The controversy definitely propelled them with a lot of publicity. The breakup, then kicking out Farrah, gave them opportunity to do Independent Women, forced them to record Survivor in a couple of weeks to capitalize, so it did set events in motion for them.
Say My Name was taking off right when they broke up, though. Pretty sure it would have been a major hit, regardless. I think they might have put out some of the midtempos had the group stayed together. They jumped ship after Jumpin Jumpin, but they really could have released 3-4 more hits.
Didn't Next get pissed that If You Leave wasn't a single?
