LaTocha Scott

LaTocha Scott-Bivens (born October 2, 1972; Atlanta, Georgia), professionally known as LaTocha, is an American R&B and Gospel singer, songwriter, and occasional actress. Best known as a powerful vocalist and founding member of the multi-platinum group Xscape, she played a pivotal role in the group's 1990s dominance, lending her voice to chart-topping hits that defined the era's R&B sound. Beyond her group success, Scott has established a solo career that bridges contemporary R&B with her gospel roots, culminating in the release of her inspirational studio work in the 2020s.

Early Life

Born to Rev. Randolf Scott and Gloria McFarlin, a teacher, Scott was raised in a musical and religious household in Atlanta. She began cultivating her voice at the age of six, performing at church services, weddings, and local talent showcases. Her musical partnership with her younger sister, Tamika Scott, started early, with the pair recording their first song together when LaTocha was just 11 years old.

During her formative years, she performed with a group called Precise before her path solidified at the Tri-Cities High School of Performing Arts. She eventually transferred to Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Georgia, where she graduated in 1991. It was within this creative environment that she met her future groupmates, laying the foundation for one of the most successful female R&B acts of the decade.

Career

In 1990, Scott co-founded Xscape alongside her sister Tamika, Kandi Burruss, and Tameka "Tiny" Cottle. The group's big break arrived in 1991 after a performance at producer Jermaine Dupri's birthday party led to an immediate signing with So So Def Recordings. Their 1993 debut album, Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha, launched them into stardom, powered by the hit single "Just Kickin' It." Scott's vocal prowess was central to the group's identity, as she sang lead on major hits including "Who Can I Run To," "The Arms of the One Who Loves You," and "My Little Secret," all of which reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.

Following Xscape's initial disbandment, Scott pursued solo endeavors, contributing the single "Liar Liar" to The Best Man soundtrack (1999) and releasing her debut solo project, Solo Flight 404 (2003). Her career also expanded into reality television with appearances on TV One's R&B Divas: Atlanta (2013) and the Bravo series SWV & Xscape: The Queens of R&B. In April 2023, she released her second studio album, The Invitation: A Conversation with God, via Motown Gospel, featuring the single "Afraid," which charted on Billboard's Adult R&B Airplay.

Personal Life

Scott has been married to music industry professional Ricky Bivens since 1995, and the couple shares a son, Jamon, born in 1997. An advocate for health and wellness, she has adopted a plant-based lifestyle and authored a cookbook to share her culinary journey.

Throughout her career, her contributions to music have been recognized with numerous accolades, including a Soul Train Music Award and a Black Music Honors Lifetime Achievement Award. Despite publicised internal tensions within Xscape, her legacy as a key architect of the group's sound remains undisputed.

Current Activities

Following the 2023 release of The Invitation: A Conversation with God, she has focused on her solo gospel career under her Made Girl Music imprint, in partnership with Motown Gospel. She continues to perform and make appearances, balancing her solo ministry with her legacy as a member of Xscape, with updates on tours and new music announced via official channels as confirmed.