Few female vocal groups of the 1990s left as strong a mark on R&B as Xscape, and at the heart of that group’s sound was the powerful voice of LaTocha Scott. Born in Atlanta in 1973, Scott grew up in a family steeped in gospel music, singing in church and honing the vocal chops that would one day define a decade. Along with her sister Tamika, LaTocha joined forces with Kandi Burruss and Tameka “Tiny” Cottle to form Xscape, a group discovered by Jermaine Dupri and signed to his So So Def label in the early 1990s.
Xscape’s 1993 debut Hummin’ Comin’ at ‘Cha introduced the world to a street-savvy blend of hip-hop and soul, with Scott’s soaring soprano giving weight to hits like “Just Kickin’ It” and “Understanding.” The group would follow with Off the Hook and Traces of My Lipstick, both platinum sellers that placed Xscape firmly in the company of TLC, SWV, and En Vogue as defining voices of the era. Throughout it all, Scott was often the emotional centerpiece, her gospel-trained delivery grounding the group’s harmonies.
After Xscape’s initial split in the late ‘90s, LaTocha pursued solo work, including gospel recordings and collaborations with artists ranging from Trick Daddy to Jermaine Dupri. She later reunited with her groupmates for tours and, in 2023, stepped forward with her own R&B album The Invitation: A Conversation With God, showcasing both her spiritual roots and her enduring artistry.
Three decades on, LaTocha Scott remains a beloved figure in R&B—a singer whose mix of soul, gospel, and sheer power helped define a generation of music.
