Kandi Burruss’ road to success has not always been paved in platinum. Ten years after the release of her debut solo album, “Hey Kandi,” the veteran entertainer and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast mate is finally set to release her long awaited sophomore album Kandi Coated. Formerly a member of 90’s R&B girl group Xscape, Burruss has written hits for Destiny’s Child, Pink, Mariah Carey, Fantasia, Usher, Joe, and Whitney Houston. She most notably co-wrote the Grammy Award winning hit “No Scrubs” for TLC, with former group mate Tameka “Tiny” Cottle.

Her new album is the musical opus of a single mother looking for love after coping with a grave loss (Kandi’s fiance Ashley “A.J.” Jewell was killed last October in Atlanta).

Her lead single, “Leave U” is a woman’s anthem that boasts that its time to leave when your man stops doing what he needs to do. In the video she leaves her man and falls into the arms of Pooch Hall–popular sitcom The Game (insert shameless plug: New episodes air in January 2011 only on BET). Check it out.

Be sure to pick up Kandi Coated on December 14th.

Three of our favorite R&B artists are currrently on tour. Eric Benet and Kandi have joined Soul Train Awards 2010 nominee Fantasia as openers on her “Back To Me” Tour. Things kicked off last Thursday, and so far the trio has already blazed the stage in Richmond, Norfolk, Philadelphia and Baltimore. Here’s a little footage from their stop in Philly.

Fantasia “BACK TO ME” tour dates:

Nov 10- Johnny Mercer Theater (Savannah, GA)
Nov 11- Fox Theater (Atlanta, GA)
Nov 12-Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (Tampa Bay, FL)
Nov 13- Moran Theater (Jacksonville, FL)
Nov 14- James L. Knight Center (Miami, FL)
Nov 17- Ovens Auditorium (Charlotte, NC)
Nov 18-War Memorial Auditorium (Greensboro, NC)
Nov 19- Township Auditorium (Columbia, SC)
Nov 20-BJCC Concert Hall (Birmingham, AL)
Nov 24- Nokia Theater L.A. Live (Los Angeles, CA)
Nov 26-Copley Symphony Hall (San Diego, CA)
Nov 27- Paramount Theater (Oakland, CA)
Dec 2- Verizon Theater at Grand Prairie (Dallas, TX)
Dec 3- DeSoto Civic Center (Southaven, MS)
Dec 4- Kiefer Uno Lakefront Arena (New Orleans, LA)
Dec 5- Reliant Arena (Houston, TX)
Dec 8- Murat Theater at Old National Center (Indianapolis, IN)
Dec 9- Louisville Palace Theater (Louisville, KY)
Dec 10- Fox Theater (Detroit, MI)
Dec 11- Procter and Gamble at Aronoff Center (Cincinnati,OH)
Dec 12- Bell Auditorium (Augusta, GA)
Dec 27- Beacon Theater (New York City, NY)
Dec 28- DAR Constitution Hall (Washington, D.C)
Dec 29- State Theater (Cleveland, OH)
Dec 30- Auditorium Theater (Chicago, IL)
Jan 1-Fox Theater (St. Louis, MO)

Fantasia is flexing her acting chops again. The Soul Train Awards nominee recently wrapped filming “Rube’s Cafe.” Written and directed by Nicci Gilbert-Daniels—former member of 90’s girl group Brownstone—and her husband Lenny Daniels; the colorful short film tells the story of a shy church girl who finds her voice and womanhood in a 60’s juke joint.

Filmed at Atlanta’s historic Tree Sound Studio, Barrino plays the lead character and is serving as the Executive Producer of the project. The film also stars singer Ray Lavender, Terri J. Vaughn, Terrell Carter, and Chrystale Wilson (remember she played Ronnie in The Player’s Club). Official details of the official premiere have yet to be released, but the buzz surrounding the project could mean it could become a feature.

Nominated for two Soul Trains Awards—including Record of the Year for her song “Bittersweet”—Fantasia Barrino has no doubt had a rough few months. Thankfully she’s back on track with her latest single “Doin’ Me” from her third studio album Back To Me that’s in stores now.