had something special.
In the end, the group released their music, built a loyal fan base, and sold more than 9 million records.
Among their hit singles were “Just Kickin’ It,” “Understanding,” “Who Can I Run To,” and “The Arms Of The One Who Loves You.”
All four songs made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 in the ’90s, with “Just Kickin’ It” climbing to No. 2 in 1993.
They continue to perform, and in 2019 received the urban music icon award at the Black Music Honors.
The full interview with Jermaine Dupri is below. He discusses Xscape at the 47:00 mark.
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