Music / Destiny Fulfilled

If I don't pick up the phone like I used to...

Your heart
So pure, your love shines through
The darkness we'll get through
So much of me is you
I want to cater to my man

—Michelle, "Cater 2 U"

Destiny Fulfilled is the fourth^note not counting 2001’s 8 Days of Christmas and final album by American girl group Destiny's Child. It was released on November 15, 2004.

After the release of Survivor, the group went on hiatus to release solo projects in hopes of sparking more interest in the group. Michelle came first with the release of Heart to Yours in April 2002; Kelly followed up in October that same year with Simply Deep. Beyoncé was the final member of the group to release a solo project with the release of Dangerously in Love in June 2003. Following Knowles’s massive solo success, there was speculation that the group would never come back together. However, they reunited one last time to record Destiny Fulfilled in a three week process.

Destiny Fulfilled is a Concept Album detailing the journey of a woman’s relationship from beginning to end. The protagonist goes through the initial meeting phase of her lover (“Lose My Breath”). Then there is the lust and official vetting period (“Soldier), followed by the love stage (“Cater 2 U” & “T-Shirt”). Soon, she becomes suspicious that her man has been unfaithful (“Is She The Reason”), and her friends are catching on to the boyfriend treating her wrong despite her protests (“Girl”). Finally, the protagonist starts to wise up and makes the decision to do what’s best for herself (“Bad Habit” & “If”). She breaks up with her sleazy ex and while she feels liberated (“Free"), she still is dealing with the heartbreak of being betrayed. She swears off men and decides to dedicate herself more to her relationship with God (“Through with Love”). After many years, she finds love again with a new man who treats her well and restores her faith in men (“Love”). She truly feels that this man is the one (“Game Over”).

Four singles were released from this album: “Lose My Breath,” “Soldier,” “Girl,” and “Cater 2 U.” The first two singles peaked at number three on Billboard while “Cater 2 U” peaked at number 14.

The album received five Grammy nominations:

1. Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “Lose My Breath” (2005)
2. Best Rap/Sung Performance for “Soldier” (2006)
3. Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “Cater 2 U” (2006)
4. Best R&B Song for “Cater 2 U” (2006)
5. Best Contemporary R&B Album (2006)

In support of the album, the group embarked on the Destiny Fulfilled… And Lovin’ It Tour in 2005. The group performed many of the songs from the album as well as solo material from each member’s solo projects. Live in Atlanta was released in 2006. Following its release, Destiny’s Child officially disbanded. The trio has continued to reunite for live performances but have yet to officially make a comeback under the official group name.

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Tracklist (standard edition)

1. ”Lose My Breath”
2. ”Soldier” (featuring Lil Wayne and T.I.)
3. ”Cater 2 U”
4. ”T-Shirt”
5. ”Is She The Reason”
6. ”Girl”
7. ”Bad Habit”
8. ”If”
9. ”Free”
10. ”Through with Love”
11. ”Love”

Singles

1. "Lose My Breath"
2. “Soldier”
3. “Girl”
4. “Cater 2 U”

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Is she the reason you don't trope like you used to?

• Big "NO!": Beyoncé does one of these on "Cater 2 U."
• Blonde, Brunette, Redhead: Beyoncé is still the blonde but Kelly and Michelle swap roles as the brunette and redhead during this era.
• Bonus Material: "Game Over," "Got's My Own," and "Why You Actin'" were all bonus tracks featured on later deluxe editions of the album.
• Church Lady: Michelle can be seen wearing her Sunday’s best in the “Girl” music video as her verse plays in the background. Also, her verses on "Through with Love" and "Game Over" are sung with a particular religious fervor. The former track even features her getting backed by a choir during her verse. Considering she pursued a solo career in Gospel, it is safe to say this fits her!
• Dance-Off: In the music video for “Lose My Breath,” the group can be seen dance battling ‘’themselves’’.
• A Day in the Limelight: Kelly is the only one singing throughout the entirety of “Bad Habit.”
  • Michelle also has one of these on "Cater 2 U." Not only is it the longest verse she ever recorded while in the group, it is also the most popular verse of the song among fans.
• God-Is-Love Songs: "Through with Love"
  I found a new love
  I finally found it in God!
• Gospel Choirs Are Just Better: In "Through with Love," the group acts as this, backing Michelle as she closes out her verse. Live performances of the song featured a real choir.
• Intercourse with You: "T-Shirt."
  Give it to me deeper
  Giving me the fever
  Now you got my feet up
  This one is a keeper
• One-Word Title: "Soldier," "T-Shirt," "Girl," "If," "Free," and "Love."
• Melismatic Vocals: A hallmark of Destiny’s Child’s style. Most notable on "Girl," the climax of "If"
• Sampling:
  • ”Is She The Reason” samples “I Don’t Know No One Else To Turn To” by Melba Moore.
  • ”Girl” samples “Ocean of Thoughts and Dreams” by the Dramatics.
  • ”If” samples “Inseparable” by Natalie Cole.
• Self-Backing Vocalist: Kelly on "Bad Habit." This is notable because much of the album heavily features Beyoncé on the background vocals.
• Send in the Clones: The premise of the “Lose My Breath” music video. Three versions of Destiny’s Child appear to dance battle each other: a prim and proper version in identically stylish red suits; an urban version donning streetwear; and a “fierce” version, styled in furs and heels, appears towards the end of the video to join the fray.
• Single-Target Sexuality: The protagonist’s new lover as described in “Love.”
  ‘’Thirty beauties in the room, only me you see’’
• Shout-Out: The “Girl” music video was inspired by Sex and the City.
• Southern Rap: “Soldier.” Fitting sitting since mostly everyone^note Michelle is from Illinois on the song is from down south.