A FAMILY AFFAIR
with TAMIKA SCOTT
We’ve watched over the past few years as the ladies of XSCAPE have plotted, and ultimately executed their long-awaited comeback to entertainment and music. Fans have been equally amazed at how the ladies stepped back into the forefront and dominated with their latest release. Now that they’ve fully promoted that project, each member is working in their own personal endeavors, which brings us to Tamika Scott.
As one fourth of the R&B supergroup XSCAPE, Scott has built a reputation that has carried her more than two decades in the music industry. She came to us a mere teenager eager to become a household name, and she’s done just that. In that time from her beginnings until now, she has literally become more than a woman. Scott is now a mother of three, a glam-mother as she affectionately refers to herself, and a loving wife. Making her solo debut even more power is the fact that her entire family has come along for the journey, hence her aptly-titled project, FAMILY AFFAIR. Husband Darnell Winston appears on ‘Almost Over”, while daughters Oshun Love & Young Niyah both appear on ‘Reflection’. Other guests include Q. Parker of 112 fame, and production from RL of R&B group Next! FAMILY AFFAIR is led by the powerful single, ‘Go Outside in the Rain’.
We were blessed with the amazing opportunity of connecting with Tamika to discuss the new project. She gives us an in-depth look behind the EP tracks, while we also talk the history and influence of XSCAPE and more. This feature stands for so much more than most because not only has Scott been a major influence on so many in the entertainment industry, she’s been just that for me as well as a journalist. While my career choice is far different, I recognize that I definitely wouldn’t be where I am, and may not have been so inspired to pursue media without seeing those like her pushing to be such a force throughout the urban community. I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to connect you all with Mrs. Tamika Scott!
U.G. Digital Mag: Hey, Mrs. Tamika Scott?
Tamika Scott: Hey, how you doing?
U.G. Digital Mag: I’m doing outstanding. How are you?
Tamika Scott: Man, I’m doing so good right now…
U.G. Digital Mag: OK, so listen here…. First thing’s first; I just need like two seconds to just fan out over you, because I’ve been doing media for so long, an you, as well as the ladies of Xscape, I’ve not only followed you, but I’ve known for all these years that I’ve wanted to connect with you…
Tamika Scott: Awww…
U.G. Digital Mag: I’m definitely followed, but just hearing the music, and watching you maneuver through this game. All the things you’ve shown and taught us all. I love it! I’m so happy, and grateful for the opportunity. I know you do so much for Tyler Perry and the plays, and I am just a true follower. I’m happy with how far you’ve come and your perseverance. I had to get that out
Tamika Scott: Alright now, now that’s the true meaning of [singing] “Is my living in vain”…
U.G. Digital Mag: Yes! exactly. I was in high school when that dropped, but thank you.
Tamika Scott: Thank you. I’m so glad you followed your passion!
U.G. Digital Mag: Right. But it’s people like you, people like Kandi, Tiny, and your sister LaTocha, who have given me that “umph” to get out there and push for my dreams. I’m watching the likes of you doing it. That’s all I’m doing at this stage of my life is the things that make me happy.
Tamika Scott: You have to. You have to. It’s very important, and I’m so glad. Thank you.
U.G. Digital Mag: For sure. So listen, I know we have a short time. I really like to make my conversations more personal, and I love to get perspectives on things that are happening in everyday life with everyone out here like your fans. Obviously the world is struggling through this stuff with the coronavirus. In what ways does that affect you and your family, especially with you working to promote a project?
Tamika Scott: The positive side of it is spending time with my family. Since 2017, We have been nonstop since Xscape cane back together. This is giving me quality time to spend with my family, my husband, my children, my glam-babies, and I love that time. The time itself is confusing, and I hate watching the new because of your president!!!
U.G. Digital Mag: Nope! Don’t do that! Don’t even!! [laughing]
Tamika Scott: [laughing]. Every time he say something, I’m just like what?
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s funny with you ladies because when you toured for your most recent project, I was living in the Columbus, GA area, and wanted so bad to come to the show, but I had to work and couldn’t get the time off. How has it been out here for you to be touring now just for your own project?
Tamika Scott: I’m loving it because I’m very personable. I love to talk to the fans, and I love to hear their stories. I love it. The only difference is you don’t have three other girls to fall back on. Usually I can say Tiny you answer this, Kandi you answer that, and Tocha, you get that. Now, it’s just me. I’m loving the independence, because I am the Bobby brown. I love to jump in the audience, change the script, or pull somebody on stage.
U.G. Digital Mag: Right. I see enough of your shows on YouTube!, and you’re definitely fun-loving. You get out there and have a ball, which everybody loves. I think it’s dope. You’ve done so well though. ‘Go Outside in the Rain’ has done so weak, and in general, the project has done well. You have your daughters on there, your husband, and Q. Parker. It’s an amazing project.
A FAMILY AFFAIR
WITH TAMIKA SCOTT
Tamika Scott: I love R&B, and I wanted to definitely bring back R&B with substance and the songs that mean something, the songs that make you feel good. Something that’s relatable. FAMILY AFFAIR is really my life story, and I’m being an open book. It talks about me being hurt in a prior relationship. It’s me saying “what the hell was I thinking” once I woke up. ‘Go Outside in the Rain’ talks about the pain I endured, ending this long-term relationship. I just wanted to go outside in the rain and disguise the pain. I didn’t want you to see the tears. From that to falling in love again and meeting my current husband, learning how to trust again. The song ‘All of Me’, featuring Q Parker, and produced by RL of Next, talks about me being scared. I want to give ti to you, but I’m afraid. Then I have an inspirational song called ‘Almost Over”, that helped me in a recent situation where I had a hysterectomy, but my doctor messed up, and I ended up having four more procedures to correct the issues with that. I was in a dark place with that. I wrote this song some years ago, and my husband played it while I was in the hospital, and it lifted my spirits when I listened. It was saying hold on, and you’ve come too far to turn back now. Keep your head up, lift your head up high, you don’t have to worry. What you’re going through won’t last. The storm is almost over. I had to breathe it, and live it. I put this on the EP to inspire others going through things, and to teach them how to dance through the storm. At the end of the storm is a rainbow. FAMILY AFFAIR is about my family. I’m a family oriented person. I wanted the world to see what we do in the house. We’re singing and rapping. My daughters are on there. My husband is on there. It’s a big family affair.
U.G. Digital Mag: I think it’s truly amazing, and I love the fact that your entire family is united in the process. I love that you address the things in your life, and the things your fans are experiencing. I just spent two years going through what I felt was like the ugliest divorce and it sucks.
Tamika Scott: wow.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s amazing though that you cover a lot of that. I was in a place where it’s like what is there purpose. It’s amazing how music touches lives, and the ways it hits you. I benefit from it, and I know so many others do too. I can only say thank you for what you do. How does it feel to know your fans not only pull from your music for their lives, but the fact they have continued to follow you for all these years?
Tamika Scott: It’s definitely a blessing. Everyday I wake up I thank GOD for this life I live, and for following my dreams. It wasn’t easy. It’s a lot of struggles, and a lot of things we went through to get here. Back in the day, we was like lil’ boys in baggy pants. It was about the talent. That’s what set us apart, and that allowed us to have longevity. It’s a blessing and we don’t play with it. It’s not about the money. The money is good, but if you can help somebody achieve their goals, somebody going through hard times, talking about love, and touching lives, it means we did our jobs. I’m grateful and thankful.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s like you said. You gave us the talent. You weren’t only about selling sex. Obviously you had those songs, but you also had heavy hitters that were otherwise. I think back to the first album, and I can remember playing ‘Tonight” all the time, or on the second album, the intro and outro ‘All About Me’, or my favorite song on the album was always “Keep it on the Real”,
Tamika Scott: Really?
U.G. Digital Mag: My tidal playlist opens with “All About Me”, lol.
Tamika Scott: You got’ have to add ‘Go Outside in the Rain’ to that playlist baby!
U.G. Digital Mag: Let me tell you, it’s already there, along with All of Me, and Reflection. I love that your daughters are on there. All of Me really stands out to me. I think you’ve done an amazing job. What’s next?
Tamika Scott: Yep, that’s next. Getting in the studio, collaborating. The main producer I’ve been working with its Wirlie Morris. He did ‘Go Outside in the Rain’. I’m working on a web series right now. I love e introducing artists to the world. I love being in the background. With XSCAPE, we have out bio pic and we’ll have new music coming.
U.G. Digital Mag: I love it, and the world loves it. Talk a little more about the web series, XSCAPE THE MIC…
Tamika Scott: I wanted people to see Tamika Scott outside of XSCAPE. I’m a mother, wife, mom-ager, I’m a glam-ma, and I’m a cook. You’ll see me in different elements. I love black love, and I believe in it. Even being successful in my career, I know how to be submissive in my relationship. It shows my vulnerability and strength.
U.G. Digital Mag: Thank you so much. This has been amazing. I know we only had a short time, but it was more than enough and truly awesome. I’ve spent a lifetime it seems, wanting to connect and GOD made that happen. I’m immensely grateful to you for your time.
Tamika Scott: Thank you for taking time out of your schedule for little ol’ me.
U.G. Digital Mag: Listen here, My schedule ain’t nothing like yours [laughing]. But you have inspired me in so many ways, and I thank you.
Tamika Scott: Keep doing it!
