If there was ever a book to be penned on making moves and standing tall through tragedy, Kandi Burruss would be perfect for the cover. Just like her now popular song âFly Above,â Burruss truly flew above negativity and tragedy to come out on top this year. When Singersroom spoke with the ASCAP Award winner in late fall of 2008 we, like she, had no idea what 2009 would hold. As it turned out Burruss ended up with a gig as the latest addition to BRAVOâs ratings juggernaut âThe Real Housewives of Atlantaâ. Replacing Deshawn Snow, who appeared with Nene Leakes, Lisa Wu Hartwell and Kim Zolciak during the first season, Burruss quickly, became a target for scrutiny as soon as her name was revealed. While Burruss was a new face to some, the industry veteran and former Xscape member was no stranger to music fans. Granting a glimpse into her personal life for the first time on network television Burruss encountered the wrath of select blogs and personalities who questioned everything from her career to fiancé A.J. Jewell. While at first battling blogs, Burruss became inspired by the chatter and later selected the title B.L.O.G for a new song and album. Not one to be broken by personal attacks, Burruss, who has penned songs for TLC (âNo Scrubsâ) and Whitney Houston (âTell Me Noâ), quickly became a favorite on the BRAVO reality show while continuing work on her follow up to 2000s âHey Kandiâ and songs for others, including RHOA cast member Kim Zolciak (âTardy For The Party). Tragedy struck for Burruss in October of 2009, months after taping the then playing season of âThe Real Housewives of Atlantaâ when ex-fiance AJ Jewell died after a fight at an Atlanta area club. Burruss has since spoken of Jewell, who appeared on the show, stating âhe was taken way too soonâ. Pouring her heart into work, specifically the forthcoming album, Burruss appeared on the Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion show both discussing the Jewellâs death and performing âFly Aboveâ. Enduring the ups and downs of another year, Burruss looks poised for a bright future in 2010. At this time there has been no confirmation as to when or if a new season of âThe Real Housewives of Atlantaâ will air however, Burruss looks forward to the release âB.L.O.G.â with continued production, songwriting and entrepreneurial ventures.
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