Above is a picture of Beyonce rehearsing for her VMA performance. She will be performing her crappy new single Ring The Alarm. I can't really say I'm looking forwards to the performance when I can't get into the song. As much as I love Deja Vu production-wise, her BET Awards performance was a hot bumbling mess. Other big name artists expected to perform are Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera. In other R&B news, Usher has commented on the lacking magnitude of today's R&B music in his interview with Jet magazine, and with his high-horse comments, he is bound to cause a big upset:
Is he bitter because a younger, more attractive, fluent dancer/artist like CHRIS BROWN is getting called the NEW Usher? Or is he trying to refute his so-called rivalry with Justin Timberlake? See, I remember Bobby Valentino saying EXACTLY the same thing regarding his new album Special Occassion. He said something about other brothers not stepping up their game musically. Also, we know Usher doesn't rate Justin Timberlake who was once considered nothing more than just a rip-off Michael Jackson. Well, for this album, he's jacking Prince. Usher DOES mention Prince in the interview. He also paid homage to Prince on his Confessions album with the song Do It To Me. Now I liked the Confessions album. I thought it was a good album and bought it on the day of release but I wouldn't really call it an album that sets the standard for R&B music. I actually liked his 8701 album better. Confessions only sold as phenomenally as it did because of the part false part true gimmick that he split up with Chilli from R&B girl group TLC (true) and the break-up was allegedly down to Usher getting a fan pregnant (false). In fact, the gimmick was sooo huge, press all over the world reported it like it was official, and also, lead single Yeah was a monstrosity. So when you have a controversial theme surrounding your new album and a massive hot new single that got huge, he couldn't go wrong. I think people sometimes confuse album sales with quality. The album was good but not as classic as he'd have us believe. I still can't wait for him to bring out another album though. He is pretty consistent and alongside Craig David, he is few of the male R&B acts that I'm totally feeling right now. Speaking of rivalry, here's a fantastic one. Mya and Ciara are supposedly coming out with new albums in November. They are both pretty with thin voices and whom can dance their assess off so let the competition of the non-singing dancing queens begin. I am looking forwards to Ciara's album especially. Her debut Goodies was hot and I still listen to it. Below, Mya and Jojo celebrate the launch of their upcoming albums.
ps
Please stop asking me for albums. I am not a HMV boot-legged store. Unless I say I'm distributing, you have no reason to ask for requests. The new Beyonce, Justin & Jessica can be found at some of my recommended sites. Stop being lazy and venture about. Links are not there to look pretty you know.
33 Comments:
Yeah that sounds like bitterness from Mr. Usher, Chris Brown has come and took his place for the meantime, and he might be feeling competition for Justin Timberlake. Either way he shouldn't knock what the females are doing right now as far as music, not all of them are putting out real music (Cassie+Paris Hilton) Im talking about Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Corrine Bailey Rae, Tamia, hell even Danity Kane. As far as male R&B has he forgotten about Raheem DeVaughn, Lyfe Jennings, Donnel Jones, Urban Mystic? I thought that the Beyonce performace at the BET Awards was good, but Im looking forward to it.
It's only 1 Usher...I dispise that Chris Brown "Usher Rip Off," same with Ne*Yo. Look at there moves, the way they sing & especially Chris Brown with that "Say Goodbye" that's 'Confessions part III' U got to be kidding me how the music industry is mocking it's fan base...With the same gimmick shit & funky lil' dances: Cherish= Ciara, Ne*Yo= Usher, Cassie= TRASH (hehe), etc. the list goes on...That's not real music, I think Usher isn't bitter, he's just saying what we all realize, but resent...THE TRUTH....& I don't feel sorry for Mrs. Jones cause she's sold out terribly to her original fans...What ever happen to the old Kelis? The marverick? I geuss the money got to her, gotta make that paper huh...But I feel sorry for todays music, where is it all going? at the rate that it's going I could be an "artist," sing/ rap over a sicc beat, find a trademark or gimmick, oh & let us not 4get 2 add a lil' funky dance to it & the video ho's are a nescessity now-a-days.....When will it end, I think it goes pretty much downhill 4rm there. Ppl are too stupid to see artist making money off of them & mocking them....They rap about ho's & bitches; have the girls dancin in the backgroud when they're talkin about YOU! but you only listen to the hot beat but once you read the lyrics you get mad...You should've known 4rm the start..I not hatin on chris brown, rappers, gimmicks, non of that...I kno music is suppose to inspire but this is ridiculous!!! I stop listening to rap after Tupac Shakur died.
& I love Ludacris, he be reppin GA hard, but this is sad....He tries too hard, have you seen his new video? If that's not telling little girls to grow & be ho's I don't kno what is....basically that's the point. See...."Rap/ Hip-hop" is goin no where...SMH.....& I'm tired of boys in my skool harassin me with that shit they hear the rappers say in the videos & expect me to do it. I am a Women. Please respect that. I'm sorry but I can't take it ne more...you feel me?
Usher a fool. *lol* He is no position to make comments like that. I didn't think his "Confessions" album was all that. It had some hot tracks and his voice sounded MUCH better than it did on "8701" - but it wasn't the masterpiece he's making it out to be and he owes alot of that records success to [a] The scandal [b] Lil' Jon and [c] Jermaine Dupri. I also have to say that having listened to "FutureLove/SexSounds" over the past couple of days - it's a hotter album than "Confessions" is *lol*
As for dissing the ladies - I think he needs to watch what he says or at least be more specific. The likes of Aguilera and Beyonce co-wrote every song on their new albums and co-produced alot of them too - which is more than can be said for Usher who writes roughly just over half the material on each of his records.
As for carrying the torch *Hah!* When did Luther Vandross or Marvin Gaye ever drop a song like "Yeah!"
Usher needs to not be getting above his station.
The dude's talented, you can't deny that. But he's in no position to be knocking other artists in the game when he's not in a position to. No doubt there are many artists who feel the same about him.
Also "anonymous" blame "Say goodbye" sounding similar to "Confessions" on the producer. Bryan Michael Cox produced that track and he also co-wrote and co-produced "Confessions" along with Jermaine Dupri; hence why it sounds similar - so you can't blame that on Chris Brown entirely. Plus if you're gonna pull that one out ya bum-hole, then you could say the same about Mary J's "Be without you" being remiscent of Mariah's "We belong together".
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I have to agree with Usher. R&B Music is diminishing in quality and artisits are just putting out anything just to make money. Quality does really seem to be lacking in the music industry. I
don't particularly have a fondness for Usher's music, but I can admit that his music usually has meaning and top-notch production quality. I hope Usher can rejuvenate the music industry...Because I can't see Janet, Beyonce, Chris Brown or Neyo doing the job. Neyo and Chris Brown both have good CDs, but you have to admit...they do kind of rip Usher's style and swagger...they just don't look as sexy as Usher. lol
In reference,I believe Nas made a very true statement when he said "Hip-hop is DEAD!" I offially co-sign that remark...
HAHA
As far as dancing goes, yeah Chris Brown and Justin Timberlake might be Usher's competition. But vocally, he kills the both of them. So I don't think he has anything to worry about (Chris Brown's voice hasn't hit puberty yet...and neither has Justin's)
Not to mention....but Usher's fine, chocolate ass could get it over them ANY DAY up in here! Especially if what Superhead said about him is to be believed. lol
J, I have to disagree with you about Mariah and Mary. Their two ballads sounded totally different. And their voices are totally different....sure. they bothed played around with the same theme...but they just don't sound the same in my opinion. And Mariah and Mary have two different styles. When you look @ Chris Brown...a lot of his style seems to mimic thaty of Usher...his singing style, his dance moves and even his look. When Chris Brown first came out....I thought he was cool..butg more and more he is coming off to me as someone using the "Usher" formula to get by. I'm not saying it's intentional...but he really isn't bringing anything new to the music industry. Prior to Usher...I can't think of anyone who had his sound and style.
Also, I have to say it's a shame about Kelis. I dunno whether it's her label or the fact she doesn't seem to care. She strikes me as a "whatever" chick. She goes in the studio, does an album, puts it out and thinks: If it sells, it sells. If it don't, then cool.
It's a shame, because she is a great artist. I love how experimental she is how she is just HER. She ain't try'na be nobody else. It's a real shame.
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I agree with you about Kelis J. I think she is a great artist and she always delivers something fresh and innovative, but her label never seems to promote/market her properly. I love Kelis...and she has yet to receive the shine she deserves. I think the same is true for Tweet...I love her, but she never seems to get the recognition she deserves. These days, evn my girl Brandy is having trouble selling...but she did have Never Say Never....I pray for the day when Kelis and Tweet will have their Never say Never album...which will just sell like crazy. I think if they stick in the game....eventually they'll get their turn.
Toya, u got all my respect!
As for carrying the torch *Hah!* When did Luther Vandross or Marvin Gaye ever drop a song like "Yeah!"
To J's comment:
That is a more modern song in prior to those legends..."Yeah!" is fun & was a great club joint...Marvin Gaye & both Luther were known for writing sexual songs. & Usher never said he was perfect....& don't ever but Mary J. Blige & Mariah in the same sentence again!!!!!!!
It's an unfortunate truth for Kelis. Yes, she's a great artist (And I dare say great vocalist, but I dunno know lately. Her voice was a lot better on her first album. Like, she could actually SING sing back then. Don't know what happened, but she still sounds good). She's a great artist who TRULY only does HER, and always puts out something fresh and innovative. Very different. I like to call her style "Artistic R&B". She's kind of like the Bjork of R&B.
Because of that, even though she has all the respect in the world, I don't think a lot of work will see the huge commercial success of the more mainstream artists.
YOU CAN SAY WHAT YOU WANT ABOUT BEE,BUT SHE PUTS IT DOWN WHEN SHE PERFORMS!!!!!!!!!!!!
I KNOW THE VID IS NOT GOOD BUT THIS PERFORMANCE WILL BE PURE FIRE.
RING THE ALARM(THE SONG) IS HOT TOO.
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HER PERFORM.
BEE'S performance looks like it's gonna be HOTTTTTTTTTT!!! As always. Can't wait to see Bee bring dat fire!!!!
You guys are idiots (or just REALLY young).
What Usher said is absolutely, 100%, true - I say it all of the time too.
Look, Usher may not be the strongest vocalist, but his work ethic as an overall performer shines through. This is not good R&B music that is being made presently. When you look back at what the genre has produced in its past, how can you be upset at Usher's comments? Our perception is often times laced with our personal feelings - and you guys must just not like Usher.
I don't own a single one of his albums, yet I feel what he is saying because as a fan of Black music, it is a shame that artists who have the opportunity, aren't giving it their all. People have died with far better voices than these acts that are selling millions of records - never being signed or having their talent shared with the world.
So do I have a problem with what Usher stated, absolutely not, it's completely true. We have acts like Beyonce' recording albums in two weeks. Say the album B-Day is good; you're only fooling yourself (or you don't know what good R&B music is). It's tough when you have people who grew up on Britney Spears sharing opinions about the music. A lot of what is considered "good," is in actuality, quite "bad" because of the music we've been exposed to over the past 7-8 years. If you grew up loving mediocre vocalists/music (i.e., Mya, Ciara, Britney, Christina Milian, etc., etc., etc.), you're simply not going to know the difference. Bring back the Whitney's, Patti's, Wonder's, etc. - Christina Aguilera, Jo Jo, Kelly Clarkson - all have AMAZING vocal power, but it also comes down to the music you're making. And right now, Black artists should be ashamed of themselves. And when you look at it that way (and what I think Usher was referencing - Black artists), you'd be a fool if you disagreed.
You guys are idiots (or just REALLY young).
What Usher said is absolutely, 100%, true - I say it all of the time too.
Look, Usher may not be the strongest vocalist, but his work ethic as an overall performer shines through. This is not good R&B music that is being made presently. When you look back at what the genre has produced in its past, how can you be upset at Usher's comments? Our perception is often times laced with our personal feelings - and you guys must just not like Usher.
I don't own a single one of his albums, yet I feel what he is saying because as a fan of Black music, it is a shame that artists who have the opportunity, aren't giving it their all. People have died with far better voices than these acts that are selling millions of records - never being signed or having their talent shared with the world.
So do I have a problem with what Usher stated, absolutely not, it's completely true. We have acts like Beyonce' recording albums in two weeks. Say the album B-Day is good; you're only fooling yourself (or you don't know what good R&B music is). It's tough when you have people who grew up on Britney Spears sharing opinions about the music. A lot of what is considered "good," is in actuality, quite "bad" because of the music we've been exposed to over the past 7-8 years. If you grew up loving mediocre vocalists/music (i.e., Mya, Ciara, Britney, Christina Milian, etc., etc., etc.), you're simply not going to know the difference. Bring back the Whitney's, Patti's, Wonder's, etc. - Christina Aguilera, Jo Jo, Kelly Clarkson - all have AMAZING vocal power, but it also comes down to the music you're making. And right now, Black artists should be ashamed of themselves. And when you look at it that way (and what I think Usher was referencing - Black artists), you'd be a fool
JOHN LEGEND, NE-YO, JAMIE FOXX, BEYONCE, MARY J BLIDGE, MARIAH CAREY, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, ANTHONY HAMILTON, LYFE JENNINGS,.....JUST TO NAME A FEW.....
I THINK USHER CONFESSIONS WAS A GOOD ALBUM.....HIS BEST ALBUM, BUT I THINK THAT HE IS BEING A LITTLE ARROGANT, I THINK R&B MUSIC HAS HAD ITS BEST 2 YRS IN MUSIC HISTORY, SO CHILL OUT PLAYER.....WE MISS U BUT, OTHER ARTIST CAN HOLD IT DOWN TOO.....
That picture isn't of Beyonce's rehearsals...that's actually a pic of Ludacris rehearsals...I've seen other pics of Luda's rehearsals and that background with the bank vault and picture frames on the side are a part of his performance
Did you know bday has already gone Gold with over 700,000 copies sold thrue pre-order..making her the first female to go gold w/o her album being released..that Krazy
"I THINK R&B MUSIC HAS HAD ITS BEST 2 YRS IN MUSIC HISTORY"
OMG. This has to be the dumbest statement. You must be like 12.
THAT IS NOT BEYONCE'S SET, IT'S LUDACRIS'S. CHECK YOUR FACTS BEFORE YOU PUT THEM UP.
I can put Mariah and Mary in da same sentence if I want. (I just did it! *lol*)
It's a matter of opinion, but "Be without you" and "We belong together" have similarities when I listen to them. The beats more than the vocals.
As for Usher, I don't see him doing much to make R&B better. That's the thing. I think an artist should be able to do whatever style they choose, rather than put out a record to convey a certain image and uphold a legend - whether it be Luther Vandross or Marvin Gaye.
Another thing URRSHER needs to reliase is sometimes, the real R&B records do not sell. Sometimes there's pressure from labels. They want something that's gonna impact radio and drop in a club. Hence why all of Usher's singles weren't the smoother soulful, R&B joints such as "That's what it's made for" and "Truth hurts" (which I think are awesome tracks!)
Only because artists don't do the same kind of soulful, "true" R&B music those dudes did, it doesn't make it any worse. Nelly Furtado's "Loose" is my fave album of 2006 so far and she wasn't try'na pay homage to no legend or bring back R&B.
I can KIND of see Usher's point - but I feel it should be up to the artist which direction they wanna take their music. Rather than solely trying to please a particular crowd or feeling the need to pay homage to a R&B legend. Which is why I kinda have respect for Beyonce for "B'Day". She put out the record she wanted. Even if it isn't one of the best albums as of late.
I'm mad because all theses talentless people are getting good sales and Kelis gets no love at all in the U.S. A bunch of songs I heard leaked are very different and in a good way. I like her style.
I just want to say the HMV bootleg comment was funny as he11, i'm still tripping off that. And Usher needs to sit his a55 somewhere before he ends up like Sisqo, if y'all remember Sisqo was saying some crazy sh1t like that before his album came out and he flopped. I don't know what it is lately but these artist/producers have been getting bold going at other people but I atleast admire those that actually call people out which Usher didn't do I guess he's just scared. Atleast Jermaine Dupri called Beyonce and Christina A. out even though he was talking out his a55.. I don't know why you'd ever want to make comments like that when you never know when you're next album is going to flop. I don't consider Usher the modern R&B icon of today like he thinks he is, i personally think he lacks any soul in his music, he has good songs but nothing prolific like Marvin Gay or Luther Vandross that people are going to be playing 20-30 years from now, so he needs to fall back. I've heard a lot of Beyonce's songs and they're pretty good, I think any other person singing them and I wouldn't even listen to them twice butI think Beyonce can carry a song no matter how crappy it might be. I'm just now starting to get into Deja Vu and Ring the Alarm is a banger. The probelm with those songs is that they're club songs, you got to hear them in the club with people dancing, they're not songs you can listen to in your car or at your house, just like Sexy Back. I remember when I saw the video for that sh1t I was like what the f*ck is this and I immediately hated. How about I went to the club the other night and heard that sh1t, and now that sh1ts on repeat 24/7. So, some songs you just go to hear them in the club, they're not necessarily radio friendly songs which I don't understand why an artist would release songs as singles to be played on the radio if they're not radio friendly but whatever. Peace
Usher is so arrogant ,and too full of hismself. Although Chris Brown can not carry a tune to save his life well in my opinion Usher can't carry a tune either. He is a hot mess over a studio beat he can actually sing ,but live he is crap unlike some of the likes of Christina A.,Beyonce,Jhon Legend,Lyfe,Anthony Hamilton..to name a few...Although he appreciates some of thier music I believe he is afraid this 16 yr old kid is coming to knock his hustle. Usher used up his time when he released his confessions album which was great ,but he did not carefully plan out his career...He rushed into alot of things ,and jammed them all up into one ,and then he let his ego get before him. Usher actually is a good entertainer ,and he's right that you get Ciara,Chris Brown...who actually can not sing ,but fool people into believing their amazing dancers which is not the case. I believe artist need to watch what they say because Usher has been upstaged in his performances many times. Recalling back when Beyonce appeared on tour with him...Beyonce also can release an album in 2weeks ,and have it have a message which her album does. It's just aside of the Bee we usually see graceful and classical..
I don't think that Usher will cause a big upset, cause nobody cares about him! And I think that there are a lot of good R&B albums out now; and as someone else said "Confessions" wasn't all that... Poor thing out of the spotlight...
How is Usher going to talk when it clear that he as long w/ the likes of Justin Timberlake and Chris Brown blatanly copy Michael Jackson? Michael needs to make another classic album and show these fools how it's done and it's not okay to bite off his style.
"I THINK R&B MUSIC HAS HAD ITS BEST 2 YRS IN MUSIC HISTORY"
OMG. This has to be the dumbest statement. You must be like 12.
NAW!!ACTUALLY IM 11.....
This is my opinion and only my opinion so don't jump on me.Music is about a matter of preference.Who is to say what's real music?I think music should be fun for an artist and a way to express themselves.Not everyone is going to have the same creativity.I get so tired of people saying what's not real music.It's all a matter of opinion,some people may think music is good nowadays, others may disagree.The generation back then is not like the generation now.All these people bashing artist about their music is ridiculous.As long as that artist can sing,I'm fine with it.
Also, I have to say it's a shame about Kelis. I dunno whether it's her label or the fact she doesn't seem to care. She strikes me as a "whatever" chick. She goes in the studio, does an album, puts it out and thinks: If it sells, it sells. If it don't, then cool.
It's a shame, because she is a great artist. I love how experimental she is how she is just HER. She ain't try'na be nobody else. It's a real shame.
J i think that's why i love kelis and her music because of that kind of attitude. she goes in the studio and lays it down . you either gonna buy it or you're not . it IS a shame that she didn't chart higher because IMO her new album is hot. she brings something different to the table everytime she releases an album.
That pic above with the vault was ludacris not beyonce. I found that out yesterday watching the VMA's
KELIS'S NEW CD IS HOT....SHE STAYS LOYAL AS MUCH AS SHE CAN TO HER MUSIC & FANS...... I LOVE HER!
"This is my opinion and only my opinion so don't jump on me.Music is about a matter of preference.Who is to say what's real music?I think music should be fun for an artist and a way to express themselves.Not everyone is going to have the same creativity.I get so tired of people saying what's not real music.It's all a matter of opinion,some people may think music is good nowadays, others may disagree.The generation back then is not like the generation now.All these people bashing artist about their music is ridiculous.As long as that artist can sing,I'm fine with it."
You seem like the most mature person on here. If people wants to release songs that are not appealing to you, then let them release it because it will appeal to someone else. Just because someone releases radio friendly songs and the majority of their album is like that with less ballads, doesn't mean they can't sing and hold their own against the old school bangers. The majority of the artists are young and when you're young you more than likely won't release all that serious stuff. They have their whole life for that.
Also, I think Mya can sing!!! You don't have to have the strongest voice or be able to hit certain notes to be a good singer. She has rich vocals and always sound good live. Scott Storch said she was his favorite singer. She is also an underrated performer at least I think so.
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