Essence Fest Live with Kandi Burruss: Real Talk and Real Housewives

Summary

---

Baby, This is Keke Palmer – Essence Fest Live with Kandi Burruss: Real Talk and Real Housewives

Podcast: Baby, This is Keke Palmer
Host: Keke Palmer
Guest: Kandi Burruss
Date: August 26, 2025
Location: Essence Fest, Live Recording

---

Episode Overview

Keke Palmer hosts a dynamic live episode from Essence Fest, sitting down with multi-hyphenate star Kandi Burruss to discuss her expansive career, family life, the realities of being in the public eye, business ventures, and, of course, iconic Real Housewives drama. Together, they dive into what it takes to stay relevant, creative, and steady through the highs and lows of fame, creativity, and personal growth.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Essence Fest and Recent Projects

[00:19–02:48]

• Keke welcomes the Essence Fest crowd, celebrating her first time at the festival.
• Announces her upcoming heist movie “The Pickup” (out August 6th), starring Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson, where for the first time she plays a villain.
• Shares excitement about playing a themed game with Kandi later in the episode.

2. Kandi's Essence Fest Highlights and Mentoring New Talent

[02:59–03:42]

• Kandi discusses recent highlights at Essence Fest, including her girl group Siren's performance:

  “My girl group that I’ve been producing, Siren, they performed, so I was super excited for them…they’re three young women with a dream.” (Kandi, 03:10)

• Previews a tribute show to Quincy Jones involving her original group Xscape and other artists.

3. Longevity, Versatility, and Passion for Many ‘Bags’

[03:54–05:44]

• Keke asks how Kandi decides which professional direction to pursue, admiring her multifaceted career.
• Kandi on creative variety:

  “We don’t mind trying new things…we don’t mind, you know, collaborating with people…it doesn’t matter…if somebody has to always be a list or anything. We just like trying things. We like being creative.” (Kandi, 05:00)

4. Family, Motherhood, and Raising Kids in the Spotlight

[05:44–07:15]

• Keke notes how Kandi involves her family, especially daughter Riley, in her career.
• Kandi’s philosophy:

  “If they are also busy and doing things, then they respect what we do…we want to set your kids up for greatness, right? And then we also have that mom guilt…But when you can bring your kids to work with you and put them to work, then it’s all good.” (Kandi, 06:13)

• They bond over encouraging their children to work early and the challenges of “mom guilt.”

5. Public Perception versus Reality: Misconceptions About Kandi

[07:16–10:58]

• Keke asks what people get wrong about Kandi.
• Kandi reveals her introverted nature:

  “I’m always doing things on social, but I really don’t like to talk a lot…On a normal basis, I’m very laid back and chill. And if I go to somewhere where I don’t really know a lot of people, I always feel weird and awkward.” (Kandi, 10:03)

• Keke relates, saying her own extroversion stems from handling social anxiety.

6. Maintaining Privacy on Reality TV

[12:45–13:59]

• Kandi on lack of privacy as a public figure:

  “Do we really have any privacy? It’s really hard to…I’m kind of like an open book. And you ask me stuff—I just say it. I go home, my mama be like, now, why did you have to say that?” (Kandi, 12:59)

• Prefers being open over having the media “put her on blast.”

7. Mother-Daughter Dynamics: Amazon Live’s ‘Generation Face Off’

[14:15–15:43]

• Kandi discusses her Amazon Live show with her mother Joyce and daughter Riley:

  “It’s three different generations…my mom and Riley can be like oil and water. Sometimes the shade is so serious, it’s funny.” (Kandi, 14:25)

8. Songwriting Success and Musical Legacy

[16:01–19:52]

• Kandi explains royalty checks from Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” which sampled “No Scrubs,” and other songs like Doechii’s work.

  “Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’…is the most streamed song in history. And that’s a blessing. Cause he sampled ‘No Scrubs,’ so I’m a writer on that song too.” (Kandi, 16:01)

• Reveals that “No Scrubs” was originally written for her and Tiny’s own artist project before TLC recorded it.
• On writing through adversity:

  “We was going through it at the time…our group, Xscape, was falling apart…How am I gonna pay my bills?…‘No Scrubs’ was one of our own songs we did for us.” (Kandi, 17:21 & 18:25)

• Kandi wrote “Bills, Bills, Bills” and recounts contributing to Destiny’s Child with Tina Knowles commemorating her role in Beyoncé’s growth as a producer.

9. Girl Group Advocacy and Spotlight on Siren

[21:06–21:52]

• Kandi champions the return of girl groups and urges listeners to support Siren’s new EP.

10. Decade Plus on Real Housewives of Atlanta—Triumphs, Drama, and Boundaries

[22:00–25:41]

• Kandi’s tenure: 14 seasons straight, the longest unbroken streak on RHOA.

  “At the time I left, I was the longest running housewife of any franchise…It was tough, but I wouldn’t change it.” (Kandi, 22:21 & 22:14)

• On meeting her husband Todd on the show and seeing her daughter grow up on TV.

The Phaedra Parks Conflict

• Kandi firmly stands by her decision not to speak with Phaedra:

  “There’s no reason for us to communicate. We just don’t interact… I do not care to bring it up no more.” (Kandi, 24:46–25:20)

• Refutes online narratives about the controversy’s origins, directly saying “it was not the producer.”

Kenya Moore Support and Friendship

• Kandi backs Kenya after promo decisions, expressing loyalty in friendship:

  “My friend could be wrong…but I can still have a conversation with her separately and not have to drag her publicly…Why she don’t get that chance now?” (Kandi, 26:38–27:36)

11. Broadway Productions and Business Expansion

[28:03–29:53]

• Kandi outlines her Broadway production history:

  “That was my fourth production on Broadway…we broke history. We made history with Othello…especially thankful for Brian Moreland, who is my mentor and my friend. We produced all of our shows together.” (Kandi, 28:17 & 28:46)

• Emphasizes the difficulty for people of color in Broadway and her mission to “make space for more of us.”

12. Film and Television Ventures

[30:05–31:09]

• Candid chat about her and Todd’s film productions, including “The Pass” (now on Tubi), and an upcoming project, “Don’t Bring Your Man to Atlanta” starring Shamea.

13. Entrepreneurial Endeavors

[31:07–31:14]

• Promotes Candy Coated Cosmetics and other Amazon products.
• Keke enthusiastically supports Kandi’s growing empire.

14. Interactive Game: ‘Pick Up or Put Down’

[32:01–34:44]

• Keke and Kandi play a live game with the audience, rating pick-up lines as a fun, lighthearted segment.
• Audience reacts to their delivery—with Kandi’s sultry delivery drawing laughs and cheers.

  “You know I’m sexy. So I’d be like, oh, you talking about me?” (Kandi, 32:50)

• Keke jokes: “My game is goofy. I laugh them out their draws.” (Keke, 33:51)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Creative Multiplicity:

  “I don’t want to stay in one lane…as long as I can do both, I’m gonna do both.” – Kandi (05:00)

• On Public Perception and Small Talk:

  “I really don’t like to talk a lot…you can talk to me because I’m cool, but I ain’t that friendly.” – Kandi (10:03)

• On Family and Reality TV:

  “To have that history on film…my family, we can always go back and see it.” – Kandi (24:10)

• On Boundaries and Old Drama:

  “There’s no reason for us to communicate…If people feel how they feel. I feel how I feel. I ain’t change it, so.” – Kandi (25:20)

---

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [03:10] – Kandi recounts Siren’s Essence debut
• [05:00] – Views on career reinvention & creative variety
• [06:13] – Discussing kids in the business, setting up for greatness
• [10:03] – Kandi addresses misconceptions, her laid-back nature
• [12:59] – Privacy and authenticity in public life
• [14:25] – Amazon Live’s Generation Face Off generational banter
• [16:01] – Songwriting royalties, Ed Sheeran sample
• [18:25] – “No Scrubs” origins during Xscape’s breakup
• [22:14] – Kandi’s 14-season Real Housewives run
• [24:46] – On never reconciling with Phaedra Parks
• [26:38] – On supporting Kenya Moore
• [28:17] – Broadway productions and breaking barriers
• [30:05] – New films coming soon
• [32:01] – ‘Pick Up or Put Down’ game fun

---

Episode Tone

The episode is upbeat, candid, and full of mutual admiration and laughter. Keke’s energy is infectious, blending goofiness and genuine curiosity with Kandi’s warmth, charm, and straightforward wisdom. Both women approach tough topics with humor and honesty, making complex themes feel accessible and relatable.

---

Summary Takeaways

This Essence Fest live episode brings together two powerhouse Black women discussing longevity, legacy, and loyalty. Kandi shares concrete advice on career versatility, the realities of raising public children, and lessons learned from decades in music, television, and business. Candid reflections on reality TV’s highs (encountering life’s milestones on camera) and lows (enduring conflict and misconstrued narratives) create an inspiring—and often hilarious—blueprint for succeeding in entertainment while staying true to oneself.

---

Transcript

[A]

This episode is presented in partnership with Airbnb, where summer adventures feel like a home away from home. Speaking of unforgettable moments. Well, you'll see. Let's start the show.

[B]

How y' all doing? You know it's your girl. You guys. Baby, this is Keke Palmer is so excited to be here at ESSENCE Fest for the first time.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Y' all look so good. Now, I'm also excited to announce August 6th I have this new movie coming out on Amazon called the Pickup. It is a heist movie starring Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson and myself. Guys, in this movie, I'm a villain. Could you believe it? How could this face ever be a villain? It's no way. But before we get into this conversation that I'm so excited to have with Kandi, y' all know we love us some candy burrs. Honey, before we get into the conversation, they told me they have a clip they want us to play from the movie from the Pickup, so I haven't seen it yet. So let's go to this and see what they about to show us. No takers on the table. Pancakes.

[C]

They for everybody. No, those are robber pancakes.

[D]

No, thank you.

[B]

It's been a rough day for y'.

[C]

All.

[A]

Truck got stolen and now you're withholding yourself. The joy of eating pancakes.

[B]

Everybody love pancakes. Yeah, you're a dipper, too.

[C]

I swear I've never met someone else who dips like that before.

[B]

Like, otherwise they, you know, they're way too soggy.

[D]

Yeah, that's crazy. That's wild.

[B]

Russell, do you ever dip your pancakes?

[D]

No, I don't dip my pancakes. I like my pancakes like this. This is how I make my pancakes. I like them all mushed up like this. Get them all like that and get them on the plate. That's perfect. Now I get the syrup and I put it on. I like lots and lots and lots of syrup. That's how my granddaddy used to make them. He used to call these you flapjacks soggy.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. I cannot wait for you guys to see that movie. Working with Eddie was absolutely incredible. A moment to remember forever. August 6th, it comes out.

[C]

And.

[B]

And later on in the Conversation with Candy, we're gonna play a little pickup themed game that I can't wait to get into it with you guys. Now, without further ado, let's make sure that we give a huge round of applause for the multi hyphenate singer, actress, reality star, businesswoman extraordinaire, breaking records on Broadway, Ms. Kandi Bur. You look Absolutely amazing. But what else is new?

[C]

Thank you. You said what?

[B]

What else is new? You always look amazing.

[C]

Well, thank you. Thanks for having me. What's up, y'? All? Keke, you got a lot of people out here.

[B]

Girl, we got a lot of people. They came to see us. Okay. I mean, now you. We always come to ESSENCE Fest. I feel like I've seen you here before, but what's been new this time? Anything happened that was a special moment for you.

[C]

Oh, okay. I'll start with on Friday. My girl group that I've been producing, Siren, they performed, so I was super excited for them because, you know, they're three young women with a dream. You know how that feel when you first start in the industry.

[B]

Oh, yes.

[C]

And to be on the big stage of ESSENCE means a lot, you know, so I was super excited about that. And tonight, my group, Escape, we're performing with Jermaine Dupri. We're doing a tribute to Quincy Jones. So it's not just us, it's, you know, other artists. But I don't want to spoil the surprise.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. Well, I mean, when it comes to your girl group, how many times do you find yourself being triggered back to your early days with Escape and helping them on their journey to know how to, you know, keep on that straight and narrow?

[C]

Well, I'm always reminded of, like, how my group started. You know, you see a girl group, you know, you think about all the things that, you know, our disagreement.

[B]

Yep. Yeah.

[C]

You know, just coming down, first time we hear our song on the radio, all of those moments that they're experiencing.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

You know, it reminds me of when my group first started. So it's definitely making me think about throwbacks from the past.

[B]

Well, they're definitely blessed to have somebody like you to be able to guide them through, you know, a veteran. Now, speaking of all of that, you've been in the game since you were a teenager, and you're still reinventing. I mean, I've seen and been a part of watching every era of you, and it's been a pleasure. I. I mean, when you wake up in the morning, how you decide which bag you're about to get into?

[C]

Now, I know you ain't saying that, Keke. Cause I feel like we are alike in a lot of ways.

[B]

Girl, we are a lot alike. Me and you gonna get to the bag and have fun doing it.

[C]

Yes, have fun. We don't mind. You know, like, I feel like some people, when they put theirselves in. Oh, I'm an artist, then they never really think about, you know, they think they're too big for certain things. Yes. But I think, you know, I see it similar in you. It's like we don't mind trying new things. We don't mind, you know, collaborating with people. You know, it doesn't matter, you know, if somebody has to always be a list or anything. We just like trying things. We like being creative. And I don't want to stay in one lane. I like, you know, I like being behind the scenes. Just like I like, you know, being the one on stage at times. So I try to do both, you know, as long as I can do both, I'm gonna do both. Yeah.

[B]

Cause it does get boring too when you feel forced to do one thing as a creative. You know, I love different mediums because I want to express different facets of myself. The person that I am when I'm having a conversation with you. Ain't gonna be the same vibe when I'm playing a dramatic character in a movie.

[C]

Exactly.

[B]

So you gotta keep it exciting for yourself for sure. But also you make it a family thing too, because Riley's been getting out there and I love seeing her, from the fashions to her on the show, she was getting that man, that boy together. I said, get him, Riley. You know, but you're an artist, you're a mom, you're a businesswoman. So there's a lot of juggling going on. And I mean, this is advice for me too, because, you know, my little boys too.

[C]

Uh huh.

[B]

You know, how is that was it for you and is it for you now when juggling that, being that mom and then also letting your baby get.

[C]

Into the business, you know, I feel like it's kind of important to put our kids to work early. Like, you know, even with Ace, you know, I've already, he's already been acting, he's been on a tv, you know, he's done things, you know what I mean? At an early age. And I just feel like if they are also busy and doing things, then they respect what we do and then, you know, they don't have to grow up to do what we're doing. But at least we've already put them in a position to where, you know, they've been able to establish themselves. Because that's the thing. You want to set your kids up for greatness, right? Yeah. And then we also have that mom guilt. Right, girl? But when you can bring your kids to work with you and put them to work, then it's all Good.

[B]

Okay. That's why I blew Ivy on that stage. Talking about I love her. I feel like I've adapted that wave. It's so cute.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Now we're talking about TV shows. I want to know from you and maybe watching yourself or just hearing other people watching you or seeing the headlines, what do people think about you that couldn't be further from the truth.

[C]

It's a lot.

[B]

Baby. This is icky Palma. Yeah, baby.

[A]

I had a vision so clear, it hit me like a pool noodle to the face. My perfect Labor Day weekend laid out in hd. There I am, floating like a queen on my inflatable throne at golden hour when the smell of something heavenly hits my nose. My best friend is in the kitchen of our Airbnb, channeling her inner Gordon Ramsay, but with actual seasoning. Not a sad room service sandwich in sight. She's serving up her best attempt at recreating one of the lovely Chef Teenie's recipe.

[B]

Hey, girl.

[A]

Last summer, I booked one of those gorgeous Airbnbs that I found through their guest favorites.

[B]

Mm.

[A]

If I had a gourmet kitchen for our potluck dinners and a huge living room from where we could spin, spread out for our game night and catch up. During the day, we were lounging by our private pool, and at night, we were stargazing from the deck with snacks and stories. That's the magic of Airbnb.

[B]

You get these perfect spaces to really.

[A]

Connect with your friends. If you're planning an end of summer getaway, consider an Airbnb guest favorite. These are some of the most highly rated homes on Airbnb. Perfect for group trips or family vacations. I mean, you get more space, privacy, and better locations than you can shake a vacation selfie stick at. Grab your popcorn and sip a little something, because I'm going to need my girls every Wednesday to watch Tyler Perry's sisters at 9, 8 Central on BET. Listen to this. With the stress of jobs, relationships, and jealousy, everyone is on the edge of their breaking point. The drama is more intense than ever, and the bonds of sisterhood are being tested like never before. These women thought they had it all figured out, but, honey, life had other plans. Between secret romances, workplace rivalries, and friendships hanging on by a thread, anything can happen. And the sister circle may never be the same. Y', all, when I tell you this season is serving everything we need. Tears, laughter, romance, and those jaw dropping moments that'll have you texting your group chat at midnight. Now that sounds like my kind of show. Watch new episodes of Tyler Perry's sisters, Wednesday at 9, 8 Central. Only on BET. Trust me, you don't want to miss it.

[C]

There's a lot that people think about.

[B]

Me that could be further than you're introverted, extroverted.

[C]

Oh, you mean something that's kind of simple and surface and mild.

[B]

Exactly.

[C]

Okay, we gonna go there. You know, obviously. Okay. So, you know, I'm always doing things on social, but I really don't like to talk a lot. I saw somebody post a post that said, you can talk to me because I'm cool, but I ain't that friendly. I don't wanna keep talking. Like, let's be like, hey, girl, give me a hug. You know, let's do, you know? Yeah, but they keep the long way. I'm not. I don't. Cause what are you saying?

[B]

For real? You know, after a while, that small talk, it becomes draining. Cause what can I do?

[C]

Yeah, but I don't talk. I'm not like a big talker. Like, I have to be in a mood to want to talk. And I know people probably be shocked because, you know, we do all this.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

But you know, that's not, you know, I'm very laid back. Like, I'm very. On a. On a normal basis, I'm very laid back and chill. And if I go to like, somewhere where I don't really know a lot of people, I always feel weird and awkward.

[B]

I do think that's a misconception that people have by entertainers, is that when we get into a room full of a bunch of people, we somehow don't feel strange or awkward. And like, I always feel a little bit of a weirdness, but that's why I end up being extra, because that's how I deal with. I'm like, oh, stop, girl. You know, because that's how I'm making myself feel better about, you know, the. The white space in between saying, do I say hi? Do I not say hi?

[C]

Do I feel. Well, I try to say hi first.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Because then that throws out the awkwardness of, did we meet before? You know what I mean? Because if I speak to everybody first, then they'd be like, oh, yeah, she remembered me. But if I didn't remember them and they come to me and be like, hey, you remember me?

[B]

And I'd be like, because how do I lie now? Or do I tell you? No.

[C]

Yeah. And it always awkward. But no, the funny thing, Riley, now she does it. But it's a training thing, right? When you know you are going somewhere for work or you know, you got to meet a lot of people where you have to be in good spirits, because if I'm not smiling, they gonna say I'm the B word, right? So I got a cheese. And then, you know, my voice changes. It's like, hey, what's up? Like you just said, right. Riley always says, oh, you got your TV voice on. We must about to do something.

[B]

She be like, she cued in. Yeah. She like, you gotta put your TV.

[C]

Voice on me because, you know, I really talk like this. I mumble aloud. And, you know, you can't understand what I'm saying because I talk through my teeth. And this is how I talk on a regular basis.

[B]

Come on, Atlanta.

[C]

That's how I talk. Exactly. Very atl. You know what I'm saying? Cause that's how I talk when I'm at home with my friends and my family. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yes.

[C]

That's how I'm talking when I'm with y'. All. I try to talk clearly, and I bring my tone up.

[B]

What do you think is the hardest part? Because I think you've made it seem so natural and relaxed, living your life on reality TV and in public. But what is. What would you say is the most difficult aspect of being real or. But also protecting your privacy? You know what I mean?

[C]

Do we really have any privacy? It's really hard to. I don't know. I know. I think it's kind of sad. I think it's. Yeah. A lot of people who are in the public eye, I don't think all of us have managed how to have a private life. Like, I feel like Beyonce has done it the best. Yeah, she's very private. She doesn't put a lot out there. She only you. We only get what she wants us to get. Right. But a lot of us haven't mastered that skill. So me, I'm kind of like an open book. And you ask me stuff. I just said, I go home, my momma be like, now, why did you have to say that? Why did you do that? You have to tell everybody everything. That's what my mom be saying to me. And I just be like, well, shoot, if I say it myself, then I don't have to worry about nobody trying to put me on blast. I put myself on blast.

[B]

I do love spilling my own tea.

[C]

Yes, I will spill my own tea in a minute. Now, what I don't like is I pretty much have, you know, been an open book about anything or everything. Right?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I hate when people make up something about me. I was like, now, I already told you why you think now, why you go add stuff?

[B]

Because, you know, people love to put a little extra. What they say tens on twos on tens on twos.

[C]

Yeah, you're gonna put the 2 on the 10. That's what we say.

[B]

Now, speaking of Mama Joyce, we love her. And we love this new show that you have on Amazon Live, Generation Face off, featuring you, mama and Riley.

[C]

Riley. It's really cool because my mom, Riley, and I, you know, it's three different generations, right? Yeah. Cause she's Gen Z and my mama is baby boomers.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

And I'm Gen X, so our opinions are so different. And my mom and Riley can be like oil and water. Sometimes the shade is so serious, it's funny. I be like, ooh, y' all gonna cut that out? No, but it's funny. Like, it's funny, Shay. You know what I mean? Funny shade. But, you know, my mom is a shade queen, but Riley can be, too. And I'm like, lord, y'. All. Okay, come on.

[B]

What is one of the topics that maybe you didn't expect that turned into a whole debate between you guys?

[C]

Well, I'm trying to remember because, realistically, everything ends up being a debate sometimes. Especially, like, when my mom don't win. Like, because we'll talk about different items and, you know, because we're doing Amazon Live. And she'll say her opinion or things she, like from her generation that she pulled. And Riley will pull something, and I'll pull something from my generation. If Riley don't like nothing from my mama generation. My mom always be like that. You just did that. Because, you know, it always turns into that.

[B]

It always turns personal. Yeah. When it's like, I just don't like that. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, I want to get into a little bit into music. I know we talked about, obviously, escape in the 90s, but one thing that's crazy, and I just found out recently, you're getting some more checks because of Ed Sheeran's sampling.

[C]

Oh, well, yeah. So I have a lot of songs like that that are now my songs that I'm a writer on because they sampled me. Yeah. So I guess Ed Sheeran is Shape of youf song. It is the most streamed song in history now. And that's a blessing. Cause he sampled no Scrubs, so I'm a writer on that song, too. So, like, letting the. What that means is.

[B]

Let's get into that.

[C]

I get, you know, me and Tiny, we both are writers of no Scrubs. And we both get a check Sheeran song, and it's the most played song in history, so thank you, God. But we also, you know, like, Dolce song when she first dropped her first single, which.

[B]

I know what you're talking about. The singing one. Yes.

[C]

Oh, my gosh, guys, that was also one that Tiny and I also have royalties over, but I have multiple songs like that. One of that people have sampled different songs that I've written, which gives me new copyrights, basically. Yeah.

[B]

It makes I need to know when you and I know. The answer is no way. We didn't know. But going back to y' all in the studio writing those songs, I mean, just what. What type of space were you even in to create such, you know, reusable ip? Because that's what it is, right? It's timeless intellectual property.

[C]

Actually, we was going through it at the time.

[B]

Baby. This is Icy Palma. Yeah.

[A]

Remember when Paris and Nicole had to learn about the simple life? Well, I just found its perfect opposite in Rich Girl Summer, the new Audible original that had me canceling all my plans just to keep listening.

[B]

Ugh.

[A]

Here's the tea.

[B]

Valerie.

[A]

This down on her luck, event planner finds herself pretending to be a socialite's long lost daughter up in Toronto's fancy cottage country. But, baby, between uncovering family secrets and falling for the impossibly handsome family assistant, Nico, she's about to learn that Sarah, some summers change everything.

[B]

And when I tell you the narration.

[A]

Is everything, Hamilton's Philippa sue brings his romance to life in a way that'll have you swooning poolside, beachside, or wherever your summer takes you. I was absolutely in over my head with this one. Just like Valerie and loving every minute of it. Ready for your own romantic summer escape? Listen to Rich Girl Summer now on audible. Go to audible.com richgirlsommar.

[C]

Our group, Xscape, was falling apart. This was after our second album. And I had told Tiny. I was like, hey, man, we gotta figure out what we gonna do. Because at the time, one of our group members was gonna go solo. Now, this is back in the day. Now. This is like 99, 98. And some of y' all weren't even born yet.

[B]

I was like four or five.

[C]

Yeah, y' all was little. But, you know, for me, you know, I was like, 19, and I had just bought a house. But my group is about to fall apart, and I'm like, well, where the money ain't gonna become? How am I gonna pay my bills? So I was like, tiny, we gotta figure this out. We need to try to. Maybe we can come up with a project with just the two of us that we could do. So we started recording songs and writing songs for ourselves. No, Scrubs was one of our own songs we did for us. It was called Kat Kandy and Tiny K A T. Anyway, and the song was ours, and somebody played it for L A Reid and he wanted it for tlc. And after that, after him taking that, using that, he didn't take it. You know, he asked us. Obviously, we gave it to them. But that gave me the opportunity to start writing for other people, because I always wanted to, but I didn't know how I could, you know, because at the time, I'm an artist, you know, and it's kind of funny.

[B]

It's another career.

[C]

Yeah. You know, some artists don't want other artists in the studio when they're creating. So I was like, how do I go? How do I get to write for other people? And this opened the door for me. And after that, I just stayed in my bag for a while. I was just writing with different producers.

[B]

And you talk about bills. I mean, you did bills, Bills, Yeah.

[C]

I wrote with Shakespeare. So he and I, we went to Texas with Destiny's Child, and they was working on their second album, and we ended up doing five songs on that album. And let me just say this shout out to Tina Knowles. I bought her book and somebody told me and I was like, you know, you're in her book. And I was like, what you mean I'm in her book? But recently, before I got my copy, they played me. They had the, you know, the audiobook, and she was reading it. She talked about how we were working in the studio and how we helped Beyonce become a producer. Like, she was in there producing, and it was just a. It had me teary eyed, y'. All. I was in there about to cry, listening to her talking about that experience, because it was a great experience for me. And to hear her put in her book Child, I was over there being a big baby crying. I was like, wow.

[B]

But it's another show of paying it forward with your history of being in a girl group and then being a part of that moment with Destiny's Child. And then obviously, like you said with Siren, which you just got. You guys just dropped the softest.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Working a classic of an escape song.

[C]

Yes. Yes. They. It sampled. They sampled it and made their own version. It's super dope. Siren, like, I always, you know, I try to pay it forward. Right. And everything I do and working with other people. And I really feel like it's time for girl groups to come back.

[B]

No, for sure.

[C]

And these girls can really sing. So they just dropped their on their ep. Please, y', all, check it out. It's sirenspel p. S. I like omega psi. You know, like the sci fi. But anyway, Siren.

[B]

Yep.

[C]

Their EP is called in the key of us. So please add it to your playlist. I'm telling you, will not regret it. They can sing their butts off. And it's jamming.

[B]

Congratulations to siren. Congratulations to you on that endeavor. Now, I do want to go back to real housewives of Atlanta. I mean.

[C]

No, I'm just kidding.

[B]

I literally. I mean, you have some of the most iconic moments on the show. How did you survive so, so long without letting the drama break you? Because, I mean, a lot of people don't make it all the. You know what I'm saying? A lot of people, like, I gotta go or.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

You know what I'm saying?

[C]

I was there for 14 seasons. That's a long time. 14 seasons straight.

[B]

I think that's a long time.

[C]

Now, no breaks. Now, I don't know if anybody else has done that many seasons with any breaks, but at the time I left, I was the longest running housewife of any franchise. Now, I know other, you know, we have a couple other housewives that have done that, but they, you know, either taking a break or something like that. Yeah. But what I will say was. What I will say is that it was tough, but I wouldn't change it. You know what I mean? I wouldn't change it because it did. I can go back and watch so many moments in my life. I can see my kids grow up. When I first started, riley was only 6 years old, and she's 22, about to be 23 now. I remember seeing her on there on the next gen on bravo right now on her own show. You know what I mean?

[B]

And she's handling her own. It's really cool to see.

[C]

Thank you. So being on there, you know, I dealt with a lot of things that, you know, felt like it was about to break me at times. But, you know, you just stay on there and you get past it. You show people different sides of you, you know, and you're gonna have people that hate you and you're gonna have people that love you, and you just gotta roll. You just gotta keep pushing.

[B]

What were some of the good moments that made you decide to stay?

[C]

I met my husband on that show. Yeah. If I wasn't on that show, I wouldn't have met Todd and think of what I would have missed out on. Now I got Ace, I got Blades.

[B]

You know, and you went through. I mean, that was really awesome. To also see how you guys always saw the vision for yourself, even when sometimes you would be taking stuff from Ms. Joyce up on the show. I really love seeing that from you.

[C]

My mama, she really should have her own peach, you know, I'm just saying. But even still, like, you know, being able to see moments of my family, you know, we had our own spin off Kandi and the Gang and.

[B]

Yep, I watched that too.

[C]

You know, and my wedding show and so many other spin offs as well. But, you know, to have that history on film that my family, we can always go back and see it. You know what I mean?

[B]

It's beautiful. It's like having your own home, but perfectly made VHS of family memories. Yeah.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

I mean, obviously you said you never gonna speak to Phaedra again. I don't even. No shade, no tea. Don't wanna push too hard, but do you think there's any way that she could get you to look her way again? Has she ever tried to reach out? No, she never tried to reach out?

[C]

No.

[B]

Cause she know.

[C]

No, it's. Yeah. There's no reason for us to communicate it. We. We've been in the same room before, but there's no reason for us to communicate.

[B]

And you guys just, you know, you kind of just avoid or not even avoid, but just, you know, we just don't.

[C]

We just don't interact. We just don't speak. I mean, I'm not disrespectful. I don't come in cussing nobody out or nothing. We just. You stay your way, I stay my way. You know, I don't. I don't feel the need to fake it for the world in that situation. I feel like people. I see people online trying to change what happened. Obviously, y' all did not watch the show. Y' all did not really pay attention to what happened.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And I do not. I do not care to re. Explain it. I do not care to bring it up no more. If y', all, you know, if people feel how they feel. I feel. I feel I ain't change it, so.

[B]

And being on the show, were there ever times where the producers tried to, oh, let's bring it back or let's try to come? No. So they knew to respect it too.

[C]

No, not at all. Not. No.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

No.

[B]

Now you are. She said, hell no. Y' all did. Y' all Hear that?

[C]

No, it's like. No, it's like. I mean, I don't really feel like.

[B]

But, you know, the producers of these shows, sometimes I don't think people understand. It could be a lot what, you know, you guys are juggling. Not only are you juggling the relationships on the show, but you're juggling the relationships that people are trying to have with the producers to stay on the show. And so it becomes a lot of mess.

[C]

Well, at the time, what was said was supposedly had been blamed on a producer.

[B]

Right.

[C]

And at the time, that producer said, absolutely not. They did not say that, and that was not true. And it was a whole thing. So for it to come back now, people still be trying to say it was the producer that said that is not true. And I don't know why y' all be trying to believe that.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

So we can move past.

[B]

I mean, you were there. You were there, so I believe you.

[C]

We were there.

[B]

You were also really vocal about Kenya Moore, like, supporting her. You know, how they were disrespecting her in the promos. And you know what?

[C]

Well, here's my thing. Everybody was like, oh, you know, why would you say, here's my thing? That's my girl. And I think people don't understand friendship. Y' all don't understand that my friend could be wrong or do something that's not tactful or whatever. But I can still have a conversation with her separately and not have to drag her publicly about something that she did when, you know, whatever. So at the end of the day, I do feel like. And after it's played out, there were wrong. It was wrong on both sides. And I just kind of felt like, you know, you can't take one off and not take the other off. I felt like that was wrong. You know what I mean? And I, you know, y' all could disagree with me, but that's how I felt. And I'm definitely gonna support my girl and say they didn't even give her the opportunity to come back and apologize. Everybody else got the chance to come back and apologize, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Yep. So, you know, why she don't get that chance now?

[B]

She gone with the win. Fabulous.

[C]

Well, she's still fabulous.

[B]

Why would I go back to that old school?

[C]

I feel like if other people win, get the blow back on, their husbands need to blow back on there, too.

[B]

Kenya will always be that girl. Y' all remember twa? Y' all don't remember twa now, why you hovering me? I remember twa too young to be watching it.

[C]

Let me get back. Too young, baby. Let me get back to you. That was good chat. Yeah.

[B]

You have a lot of businesses. I just want to give this moment right now. What are the other endeavors? We were just talking before you came out about Broadway and you guys breaking records. I have to keep saying that because this was the first time, I think you even produced something on Broadway.

[C]

That was. No, that was my fourth production on Broadway, Othello. So my first one was Thoughts of a Colored Man. They show that on the show on Housewives.

[B]

Actually. Actually do remember that. Yes.

[C]

And the second one was the Piano Lesson.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[C]

Yes. It was amazing. And we did great with the Piano Lesson, and we actually got a Tony nomination for the Piano Lesson. Then the third one was the Wiz. I hope a lot of y' all got a chance to see it. It was amazing.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

And then it was Othello, so that was my fourth one. And we broke history. We made history with Othello. And I'm so thankful and grateful that to be a part of it. I'm so thankful for, you know, Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal for being the stars of that show. But I want to say I'm especially thankful for Brian Moreland, who is my mentor and my friend. We produced all of our shows together.

[B]

Wow.

[C]

Yeah. But he's the lead producer, and he constantly kind of teaches me, you know, okay, this is what we need to do. This is how we do it. And it's been a great mentor.

[B]

Just for those of you guys don't know, like, Broadway, you know, theater is very difficult to get into. You know what I mean? Especially when you think about a person of color. So it's really incredible that you've been doing it and keep doing it and breaking these records because it shows, you know, that's we could get into these different spaces.

[C]

So, yeah, it's not necessarily easy.

[B]

No.

[C]

To really not at all get in that world.

[A]

No.

[C]

So, yeah, I'm trying to continue. Continue being in that world and make space, you know, for more of us, you know, to bring the culture, honey.

[B]

That's right.

[C]

That's right.

[B]

Well, you know, you went to call your girl on the next one.

[C]

Oh, you know. You know, we definitely gonna have to call you now. Y' all heard her. Okay.

[B]

Obviously, you also do amazing products. I mean, just what is coming next that we can expect, you know, from you? I remember I just seen something the other night on Tubi. One of these movies you did. You was Gangster of Scamming my girl. Drew. Yes.

[C]

I love that. My husband and I, we produce movies now and we produce. That was one of our movies, the past. It's on Tubi right now. But then we also have a new incoming called don't bring your man to Atlanta. It is now. That's good. It's coming soon. My husband and I produce that. You can actually hit the link in Todd's bio right now, or he.

[B]

That sounds like one of them ZAG novels. Don't bring your man to Atlanta.

[C]

Don't bring your man to Atlanta. It's real good. I can't wait for the world to see it. But it's starring Shamia in that one.

[B]

Shout out Shamia. I just seen her at the hotel the other day. Looking good. She always looks so cute.

[C]

Yes. She's doing her best.

[B]

Shout out to Shamia.

[C]

Yes. So I'm excited about that one coming out next. And yeah, producing more films. I do have products and you can get them on Amazon.

[B]

I love it. We gotta shout that out. Yes.

[C]

You know, candy coated cosmetics and then we have some other products on Amazon.

[B]

Yeah, well, we all grown. I mean, most of us. Y' all know what she talking about. Yeah, but I want to shout all that out because you're so incredible. Before I let you go though, we gotta play a fun game. I love playing games with my guests. And this one's kinda like interactive with y', all, honestly. Okay, so it's gonna be called pick up or put down where we test the smoothest, corniest, and downright reckless pickup lines. So it's gonna be me and Candy judging. And y' all need to get loud. Okay, so we're gonna say a pickup line and then y' all let us know, screaming yes or screaming no if it's one that you would not pick up. Okay, Pick up or put down. Does that follow? Y' all get what I'm saying? Okay, here we go. Okay, I've highlighted them, so once I say one, then I'm gonna hand it to you to say candy. Okay?

[C]

Okay.

[B]

All right, this is me. I'm ready and I'm about to put on my voice. I'm really about to give it to y', all, so don't get all excited.

[C]

Oh, here we go. What's the question?

[B]

Hey, mama, on a scale of 1 to 10, you a 9 and I'm the one you need.

[C]

Wait, what?

[B]

Okay, they said nah. The next highlighted one is you.

[C]

Okay, here's one. Have you been sitting on sugar? Cause damn, that ass looks sweet. No, I might go for that.

[B]

She just said it real sexy. I gotta be sexier. That's how you gotta say I gotta be sexier. She's out sexy.

[C]

You know I'm sexy. So I'd be like, oh, you talking about me?

[B]

Okay, here we go, y'.

[A]

All.

[B]

Don't make me laugh. Okay. Did you fall out of a vending machine? Cause you a snack.

[C]

You're losing, Kiki. You're losing.

[B]

Mine is not good. I'm gonna redeem myself. Just y' all wait.

[C]

Okay. She said okay.

[B]

She already got it.

[C]

You gotta give it the. You gotta give it the vibes. Here we go. If I had four quarters to give to the four prettiest women in the world, you'd have a dollar.

[B]

It's the way she's sexy. She's doing it. She's doing it to you guys. She's seducing all of you in front of my eyes. Okay, okay, here it come.

[C]

Keke, I know you got more game than that, man. Come on.

[B]

My game is goofy. I laugh them out their draws. No.

[C]

Come on.

[B]

Holla at your girl. No. Okay. This is me redeeming myself. Here we go. I'm gonna do it in my voice. I'm gonna do it in my voice. I'm on a date right now. Let me buy you dinner. I'll be the dessert.

[C]

Ah, they like that. They like that. They like that one.

[B]

Okay, last one's on candy. You guys are fine.

[C]

Let's see. Hmm. Honey, just by seeing you from behind, I know you're a well rounded person.

[B]

All right, y', all, please give a warm round of applause for the amazing Kandi Buress. Hey.

[C]

Thank you.

[B]

Baby, this is. This is Kiki. Baby, this is Kiki Palmer. Yeah.

[A]

Baby, this is Keke Palmer is hosted and executive produced by me, Keke Palmer. Lucas Siegel is our post producer. Our producers are Lauren Hampton and Molly nestor. Hilary Esty McLaughlin is our executive producer. Production services provided by Evolution media. Our original theme song was written and performed by me, Keke Palmer for team Keke. My producer is Sharon Palmer for wondery. Our managing producer is Olivia Fonti. Senior managing producer is Nick Ryan. And our executive producers are Emily feldbrake, Erin o' flaherty and Marshall Louie.