Kandi of ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ Discusses Role of Women in Music

The ladies reigned supreme at the ASCAP Women In Music event in Atlanta. Celebrating the achievements of female songwriters in the industry, the event showcased some of the most established talents as well as up-and-comers that are beginning to make waves.

The attendees also made note of how far women had to go to gain equal footing with their male counterparts. “There [aren’t] a lot of women doing their thing right now,” said singer/songwriter Kandi Burress of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” fame. “Maybe its time for the ladies to come take over and add some ‘new-new’ to the game.” “I think there’s a lot missing, especially as a female lyricist,” Britney Street shared. “We’re missing a lot of women that are bridging that gap—that [aren’t] oversexed or gangsta. I think somebody like myself is missing. ASCAP is getting a chance to bring that out there.”

Kandi also discussed her role on what has become the most talked about reality show on television and how her television experience ties into her recording career. “I was [initially] supposed to be a part of the ‘Tiny and Toya’ show and that didn’t work out,” she explains. “The following week, the producer of ‘…Housewives’ met with me and wanted to talk to me about being on the show. It was one of the those things where I felt like everything happens for a reason. It boosted my visibility. For the last seven or eight years, I’ve been behind the scenes. I’ve done guest appearances and when you’re a writer/producer, you’re behind the scenes. I thought this was a good opportunity to show people that no, I haven’t been in front of the camera, but I have still been doing my thing, and this is me.” –todd williams