Following Up

Hey all. Today I posted a new slide show that was going back to a previous post about live performances. I decided to do this because I want to make it clear that I can understand why people lip-sync at their concerts. As someone who is all the way new to dancing and coreography, I can totally relate. It takes a lot of work and concentration, and SkiLL. You have to strive ten times harder to sound your best vocally, keep your composure and be perfect while doing an extreme amount of physical activity. So my heart goes out to all the singers out there who have to deal with it.

But my view hasn't changed on performing live. It's something that has to be done, and it's a part of being an entertainer. I still believe you are cheating your audience when you lip-sync, and if you can sing and dance, please do.

Watch the show and enjoy! Oh, and all music in the show is written and performed by me (daniEle). The second song is called Bodywork and is produced by Rashad of Elevator Music, and the third song is called Nu Nu and is produced by J.Swiff of Fly.Union.

New Slide Show!

5 Steps to Achieving Award Acceptance Etiquette

Here is some guidance as to what to do when accepting a music award. This mostly pertains to rappers. Please follow accordingly.

1) DO NOT bring your entire hood on stage with you to accept your award. It’s your award, you worked for it, so YOU accept it. Bringing your wife and family, that’s fine. But the whole hood? All 800 of your home boys do not need to be on the stage because there simply is not enough room, if nothing else makes sense to you.

2) If you must bring your entire block with you, keep them quiet. No one wants to hear Chicken Wing, Biscuit and Fuzzy Slippers talk because we don’t know who they are and what they have to do with anything. Furthermore, by the time they all get done yelling into the mic, giving shout outs to Mookie, Ray Ray and June Bug, and it’s your turn, the music has already come on, cuing you to get your butt off stage.

3) Don’t diss. When you win an award, humbly accept it and move on. Please don’t stand there and say something like this, “This is for all the m***a f****s who didn’t believe I was going to make it, blah blah blah.” Dedicate the damn award to your supporters and pay the haters no attention. It makes you look super bitter and confrontational when you point people out. Plus, if you’re specific, you might have trouble at the after party that night.

4) Watch out for the “I thank God” speech. When you have openly claimed you have conversations with the devil and those sorts of things on your album… Getting on stage and thanking Jesus for your award might not make too much sense…

5) Lastly. Please be timely. When your name is called, walk swiftly to the stage and get it done. A show is trying to run on a schedule here, so don’t run around the facility, gallop up the row and stop to do a little dance, or c-walk your way up the steps. When you do finally make it to the mic, say what you need to say and bounce. Don’t stand there and fake like you’re speechless, because if you have as much confidence as you put off, you knew you were going to win anyway.

I thank you for reviewing this guide. If followed, I believe we can advance in award shows.

If you Want Quick Cash, Don't be a Singer

Memo to people who want to be super stars, especially if you want it because of the money; Individuals who are in the musical entertainment business do not make as much money as you think. Once you reach your dream of getting signed to a major record label, it’s not as if you magically become a millionaire. That record label instantly begins spending money on YOU. They pay for your wardrobe, make up, traveling expenses, music video costs, studio recording expenses, mixing and mastering of your album, packaging, promotion fees and dozens of other fees until, guess what? You end up owing the label money regardless of how many records you sold. Being an artist under a major label with the way the industry is today, you most likely will end up BROKE.

There have been many horror stories from different entertainers in the music business who can attest to the hardships of being a platinum selling artist but ending up with nothing. TLC, N’Sync, M.C. Hammer, and more can tell you about being manipulated by the system/industry so that in the end, they had nothing to show for their hard work. Some of it is lack of investment or responsibility with money, but a lot of times it’s hidden fees and greediness behind artist management. These problems are a lot of reason to why a lot of people are turning to gaining fame and respect through becoming independent labels or joining one.

A lot of people are saying going independent is an artist’s best bet because it makes it a lot harder for them to get caught behind a machine. Independent artists also have a totally different fan base--fans that had to search and find them, fans who are loyal, and fans who are genuine supporters and will spread the word about the music they love. In order to be a fan of an artist running on an independent label, you have to truly admire them—because you weren’t FORCED by media to like them.

So as time goes on, it seems that doing things your own way will pay off in the end--financially and otherwise. To me, a fan who can stick by you because they RESPECT your work is worth the sacrifice of not having your face all over every major magazine.

Who are some of your favorite artists on independent/indie labels? One of mine is Mulatto.

Also, visit http://www.indie-music.com/ to find more underground artists you may like!

Why Solange's CD ROCKS!

I know her CD came out awhile ago, but I must say, out of the last four albums I’ve purchased, I think I like hers the most. From the first time she came out, Solange had a hard spot to lay in. Beyonce’s sister. What kind of position does that put someone in? Perhaps her initial debut trying to be your everyday R&B star wasn’t the best plan for success. But this time, she got it right.

Ok. This CD is SOLANGE and no one else. It’s different, it’s soulful, it’s original. The songs are real live band and tambourine sounding, which adds more weight to her authenticity. It’s a reminder of the 60’s but not in such a way that you think of other songs. It’s all in her own way.

Although someone could accuse her of trying too hard to be different, I truly believe this is where she wants to be. I listen to the album all the time because it’s refreshing, and good to know that someone isn’t afraid to run away from the box and own themselves musically. There’s nothing wrong with exploring the areas that you think you fit in. It’s just bad when artists try to go places musically they really shouldn’t, because it’s not them.

Solange really blew me away with her vocal skills on this album. She surprised me with her range and vocal power…I had no clue she could sing like that! However, there are parts where she reminds us of her sister as far as breaking down to talk in a song—sounds just like her. For the most part, she more than accomplished staying true to herself, being set apart and being her own musical being. We're all pretty sick of pop/R&B girl singers. She relieved us.

Two thumbs up for Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, everyone. If you’re a lover of music, it’s a must listen.

SLiDeShOw!

Just posted an audio slide show of an event called "Wuddup Wednesdays," a night every other week hosted by the rap group FLy.Union, where you will hear old school rap and otherwise and chill for your midweek. Fly Union (pitcured above from the cover of Columbus Alive!). Who is that? Visit their site, of course, but I'll do my best fo fill you in.

Fly Union is a group of four young men (Jerreau, J.Swiff, Iye, and L.e) who rap, produce, do art, and a million other things. Their rhymes can you remind you of way back when, and they can also sound like a current hit on the radio.

What Fly Union is daring to do is be different. Their look (bright colors, big glasses, gold chains, backpacks, etc.) is not the norm as far as mainstream rappers go, and neither is their message. Yes, they rap about every day life, shoes and girls, but they don't feel the need to use curse words either.

Colorful, clever and committed to changing the game, Fly.Union is not only taking Columbus, Ohio by storm, but they're taking the rest of the nation along with it. The first album I ever heard of theirs was a mixtape called "Close Doors. Open Windows." I love it because of its originality and raw truth. The album has breaks where member iYe tells stories about the group's dealing with both failure and success while chasing a record deal. As we all know, this industry is not an easy one to deal with, and FLy.Union's tales makes that fact all the more real.

However, Fly.U proves they need no major label to back them up...they're doing amazing on their own. The four of them are making news and headway and their name is more and more recognizable as time goes on. With every door that is closed on them, they actively open windows to get where they need to go. If you like hip-hop and lyrical brilliancy, you must try this group on... my guess is, they'll fit perfectly.

New Guy Group with Old School Talent

But not your ordinary guy groups. I’m talking the type of guy groups who used to stand on the corner and sing beautiful harmonies simply for fun. From The O’Jays and The Temptations to Jodeci and Boyz II Men, male groups who sang together is something I really miss—until now.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the singing group Brutha has hit the scene with enough talent to make anyone’s head turn. Through their television show “Brothers to BRUTHA,” the group showcased their talent. They are all real brothers and have been singing together since a very young age. As a singer and a lover of raw talent, I was overly impressed by their a capella performances and abilities. We haven’t seen anything like it in a very long time... Brutha can instantaneously break into song (start watching at 2:57) in perfect harmony without much notice. THAT’S GOLDEN.

So of course I bought the album when it came out, expecting something like what I heard on the show… Unfortunately I was somewhat slighted. They got lured into our crazy industry expectations and had zero a capella on there, No substance to their lyrics, and a lot of the content was on the over-sexed side.

I think this group is so much better than that, and there is no need for them to try so hard to be a “boy band” type group that B2K fans are going to flock to. To be such a rare gift in this generations time of musical selection, I feel let down, to say the least, because of the direction this group decided to go. But then again, maybe their type simply isn’t valued. I mean.. Boyz II Men was just singing background for Justin Timberlake at the Grammys, after all. Hmm… how exactly does that work?

Don't Call it a Comeback... Please..

During my generation, I’ve seen trends and fashion from the past come and go. Right now, the big thing is the “hipster” movement; skinny jeans, bright colors, huge gold earrings, large glasses, etc. It’s a cool movement, I must acknowledge—fun and free, comfortable and cool. But never in my LIFE did I expect the tail to come back. Ever.

What’s the tail? The hairstyle looks something like this: a high top fade with some fancy work of designs in the side, and in the back of the head lives a ponytail that grows eventually to be braided. It was so the thing to do—in 1993! It’s so funny to see it revived, and by one of my favorite artists, Bobby Valentino.

He recently released his new album called The Rebirth, led by his first single, “Beep.” I’m a big fan (because he’s just so cute), so of course I watched the premiere of the video. At first I was enjoying it and thought it was wonderfully made, I thought he was brilliantly dressed, as always, but then… It happened. At 0:32 seconds, he turned his head to the left and revealed THE TAIL! I was aghast, ladies in gentlemen. What are you doing, Bobby?! How are you, a grown adult, going to attempt to try and bring the tail back… in a sweater-vest, at that!

I never saw it coming, and if it was going to come, it should have been from one of the kids, like Soulja Boy or something. Not Bobby V! It’s really a concern of mine—like do you really think that’s going to catch on? The day I see kids and men walking down the street with baby puffs of hair in the back of their head, I will eternally shut my mouth about it. I guess this just goes to prove for the trillionth time that history repeats itself in urban culture and elsewhere, and the tail is trying to make a comeback. I suppose I can’t hate on that.

What trends from the 90’s have come back that surprised you?

Selling Out

In this industry, a lot of people are accused of “selling out” because of their constantly changing images and dealings according to which audiences they cater to. What is “selling out,” exactly? In my opinion, selling out is not when you go from hard core gangster rap to pop singing, or when you only perform on independent labels then switch to major labels. I think the real selling out happens when you are not true to yourself. For instance:

Originally an R&B artist, singer Pink flipped the script when she went punk rock on us. I had a serious problem with that because I feel that if you were really a rock singer at heart, why were you singing R&B croons, doing all these fancy vocal tricks in the first place? I think it’s very important for artists to have a back bone when it comes to their artistry, creativity and talent. It takes a very strong person to say no to a major record label when they try to make you into something you’re not. And that’s what Pink failed to do.

There is also another angle to look at it from.. Who should we really blame? Should we blame the labels for putting all this pressure on artists to conform? Or should we just blame it on the game? Nowadays, you HAVE to be versatile or have crossed over into the pop charts in order to be a success. After all, the white suburban kids are the largest number of consumers purchasing most of the rap and R&B music. So should artists cater to them? If the public decided they no longer want to see Ice Cube in all black holding a gun, but now want to see him in family movies playing a great dad, is he wrong to give it to them?

It’s always a tough situation as an artist trying to stay true to yourself despite the pressure and dictatorship of the music industry… But I there are enough artists out there that beat the odds and make the music that truly makes them happy, regardless of record sales.

Chris Brown Scandal

In recent news, two artists were missing from the Grammys: Chris Brown and Rihanna. I’m not going to explain the whole ordeal, because I’m sure we all have heard it on every music and news channel by now, but if you’re not up to speed, read the story here: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/02/09/2009-02-09_chris_brown_revealed_history_of_family_a.html

So Chris Brown allegedly beat up girlfriend and R&B singer Rihanna. We don’t know why, what happened, or any real truths about the situation. I’m hearing a lot of different things about it: some say she hit him first, some say Rihanna is denying that her facial bruises came from him, and that they came from a minor accident, and some are saying that it was actually another woman that he got into an altercation with. Here’s what I think.

There is never a reason a man to hit a woman. Ever. However, I think we as fans and onlookers need to sit back and chill before we judge the boy. Although it has been confirmed that he turned himself in to the police, we don’t know what actually went on because—we weren’t there. The biggest issue I have with this is that everyone is being so judgmental, not only to his character but also to his artistry. Of course things are going to happen like Double Mint Gum dropping him from his endorsement deal, because the company doesn’t want negative attachments, but as fans? People are calling in to news programs saying they’ll never listen to his music again, blah blah blah, but is that really fair? I heard someone call into a show and say, “I want Rihanna to know that her fans have her back.” Really? You’re in Oregon calling a television hotline... Do you know her enough to “have her back?” Are you going to fly out to L.A. and find Chris Brown and slash his tires? I don’t think so… It’s really easy for us to judge a star whose business is constantly in the streets, but can we look at ourselves? How many arguments and altercations have we all gotten into with our significant others? We’re just lucky it’s not on the news…

In no way am I saying that Brown had any right to put his hands on any woman (whether it be his girlfriend or anyone else), but let’s try our best to realize that it’s really a sensitive and personal situation. It’s just really sad and unfortunate stars have their rights taken away from them as soon as they become public figures, and that’s just what you have to pay as a famous individual, whether it be in sports, music, acting, or otherwise. But somehow, we have to be mindful to that. We don’t know everything that happened. And that’s the reality. Let’s leave the situation to the people who were actually involved.

Local Radio

Have you even been riding in your car listening to the radio, and realize that you’ve heard at least one song twice in the last thirty minutes? I’ve been noticing something very disheartening about local radio, and it’s that they hate. They hate on local artists who are 1.5 million times more talented than mainstream artists who simply have the major backing to make it appear as if they have talent.

Last week I listened to more radio than I have in a very long time… And it was for the sake of proving to myself how ridiculous and sad it really is. In one hour, I heard every song at least twice, if not three times. Not only that, but if I was sick of hearing the same songs on one station, I turned to another, and there it was again! Even if I arrived to my destination, exited the vehicle, locked it and went on my way, came back four hours later and turned the radio on, I hear the SAME SONG I LEFT TO!

Now. Please don’t think I’m a hater. I know theses artists need their money, they need their publicity, they need their records played ten trillion times a day—or do they? Once you’ve made it to the mainstream media and you are on commercials, music video channels, daytime talk shows, etc. does radio really make a difference any more? If I hear your music in the mall, the dentist office waiting room, or the zoo lobby, is it truly a factor anymore? It’s hard for me to think so.

What this all comes down to is: why aren’t local radio stations supporting local music? It used to be that a city was the ambassador of new artists, making noise and bring attention to them. Now it’s pretty much impossible to even get a song played without emptying your pockets of everything you have. And even then, you’re only paying for a CHANCE at being aired. And I can only speak from what I’ve seen in Columbus, Ohio as far as the urban music community is concerned. Cleveland is not the same way. They support their artists, from what I can see, in such a major way that they make sure the hype travels from city to city.

I think local radio stations should take chances on good local artists if they’re really on to something. I know me personally, it would be hard to show Columbus love after signing a contract to a major label if they never supported me before I made it big. And it’s a proven fact for more than one artist who has come out of Columbus to be a star—they never got support from their home town, so they never come back.

What kind of home is that?

Obamania!

Ever since Barack Obama became President Elect, this nation has been doing cartwheels for joy—especially in the Black community. It’s agreed across the board that we should be ecstatic because this has been a joyous time for numerous reasons within our history in this country. I am certainly a supporter of President Obama as well as a fan. Not only is he impressive in a political aspect, but as a person. His personality, his character, and his charm are things hard not to love.

You can catch me on any given day rocking an Obama pin, hat, t-shirt or perhaps socks, if I could find any. I even have an Obama calendar! However, I think we should examine if there is such a thing as taking our support and love for Barack Obama too far. Of course you have your tributes by Will.I.Am, Nas, Young Jeezy and more who have created songs in triumph over Obama being the first Black president. That’s beautiful, and I think they’ve done a job well done. “So what’s your problem?” you ask. Ohh let me tell you.

Before the final election, BET had some sort of hip-hop honors show on and I was watching intently as Salt ‘n Peppa performed, complete with Spinderella. Well. They performed a couple of their old numbers, including “Push It” and “What a Man.” It started like this: Salt comes on stage while the music for “Push It” is in the background, the crowd is getting super hype, because it’s an all time favorite, and all of the sudden… A giant picture of Barack Obama drops from a screen as she yells “We’re gonna push it for change!” PUSH IT FOR CHANGE?! Really? Is that what we’re gonna do? That’s not the end. So the next song comes on, “What a Man.” I think the madness is over, but no, the lyrics have been changed to “a body like Barack with a Denzel face.” And this is not the first or last reference President Obama will get about his physical appearance. But is he our leader or our dream love on a poster that rests on our bedroom wall?? I mean, sheesh, the man did not run to become a sex symbol, and I’m not sure how he takes all of the sexual attention. Yes, he can not help that he is a handsome man, but… Let’s try to concentrate more on his ability to run our country.

Obama hair cuts, Obama chains, Obama tattoos, Obama rims for your car, Obama CHIA PETS, Obama platinum fronts for your teeth… Did we want Barack Obama to be our president, or our homeboy? How would you really feel if you got the opportunity to meet the man, and you had his face cut into the back of your head?? The bad thing is that his rock star status makes people look at him in a different light and maybe not take him as seriously as they should. He is not supposed to be a hip-hop icon, but a strong commander whom we will follow, hopefully out of a mess that we’ve been living with for the past eight years. A little respect, people. Act like you’ve been there before. Have some sense about yourself. That’s all.

Obama Chia pet
http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2009/01/22/chia-pet-obama.html

R&B singer Rashad speaks to De-Composed about "NOTORIOUS"

I got the privilage to get another take on the movie NOTORIOUS, as I blogged about previously. Rashad, well known for his R&B hit "Sweet Misery" and also for his music production sat down with me and talked about his personal experiece with B.I.G and how he feels being brought back to the sad memories of his death. I met with Rashad at his music studio "The Sugar Shack" where he does most of his recording, and he was very hospitable and willing to share his story. We sat and chatted about his experiences as a young artist coming up learning from the greats. Talking with Rashad is always a privilage, because of his experience being an artist on various record labels since a very young age (now Universal Records). He always has a lot of insightful things to say about music and its industry.

When NOTORIOUS first showed previews in theatres, Rashad immediately commented on it's arrival being too soon. I think that concept should definately be considered, because of the way B.I.G. died and how most people who were in his life at that time are still living. I think it probably hurts them the most, being brought back to exact memories that they gave up in order to contribute to the film's accuracy.

For those of us who did not get a chance to meet the man or know first hand the whole story of who Christopher "B.I.G." Wallace was, it should be valued that we can hear people talk about it. ENJOY THE POD CAST COMING TOMORROW!!

If you want to know more about Rashad and his music, visit http://www.rashadmusic.com/ or http://www.universalmusic.com/, and www.myspace.com/elevatormusic. You can also see the music video for Rashad's hit single "Sweet Misery" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNzjYR_U5as.

UPDATE 1/29/09
Listen to the interview!

Auto Tune Madness!

I really wish people would STOP with the digital madness. I'm pretty fed up with going to these myspace music pages, thinking I'm about to AT LEAST hear a human being (I don't even fall into the ignorance of hoping for a decent voice anymore), only to hear a robot!
GIVE AUTO TUNE A REST, PEOPLE.

I'll admit it--since we are, infact, human, we often fall into what can be called pitch imperfection, and our voices may need a little scoot in the right direction. Everyone loves and appreciates a little reverb here, some gloss and shine there. As a singer, I do it too. It makes you sound more professional and polished.

But when I can hear every crack and crinkle ironed out of your voice by way of digitalized liquid foundation?? It's a problem, ok? Just because our industry made T-Pain the ambassador of auto tune and the like, it doesn't take away from the facts.

WHAT GOOD IS DROWNING YOURSELF IN AUTO TUNE IF YOU FALL FLAT ON YOUR FACE WHEN IT COMES TO SINGING LIVE???

Sure it sounds cool and futuristic on CD and whatnot but why make yourself look stupid on stage? Why waste anyone's time by time asking them to go listen to your computerized nonsense when you know you couldn't hold your own live? Yet the people who do have talent all around (dance, song, writing, vocal ability, etc.) can't even get their pinky toe in the door, while singing octagons around these people I'm talking about.

And I'm not even saying you have to have a voice like Aretha, Whitney or Beyonce. However, if the talent isn't there--not even a little bit--then JUST STOP IT!!! STOP STOP STOP. Even Roger Troutman could hold his own without the voice box. Beauty queens (and kings) who think modeling automatically makes you elligable to be an R&B singer need to realize that we, the listeners see right through... We bump that when it happens to be on the radio, but we laugh at you during your concerts. Even people who aren't musicians knows what's real.

It's like make up...If you wear so much that you aren't recognizable (and are maybe even unattractive) when you take it off, what's it really worth? Where's the talent in that??

And now, it's really getting out of hand. Auto tune is every rapper's best friend. Lil' Wayne, Kanye West, The Diplomats, Diddy... They all thought it would be cool to give singing a go and all in the name of auto tune. I can't help but laugh, because it's just too funny. But in a sad way. Because even past the trend in rap music, auto tune really gives a false reality to individuals who lack any singing quality, and convinces them that they have it. That's not right, now is it?

Auto tune magic!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpu6C70WROM
Where it all began..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HftQgBZ-Ou8

"Live" performances aren't live anymore.

Remember the days when going to see your favorite artist perform live was a privilege? Something about actually seeing the music you loved and listened to daily come to life in front of your eyes was—magical. It also proved a lot. It proved that, hey, these people really do play their own instruments, or, wow, this person really can sing. It used to be that the artists lived for the live performance. They got energy, pride and a sense of accomplishment from being cheered on by their audience. That sense of approval seemed to make it all worth while.

Times have certainly changed since the days of doo-wop and soul. You have artists who no longer stick to the normal foot shuffle and arm movements, but are more regularly doing back flips and over-complicated dance choreography. Chris Brown, Omarion, Ciara and even Beyonce may have a very difficult time singing while doing all of that. Even if they tried, would we really want them to? Would it sound good? Probably not.

Although the previous issue is more than understandable, I know I miss real live performances. Especially when there is no reason in the world for the artist to be lip-syncying. For instance, I was watching some new year’s eve special on television (I don’t remember the name, sorry) and featured a number of special guests including Robin Thicke, Solange, Ne-Yo, Fall Out Boy, and others. It didn’t take me very long to notice that half of them were lip-syncing… And this wasn’t a full-out concert complete with fireworks and smoke machines, but your basic mic stand and band kind of thing—where you pretty much just stood there and did your thing. The need for mouthing the words over a track wasn’t clear.

Furthermore, I saw another program on television that same night where a noted female vocal artist was lip-syncing as well. I won’t mention her name, but trust me.. She can sing with the best of them. So why she was standing there trying her best to make faces like she was singing her heart out like we couldn’t tell the real situation, I don’t know.

Artists: we, the fans want to see you! We love and appreciate your craft and we are supporting you by buying these concert tickets. You’re letting us down when we don’t get the full effect. I did not intend on paying to see a music video… I could listen to the CD at home! You’re truly defeating the purpose and meaning of a live show. As a singer, I know how tough singing and dancing at the same time can be. It's not easy! But I find it important for me and also to the people watching to try my very best, and practice is what it takes. So, whenever possible, I think it would be a real treat if you gave us just that. A LiVe performance.

Live:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhYwZePFY7o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBceuTV0tW4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbw2q0SBSak

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrbcFwGGEZk

Ghostwriters for.. rappers??

Since the last thing I wrote about had to do with rap music, I thought I might as well continue on the subject. In the last few years, I have come to understand there to be a phenomenon called “ghost writing.” The term comes from the situation where a rapper does not write his own lyrics (rhymes, raps, etc.), but rather has them written by another individual, and then simply deliver what was written. Although I am very familiar with song writers, I am completely puzzled by this idea of rappers not writing their own material.

As far as I know, rappers got signed to record labels based upon their talent and ability to be able to write amazing things, and of course their “swag” and delivery as well. But I truly thought the main part of a rapper’s skill was in his (or her) writing. However, if I’m mistaken, could someone tell me where it lies? A painter is a good painter because he paints well. A track star is what he is because of his gift in running. So where is the skill in a rapper who doesn’t—rap? When using the term “to rap” in a sentence, had it all of the sudden changed to a different meaning?

I feel like ghost writing is a mockery to the game and should not be tolerated. Shouldn’t a rapper be laughed at if someone finds out that he is a fake? A phony, because his amazing lyrics do not belong to him? If times have changed, then I guess I have to accept it. Perhaps signing rappers because they get the girls or because they’re the record label head’s nephew is all it takes these days…

Someone could argue the point “a lot of singers don’t write their own lyrics. It’s no different.” But it is. Singers are recognized for their—singing ability. Not their writing ability. Song writers are noted for writing songs because that’s what they do. Singers are noted for their voices because what they do is sing. We don’t necessarily expect them to write, play the banjo and tap dance too.

I just wish someone would explain when rappers began to be credited highly without being original. I thought as a rapper, you were supposed to tell your story.. Give an account of what you've been through and what you've seen--say what's on your mind.. Not say what some person you don't even know has on their mind. Someone standing in front of a microphone reading from a piece of paper does not justify or earn the title or an MC in my opinion. Boy, times have changed…

Related:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071227142811AANYGgv

http://www.futureproducers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34635

http://www.nasforum.net/showthread.php?t=16481

NOTORIOUS

This past weekend, hip-hop fans finally got what they’ve been waiting for: the opening night of Christopher “B.I.G” Wallace’s life story in the film NOTORIOUS. I won’t lie—I was extremely pressed to make sure I was at the theatre an hour ahead of time in hopes of beating the extensive long lines. After arriving and getting more than a good seat, I prepared myself to be thrilled. After all the talk about this movie, I was very interested to see what it was going to bring.

I must say that I was extremely impressed with the acting in the movie. Of course, Jamal Woolard, who played Wallace, had no choice but to nail the part. He was phenomenal in his acting, more so in portraying Wallace’s basic characteristics down the walk, the talk, and even the breathing pattern. The sincerity and work in Woolard’s performance was impossible to miss, and was totally amazing for his first movie. Congratulations to him.

Derek Luke and Anthony Mackie also showed their skill by playing some of the most characterized and full of personality individuals in the story; Sean “Puffy” Combs and Tupac Shakur. Luke had Combs’ mannerisms, dances and energy for big ideas as in real life, and Mackie displayed the same attitude, confidence and fire that the late Shakur did while he was living. Generally, most all the actors and actresses in the film did a great job and accurately portrayed their characters, and that was one of the things I appreciated most about it.
I also enjoyed the movie’s consistent humor, which is something I was not necessarily expecting. I think the humor was supposed to capture the man Wallace was outside of the entertainment world… That may have been the point of the film altogether. However, if the point was to share with us the story of Christopher Wallace behind the scenes, I don’t know if that goal was achieved.

I had a few issues and concerns about the movie. First, some technical things about the film were somewhat sloppy. For example, in the beginning of the film, Wallace was portrayed as left handed as a child. Then, as an adult, he was portrayed right handed. Another example is the lack of consistency in Angela Bassett’s portrayal of Wallace’s mother. We all know that Mrs. Wallace has a thick accent, and it is very noticeable. Sometimes Bassett used it, sometimes she didn’t. It was things like that that really had me disappointed.

Lastly, I was disappointed in the lack of depth the movie had to offer. I expected this movie to go beyond what the media has shown us about “B.I.G.” throughout the years, and take us into a thorough account of his life out of the public eye. I really felt that I was watching news clips for two hours… I didn’t pay eight dollars and some change to see things exactly as I already know it happened. Yes, Wallace only lived to be 24 years old, but there has to be more to tell. The story skipped around a lot and only touched the surface of certain issues like Jr. Mafia, his relationship with Faith Evans, his beef with Tupac, his way of handling his success, etc. It seemed like a lot was assumed of the viewer as far as prior knowledge. Not much was explained.

Lastly, I feel the movie failed as far as telling us why “B.I.G.” is pronounced as one of the greatest. As far as my age group is concerned, all we have to go by is the legend told to us. We have recordings as well, but.. I’m beginning to really ask myself.. Is Wallace really one of the greatest? Was he really that much of a lyrical mastermind? Was he really writing things that made our head spin in attempt to figure out how he did it? I’ve been listening, and I’m not sure anymore… What do you think?

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/notorious/

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/movies/6220412.html

http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2009/01/20/theres-life-after-death-as-notorious-scores-big-at-box-office/

http://blogs.pitch.com/wayward/2009/01/movie_review_notorious.php

We gettin what kind of money??

Greetings from the blog that brings discussion to recent and often controversial changes in urban music culture: style, talent, lyrics, business and more. Has the music culture advanced since years ago? Where has it gone wrong? How did we get where we are? Do we want things to stay this way? These are questions we all ask ourselves about Hip-Hop and R&B music frequently. Here is where you can air your thoughts and theories. There may be things misunderstood as to the reason and rhyme of the game, but here we can break it down. Welcome to dEcomposed.

Today, let's discuss lyrical content. When did that become an issue for music? Particularly in the case of R&B music, way back when, most music came from the soul. Singers and groups always had heartache and love on their mind. Yes, that can get repetitive, but we can never change the fact that love and relationships are at the center of most people’s hearts. Not everyone can relate to or even possess the ability to write deep lyrics that involve changing the world or ending world hunger, nor can the general audience. Even though the previous statement is true and reasonable, that does not justify the following trend.

We all want to dance. We all want to party. And the artists who create music for the club are much appreciated for creating music we can use for those reasons rather than sitting in a circle singing folk songs around a camp fire. But when lyrics have now surpassed the issue of too much cursing, violence and sex, I now pose another concern. Recently, rapper Busta Rhymes released his first single from his 8th album called Back on my B.S. The single is entitled “Arab Money” in which Rhymes compares his wealth in terms of wealth of the Middle East. There has been a lot of pressure on Rhymes because of this song and has faced the risk of being considered racist or prejudice, and also for the inappropriate usage of prayers from the Muslim holy book, the Koran (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Money) in the "Arab Money" remix.

Pump the breaks. What is really going on?? I totally get the analogy that Busta is attempting to make. You’re rich like Middle Eastern royalty. I get it. But “I make you bow down and make Salaat like a Muslim?” Really?! A hot as this is in the club, and as hype as people get when it comes on, we have to stop and take a look at things. This song is disrespectful to the Arab and Muslim people, period. It’s bad enough that he is stereo-typing the culture, but the usage of holy prayer and words from the Koran is really over-doing it. I don’t understand where Busta Rhymes ever got the notion that saying these things was ok in any form… This is the type of thing you might say to a friend if you really felt the joke would be worth it. But nationally distributing it? Maybe that should have gotten a second thought..or a third one. What makes it really bad is the fact that there were people in the video of Middle Eastern decent, including DJ Khalid, dancing along in approval!

When it comes to using inappropriate religious references in rap music, Busta Rhymes is not the only one in recent music. In singer/rapper T-Pain’s recent single “Chopped and Screwed” featuring Ludacris, Ludacris used a line that could offend Christians:

“Put you over my knees
Put you on punishment
Women and I'll spank ya (baaa)
Have you praising the lord
Like thank you-thank you
Thank you lord I want to thank you (Jesus)"

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tpain/choppedskrewed.html


I know I personally feel uncomfortable with that and I turn it off until that part is over every single time. Some say art is art and no one should have a right to approve or disapprove of an artists’ creative work. There is some truth to that, but when you are an entertainer on a global scale, doesn’t there have to come a point where there is even the smallest consideration and respect for things?

-.Ele



VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYOmWQiVCFQ
LYRICS
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bustarhymes/arabmoney.html
OTHER COMMENTARY
http://www.blackpower.com/entertainment/an-analysis-of-busta-rhymes-arab-money/

http://www.rapbasement.com/busta-rhymes/120308-busta-rhymes-new-song-arab-money-gets-a-dj-suspended-releases-new-video.html

Want to read other blogs like this? Try:

www.blackpower.com/entertainment/an-analysis-of-busta-rhymes-arab-money/

www.illdoctrine.com

randb.about.com/b/

www.blogcatalog.com.blogs/confessions-of-an-rb-drama-queen.html

www.blogcatalog.com/blogs/domeshots-and-fat-laces.html