Kandi Burruss Navigates Xscape Bonds, RHOA Dynamics, and the Art of Strategic Socializing (No Double Dates for Tiny & T.I.!)

Kandi Burruss, the multi-talented entrepreneur, Grammy-Award winning singer-songwriter, and reality television star, remains a force to be reckoned with across entertainment genres. From her chart-topping days with the iconic R&B group Xscape to her long-standing tenure on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kandi consistently keeps fans engaged and curious about her personal and professional life. In an exclusive interview, Kandi opened up about the complexities of working with her Xscape sisters, the evolving landscape of her RHOA friendships, and why some lines, specifically regarding double dates, are firmly drawn.

The bond among the ladies of Xscape—Kandi Burruss, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, LaTocha Scott, and Tamika Scott—is legendary, forged through decades of shared musical success and personal growth. Fans have eagerly followed their journey, from their initial rise to fame in the 90s, through their unexpected hiatus, and their much-anticipated reunion in recent years. While the reunion brought immense joy to their devoted fanbase and reignited their musical careers, Kandi acknowledges that navigating these professional and personal relationships isn’t always straightforward. She expressed deep affection for Tiny Harris and the rest of the group, yet she drew a clear boundary regarding certain social activities. When asked about the prospect of a romantic night out involving herself and husband Todd Tucker, and Tiny and her husband T.I., Kandi was unequivocal.

“We’ve all hung out together before, but we don’t like double date. No, no double dates,” Kandi firmly stated, emphasizing a clear preference for how their respective couples interact socially. This revelation offers a glimpse into Kandi’s approach to maintaining both professional camaraderie and personal boundaries within a tight-knit group that has experienced its share of ups and downs. While the Xscape members share a powerful musical synergy and a deep history, Kandi appears to value keeping certain aspects of their lives separate, particularly when it comes to couple-centric social events. This decision might stem from a desire to avoid potential complexities, to ensure personal space, or simply to enjoy different dynamics when socializing with friends versus partners. It speaks to the maturity and self-awareness required to sustain long-term relationships, especially those under public scrutiny.

Despite her stance on double dates, Kandi was quick to confirm that her professional relationship with the Xscape ladies is thriving and that more musical endeavors are on the horizon. “As far as touring and stuff, we said we were gonna do some more shows together in the future,” she shared, exciting fans who crave to see the group perform their classic hits live. However, she noted that no concrete plans have been put on the table just yet, indicating a measured approach to their future collaborations. Currently, Kandi’s individual career takes center stage with a major project. “Right now, I’m totally focused on getting my Welcome to the Dungeon tour out there.” This tour, known for its edgy, burlesque-inspired performances, showcases a different facet of Kandi’s artistry and entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her to explore creative avenues independently.

Reflecting on her long and storied career with Xscape, Kandi shared an honest assessment: “It’s been good, it’s been good. Obviously, you have your moments, but overall, I feel like it’s been a good experience for us coming back together.” This statement perfectly encapsulates the reality of any long-standing group dynamic. Over decades, personalities evolve, priorities shift, and disagreements are inevitable. The “moments” Kandi refers to are likely the challenging periods, the creative differences, or the personal conflicts that have often played out in the public eye, particularly during their reality show appearances. Yet, the underlying bond and the magic they create together as Xscape consistently triumph over these hurdles, leading to a genuinely positive experience for their reunion.

Beyond her musical endeavors, Kandi Burruss remains a pivotal figure on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, where her friendships and interactions continue to captivate audiences. Her relationships with co-stars are frequently a topic of discussion, and Kandi recently weighed in on the potential return of former castmate Kenya Moore, who departed after the tenth season of the hit reality show. Kandi expressed her strong desire to see Kenya rejoin the cast, highlighting the unique spark and drama that Moore brings to the series.

“At the end of the day, it’s not our decision, obviously,” Kandi candidly admitted, acknowledging that the power to bring back or cast new housewives lies firmly with the network and production company. “It’s the network’s decision. It’s the production company. It’s not our decision.” This insight offers a realistic look into the mechanics of reality television casting, where cast members often have little direct say in who joins or leaves the show. However, Kandi’s personal preference was clear and unwavering. “But if the question is would I love to see her back? Yes, I would.” Kenya Moore’s dramatic flair, quick wit, and often controversial takes have made her a fan favorite for many, and Kandi clearly believes her return would be a valuable addition to the show’s dynamic, potentially reigniting old feuds and creating new, memorable moments for viewers.

Kandi also provided an update on another significant relationship within the RHOA sphere: her friendship with Porsha Williams. Their past was marked by some truly explosive disagreements and deeply personal accusations, particularly during a tumultuous season that left fans wondering if they could ever mend fences. However, in a refreshing turn, Kandi confirmed that their relationship has significantly improved. Porsha, who welcomed her baby girl on March 22, 2019, seems to have entered a new chapter, and her newfound motherhood may have contributed to a softening of dynamics among the cast members.

“Porsha and I, we’re doing good. Right now, it’s like, it’s no drama. It’s all love,” Kandi happily reported, indicating a complete turnaround from their previous animosity. “You know, right now, she and I have just really been getting along. So I’m happy for that.” This positive update underscores the often-unpredictable nature of reality TV friendships. Despite their well-documented past differences, Kandi and Porsha have evidently found common ground, fostering a more harmonious relationship. This evolution is a testament to growth and forgiveness, both of which are essential for navigating the high-stakes environment of reality television, where personal lives are constantly under scrutiny.

In essence, Kandi Burruss continues to expertly juggle her many roles: a beloved Xscape member, a savvy solo artist focused on her “Welcome to the Dungeon” tour, and a central figure on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Her ability to set boundaries, like her firm stance against double dating with Tiny and T.I., demonstrates a pragmatic approach to maintaining healthy relationships in the public eye. Meanwhile, her openness to Kenya Moore’s return and the mended fences with Porsha Williams highlight her commitment to authentic connections, even within the often-turbulent world of reality television. Kandi’s journey is a compelling narrative of ambition, enduring friendships, and the strategic navigation of a multifaceted career, all while remaining true to herself.