20 Years of ‘The Writing’s on the Wall’
Today in 1999, Destiny’s Child released its sophomore album, The Writing’s on the Wall. The group, still a quartet, had experienced moderate success with its self-titled debut album, but it was its follow-up that made Destiny’s Child a household name.
The album’s lead single, “Bills, Bills, Bills,” was the group’s first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It was followed by three more singles that were similar in their pro-woman messaging: “Bug A Boo” was all about being badgered by thirsty men; “Say My Name” was about catching a cheater over the phone; and “Jumpin’ Jumpin'” was a call for women to leave their men at home so they could go party with ballers at the club. City Girls need to pay homage.
The Writing’s on the Wall era gave us songs and videos that have become iconic, but that’s not all that makes that era pivotal for the group. Somewhere between “Bug A Boo” and “Say My Name,” things went left. Two of the original members of Destiny’s Child, LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, accused the group’s manager (and Beyoncé’s father), Mathew Knowles, of favoritism and tried to get a separate manager. As you might know, things didn’t work out them. They were kicked out of the group and replaced by Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin.
LeToya and LaTavia claim that they were dismissed without notice and once told MTV that they found out about their dismissal when the “Say My Name” video premiered. The two ended up suing Beyoncé, Kelly and Mathew, which later resulted in out-of-court settlements.
If you thought the drama ended there, you’d be mistaken. One of the replacements, Farrah Franklin, was kicked out of the group just five months after joining, making Destiny’s Child a trio. While her stay was short, it provided content that is now legendary among fans. If you ever doubted that Beyoncé could be shady or ruthless, some of these videos will quell that doubt.
Destiny’s Child got even bigger after the lineup changes. The Writing’s on the Wall will go on to sell over 15 million copies worldwide, becoming the group’s biggest album. “Say My Name,” the group’s second No. 1 hit, won two Grammys, and since they co-wrote and performed the track, LeToya and LaTavia received golden gramophones. How’s that for a consolation prize?
Picking a favorite track was tougher than expected, but “Bug A Boo” is the winner. Join me in celebrating this classic album.
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