They could write it, sing it and dance it all at the same time.
I have my mum to thank for my obsession with Destiny’s Child; It all started when I was just 3-years-old. Whenever I needed to be distracted, my mum would sit me in front of the telly and put on MTV or The Music Factory. Little me was fascinated by the songs, the fashion and the dancing. Then, one average day back in 2001, I saw the video for ‘Independent Woman Pt. 1’ – things were never the same again.
The track got under my skin immediately. That understated yet crisp beat, with the slick guitars and affirmative vocals; it’s a song that is equal parts classy and powerful. In their lyrics, the trio celebrate women making their own success and not taking BS from any man. Years later, the lyrics still make me throw myself around my University Halls enthralled in female empowerment. Too right I want to be a honey making money.
For me, there is no question about it: the epitome of RnB’s turn-of-the-Millenium golden age was Destiny’s Child.
I’ve had a lot of backlash over the years; “the lyrics are too plain”; “Beyonce’s solo material is better”; “are you kidding?!”; but nevertheless, this is a group who produced solid hit after solid hit. From the addictive, Stevie Nicks sample ‘Bootylicious’, to the insatiably gorgeous harmonies on ‘Bills Bills Bills’, or the supportive, good-time vibes of ‘Girl’, Kelly Rowland, Beyonce Knowles and Michelle Williams could write and sing it all.
Beyond the early noughties nostalgia, Destiny’s Child never let up on their talent for making the finest pop-friendly R&B in the business. And, as much of an industry product as they were, very few since have been able to replicate their all-encompassing, universal energy.
Sure, Rihanna may have given us a few hits but none have the smoothness of a Destiny beat. ‘How about Ariana Grande?’ you say; she comes close, but she’s still a house cat compared to Destiny’s fierceness. Nope, Destiny’s Child will always be my favourite child, they set the benchmark from the beginning, and they’ve remained there ever since.
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