ON THIS PAGE YOU WILL SEE THE MAKING OF THE BAND AND THEIR FAILURES, AND THE CAUSES WHY THE FORMAER MEMBERS LEFT.

Everything grows bigger and bigger in Texas, so they say, and if Destiny's Child is anything to go by, the saying rings true. Rarely have beauty, brains and talent been served up in such generous helpings as with the Houston-based foursome. It's all in display on their stunning new sophomore album "The Writings on the Wall", which in addition to their own writing and production input, features and contributions fromsome of the music industry's most-noted movers and shakers.

"we're not Boyz II Men, but this represents us progressing from girls to young women," says the striking caramel-complexioned Beyonce, who along with her fello group members--Kelly, Latavia and Le Toya--share an average age of 18."Although were still young," she adds, "we've seen quite a lot in the past year or so. We've travelled and matured personally so we wanted to reflectthatin our music."

"We wanted the whole album to be a concept aand into that concept we wanted to work in great songs with a new sound," says the statuesque Kelly.

The concept-that of-relationships takes on a different slant to many other albums that attempt to traveres the same terrain, veering away from just romance (although there is plenty of that) but also discussing the full gamut of personal relationships."It's about the realness of life, the gray areas," emphasizes saassy LaTavia.It's a story that takes you on a journey."

"We called the album 'The Writings on the Wall' because this album really spells out what will happen in a relationship if people treat each other a certain way," explains Beyonce,"it really shows what's going on."

Indeed, the albums first single, "Bills,Bills,Bills," is a roitously funky, tounge-in-cheek, poke-in-the ribs at boyfriends who start off as knights-of-shining armor only to let the act drop exposing them for the scrubs they are. Destiny's Child is aware that the song's mature subject matter could well result in raised eyebrows considering their tender years.

"People might say,'y'all are all gold-diggers' when they hear "Bills,Bills,Bills," says the baby faced LaToya in her honey-thick southern tones,"but it's totally different.This song is about a relationship where the guy starts out really nice, caring and considerate but three or four months downthe line he starts slacking, borrowing your car and when he gives it back to you, the tank is on empty. He'll use you're cell-phone and run it up, he'll buy you gifts with you're own money."

"But we want to make one thing clear" interjects LaTavia. "It's not a man-hating song. In fact, more women do it thatn men.We wrote about it because i myself have been through something similar and i have a lot of older friends who are going through the exact same thing."

The single, along with other killer uptempo joints such as 'So Good' and 'Bug a Boo,' was co-written and produced by hot new comer Kevin "Shek'spere"
Briggs, best known do far for masterminding TLC's "No Scrubs." He was the first name called to the table and musically and thematically set the wheels ans motion for 'The Writings on the Wall'.

"Before we went in the studio we told the record company that we wanted to have a new producer with a brand new sound," explains Kelly, who shares led vocal chores with Beyonce."That was a blessing because it really sets us apart from everyone else."

Working closely with Shek'spere in their native Houston allowed the album to develop it's often playful, informal feel. It was a foundation that other high flying producers--such as Rodney Jerkins,Missy,Daryl Simmons,Chad Elliot and Tony Toni Tone's Dwayne Wiggins-- were able to build upon admirably, helping craft together a collection of songs overflowing with both upbeat, youthful exuberance and endearing feminine sensitivity and vulnerability.

Destiny's Child incredibly tight vocal blend, which belies their young age, begins to make sense when you discover that the four bestfriends have been together as a group for more than half their lives. Under the guidance of Music World Management's Mathew Knowles, also the album's executive producer, they beagan to attract a loyal local following performing throughout the Houston area to audiences spanning the generation gap, opening for a who's who of R&B and hip-hop acts such as Immature,Dru Hill,Das EFX and SWV prior to landing their own deal with Coulmbia Records.

The phenomenal success of their debut single, the irrepressible 'No,No,No', kick-started a story book, whirlwind year of international travel, plush-hotels and sold out concerts.That's not to say it all was glamour and glitz, however. In the U.S., the four teens toured extensively as the opening act for Boyz II Men. In Europe, they are considered superstars of the highest order thanks to the Timbaland-produced hit 'Get On The Bus' from the 'Why Do Fools Fall in Love?' soundtrack. They also headline to sold-out arenas, managing to cram in an amazing 18 shows in 17 gruelling days on their last european visit.