Kandi Burruss

When Kandi Burruss first joined the cast of the Atlanta Housewives, no one knew what to expect from this newbie. Throughout all the drama, Kandi has managed to keep her cool in dealing with love, life and drama. During the season, Kandi got along with all the housewives’ except NeNe Leakes. However, in the interview with ESSENCE, she reveals that she and NeNe are cool. The Grammy-winning singer and songwriter also talks about her upcoming album.

Below are excerpts from Kandi’s interview with ESSENCE:

ESSENCE.COM: Now that the reunion show is upon us, do you feel you and NeNe had any resolve?
KANDI BURRUSS: I didn’t really need any resolve. I feel the argument between her and me was so petty. I’m one of those who believes if it’s nothing and she’s cool with me then I’m good too, so let’s keep it moving. I would say that during the cast’s last trip to L.A. we pretty much got along, and I was thinking, okay, she’s cool again. Fine, then let’s be cool.

ESSENCE.COM: Before your fiance’s untimely passing he gave one interview and shared his thoughts about your mom. How’d you feel about what he said?
BURRUSS: I was pretty upset and not feeling too tough about parts of it because it wasn’t necessary. He said that she needs a man, but he tried to hook my mother up with some married guy. I asked him if he was married and A.J. told me no. The first time my mother and this man met, they had a conversation and he told her that he wanted to be honest with her and admitted that he was married, so they never dated or saw each other after that. My mom was angry and called to tell me, and I was like, wel,l I didn’t know. But I try not to harp on that because he’s no longer here, but that was my gut reaction when I read the article.

ESSENCE.COM: Congrats on releasing your EP of your upcoming album, “B.L.O.G.” (B—— Love Online Gossip). Have you been inspired to write a song in memory of A.J.?
BURRUSS: On the EP there’s a song on I’d written earlier on A.J. and my relationship called “I Just Know.” It really could be a wedding song it’s so beautiful and it fit the best point of our relationship. So my holding the release of my album isn’t so much because I want to add songs as a tribute, but it’s too much going on right now and instead of making rush decisions I was like, Let me just slow down after experiencing two deaths back-to-back. Again, this EP will just give my fans a taste of what’s to come on my album.

ESSENCE.COM: Well, we can’t wait after knowing the magic you worked on Kim’s single “Tardy for the Party.” Is there anything you’d like to say in parting?
BURRUSS: I just want to thank everyone for showing so much love and support over these last few weeks, especially those who sent me Twitter messages. Although I wasn’t replying, I really did appreciate them. Every time I got teary-eyed I’d read those messages and they would make me feel better. I don’t know why the kind thought of strangers lifts you up, but they did and I’m so grateful for that kindness.