Before they were dismissing a “Bug a Boo” for not paying the “Bills, Bills, Bills,” declaring their independence, or quoting Biggie to dish out reminders that “UPS is hiring,” Destiny’s Child made it clear they did not have the time for mess junk. On “Get on the Bus,” the budding divas slide atop a slinky Timbaland-produced, Missy Elliot-penned track that foreshadowed the best that was yet to come. With Beyoncé and Kelly taking turns to deliver some sass-filled verses, Timbaland’s whiny boyfriend character never stood a chance. Here, it became very clear: somebody could send your luggage.

Watch the “Get on the Bus” video, stream it, or get a coveted vinyl single.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

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Record labels sure loved to have teen stars sing songs they were probably not old enough to be singing in the 1990s. “With Me,” the second single from Destiny’s Child’s debut album, is a fine example of that. Recorded when the girls were just 16 years old and produced by go-to hitmaker Jermaine Dupri, it’s essentially a side chick anthem. Problematic as it may be, it’s a bop in all four of its iterations. Perfect evidence that Beyoncé and Kelly were vocally talented beyond their years, nobody would guess that the young girls singing it weren’t grown-ass women.

Watch the “With Me” video, stream it, or grab some Destiny’s Child vinyl.

In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.

Check out our full “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist here

The post 97 Words: “With Me (Part I)” by Destiny’s Child appeared first on THE 97.

Actually, the group’s foray into Christmas music began in 2000 with the recording of two original tracks. The group lent their talents to a second curated Christmas album by Rosie O’Donnell (yes, you read that right; what a time, chyle) via the song “Spread a Little Love on Christmas Day.” On a special edition rerelease of their sophomore album The Writing’s on the Wall, they also included what would go on to be the title track and lead single of their Christmas album, “8 Days of Christmas.” Beyoncé co-wrote and co-produced both original songs. Though they may sound a bit dated (especially with the Rosie shout out on “Spread a Little Love”), they are both undeniable bops, and the basis upon which the idea for the a Destiny’s Child Christmas album was born.

It’s no surprise that the girls’ label wanted them to do a Christmas album: they were signed to Columbia Records, which was also home to Celine Dion and Mariah Carey (until 2001), whose Christmas albums were monster successes in the 90s. Like Mariah and Celine when they released theirs, Destiny’s Child were at their peak stardom, so what better time to make their mark on the holiday music landscape? Beyoncé, Kelly and Michelle somehow found time in their busy schedules to record covers of a handful of Christmas standards, but also craft a few new tracks, as well.

I briefly chatted with Michelle, not for a formal interview, but just to see if she had any anecdotes to share about her memories attached to 8 Days of Christmas. She recalled that, “It was a very busy time! We were touring and having to find an hour here and there to record!” That certainly tracks; as a fan then and now, I remember being surprised when they announced the Christmas album. My reaction was like, “when did y’all have time to do this?!” Nevertheless, I was perched at home on Halloween at 11 years old, not trick-or-treating, but bopping to Christmas music instead. Anyway, Michelle also hilariously recounted that there might have been some “sinus infections and tons of congestion on a few of the songs!” If so, we would have never known, because the vocals on 8 Days of Christmas are one of its highlights.

Upon its release, reviewers weren’t exactly kind to the trio’s take on Christmas. In fact, I remember writing a scathing response to one Tracy E. Hopkins (I still remember her name to this day) for the way she dragged the album in her Rolling Stone review. I was eleven years old at the time, so surely that was not my finest nor most mature piece of writing. Twenty years later, I can understand why critics didn’t quite get the album. In 2001, most Christmas music adhered to the notion that it should be able fit in with the classics. While that remains true today for the most part (especially if you want your own perennial hit like Mariah Carey’s), things have evolved a bit. Dare I say, Destiny’s Child made it cool to make Christmas music that sounds more modern. They took their early 2000s sound, tossed in some sleigh bells and tidings of comfort and joy, and said “Merry Christmas, from Destiny’s Chiiiild!” The ladies harnessed their “girl power” and channeled it into a festive moment that, 20 years later, still has fans saying, “yes it feels like Christmas!”. Plus, the new girls since have definitely taken note: from Ariana Grande’s Christmas and Chill, to JoJo’s December Baby, it’s clear there is a market for more modern sounding Christmas music. It’s time to embrace the modern Christmas bop, people; give Phil Spector’s wall of sound a rest.

Twenty years have passed since Destiny’s Child released 8 Days of Christmas, and while the album might not sound like what most consider to be “classic” or “timeless” Christmas music, it gave us several gems and holds a special place in my heart. Surely, any Destiny’s Child fan must feel the same. In celebration of the album, I have ranked all 14 tracks: the 12 from the original release, plus its two 2005 bonus tracks.

8 Days of Christmas, Ranked

14. Little Drummer Boy (featuring Solange)

“Little Drummer Boy” is one Christmas song that I just do not like, and not even my favorite artist Destiny’s Child can save it here. Still, it was cute to hear a young Solange again join the trio for this Christmas moment. Four years later, she would pen an original Christmas song for the girls. More on that one further up the list.

13. Platinum Bells

A spin on the carol “Silver Bells,” DC3’s “Platinum Bells” is more like an interlude on the album. It’s cute and fun, but clocking in at 90 seconds in length, it doesn’t quite stack up to the rest of the songs.

12. Silent Night (Beyoncé’s solo)

I might get dragged for this, but I hope the Hive can find it in their hearts to chill this holiday season. I was in the BeyHive before there was a Hive, so let’s not okay?! “Silent Night” has never been my favorite Christmas song… I’ve always found it kind of boring, to be frank. Yes, it’s a beautiful song and I can respect it as such, and most talented vocalists tackle it gorgeously, but I can never really get into it. Maybe once per season, maybe during a live performance, but, otherwise… I usually skip it. Beyoncé serves up some vocal acrobatics on her version, as expected, though at times it does feel like a bit too much.

11. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

The ladies’ rendition of “Rudolph” ranks this low not necessarily because I don’t love their version, but I just don’t really adore this song in particular. Of course, it’s a classic and conjures up childhood memories, but it’s still a children’s song at its core, so I listen to it sparingly. That being said, they certainly sound great here. Their version was not released in 2001, though. It sounds as though it was recorded then (I asked Michelle, she couldn’t remember), but it wasn’t released until 2005. They promoted it with an adorable claymation video that acted as a cross promotion for the 2005 DVD rerelease of the classic 1964 animation film. The song was also added to 8 Days of Christmas as a bonus track for its 2005 rerelease on DualDisc (surely the kids have NO clue what that is!).

10. White Christmas

Though it might be of the shortest Christmas carols, “White Christmas” is also one of the most beloved. Destiny’s Child takes it on similar to how they later collaborated on Michelle’s “Say Yes” – they each sang the carol through once, putting their individual vocal spins on it on each go-round, and layering it up with their signature harmonies. They sound great doing so, of course, but it sort of leaves us begging for more. This might’ve been another moment to go the “medley” route, perhaps mixing it in with “Winter Wonderland” or “Let It Snow,” to make the moment last a bit longer.

9. Do You Hear What I Hear? (Kelly’s solo)

For her solo track, Kelly chose to take on a religious song as well. Modeled after Whitney Houston’s definitive version of the classic, Kelly’s rendition of “Do You Heart What I Hear?” is simply beautiful. Kelly has made it well known that she has always been a huge Whitney fan, so it is no surprise that she was heavily inspired by Ms. Houston for this cover. Had she differentiated her version a bit more, it might rank higher here. Still, don’t let its placement here take away from the fact that the Kelly’s version is well worth a listen and placement on your Christmas playlists!

8. This Christmas

The trio takes on Donny Hathaway’s classic “This Christmas,” giving it an early 2000s modern twist musically, with a vocal arrangement that is mostly faithful to the original. The fact that it’s a trio singing the song, each taking their own verse, helps to differentiate the Destiny’s Child version from the many other covers (most good, some bad) that exist of this classic.

7. A “DC” Christmas Medley

As the title suggests, this is a medley of Christmas classics, with a Destiny’s Child spin. The trio sleighs through bits of several holiday favorites: “Jingle Bells,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Here Comes Santa Claus,” with “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” functioning as the song’s hook. It’s a clever way to quickly bop through these short little classics, and works especially well as a group moment, which each of the ladies leading a carol of their own.

6. Home For the Holidays

“Home From the Holidays” is a song recorded for a Walmart ad campaign in 2005, and was included on a Walmart-exclusive edition of the album. Co-written and co-produced by Beyoncé’s sister Solange, “Home For the Holidays” is yet another Christmas jam by the trio. Truly, its beat slaps, and is good enough to be a non-Christmas song. However, its lyrics about going “home for the holidays” to celebrate with family make it a bop fit for the holidays. If it was a little more Christmas-y, musically, it’d likely rank higher on my list. Still, I love the song, and I am so glad that it was finally uploaded to streaming this year!

5. O’ Holy Night (Michelle’s solo)

Of course, Michelle Williams reminds us of the true reason for the season with her solo number, a gorgeous cover of the classic hymn, “O’ Holy Night.” Produced by her brother Erron Williams, Michelle’s rendition is a fresh, soothing reimagining of the heavenly hymn. The song was actually the first time fans ever got to hear Michelle solo track. She masterfully glides through the lead vocals, and the layered background vocals. Michelle’s version remains one of my favorite takes on “O’ Holy Night.”

4. 8 Days of Christmas

With its simple refrain of “Doesn’t it feel like Christmas? Yes, it feels like Christmas!” this song is one that never fails to conjure up the Christmas spirit within. Sure, it’s one of those love songs with a little Christmas cheer sprinkled on top. Some might call the song “superficial” because its verses are about all of the gifts “mybabygaytame” but let’s remember, the song is clearly inspired by “12 Days of Christmas,” which is just the same. Ultimately, the song is a fun, festive romp that is the perfect combination of early 2000s pop and cheer-full Christmas vibes. Also, you’ve gotta love the Tina Knowles Lawson designed Sexy Santa outfits they wore during the promo tour.

3. Spread a Little Love on Christmas Day

“It’s beautiful outside and the wind is whistling; I look outside my window as I see my neighbor’s Christmas tree; the snow is falling, my spirit’s feeling happy, I’m feeling even better ’cause I got my family next to me,” Beyoncé sings to open Destiny’s Child’s first-ever Christmas song. It’s a sentiment that is repeated in countless Christmas songs, and one that never fails to lift spirits. On “Spread a Little Love on Christmas Day,” the girls express gratitude for their blessings and, as the title suggests, spread love to all of their listeners, no matter where in the world they may be. Musically, the song sounds like it could’ve fit in on Survivor, but lyrically, there’s no mistaking that the song is filled with Christmas cheer. For that reason, it has always been one of my favorites.

2. Opera of the Bells

Certainly the best cover on the album, Destiny’s Child’s version of “Carol of the Bells” is aptly retitled “Opera of the Bells.” This a cappella moment finds the trio united in harmony, and impeccably so. As with most versions of this classic carol, DC3’s version is equally haunting and powerful. It’d truly be something to hear Beyoncé, Michelle and Kelly perform this one today; their voices have only improved over the years, and no doubt they would slay this, effortlessly. The last time they performed it live was in 2004.

1. Winter Paradise

This has always been my favorite song on the album. It’s simple, yet perfectly heartwarming. Co-penned and co-produced by Beyoncé, this DC3 original is underrated and deserving of its flowers. I wish it had been a single so that it could have received more shine. Lyrically, it hits all the Christmas points and serves up all the Christmas warm and fuzzies. I also love the vocal arrangements here; Michelle, Kelly and Beyoncé all have equal opportunities to shine.

Listen to Destiny’s Child’s 8 Days of Christmas

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On November 16, 2004, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams reunited once more as Destiny’s Child for their final album, Destiny Fulfilled. However, to fully understand the magnitude of this moment, one must travel back and truly relive this unprecedented moment in music history.

The Anticipation Was Real.

It was the one year anniversary of Beyoncé’s debut solo album, Dangerously In Love, when Destiny’s Child announced that their return was imminent, sending fans into a frenzy on June 24, kicking off the summer of 2004. In September 2004, they would debut their comeback single and perform it on Pepsi’s “Play For a Billion” television show.

All summer, fans waited with bated breath for the trio’s return. Unlike other superstar groups, Destiny’s Child had done what none had done before. They kept their promise. In 2001, they announced plans to go solo and record their own, individual albums following their World Tour’s conclusion in 2002.  During the group’s hiatus, Michelle released two albums, Heart to Yours (2002) and Do You Know (2004), while Beyoncé and Kelly (2002’s Simply Deep) each released one. They remained supportive of each other’s solo efforts over the course of their 2 year hiatus, and with their sisterhood intact, moved forward with their promise: a comeback.

Their Return Was Televised.

The group made a surprise appearance together at the 2004 Fashion Rocks concert at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. That same night, they snatched the collective breath of their fans by unleashing their comeback single, “Lose My Breath.” Following the concert, their team distributed copies of the single to fans as they left the show.

Breath, Lost.

At midnight of September 9, 2004, AOL Music officially premiered the single and it was immediately pumped to radio stations. Met with rave reviews, the song was a fierce and fitting comeback for the powerhouse trio. With the release of the single came the announcement of the album’s title and release date: Destiny Fulfilled would be released a little over two months later, on November 16, 2004.

From this point on, the promotion for their comeback was in full swing. The ladies were everywhere promoting “Lose My Breath.” The same day of its release, they appeared on the NFL Kickoff show to celebrate their comeback and debut the song via a live performance. Complete with a dramatic introduction and fierce choreography, Destiny’s Child made it known that they were back, with a vengeance. Just two days later, they continued to promote the song with the performance promised in June – on Pepsi’s “Play For a Billion.” The hype paid off, as “Lose My Breath” made its at #30 on the Hot 100 based on radio play alone – one of the highest debuts in the chart’s history for a song with no commercial single available.

DC3, x 3.

In a move that is almost unheard of in today’s music climate, the music video for “Lose My Breath” was released about a month and a half following the song’s release, in late October. One of their best, it quickly became popular for its high-energy choreography and interesting concept. There were 3 incarnations of Destiny’s Child in the video: a sophisticated DC3, a street DC3 and a seeming amalgamation of both: a fierce, couture DC3. They competed with each other in a dance battle and the fierce, couture DC3 prevails perhaps introducing us to their new image (and, House of Deréon). Needless to say, its live performances and video helped the song’s popularity grow, and it eventually peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Soldier-ing On

In the few weeks prior to the album’s release, once “Lose My Breath” had peaked, Destiny’s Child dropped the album’s second single, “Soldier,” featuring Lil’ Wayne and T.I. (before they both became superstars in their own right). “Soldier,” although more hip-hop orientated than “Lose My Breath,” fit right in with radio at the time and also became an instant smash. Eventually, the song also peaked at #3 on the Hot 100. At this point, the ladies seemed unstoppable.

Numbers Don’t Lie

However, the album’s release week was met with a challenge.  Some retailers received the album early and sold copies of it (61,000 in fact) during the weekend prior to its newly bumped November 15th release date (their label, Columbia, moved it up one day to avoid piracy).  Due to this error, the album prematurely debuted at #19 with 61,000 copies sold.  The following week, the album jumped up to #2, selling an additional 497,000 copies.  No doubt, this impressive total proved just how hotly anticipated the Destiny’s Child’s comeback album was.

3 Voices, 3 Pens.

The album was a return to R&B for the group. Not since their debut album had they made an album so purely R&B. Aside from its first two singles, “Lose My Breath” and “Soldier,” there were no obvious single choices. The album was by no means a commercial one, nevertheless, it was a deeply personal, quality album. The songs were inspired by their life experiences after spending hours talking, rather than recording, in the studio when they began the recording process for the album. With the exception of Kelly’s solo song, “Bad Habit,” all the songs were cowritten by the trio. Beyoncé acted as vocal producer for every group song, as well. Most significant, though, was that for the first time all three ladies had a lead verse on every song on the album (aside from “Bad Habit,” of course).

Star-Studded Production

Production on the album was done by a team of talented producers, some of whom had worked with the ladies on both solo and group projects before, giving each of them a chance to bring their own, newly developed solo sounds to the group. Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, producer of 1999’s “Say My Name,” was behind the boards for the album’s first single “Lose My Breath” and its final single “Cater 2 U.”

Rockwilder, who produced the remix to the group’s smash hit “Bootylicious,” provided the tracks for “If” and “Free.” Rich Harrison, producer of Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love” and Kelly’s “Can’t Nobody” served the track for “Soldier.” Beyoncé also brought frequent Dangerously In Love collaborator Scott Storch (“Me Myself and I,” “Baby Boy” and “Naughty Girl”) to the group via “2 Step” and (solo song) “My Man,” bonus tracks for Walmart. Friend to Beyoncé and Kelly, Bryan Michael Cox produced Kelly’s “Bad Habit” alongside Beyoncé’s sister Solange Knowles. Meanwhile, Michelle brought her brother, Erron Williams, in to produce “Love,” as well as two other prior collaborators: Mario Winans, on “Through With Love” and PAJAM on Japanese bonus track “Why You Actin'”. Finally, producers like Dre. & Vidal (“T-Shirt”) and 9th Wonder (“Girl,” “Is She the Reason” and “Game Over”) were new to “the wonderful world of Destiny’s Child” (as Da Brat said on the “Survivor” remix).

The Dirty Laundry

However, perhaps one of the most notable things about Destiny Fulfilled is the fact that it tells a story – a story about a woman dealing with the ups and downs of a relationship. Beyoncé in particular harped on this fact in a number of interviews, noting how “the woman” begins fiercely with “Lose My Breath,” searching for her “Soldier” and then finding and “Cater[ing] 2” him. However, things get rocky midway through the album and eventually “she” finds love again with the help of God, and her sisters.

Nine years later, “she” was revealed to be Kelly. With the release of 2013’s “Dirty Laundry,” it became quite clear that she was the main inspiration behind Destiny Fulfilled’s story (though, Michelle has admitted that songs like “Free” and “Through With Love” were inspired by her almost-marriage prior to the album’s creation). Songs like “Girl” and Kelly’s solo track “Bad Habit” were not just a coincidence. They were taken from a very personal place. Unbeknownst to fans then, the songs were Beyoncé and Michelle’s way of supporting their sister through a hard time. It makes the Sex and the City themed “Girl” video with Kelly at the center of the storyline make all the more sense.

The Sisterhood

Destiny’s Child’s bond has remained strong in the years since the release of their final album. In 2013, they had several reunions: a new song (“Nuclear”), an appearance during Beyoncé’s Super Bowl set, a collaboration on Kelly’s album (“You Changed”) and in a video on Beyoncé’s visual album (“Superpower”). In 2014, they reunited on Michelle’s song and video for “Say Yes”. Most recently, the trio reunited for Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella set, along with countless other moments through the years. They continuously support each other in their personal and professional endeavors.

When Destiny Fulfilled was released in 2004, Beyoncé and Kelly were 23, and Michelle was 25. Grown women, for sure, but still just at the beginning of their lives and careers. They would go on to achieve and experience so much more. Looking back in retrospect, it’s astounding to see how they much they have grown as artists and women – but also, how much they have remained true to themselves. Though so much has changed, their heart and soul live in perpetuity within these songs. Most of all, their sisterhood is still intact and, likely, stronger than it was in 2004.

It’s hard to believe, but Destiny’s Child has now been inactive longer than they were active (eight years, from 1997 to 2005). Yet, in the decade plus since they disbanded, their sisterhood and their star has grown stronger.

Destiny Fulfilled exists as a monument of their sisterhood; an iconic legacy untarnished. If they never reunite again, their status remains unquestioned. However, if (speaking it into existence: when) they do, it will surely be unlike anything the music world has experienced before. Until then… Destiny Fulfilled. 

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