Kelly Rowland signed to Columbia Records with Destiny's Child who released their Platinum debut self - titled album which gave us the number one hit "No, No, No" in 1998 under management of Beyonce’ Knowles' father Matthew Knowles. They went on to release their 8x Platinum sophomore album The Writings on The Wall in 1999 which gave us number one hits "Bills, Bills" Bills" and "Say My Name". After losing two members, gaining two, and losing one more they released their third 4x Platinum album Survivor in 2001 which gave us the well recieved "Survivor" and number one hit "Bootylicious". Between their sophomore and third album they earned another number one hit with "Independent Women Part I" from the hit movie Charlies Angels Soundtrack.
The three remaining members disbanded to release solo projects. During this time Kelly collaborated with rapper Nelly on his album with the song "Dilemma". The song released in June of 2002 was a hit, which led to Kelly's team rushing her solo debut album "Simply Deep", which she recorded in barely three weeks. She released “Stole” as a single which incorporated the alternative rock/pop sound that she wanted to go for. “Stole” peaked at number 2 in the UK. Following with the release of “Can’t Nobody” peaking at number 5 in the UK. It goes without saying that Kelly’s debut album performed very well in the UK and established her as a solo artist there. I do not believe the US was ready to embrace a pop/rock sound coming from an R&B artist. However, the album managed to go Gold in the US and sold over 2 million worldwide.Kelly reunited with member’s Beyonce’ Knowles and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child and released their fourth album “Destiny Fulfilled” in 2004 which went 3x Platinum. In 2005, the World Music Awards recognized them as the World's Best-selling female group of all time selling over 50 million records worldwide. Still at the top and still the best of friends, the group again disbanded to focus on solo careers. Still with Columbia Records and Matthew Knowles, Kelly began work on her sophomore album. Finished, she and the label were not pleased due to there being too many ballads on the first draft. She then went back into the studio to record more upbeat songs. Beyonce’ then released her sophomore album ahead of time instead.
(G. Moore: Beyonce’ was to release her debut album “Dangerously in Love” ahead of Kelly’s “Simply Deep”. However, as mentioned Kelly released her debut first due to the success of “Dilemma.” Now, years later Kelly was supposed to release her sophomore album “Ms. Kelly” ahead of “BDay” but that did not happen. I say this all to say, does anyone remember the public saying Beyonce’ did Kelly wrong by putting B’Day out ahead of time? The public has always tried to say there is drama between the two. There is none. They know it’s just business and that is what has helped them to remain friends.) Meanwhile, Kelly enlisted producers Polow da Don (see Ciara, Keri Hilson) and Scott Storch (see Christina Aguilera) to give her the upbeat sound she wanted. Kelly released “Like This” feat. Eve as her first single from her sophomore album Ms. Kelly in 2007. The upbeat song was very well received and peaked at number 7 on the Billboard US R&B chart and number 4 in the UK. Kelly held a poll for fans to pick the next single which was won by "Comeback". Kelly however, urged the label to release “Ghetto” feat. Snoop Dogg as a second single which they did a whole 5 months after the release of "Like This". That is way too much time in between singles. The US public lost interest. The album and "Ghetto" failed to perform well in the US.
It was during this time that Kelly questioned if she wanted to do music anymore. She like anyone else would be, was frustrated by the mishandling of now two projects by her label. Her debut album being rushed and her sophmore album being delayed rather than focused on correctly by her label from the beginning of its recording. The album had gained all the attention it was going to get in the US. However, as before it continued to perform well in the UK. Kelly then released “Work” as her second single in the UK where it peaked at number 4. It was major hit. The world began to think she had moved over to the UK because of how long she was there on promo for the single. It was during this time she met French House music producer David Guetta (see Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling”). In 2009 Guetta featured Kelly on his debut single for his fourth album “One Love”. The single is titled “When Love Takes Over” and enlist a new house sound for Kelly. It performed extremely well in the UK where it peaked at #1. The song earned Rowland her second Grammy Award.
It was during this time that Kelly questioned if she wanted to do music anymore. She like anyone else would be, was frustrated by the mishandling of now two projects by her label. Her debut album being rushed and her sophmore album being delayed rather than focused on correctly by her label from the beginning of its recording. The album had gained all the attention it was going to get in the US. However, as before it continued to perform well in the UK. Kelly then released “Work” as her second single in the UK where it peaked at number 4. It was major hit. The world began to think she had moved over to the UK because of how long she was there on promo for the single. It was during this time she met French House music producer David Guetta (see Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling”). In 2009 Guetta featured Kelly on his debut single for his fourth album “One Love”. The single is titled “When Love Takes Over” and enlist a new house sound for Kelly. It performed extremely well in the UK where it peaked at #1. The song earned Rowland her second Grammy Award.
Kelly regained her will to continue doing music. She was ready to take the world on again. Rowland and Columbia Records parted ways. But, she didn’t stop there. She left manager Matthew Knowles, who has been attacked verbally by the public on many occasions for showing favoritism within Destiny’s Child to his daughter Beyonce’. Rowland though, has never confirmed that being her reason for parting ways with him as her manager. He though, seemed a bit bitter releasing statements confirming that there would never be another Destiny’s Child album. Kelly fired back confirming that Matthew is and has never been a member of Destiny’s Child and has no say in the final decision. Rowland set the record straight giving fans again the hope that another Destiny’s Child album has not been ruled out but is not in the works at this time. Beyonce’ and Kelly though maintain their friendship. Following Kelly’s departure from the label and Matthew, Beyonce’ was seen and pictured at Kelly’s birthday party.
Kelly began work on her third album independently. She was without a label for the majority of the recording process. However, Rowland was very content with this. She did not know if she wanted to go to another major label or not. Well off she was from her earnings from Destiny's Child, solo projects, and her ever so impressive past, current, and future success in the UK, Rowland very easily completed her recording sessions without the help of a label. Now that, my readers is a bad b. Universal Motown Records took interest in her project after hearing the direction she was going in. Kelly decided to sign to Universal Motown Records. Again, though we may not see current success in the US bringing in a living for Rowland; anyone that knows anything about the industry can surely assume she was given an advance (paycheck) from the label upon signing. Kelly however, I do not take as the type to go wasting it shopping unless it is on her shoe fetish. Kelly released the David Guetta produced “Commander” as her first single in the UK where it peaked at number 9. She then released the Ne-Yo written “Grown Woman” for the urban audience and the Ester Dean written “Rose Colored Glasses” for the pop audience in the US. Following the release of a video for “Rose Colored Glasses” there was little to no promo done. This came immediately following Rowland’s collaborating with producer Jermaine Dupri (responsible for assisting Mariah Carey with her comeback album “Emancipation of Mimi which was certified 6x platinum in the US) The album has been delayed to allow for Kelly to work more with Dupri as well as a few other producers. Rowland and her teamed are determined to put a dent in the US charts this time around, not just the UK. As of now Kelly is to release two separate albums. One in the UK and one in the US. Meanwhile, Nelly reached out to Kelly again 7 years now after the release of Dilemma. Nelly and Kelly are scheduled to released “Gone” from Nelly’s most recent album “5.0” as his next single.
G. Moore:
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