Rowland, alongside Beyoncé Knowles, launched iconic, multi-platinum girl group Destiny’s Child. Since the DC breakup in 2005 Rowland’s scored a few hit singles as a solo artist and was a host on the eighth season of British talent show The X Factor.

Kelly’s up for a Grammy this year, nominated for in the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration category for her slow jam “Motivation” featuring Lil Wayne.

In a statement, Essence editor-in-chief Constance C.R. White says Rowland’s “talent, drive and remarkable creative force show what it truly means to be a young powerhouse in an ever-changing industry.”

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TLC which stood for Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas, introduced 90′s music to a mixture of R&B, funk and what people called “new jack swing” with their debut song “Ain’t To Proud To Beg.” T-Boz’ voice was unlike anything we had heard from a female, raspy in nature and raw with a tom-boy spirit. TLC’s following album Crazy Sexy Cool made them the first female group to receive a diamond status from the RIAA, selling over 22 million copies after it’s release in 1994. “Creep,” “Waterfalls” and “Red Light Special” were all singles from the Grammy Award winning album. The album was ranked number 377 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. TLC’s next album FanMail sold 5 million copies and was the last album featuring all three of the original members. Lisa Lopes died in 2002.

Destiny’s Child debuted on the music scene in 1997 under the name “Girls’ Tyme.” The group consisting of Beyonce, Kelly, Latavia and Latoya were signed to Columbia Records where they released number one singles “No, No, No Pt 2,” “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “Say My Name” off the debut album The Writing’s On The Wall; which has sold 15+ million copies to date! Destiny’s Child were on their way to super stardom when the group lost Latoya and Latavia to personal differences which they blamed on Beyonce and management. That didn’t stop DC, they regrouped with two new members and released Survivor. Survivor has sold 12 million copies since, but then addition Farrah Franklin didn’t make it past that album. Destiny’s Child moved forward with Kelly, Beyonce, and Michelle producing albums 8 Days Of Christmas and Destiny Fulfilled.

Record Sales:

Destiny’s Child: 50+ Million

TLC: 45+ Million

TLC and Destiny’s Child have both been labeled the “greatest girl group of all time” but there can only be one group at the top…who do you all think should have the title?

TLC “Red Light Special” Vs. Destiny’s Child “Cater To You”

TLC “Scrubs” Vs. Destiny’s Child “Bills, Bills, Bills”

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Kelly is just as beautiful, sexy and talented as Beyonce.  The two grew up together and received the same grooming when it came to getting prepared for the music business. However, I personally don’t think it is fair to say Beyonce is better than Kelly. Why? Because Destiny’s Child was under the guidance of Beyonce’s parents, so of course Bey would be made a priority. I am not trying to say Beyonce isn’t talented, because the woman is great, but I am sure Beyonce was given better opportunities than the other girls.

Kelly is finally getting the attention she deserves and now we can all see Kelly and Beyonce as individuals. The two are like night and day but since the entire world insist on comparing the two lets break it down. I decided to put Kelly’s Here I  Am album up against Beyonce’s 4. I say if we are going to compare the two, at least this time around Kelly has a fair chance.

Listed below are the music videos of each album’s first single and a few songs. Keep in mind that Kelly has a number 1 single (“Motivaton”) and Beyonce’s two singles from 4, (“Run The World (Girls)” and “Best You Never Had”) have yet to hit the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 or Hip Hop/R&B Charts. Bey usually dominates those charts, “Run The World (Girls)” only hit number 1 on the dance charts.

On that note, let the rumble begin! Are you #TeamKellyRowland or #TeamBeyonce. Hit the comments and let us know how you feel about each album.

Kelly Rowland- Feelin’ Me Right Now ft. Rico Love

Kelly Rowland- Lay It On Me ft. Big Sean

Kelly Rowland- I’m That Chick

Beyonce- Countdown

Beyonce- Best Thing I Never Had

Beyonce- Party ft. Andre 3000

Recent Post:

Kelly Rowland Goes Topless For VIBE Magazine & Enjoys Sex Shops

Beyonce Doesn’t Like Her Feet Because They’re Beat Up

10. Danity Kane
We got to witness their rise to fame and fall from grace. The saddest
part about the group disbanding is they did so right as they were
hitting their stride. “Damaged” was one of the biggest singles in
2008. If that isn’t enough, Danity Kane is the first female outfit to
have their first two albums debut at number one on the Billboard
charts. Show stoppers for real.

9. Zhane
There aren’t too many things better than being at a party when “Hey
Mr. DJ” blares through the speakers. Jean Norris-Baylor and Renee
Neufville debuted as part of Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit crew. After
the initial success of “Hey Mr. DJ,” the duo dropped moderate hits,
“Groove Thang” and “Sending My Love.” The reasons the disbanded has
never been discussed, but they need to come back. The party is longing
for another anthem, ladies.

8. Total
Kima, Keisha, and Pam had swag for days. Strong vocals and harmonies
over hip hop edged beats was a winning formula for the former Bad Boy
artists. “Can’t You See” is still one of the crown jewels out of the
Sean Combs’ company’s catalog. Their last official appearance
together was in 2001. Total, you got us sitting home waiting for
another album. Ten years is too long.

7. 702
Named after their Las Vegas area code, 702 was a lovely trio with
beauty, talent, and attitude. Under Missy Elliott’s guidance, Meelah,
Misha, and Irish had a string of hits in the late ’90s. After a brief
hiatus and reunion, the girls permanently disbanded in the fall of
last year. The last time anybody heard from them was the failed album,
Star. After that, everyone was asking, “Where these girls at?”

6. Brownstone
You know there’s got to be something special about you when you form a
group and within a year Michael Jackson signs you to his label.
Brownstone was thought to become a major force in the industry during
their mid-1990s run. How can you deny the harmonies and vocal power
shown on the smash hit, “If You Love Me?” Through the member changes
and disappointing follow up album, Brownstone still has a place in the
girl group hall of fame. If only they could get along long enough to
drop new material.

5. Floetry
Repping Philly via London, Floetry was a breath of fresh air to the
R&B world. The Floacist, Natalie Stewart, spit poetic lines as
songstress, Marsha Ambrosius, wowed audiences with her writing ability
and vocal prowess. There’s no way you can have a bedroom playlist and
not include a Floetry joint. Although we like the music both have
released as solo artists, we love the work they did together.

4. Salt-N-Pepa
This group claimed the top of the rap charts from the late eighties
well into the next decade. They were trendsetters.The asymetrical cuts
women are still rocking today is because of these ladies. With hits
like “Push It,” “Whatta Man,” and “I’ll Take Your Man,” confidence was
never an issue. However, the subject matter of their material became
one for Cheryl “Salt” James. She became a Christian and didn’t feel
those lyrics should be coming out of a saved woman’s mouth. James is
the perfect example of every saint once being a sinner. Never mind all
that, can we please get a new album? It’s very necessary.

3. Xscape
Jermaine Dupri’s singing clique was one of the best during their time.
Comprised of sisters, LaTocha and Tamika, Kandi, and Tiny, they had
slow jams galore. “Do You Want To” and “Understanding” being a few out
of the many. The ladies called it quits in 2005 after Kandi was
replaced by Keisha Miles. Internet rumors added to speculation Kandi
left because of a falling out with LaTocha and Tamika. Will they ever
kiss and make up? Hopefully, I need more records like “The Softest
Place On Earth” in my life.

2. Destiny’s Child
Call them what you want, they had star power. Beyonce and her back up
vocalists, Kelly and Michelle, took the world by storm. They became
the best selling female group by selling 50 million albums worldwide.
Bey’s success as a solo artist aside, Kelly and Michelle aren’t doing
too bad themselves. Michelle won rave reviews in the Broadway and West
End productions of Chicago. After several delays, Kelly is getting
some shine with a third album in the works. That’s good and all, but
we need more tracks like “Survivor.” That song exemplifies the intense
chemistry they had. We need more of it.

1. TLC
Sadly, this will never happen. Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes died in a car
accident in Honduras in 2002. But you can’t blame us for wishing.
Before losing the title to our number two spot holders, TLC was the
best selling girl group of all time. The ATL trio held the title for
almost 10 years. nobody has classics like them. “Waterfalls,” “Creep,”
“Aint Too Proud To Beg.” Need I say more? Didn’t think so.

Join The Conversation On Our Facebook Page:

From Diana Ross and the Supremes to Destiny’s Child – see if you can answer the tough questions that only a Black music expert would know!

Do you know what Teboz, Left Eye and Chilli called their group before officially changing it to TLC?

Take the Girl Groups Pop Quiz on BlackPlanet and let us know how well you did! Did any of the questions have you stuck or are you a Girl Group know-it-all?

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On the current Billboard R&B singles chart, “Motivation” is sitting pretty in the Top 10 at number 6 while Beyoncé’s “Run The World (Girls)” is hovering at number 41. On the Hot 100 chart, “Motivation” jumps up eleven spots to land at number 43. “Run The World (Girls)” falls 15 spots to number 48 on the same chart.

Will Kelly’s reign over Beyoncé on the charts last?

Well, we don’t see any Billboard Millenium Awards in Kelly’s near future, so Kelly probably should enjoy this while it lasts!

Source: Billboard.com 1, 2

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“Unfortunately, I am the latest victim on what seems to be a growing list of those who are racially profiled and mistreated by Culver City Police,” Franklin told TMZ. “I was manhandled by the arresting officers.”

TMZ contacted the Culver City Police Department. The department says they were simply responding to a disturbing the peace call.

“I am really upset about all that has taken place. I have never had a run in with the law before Saturday,” Franklin said. “On Saturday I was not arrested, I was detained.”

The Culver City Police Department again  disagrees with Franklin. They say she was definitely arrested for disorderly conduct.

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Franklin was arrested at 6:45 AM on Saturday.  She was released later that day on $100 bail.

Franklin spent 5 months with Destiny’s Child in 2000.

Source: TMZ

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Latavia visited Phaedra who promised to turn her back into a diamond. Latavia admits that after she was basically fired from Destiny’s Child she turned to alcohol, that she had gotten a DWI and gone to jail for her addiction. She likens being fired to a marriage gone wrong. Latavia says she was told “You don’t even do enough in this group to have an opinion.”

Hm…if only we knew all the truths behind the DC breakup!

Way cute girl!

GALLERY: Is LeToya Luckett The Best Looking Destiny’s Child Member?

Was Jay-Z Beyonce’s First?!

Some of black music’s most famous artists got their start as background players before launching successful solo careers of their own. Mary J. Blige, Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye and Mel’isa Morgan are just a few of the countless others who supported others before forging their own paths.

A new soulful voice, Tiffany Monique, is gearing up to do step to the foreground with her debut solo effort, which is released this week..

For years, the Tennessee native lent her distinctive sound to back-up a litany of pop and R&B stars, from Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder to Christina Aguilera and Kenny Loggins.

RELATED: Beyonce Feels Herself At Bonnaroo

But her spectacular work with the one and only Beyonce Knowles seems to the springboard for so much more.

As a student at Morgan State University in 2003, Tiffany Monique Riddick sang backup vocals on Carey’s BET Christmas special at the request of the ‘Make it Happen’ singer’s vocal coach and background singer Melonie Daniels. That performance led to years of background work before she left the music business to focus on her family.

“I was married at the time and found out I was pregnant, and I felt that I needed to settle down,” the aspiring diva told BV Newswire. But just as she came to grips with how miserable she was working at a full-time pharmaceutical job, she got the opportunity of a lifetime.

“I got a call from [creative director for Beyoncé] Kim Burse, and she said, ‘Tiffany, would you be able to leave tomorrow and be gone for six months?’”

How did she juggle a newborn and tour with Beyonce? CLICK HERE FOR MORE!

DC was one of the biggest girls groups ever. Not only were they talented, are all beautiful. That’s probably why they broke up- too much competition.

Who do you think is the best looking (once upon a time) member? Some would think that there is no competition, that Beyonce has it won hands down, but I beg to differ. Farrah and LeToya are very beautiful…

LeToya Luckett Beats The Destiny Child Break-Up Horse

VIDEO: Beyonce Stretches Out In New Clothing Ad

This is a classic case of “beating a dead horse-”  like come on, how many times do we need to hear this same story?

Letoya Luckett Looks Bangin’

VIDEO: Ludacris Puts A “Cherry” On top Of Latoya Luckett

Very rarely do celebrities start out on top.  It takes many of them years to become household names.  They take bit parts in movies, make appearances on television shows, do local commercials, or they make local headlines.  Take a look below for some of the best pre-fame video clips we could find on the internet!

Can you find Ice-T in this 1983 music video from Yarbrough & Peoples?

Jermaine Dupri in the mid ’80s

Ryan Leslie in 1994

An 8-Year-Old Christina Aguilera

Radio shock jock Howard Stern came up on the board feed of a Beyonce performance from the Today Show. During Bey’s live performance the audience heard polished pre-recorded tracks and the sound engineers heard what sounded like a hyena giving birth. Somebody leaked the unedited audio of what the former Destiny’s Child lead singer sounds like when she’s not being monitored and, of course, Howard Stern and his crew had a field day with it. I’m sure she can really sing if she wanted to but damn- just hum next time. She tried getting into it like the audience could really hear her. Good thing they couldn’t. If you can’t tell Beyonce is singing along to “If I Were a Boy”.

UPDATE: Beyonce’s father Mathew Knowles responded to the situation through a written statement.

“If no one took the time to look at the biggest Inauguration in the history of America then shame on them.

If no one took the time to listen to Beyonce sing ‘America the Beautiful’ and ‘At Last’ at the Neighborhood Ball for the first dance of President Obama and the First Lady, and they question Beyonce’s vocal ability, they’ve gotta be an idiot.

At 12 years into her career, the last thing someone should be questioning is her vocal ability. That would be like questioning if Kobe Bryant could shoot a jump shot. The vocals were obviously altered.”

See more CELEBRITY PHOTOS in yesterday’s Out And About!

The Music World/Columbia album shifts a whopping 482,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The album, split between material credited to Beyonce and her new alter-ego Sasha Fierce, has already spawned the hits “If I Were a Boy” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” Beyonce’s 2003 solo debut, “Dangerously in Love,” started with 317,000, while 2006′s “B-Day” moved 541,000.

Former 112 member Slim’s solo debut, “Love’s Crazy” (M3 Productions/Asylum) starts at No. 32 with 27,000, while country artist Blake Shelton’s “Startin’ Fires” (Warner Nashville) debuts at No. 34 with 26,000.

At 9.45 million, sales this week are up 6% from last week but down 32% from the same week last year (13.96 million).

With this effort Bey plays up what we are to believe are the vast differences from her true self (disc one) and Sasha Fierce (disc two)– who is preferred most by the urban fan base that has been around since the days of Destiny’s Child and Destiny’s Child Redux.

I Am, is filled with the type of ballads normally heard from One Republic or Leona Lewis (“Halo,” “Broken-Hearted Girl” and “If I Were A Boy”). Each moody and moving and light years beyond the clumsy, verbose supposedly self penned ballads found on Dangerously In Love. (Obviously she didn’t write these and if the liner notes say differently, rest assured some ghostwriter out there got paid lovely.)

It almost pisses me off that Sasha is seen as some sort of obscure, schizophrenic sidekick that Bey pulls out as some sort of couture accessory, because she embodies more of the key aspects that gave Bey differentiation in the first place. Sasha is brazen and bold (“Diva”), takes risks (“Radio,” “Videophone”), and still the hottest chick in the game (“Single Ladies– Put A Ring On It”).

Overall it seems as though the idea to exploit the once unspoken virtue of Sasha was the making of a marketing plan rather than some organic, artistic duality. Re: great concept, but the jury is still out on the execution. If we are to believe the hype around this alter ego nonsense, the eleven song set would have probably been better served had it been called the Evolution of Beyonce because claiming both is like having her cake and eating it too.

But while you were were lining up for a Beyonce CD signing in hopes that Sasha Fierce will show up, we were wondering… Where the hell is Hova and his requisite placement on Bey’s first release?