Destiny Fulfilled - Background

Background

Destiny Fulfilled came three years after the release of Destiny's Child's third studio album, Survivor. While recording Survivor in late 2000, Knowles announced that the group would be on hiatus that would allow each member to release an album, which they hoped would boost interest in Destiny's Child. The idea of solo releases emanated from the group's manager and Knowles' father, Mathew. Two members of the group, Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland, each released one album except Michelle Williams with two. While each member achieved domestic success, Knowles' had been regarded as the most successful with the release of 2003's Dangerously in Love, which enjoyed international commercial success and acclaim. This, along with their other ongoing projects, led to speculation over the disbandment of Destiny's Child. Amidst rumors and speculations, Rowland announced in 2004 their return to the studio to record what would become their final album. The group claimed that the reunion was destined to happen, and that their affinity to each other kept them together.

Right in the making of the album, they planned to part ways after their fourteen-year career to facilitate their continued pursuit in individual aspirations. Knowles has noted that their destinies were already fulfilled; however, Destiny's Child claimed that naming the album Destiny Fulfilled was not a coincidence of sort. Knowles has said that "the group felt it still had something to offer musically with" the album. Rowland commented: "We were like, 'You know what, we're getting older and we want to end on a high note.' We want to give our fans a great final record ..." Knowles, however, has commented regarding the finality of their career: "Who knows what will happen in three, five or 10 years? The main thing is that we maintain our friendship and that we do it because we want to -- not because it's a good business move."