Today we go back to the end of the last century to salute one of the greatest bands the music business has ever birthed.
This week’s From The Vault is Destiny’s Child‘s sassy ‘Bills, Bills, Bills.’
The first offering from the original line-up’s sophomore set ‘The Writings On The Wall,’ ‘Bills’ joined the list of male-bashing tracks which were all the rage in the late 90’s into early 00’s.
An attitude soaked song with a direct approach, the cut finds the girls lamenting about “good for nothing type of brothers.” Interestingly, the now-iconic quad stressed that they were unable to stay with their baes as said lovers couldn’t meet their financial needs. Needless to say this was released prior to ‘Independent Women’.
Penned by the ladies and produced by Kevin “Shek’spere” Briggs, it served as the first DC’s four Billboard Hot 100 #1 hits – dethroning Jennifer Lopez’ ‘If You Had My Love.’ Helping establish the R&B outfit internationally, ‘Bills’ became their breakthrough hit peaking at #6 in the UK, #7 in Canada and charting inside the Top 10 in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Many a DC fan will recall the countless stories shared about times spent at Beyonce’s mother’s hair salon while growing up. Hence, it’s fitting that the group drew on this theme for the tune’s accompanying video. Set at a beauty salon, perhaps as a homage to the matriarch of the Knowles clan, the Darren Grant visual amplified the “girl talk” angle.
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We’re certainly not alone in forming a prayer circle for a new Destiny’s Child project. Whether an album, a tour, or an edgy “new rules” kind of venture, we’d readily welcome newness from DC3 . Or “DC of any number” to be honest. Because while there are a growing number of great group’s populating the modern day scene, there are arguably no true “super groups.” A title Destiny’s Child continue to hold.
For now, we can only celebrate the past in hope that the future delivers amazing things.
DC, once again, we salute you.