LaTocha Scott

{{short description|American singer-songwriter}} {{use mdy dates |date=March 2024}} {{Infobox person | name = LaTocha Scott | image = LaTocha.jpg | caption = | birth_name = LaTocha Reney Scott | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1973|10|2}} | birth_place = College Park, Georgia, U.S. | occupation = Singer-songwriter, actress | years_active = 1992–present | module = {{Infobox musical artist | embed = yes | genre = {{flatlist| * R&B * soul * gospel }} | instrument = Vocals | label = {{flatlist| * So So Def * Motown Gospel }} | current_member_of = Xscape }} | spouse = {{ubl | {{marriage|Rocky Bivens|1995}} }} | children = 1 | relatives = Tamika Scott (sister) | website = }} '''LaTocha Scott'''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-09-19 |title=LaTocha Scott-Bivens |url=https://www.bravotv.com/people/latocha-scott-bivens |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=Bravo TV Official Site |language=en-US}}</ref> (born October 2, 1973) also known by her mononym '''LaTocha''', is an American singer-songwriter. She rose to fame in the early 1990s as a member of Xscape. Scott sang lead on the group's singles "Who Can I Run To", "The Arms of the One Who Loves You", and "My Little Secret", all of which peaked in the top-ten of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and became earn platinum and gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.<ref name="riaa1">[https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=xscape#search_section Xscape Gold & Platinum Certifications]. Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved on May 24, 2024</ref><ref name="billboardchart">[https://www.billboard.com/artist/xscape/ Xscape Billboard Chart History]. Billboard. Retrieved on May 24, 2024</ref>

In 2013, she was featured in the TVOne reality show ''R&B Divas: Atlanta''. In 2017, she reunited with Xscape for The Great Xscape Tour. In April 2023, she released her second studio album ''The Invitation: A Conversation with God'' on Motown Gospel.

Throughout her career, Scott has sold over 12 million records with Xscape. Her work with the group has earned her several and nominations, including a Soul Train Music Award, a Black Music Honors Lifetime Achievement Award, an honorary Soul Train Lady of Soul Award.

== Early life == Scott was born in Atlanta, Georgia to her father, Rev. Randolf Scott and her mother, Gloria McFarlin who worked as a teacher at school. She is the elder sister to fellow Xscape member Tamika Scott. At the age of 6, she began to sing in church, weddings, and local talent shows. At 11, she had recorded her first song with her sister Tamika. Scott attended TriCities High School of Performing Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, transferring to Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Georgia graduating in 1991.

==Career== ===1990–2000: Xscape === {{main|Xscape (group)}} In 1990, Xscape was formed by Kandi Burruss, Tamera Coggins, Tameka Cottle, sisters LaTocha Scott and Tamika Scott. The group met while attending Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Georgia.<ref name="allmusicbio">[https://www.allmusic.com/artist/xscape-mn0000681956#biography Xscape Biography]. All Music. Retrieved on May 24, 2024</ref> In 1991, they were invited to sing at Jermaine Dupri's birthday party.<ref name="allmusicbio"/> Dupri eventually signed the group to his record label So So Def. In August 1993, the group released their debut single "Just Kickin' It". They released their debut album ''Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha'' in October 1993, which established the group as a viable act in the music industry. The group released their platinum-selling second album ''Off the Hook'' in 1995. The album featured songs such as "Feels So Good" and Who Can I Run To, the latter of which features Scott on shared lead vocals and became a platinum-selling single. ''Off the Hook'' won a Soul Train Music Award for R&B/Soul Album of the Year – Group, Band or Duo in 1996.

In April 1998, the group released the single "The Arms of the One Who Loves You", which features Scott on co-lead vocals. The song became a top-ten ''Billboard'' Hot 100 song and sold over 800,000 copies in the United States,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1Q0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA75 |title=Best-Selling Records of 1998 |magazine=Billboard|publisher=BPI Communications Inc.|date=January 30, 1999 |accessdate=May 31, 2024 |page=75 |issn=0006-2510|volume=111|number=5}}</ref> earning a gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).<ref name="riaa1"/><ref name="billboardchart"/> During the recording of the Xscape's third album ''Traces of My Lipstick'', Scott announced her plans to go solo. She recorded a song titled "Promises" for the compilation album ''eMusic Presents NFL Jams'', released in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|title=Music Stars Kick Out The Jams With NFLers|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426454/music-stars-kick-out-jams-with-nflers.jhtml|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129035132/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1426454/music-stars-kick-out-jams-with-nflers.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 29, 2013|publisher=MTV.com|access-date=May 29, 2012|date=October 6, 1998}}</ref> Released in May 1998, ''Traces of My Lipstick'' peaked at number twenty-eight on the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200 and eventually earned a platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1999. The album also spawned another ''Billboard'' Hot 100 song "My Little Secret",<ref name="billboardchart"/> which became certified gold in the US.<ref name="riaa1"/>

In 1999, Scott left Xscape to pursue her solo career and record a solo album for So So Def Records. In October 1999, LaTocha Scott released a single titled "Liar Liar" on the soundtrack of comedy drama film ''The Best Man''. By 2000, Scott experienced multiple push-back release dates on her album ''Life Goes On'' before it was ultimately shelved under Jermaine Dupri's So So Def record label.<ref>[https://ratedrnb.com/2023/05/latocha-the-invitation-a-conversation-with-god-interview/ LaTocha Is No Longer Afraid: Interview]. Rated R&B. Retrieved on May 24, 2024</ref> After her album was shelved, Scott briefly reformed Xscape but Burruss declined to rejoin the group. As a trio, Xscape appeared on Lil' Bow Wow's debut single "Bounce with Me". The group disbanded in late 2000.<ref name="allmusicbio"/>

===2000–2016: Solo career=== In 2002, Scott appeared a featured vocalist on Trick Daddy's single "Thug Holiday". The song peaked at number 87 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number 24 on the US Hot Rap Songs. In October 2003, Scott released her first album ''Solo Flight 404'' on Georgia-based label Raw Deal Records.<ref name="soloflight404">{{Cite web |title=Solo Flight 404 – LaTocha Scott {{!}} Release Credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/solo-flight-404-mr0000839787 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=AllMusic |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Hall|first=Rashaun|title=LaTocha Scott Preps Solo Album|date=9 August 2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=axEEAAAAMBAJ&q=latocha+scott|publisher=Billboard Magazine|access-date=August 9, 2003}}</ref> The album spawned a single "Still Ghetto" which failed to make an impact on the charts. Without the support of a major label, the project was ultimately considered a commercial failure. In 2005, Scott reformed Xscape with original members Tameka Cottle and Tamika Scott, along with new member Kiesha Miles. The group recorded a full album titled ''Unchained'' but the album was shelved shortly after the release of a single "What's Up", which failed to chart and received minor radio airplay. The group also did a few concert performances before disbanding by 2006 after failing to agree on management.

In April 2012, Scott resurfaced with the release of her single "Bad Timing".<ref>[https://youknowigotsoul.com/latocha-scott-bad-timing LaTocha Scott "Bad Timing"]. You Know I Got Soul. Retrieved on April 15, 2026</ref> She appeared as a cast member in the second season of the TV One show ''R&B Divas: Atlanta'' in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shaw|first=Amir|title=LaTocha Scott Discusses New Single and Life After Xscape|date=16 May 2012 |url=http://rollingout.com/music/latocha-scott-discusses-new-single-bad-timing-and-life-after-xscape/|publisher=RollingOut.com|access-date=May 16, 2012}}</ref> In February 2013, Scott and her sister Tamika Scott performed as Xscape at the So So Def 20th Anniversary Concert.

===2017–2022: Reunion with Xscape=== On June 25, 2017, Xscape reunited and performed at BET Awards 2017, marking their first performance together in eighteen years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Xscape performs hit medleys|url=https://www.bet.com/video/betawards/2017/performances/xscape-medley-understanding-who-can-i-run-to-just-kickin-it.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627200838/http://www.bet.com/video/betawards/2017/performances/xscape-medley-understanding-who-can-i-run-to-just-kickin-it.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 27, 2017|website=BET}}</ref> In November 2017, the group embarked on their headlining tour The Great Xscape Tour.<ref>{{cite web|title=Xscape Tour|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2017/09/19/xscape-the-great-xscape-tour-dates/|website=Great Xscape Tour}}</ref> In late 2017, Xscape premiered their own reality show titled ''Xscape: Still Kickin' It'' on Bravo network.<ref>[https://www.bravotv.com/xscape-still-kickin-it Xscape Still Kickin' It]. Bravo TV. Retrieved on May 24, 2024</ref> The reality show was centered around the group resolving internal conflicts, preparation and rehearsals for their upcoming tour, and personal endeavors. The group downsized to a trio after fellow member Burruss departed and the remaining members began performing as Xscap3. In March 2018, Xscap3 released an extended play titled ''Here for It'',<ref>{{cite web|title=Here For It – EP by Xscape|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/here-for-it-ep/1326903556|website=iTunes Store (U.S.)|access-date=22 February 2018}}</ref> which spawned two singles: "Wifed Up" and "Dream Killa".<ref>{{cite web|title=Dream Killa - Single by Xscape on Apple Music|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dream-killa-single/1317371935|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204012529/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dream-killa-single/1317371935|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 4, 2017|website=iTunes Store (U.S.)|accessdate=1 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Wifed Up - Single by Xscape on Apple Music|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wifed-up/1317376883?i=1317377069|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180223112438/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wifed-up/1317376883?i=1317377069|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 23, 2018|website=iTunes Store (U.S.)|accessdate=1 December 2017}}</ref> In 2020, she released a cookbook titled ''LaTocha Planted Lifestyle''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://latochalifestyle.com/ |title=The Book |website=Latocha's Planted Lifestyle |access-date=10 March 2024}}</ref> In December 2022, LaTocha Scott departed from the group to pursue her solo career, following a dispute between her husband and manager, Rocky Bivens, and a promoter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Velasquez |first=Angelina |date=2022-11-08 |title='The Love That We Share Could Never be Duplicated Nor Replaced': Xscape's LaTocha Scott Seemingly Addresses Distancing Herself from Group Following Husband's Dispute with a Promoter |url=https://atlantablackstar.com/2022/11/07/the-love-that-we-share-could-never-be-duplicated-nor-replaced-xscapes-latocha-scott-seemingly-addresses-distancing-herself-from-group-following-husbands-dispute-with-a-promoter/ |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=Atlanta Black Star |language=en-US}}</ref> ''SWV & Xscape: The Queens of R&B'', a reality show centered around both female groups, premiered on March 5, 2023, and chronicled Scott's departure from Xscape.

===2023–present: ''The Invitation: A Conversation with God''=== In April 2023, Scott released her second album ''The Invitation: A Conversation with God'' on Motown Gospel. The album spawned the singles "Stay With Me", "I'm Yours", and "Afraid".

==Personal life== In 1995, she married music manager Rocky Bivens.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-rocky-bivens-biv-global-management-midtown/ | title=Meet Rocky Bivens of Biv Global Management in Midtown – Voyage ATL Magazine &#124; ATL City Guide | date=26 November 2019 }}</ref> Their son Jamon was born in August 1997.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=LaTocha |user=iamlatocha |number=1262168421489352705 |date=May 17, 2020 |title=I just had to get my son @j_biv14 to join me in wishing @Kandi The Happiest Born Day Full of Love, Joy and Music!! 🎶 🎤💕 🎂 🎹 https://t.co/wy3Gz15t96 |language=en |access-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512010011/https://twitter.com/iamlatocha/status/1262168421489352705 |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://ubbulls.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jamon-bivens/5938 | title=Jamon Bivens – 2021–22 – Men's Basketball }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/190524/jamon-bivens | title=Jamon Bivens, Basketball Player }}</ref>

== Discography == {{see also|Xscape discography}} ===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! scope="col" rowspan="1" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="1" | Album details |- |- !scope="row"|''Solo Flight 404'' | * Released: October 14, 2003<ref name="soloflight404"/> * Label: Raw Deal Records * Formats: CD |- !scope="row"|''The Invitation: A Conversation with God'' | * Released: April 7, 2023<ref>[https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-invitation-a-conversation-with-god-mw0003972909#releases LaTocha - The Invitation: A Conversation with God]. AllMusic. Retrieved on May 24, 2024</ref> * Label: Motown Gospel * Formats: Digital download, streaming |- | colspan="2" style="font-size:8pt"| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory. |}

===Singles=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center;" border="1" ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="3"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |- ! scope="col" style="width:2.75em;font-size:85%;"| US<br>R&B ! scope="col" style="width:2.75em;font-size:85%;"| US<br>Adult R&B ! scope="col" style="width:2.75em;font-size:85%;"| US<br>Gospel |- ! scope="row"| "Liar, Liar" | 1999 | 101 || — || — | ''The Best Man'' |- ! scope="row"| "Still Ghetto" | 2003 | 101 || — || — | ''Solo Flight 404'' |- ! scope="row"| "Complicated" <br><small>(featuring Wale)</small> | 2012 | 115 || — || — | {{Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row"| "Stay With Me" | rowspan="3"|2023 | — || — || — | rowspan="3" |''The Invitation: A Conversation with God'' |- ! scope="row"| "I'm Yours" | — || — || — |- ! scope="row"| "Afraid" | — || 19 || 23 |- |}

== Filmography == {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Film ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- | 2005 | ''Fair Game'' | Vanessa | Supporting role |- |}

{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Television appearances |- ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- | 1994 | ''The All-New Mickey Mouse Club (MMC)'' | Herself as a Guest Mousketeer | The Guest Day Episode of Season 7 |- | 2013 | ''R&B Divas: Atlanta'' | Herself | Season 2 |- | 2017 | ''Xscape: Still Kickin' It'' | Herself | Main Cast |- |- | 2023 | ''SWV & Xscape: The Queens of R&B'' | Herself | Main Cast |- |}

==Published works== * ''LaTocha Planted Lifestyle'' (2020)

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == *{{Official website|http://www.latochaonline.com/}}

{{Xscape}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Scott, LaTocha}} Category:1973 births Category:Living people Category:Singers from Atlanta Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters Category:American women singer-songwriters Category:African-American actresses Category:20th-century African-American women singers Category:20th-century American women singers Category:20th-century American singers Category:African-American women singer-songwriters Category:21st-century American women singers Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters Category:21st-century African-American women singers Category:Singer-songwriters from Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Xscape (group) members