Where's The Beef: Music In More Trouble Than Our Economy

Hey buddy your music SUCKS! No really, the songs you're listening to lack any kind of musical integrity, talent, or creativity.  I remember growing up to the captivating and thought provoking music of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and BoyzIIMen.  This is the type of R&B that will become classics, and will stand the test of time.  Oh and what a "Moment In Time" it was!  Songs like "If It's Over" by Mariah Carey, or "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" by BoyzIIMen will be as popular now as they were way back when.  Rap music by Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Common, and A Tribe Called Quest beckoned you to think about social issues and encouraged self respect.  What's more about all of these artists is the fact they either    sang, wrote, or rapped because of their love for music.

Now we move to the, uh, music (?) of today.  Wacka Flocka Flame; Soulja Boy; Gucci Mane?  I wonder if the notable house of Gucci is as uncomfortable with that reference as I am.  I beg you to listen to one of Soulja Boy's songs and pull anything thought provoking from his lackluster lyrics (hopefully he's kissing his career goodbye thru the phone).  What's even more sad is the fact that this pathetic excuse for an artist has a fan base.  I don't call that artistry, well not musical artistry; no a lot of today's rappers and singers have learned the art of conning the consumer.  Were you around the television when Ashanti received the "Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year" award and Best R&B/Soul New Artist at the Lady of Soul Awards over a year ago? My stomach remembers that lamentable moment well, as it churned in bitter anguish.  Ashanti can barely carry a tune, and she actually convinced individuals to purchase her albums that helped her attain undeserved titles.  

The problem is, artists are singing and rapping for all the wrong reasons these days.  Today my friends, it's all about the money, and nothing else.  You love your fans because your fan base equals revenue.  Music is long bereft of talent, you only need to attain a great beat, and then jumble a few words down or copy them from a bathroom stall, and record it over your incredible beat, and my friends you have a microwave hit! Of course great marketing doesn't hurt.  Remember that sex sells more now than ever before, and you will be the next best thing.  The saddest thing I saw was a gentleman defending Soulja Boy's song, "Pretty Boy Swag" on iTunes the other day.  In Soulja Boy's defense, the consumer replied to the horrible reviews by saying, "Respect Soulja's grind, hustle, and bussiness (consumer spells business wrong) because music he's making are becoming hits and many people are liking it Soulja is SUCCESSFUL." My advice to this clueless consumer -- get a reality check followed by a spell check; I'm sure your English teachers would be hurt.  Clearly someone that makes grammatical errors and can't spell would love Soulja Boy's music (I rest my case).  If this is where the next generation is headed, then I am very afraid.  However, I don't think it is, as many Gen Y'ers and Millenials choose more classic styles over what the radio is playing today (there is a God).  

The silver lining to this cloud includes such artists as Jazmine Sullivan, Chrisette Michele, John Legend, Alicia Keys, and B.o.B. to name a few.  These musicians clearly have a love for their craft, and perform musical pieces that will stand the test of time.  Another silver lining is the fact that Wacka Flocka, Nicki Minaj, and other artists that can't carry a tune, think Louis Vuitton is an Italian fashion house, or think Japan and China belong to two different continents will be long forgotten.  

Hall of Shame (TOP 10 ARTISTS THAT SHOULDN'T BE)

1. NICKI MINAJ
2. WACKA FLOCKA FLAME
3. SOULJA BOY
4. GUCCI MANE
5. ASHANTI
6. DRAKE
7. GS BOYS
8. SHAWTY LO
9. ROSCOE DASH
10. JUSTIN BIEBER

GOOD MUSIC: (R&B)

 

WTF MUSIC: (R&B)

GOOD MUSIC: (HIP HOP)

WTF MUSIC: (HIP HOP)