Peach Candy are a promising R&B duo which consists of critically acclaimed Hip Hop artist Rasheeda, and ASCAP award winning singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss. They are currently putting the final touches on their as yet untitled debut album which promises hot joints such as "Man Up", "Wish I Never", "Bam" and "Rain at Home". I caught up with the lovely ladies to talk about their chemistry in the studio, working with mega producer Rodney "Don Vito" Richard, thoughts on Polow Da Don's infamous "Non-submissive Black Women" statement, difficulty in juggling motherhood with a singing career, and so much more … Enjoy reading, and don't forget your thoughts :)
Hamada: - The name Peach Candy sounds very sexy, so can you tell us how did it come about? And did you know each other before forming the group?
Rasheeda: - Yes Kandi and I have known each other for years. The idea for Peach Candy came from us working together on my current album. Kandi did a hook for me (Neva Wanna Leave) and the vibe was so great while working in the studio that Don Vito suggested doing more songs. 1 thing led to another and we recorded an entire album together, thus Peach Candy emerged...LOL...
Hamada: - Both of you used to be part of girl-groups, and released albums as solo artists as well. Does joining forces together seem like a restricting process or more of a musical liberation?
Rasheeda: - It's real liberating.... As a female hip hop artist, getting to join forces with an R&B artist is a great thing and it a totally different look for me as well as for the music industry, I think its much needed right now.
Kandi: - For me joining up with Rasheeda was liberating because it's totally different from anything else I've ever done. She's a hip-hop artist & this is more of a hip-hop project. I can say whatever I want on this album and it's all good. A lot of times in R&B I feel like there are a lot more boundaries. So this project is more fun.
Hamada: - When is your debut album coming out? And does it have a title yet?
Peach Candy: - We don't have a set date yet but probably top of 2008 and for now the album is self titled (Peach Candy)
Hamada: - Whom have you worked with in terms of producers?
Peach Candy: - Don Vito has produced all the records so far, and the chemistry has just been really good. We want to work with those great producers who can create good music and have the hottest tracks. Not really stuck on big names!
Hamada: - Tell me about your single "Bam" as it's one of my favorites?
Peach Candy: - We just really loved the record, and it became one of our favorites. No other women have records like that. The beat is banging & the hook is hot.
Hamada: - What are some of your other favorite joints from the album?
Peach Candy: - Some of our Favorites are "Man Up", "I Wish I Never", "Bam", "I Liked Him (Loved Him) or it can be called 'I Likeded Him, I Loveded Him".
Rasheeda: - Some of my favorites are "Rain at Home" and "Too Sexy".
Kandi: - "Monster" and "Crazy" are some of my favorites, but that changes everyday.
Hamada: - If you could duet with any male artist, whom would you choose? And why?
Rasheeda: - I would like to work with T-Pain. He keeps it street & real, and his melodies are always catchy. He's a great writer.
Kandi: - I would like to work with R.Kelly because he is one of the hottest R&B/Hip-hop artists ever. His lyrics & concepts are always hot.
Hamada: - Rasheeda, why is it harder for female hip-hop artists to make a name for themselves in the music industry? And do you think that's gonna change in the near future?
Rasheeda: - It's hard for females in hip hop because the industry is more dominated by men and not just male artists. Also, the decision makers (record company exec's) a lot of times don't wanna stand behind the females and give us the push we deserve. It takes more push and more marketing, I also think it's hard to gain respect as a female MC.
Hamada: - Kandi, throughout your musical career, you've worked with hitmakers such as Dallas Austin (TLC – Whoop De Woo), Blooodshy & Avant (Samantha Mumba – I'm Right Here), Lil John (TLC – Come Get Some), Bernard "Focus" Edwards Jr. (Zena – Pull Ya Brakes) and Jermaine Dupri (Cherish – Miss P.I.M.P.). Whom did you enjoy working with the most? And are you planning to re-collaborate with any of on your Peach Candy project?
Kandi: - That's a really hard one. I love all those guys. They all have their own style and I can't even compare them to each other. It would be great to get them on the album. We will have to see about that, I haven't asked any of them yet.
Hamada: - Both of you are proud parents, and I'm wondering whether you find it difficult juggling a family life with a musical career?
Rasheeda: - Yes, at times it's hard but I think most working women find it hard to juggle the two but you have to make it work. I bring my son with me as much as I can, and when he's not with me, he's with family so he's always in good hands. When you have a career that's demanding but able to be controlled, you have to make it work for you. I just always put my son 1st.
Kandi: - I have to agree. Sometimes things are kind of hectic. We don't have the normal family life, but I think we both do a great job balancing the two. Our children are very happy & adjusted to our jobs. I also have a lot of help from my family when it comes to my daughter and I keep her in lots of activities. There are pro's and cons to what we do. Sometimes we can't do certain shows if it conflicts with something important to our kids. Or I may work in the studio late at night, but when my days are free, I get to go to my daughter's school & read to her class & things other parents can't do.
Hamada: - Most ladies would kill to have your perfectly toned physiques, so would you share with us your secret regimen? And do you enjoy working out?
Rasheeda: - There is no secret regiment, I have to work out!!!! LOL… I love to eat so I don't deprive myself of the things I want, it is not always what you eat its how much.
Kandi: - I hate working out. I'm always the one falling off the wagon. Rasheeda is more on top of it than I am. She makes me wanna step my game up… LOL
Hamada: - Music producer Polow Da Don recently criticized black women for not being submissive as white women, what's your view on this matter? And were you offended by that statement?
Rasheeda: - No offense taken here, that's just really not me.
Kandi: - I'm not really offended either. That's his opinion. There is some truth to it though. I know I'm not good at the being submissive thing, lol!
Hamada: - Tell us something that most readers will be surprised to learn about both of you?
Rasheeda: - I'm a real good cook!!!
Kandi: - I love to socially gamble. (LOLLOL) Any kind of cards or dice games, I love to play. I'm glad I don't live in Vegas because I'd probably go broke. LOL!
Hamada: - If God could grant any of your wishes, which would it be?
Rasheeda: - That I have wealth in abundance and that I live to see my kids, and succeed in raising my son into a great man.....
Kandi: - First I wish that my daughter grows up to be an amazing woman and that we always have a strong bond & of course that I'm financially successful for the rest of my life.
Hamada: - What are you obsessed with?
Rasheeda: - Shopping!
Kandi: - Nothing I suppose.
Hamada: - Whom do you trust whole-heartedly?
Rasheeda: - Frost, he always has my back (ALWAYS).
Kandi: - My mom!!!
Hamada: - What's the one thing that you'd alter about yourself?
Rasheeda: - I need to be more punctual. I am late too much.
Kandi: - My organizational skills need an adjustment.
Hamada: - Which qualities you usually look for in a man?
Rasheeda: - A friend first of all. If you can't be friends ya damn sure can't be lovers. Someone who listens and has a great personality, lives a stable life, strong, independent and his own man, a family man, an understanding and supportive man and..... I can go on and on............LOL!
Kandi: - I would love to have a man that's a positive role model and who has the ability to love someone else's child like their own. They also gotta be a lot of fun, energetic, affectionate, financially stable, family oriented, strong belief in God, and they gotta be ready to settle down in a committed relationship because some guys just aren't ready to be totally committed!
Hamada: - I'll ask you about some of the male celebrities whom I find attractive, and tell me what both of you think of them: -
Craig David, Durrell "Tank" Babbs, Harvey Mason Jr. of the Underdogs, Jamie Foxx, Larry Johnson, LL Cool J, Shemar Moore, and Usher.
Rasheeda: - Well some of them are married men, so that's all I have to say about that....... For the most part they are good looking successful men.
Kandi: - That's funny I'm out in L.A. right now working with the Underdogs!! All of those guys on your list are very attractive dudes, but I have to admit that I saw Tank recently & he was looking so fine. I normally don't get into male artists, but he is sexy. LOL!
Hamada: - Have you thought about visiting the Middle East? And what do you think of Arabic men?
Rasheeda: - Yes I have thought about going I just haven't yet. And as far as the men, I really hadn't thought anything.
Kandi: - I definitely want to visit the Middle East. As far as the men, I think of them like any other man; some are cute & some aren't. Lol!
Hamada: - Which career would you have chosen if both were not part of the music industry?
Rasheeda: - I always wanted to be a lawyer or a Crime Scene Investigator when I was younger, but as you can see that didn't happen. I'm also into real estate and I really enjoy that I own several homes and my ultimate goal is to build high rises.
Kandi: - I always wanted to be in the Arts. My first choice was acting. I was always in theatre groups as a kid. I would love to do Broadway. I had said if I didn't make it as an artist or actress, then I would have just taught musical theater so that I could still be a part of what I love.
Hamada: - Any message you'd like to give to your fans all over the world?
Rasheeda: - Be looking out for the Peach Candy album. Pick up my album "Dat Type of Gurl" in-stores now and hit us on MySpace. Also Put GOD first.
Kandi: - I just wanna say thanks for supporting me all these years & please hit us up on the MySpace. We love hearing from you.
[Visit] Peach Candy @ MySpace
[Visit] Rasheeda @ MySpace
[Visit] Kandi Burruss @ MySpace
