WHAT HAPPENED TO REAL SONGS???
2 DAYS AGO ME AND B COX WERE TALKIN ABOUT R&B AND HOW THE ARTIST TODAY ARE SO STREET FROM THE LYRICS TO THE LOOKS. SO IT MADE ME ASK WHAT HAPPENED TO REAL SONGS? WHY ARE THERE MORE R&B ARTIST SAYING THE SAME THING AS THE RAPPERS INSTEAD OF TALKING ABOUT TENDER RONI, HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE, PIECE OF MY LOVE , FOREVER MY LADY, CRY FOR YOU, WHAT ABOUT US, LETS GET MARRIED ECT…… I COULD GO ON AND ON. WHEN DID THE R&B ARTIST GET FOOLED TO BELIEVE THAT YALL WANNA HEAR THEM CURSE AT THE CROWD, HOLD THEY DICK THE WHOLE SONG, LOOK LIKE RAPPERS 100 PERCENT AND SING ABOUT SHIT THAT’S UNROMANTIC. DID JODECI DO THIS ? I BELIEVE THAT WAS THE BEGINNING BUT WHAT’S FUCKED UP ABOUT IT IS, THAT’S NOT WHAT JODECI WAS. JODECI WAS EVERYTHING PACKAGE INTO 1 THAT’S WHY WE LOVE THEM AND STILL LISTEN TO THERE MUSIC TODAY. BUT SOME WHERE IN BETWEEN ALL THE LEATHER PANTS, JACKETS AND TATTOOS NIGGAS MISSED WHAT THEY WAS SAYING; NIGGAS MEANING UPCOMING ARTIST. OUR TALK GOT DEEPER AND I CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT ARTIST OF TODAY ARE CONFUSED WITH TOO MUCH TOUGH GUY SHIT, IF YOU LOOK LIKE A THUG THEN YOUR MUSIC SHOULD REFLECT SOMETHING ELSE. IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT THE MOST SUCCESSFUL RAPPERS HAVE DIFFERENT LOOKS THAN THERE MUSIC. 50 CENT, JAY-Z, 2 PAC AND BIGGIE LOOKED NOTHING LIKE THE SHIT THEY SAY. WITH THAT BEING SAID I KNOW ITS ALOT OF UP AND COMING ARTIST THAT READ THIS BLOG SO MY ADVISE TO YOU IF YOU DO R&B IS KEEP THE 2 SEPARATE AND KNOW THAT SEPARATION IS GOOD.
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I agree with JD. And for the up and coming artist the game is wide open. Usher shouldn’t have come out with his marriage, dude has lost a lot of his fan base. Chris Brown is going to college, dude already knows he is finished, they are not even playing his songs on the radio anymore. If a young guy around 17 or 18 comes out on that Bobby Brown Tender Roni tip it’s a rap….
Yo I know at lot of singers and producers get on this web site. I think this is a great site for networking and for that I want to thank JD… WITH THAT SAID!!! It’s one thing to look at the life but its another to be apart of it. If you are in the Atlanta area and you PRODUCE or are a SONG WRITER let’s hook up. I have a full studio in stone mountain, check us out. http://www.2bold.com or check me out at http://www.myspace.com/darnik. I am always looking for great R&B artist!!
I think there are some artist that do put out good R&B music but just don’t get enough support. Raheem DeVaughn, Robin Thicke, Musiq are some of the male R&B singers that put out good music and should get recognized for it more then they do. The only way to bring R&B music back to it’s roots is to starting buying music by artists that staying true to essecnce of R&B.
Truthfully there’s an evolution that’s going on in R&B that in my opinion is a two-sides coin fueled by record execs and also those who aspire to be singers. On one hand one could say that times are different and so just as rappers draw from their lives so are these upcoming R&B artists. On the flip side however, there are record labels looking to incorporate hip hop into everything they can be it rock, country, etc. so now there are R&B artists being somewhat pushed into incorporating Hip-Hop/Rap into their music (i.e., I Am Not My Hair by India.Arie feat. Akon) for the sake of commercial appeal. Also if up and coming R&B artist recorded material lyrically reminiscent and similar to what Jodeci, Jagged Edge, Joe, Luther Vandross, Keith Sweat and even similar to Usher’s song “Here I Stand”, unfortunately they run the risk of being pigeon-holed as Neo-Soul artists. Sad to say too that when you’ve been stamped as a Neo-Soul artist the dollar for marketing and production etc. are much harder to get. Unfortunately Brandy’s “Human” CD (for example) which content-wise was phenominal was not well received partly among other reasons because it wasn’t a really hip hop-influenced project and more content driven. Somehow it’s now the new task and challenge to make real songs like “We Belong Together” and “Baby Tell Me The Way”–love that song Johnta, LOL–the aim of the up and coming artists looking for material for their projects and too make real money doing it with listeners dollar support. Thus making it possble for Hip Hop to co-exist with real R&B equally. It can be done; we did it in the 70s and 80s with Run DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys and the Kurtis Blow etc. It’s just time to find balance.
AND THAT’S MY 2 CENTS
ER!C
Music is reflective of the world in which it was derived from. If you look at black culture today, I mean what are we teaching our children? When R&B first started out, it wasn’t just about sex and love. Ray Charles, James Brown, hell even Michael Jackson, they spoke about real issues ongoing in the world. It was a chance to break down racial barriers, it was a chance to denote messages to people. When Ray Charles and James Brown were around in the late 50′s and 60′s, the United States was still growing. Civil liberties were still barred from blacks, and these current issues were reflected in the songs that they song b/c there was an authenticity within them. They spoke about life’s struggles. I think we as a culture have become fixated on the “fast life” and R&B as well as hip hop has been muddied down with materialism that was rampant back in the early 2000′s when our economy was actually good. In order to change how music is perceived, you have to change the values of the youth who are listening. And hell… the record companies need to evolve now. They’re not in it for creativity, they are in it to make a profit. And artists do not have the chance to grow as they did way back when.
Another problem is that there is no balance in terms of the quality of music that is being played on radio and tv. I mean living out here on the west coast I rarely get to hear music from artists like Dwele, Eryka Badu, Bobby V., Pleasure P, Trey Songz just to name a few….
visit http://www.LeVarThomas.com he writes all of his own music!
Standing ovation and def encore 4 that 1 Mr.Dupree on Twitter the A&R convo was very true as well!
I’m waitin 4 more of Ush, JLack(producer trackmaster), Brian M.Cox, Johnta, Ginuwine, Trey, Musiq, Avant and artists that truly dig n 2 ur soul with music making u fall deeper in love and with the possibility if u don’t have a special someone. The rhythm and sound that makes love 2 u with sensual, passionate flow. Yes I def agree and I’m craving that sound!
What happened to the game is the lack of individuality Marvin Gaye never sounded like Steve at any point in his career. R&B-n-Hip-Hop (clones) It’s like the effect that New Jack Swing had on the entire music industry 9 outta 10 songs that came out in that period had the same drum track example: Boys II Men “motown phily” and ABC’s “playground”. People use to make music because they loved making real songs like the oceans crew. I also blame the company’s for accepting and instigating this crap from these artist. Perfect example: I’m sure Keyshia Cole’s company tells her all the time can you sound more like Mary J? That’s why people are so fascinated with 80′s music. There was a wide range of individuality in fact artist tried harder not to sound like everyone else. I’m sorry but until I hear a soul singer that touch me like Donnie Hathaway I will not be buying any R&B albums I’d rather buy the cd clone (bootleg) of these music clones.
Shout out to A&R Chris he feels the same way I do!
Good point. But what really is ‘real’ R&B? I grew up listening to Dru Hill, Blasktreet, etc. and I consider music around the 90′s to be ‘my version’ of real R&B.. because it’s nostalgic and it’s relatable to my upbringing. But I can remember people older than me who consider that type of R&B as garbage. The generation before me considered Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross as ‘real’ R&B.
As far artists ‘dressing up for the part’ and to ‘act the part’. From the blog: “IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT THE MOST SUCCESSFUL RAPPERS HAVE DIFFERENT LOOKS THAN THERE MUSIC.” I’m not really sure what you mean by that? Last time I checked Tupac repped thug life from his music to down to his tats and baggy pants. He’s considered a legend in the Hip Hop community, and he did NOT look different from his music.
Please clarify??
RESPECT!
I was thinking that hte other day…I am tired of being told how aggressively I’m gonna get fucked against a wall…I would love for someone to tell me that they just want me to be their “Sweet Lady”. Dudes these days think that all a woman wants is to be handled. Even though womens personality traits are becoming stronger we still like to be handled femininly (have no idea if that a word or not,lol) I write and I don’t like to go hard in every song…There’s still some pillowtalk that needs to be had…There will be alot more satisfied women if the R&B took things back and just focused on the RHYTHM and BLUES factor and not dabbling in HIP HOP just to get noticed and have “cross over” appeal…Everybody wants to do everything…The music industry has ADHD right now…It won’t “be still”…as soon as you hear a smoothe groove here comes a rapper trashing the song…It’s like people don’t want to be satisfied in their own category. They want to take all the shine and lose the quality in their music in the process…
R&B MISSING some Keith Sweat, Jodeci,,LSG,R.Kelly,Silk,H-town,Shai, Jagged Edge needs to come bak with some more hits. shyt i was born in 89 and i remeber the good ol days with the good R&B. the 90′s was the shyt!
i think real rnb is still out there you just have to look for it musiq lyfe USHER lol and many more rnb is still around some what i think music is going to go back to what it use to be soon it has to
PS. I think there’s still some good quality R&B/Hip-Hop artists out there. A song doesn’t have to be in the top 40′s or even have a music video to qualify as good quality music.
Check out some upcoming, or underground artists. The message isn’t gone- they’re still out there.
I just wanted to say that the young people don’t know what real music and romance is. The don’t see people in positive relationships. There is no hand holding and claiming their women, their relationships is so hidden to have to assume who they are dating and get all messed up. The R&B singers look up to rappers instead of their counterparts. Also the labels also dictate how they look and they begin to play the role.
I’m a songwriter and was just having a conversation with my girl about what has happened to R&B singers and why they are acting so hard nowadays. She kept brought up Jodeci and how successful they were…I was telling her the same thing you said and it was very refreshing to hear that ya’ll are thinking/talking about this.
I don’t think that there is a shortage of real songs or R&B singers, but moreso that the general public doesn’t seem to care about it unless it’s coming from specific people (Beyonce, A. Keys, Ne-yo, and a few more.) Im an 80s baby, so I remember Sade, Keith Sweat, Jodeci, Guy, En Vouge. It seemed like people wanted to hear music that touched the soul. Music that made you laugh, cry, reminicse. Now people are more interested in everything but the music. As an aspiring producer/songwriter soon moving to Atlanta (shameless plug LOL), I think about where I need to take a song commercially which can sometimes put a damper on the creative process. It’s on some shit like do I make some real creative music or something that would sound hot on a ringtone? The game is in shambles right now, so alot of people are looking for a quik fix and not classic or even great long lasting music. So focus is not on artists who don’t have a quick hit. Just my thoughts…
JD i completely understand where ur coming from with this, but cant u say that for a while yo boi Songz was the same way…….. i mean dont get me wrong, the niggas shit stay in rotation in my truck, but some of his underground shit is just like the shit that ur talking about.
Preach, JD!!!!
I think dudes are Homophobes and think if they don’t look gangsta dudes we will think they are soft.
I miss me some lets get married remix. I am so going to have JE at my wedding god willing.
Holla.
I totally agree. Nico 90′s baby is right. There are a few “REAL” R & B singers out there, it just seems they can’t get the airtime they deserve.
I completely agree with what you are saying JD. Even though I am young, I long for the days of the early 90’s when you had artists like D’angelo, SWV, Xscape, Jodeci, and etc. It was R&B with an edge. It had soul and heartfelt lyrics but it was paired with a tight beat to appeal to the streets. That is why I respect artists like Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, Jazmine Sullivan, and the queen MJB because they are amazing singers that remind you of what real R&B is. Please work with more artists that are willing to keep this type of music alive and thriving. I love each and everyone of you Ocean Boys and keep up the good work.
What’s up JD,
I think that music died around 1999…lol! The truth of the matter is, is that we are not in control of what we hear on the radio anymore. A lot of the music we hear today is forced on us. You know it’s bad when R. Kelly isn’t “singing” anymore. People aren’t themselves anymore, and the lack of orinality does not exist in the industry. If it does, the artist is put on the shelf, or marketing lacks. Let’s be real, there are a million singers and songwriters that can bring back the true feel of R&B. For example, Johnta Austin…he has the feel of an old/new school “tell the truth” type of guy…but what happens? It takes forever for one to get an album (Been waiting since Dope Fiend). There are plenty underground music makers, but because the industry only wants bubble gum “last for a minute” singers and not longevity…the customers get crap. It’s almost like the automobile industry….what happen to the trucks and cars that last? They are not in production. Although there’s proof that these type of cars can still run….they insist on making crappy vehicles that last for 100,000 miles….i can go on and on, but until the music stops, and starts over….the universal peace keeper we call music, will cease to exist. By the way, im a singer and songwriter…and my whole dream was to be in the industry, but until im convinced that we can bring good music back…i guess i have no choice but to stay independent.
ii totallyy aqree ; iim 14 andd ii qrew upp in dahh 90s andd im still listeninqq 2 dahh 90s. lolss ii listenn 2 somee now sinqerrss andd rapperss buht not alott .iits true thouu Most of the time ii turn on the radio and turn it riqht off ; finally someone from the industry feelss the wayy most ppl do !
JD you just said it all. I couldnt agree with you more. Where is real rhythm and blues, thats what r&b is? Maybe we need to start saying the whole name to understand the meaning instead of just calling it r&b. I think r&b artist have gotten caught up in the title “hip hop r&b” and done took the “hip hop” part of it too far into the image. When was the last time we got some straight up pure rhythm and blues guys who not just melodically rapping on every song like its a damn hook on a Ja Rule single (No offense to Ja Rule). There are babies to be made, folk barely can find a damn wedding song now lol…Lyrics, content, image..gone.
I get and understand this, we need to produce more lenny Williams and baby makers LOL. Let’s put the Nate dogs away. Guys have forgot or wasn’t taught that women love to be sung to sexily. Prince was killing the game,stevie wonder was killing the game and be was blind can’t even see a woman, but didn’t have to see women would drop drawers quickier for him than a master p singing ass clown. Ha
i completely agree with you jd n b.cox! its not cool to hear an “R&B” record with as much cuss words as a RAP record, it messes with the image of R&B. Maybe its b/c sum of the rappers may not have done as well in the rap industry, n they feel hey y not try this R&B thing out for a chance. n they try to mix up both R&B and rap together on a song, just to keep that whole rap image but yet still have that R&B feel. its kinda like asking a guy if they like listening to R&B, most dudes r gonna say they dont. just b/c they may think there image might diminish.
Well JD…that must mean that labels aren’t tryin to pick up the right type of artist to represent that genre of music…I’m R&B to the fullest…the real R&B that allows a 22 yr old to make girls his age and women 20 yrs older to have the same romantic feeling inside…REAL R&B artists trying to come up in the game are being overlooked because apparently that’s not what labels want…I’ve had 4 meetings with top labels in the past 2 weeks trying to get R&B singers and writers…they want me one minute, but then want me to change into EXACTLY what ur talking about…so it’s really ironic that ur talkin about this…I’m not discouraged that I haven’t been picked up yet or anything because I have a few more meetings left…but they all seem to be hesitant for some reason cuz i’m not gunna grab my johnson…
I agree 100%. I think that the music world today relates more to the younger crowd who likes to hear that cursing and F**king songs. When we as the older crowd likes usher, brian mcknight, and so on.. There are a lot of good talent out there who has releases lik JOE for instance. But he don’t get the air play. You never see him on the grammys.. ..
I agree 100% there are A LOT of R&B artist that are trying too hard to be rappers, but I think its because rappers are making a lot of ballads and they sell, so the r&b artists are looking at that like well shit if a rapper can go hard on a ballad why can’t I have that same success by sounding hard throughout my whole album. Idk though there are still some good r&b artists out there they are just rare to come by, or it seems like artists are becoming one hit wonders, they release a good single and then next thing you know you never hear from them again or the next thing they drop is mediocre.
Jd, you are absolutely right. R&B is on a life support just like Hip-Hop. You can’t really blame it just one things, it’s alot of factors to blame. The Record Company executives, the artists and yes even us the fans. We are all to blame for how R&B is now but instead of complaining about it it’s time for the artists to stop FOLLOWING OTHERS AND STOP TRYING TO GO THE HIP-HOP ROUTE AND JUST SING R&B LOVE SONGS THAT EVERYONE CAN RELATE TO!
I hate singers trying to be rappers unless they do throw in a rap like Trey Songz. Singers aren’t getting paid to be singers. Brandy’ “Human” was a great vocal and lyrical achievement but we rather be silly with a Beyonce album lacking soul and depth. Brandy,Monica ,Tamia, Shanice, etc awesome vocalists that connected. Now we want to see everyone dance. Like that’s what a Nely record is for to me. When I buy a singer’s album I wanna hear sanging. Bobby B danced too, Aaliyah danced but she sung about somethin she had soul in her voice as well. Tevin sang..only young male singers followin suit is Mario and Trey and they’re underrated.Mario’s “Go” was classic r&B to me and it went overlooked. But the “gimme that” artist was a success. It’s the fans fault. No way in the world “I am Sasha Fierce” deserved to sell more then Jazmine Sullivan or Brandy’s album..but it did. And fans will go “yeah it’s not the best but I like it.” What..stop settling for rushed mediocrity.
I’M JUST GLAD I RECORDED OLD EPISODES OF BET’S MIDNIGHT LOVE. THAT’S LIKE A TIME CAPSULE ON VHS!!!
Its a cultural thing with people its not just music.Everyone nowadays wants to be considered real or hard when most of them have no idea what it means.
Real=TRUTHFUL,
Not all this tony tuff guy madness.I personally know upcoming rapping and signing hopefuls that never seen any part of the streets but fill their music with nothing but street material.
The industry has to make the wake up call and stop putting money behind every tom dick and o dog that has a so call hot record.
Real gangstas are trying to run from that life while fake gangstas are running towards it.
THE ONLY MUSIC ON MY IPOD IS R&B FROM THE 70,80,&90 AND MY SISTER JANET!!!!!
I see what you saying JD, but I think music has definitely changed from the past..the audience prefers the faster swagga R&B cause its just cool like that…It shows that style is not only restricted to Hip-Hop artists…I guess it shows the versatility of the genre in a way. I still believe the slow jams are quite strong on many R&B albums, it’s just that they don’t release them as singles as often..because they don’t chart as well as that stylish Hip-Hop-like R&B…you get me? It’s the fans preference that made this type of R&B dominate the industry…I believe if more slow jams chart-top..then R&B will shift in that direction. It can be done, but it needs a big artist to do it….Usher can do it, he is the best…time to call him the Savior of R&B.
Nuff Said…..
JD,
I think it leads back to lazy A&R people at the labels who don’t know always know how to put the package together for the label and executives unwilling to listen. The labels have had copy cat syndrom badly for the past decade. They see a formula for making hit records and with the rise of hip hop they focus on projecting that image to the public. The bottom line keeps looking good so they keep pushing the same edge. I can turn on the radio any time and hear Do the Stanky Leg but have to search to find Anthony Hamiliton or Jill Scott. I hope that on Usher’s new album there are some great love songs because he has a status in the industry that can help turn that corner back to real R&B. Music goes in cycles and the image now is to project toughness even if you are as soft as a fruity pebble. Real thugs don’t commit crimes and then sing about it on the radio. Real artist know that you cannot make money if you are locked up in jail.
This is just the thought of dedicated music lover and listener who doesn’t listen to the radio anymore because honestly how much can I listen to rims, booty and beat yo ass tracks.
yes so true, so tired of the Rap/Hip-hop influenced R&B, I understand to have it featured from time to time, but having it constantly is taking away from R&B.
Usher, R.Kelly, The Dream, they keeping R&B alive in the male category….
Mariah, Janet, Alicia… keeping R&B alive in the female category…
but there are far more artist that are blending hip-hop/rap with R&B that the its like 98% Hip hop and only a splash of 2% R&B…
I’m 21, but I feel so old cuz i listen to music mostly from 80s and 90s and always complain about how much I wish music would go back to being the way it was then or at least wish the artists keep R&B R&B, and Rap Rap..
maybe they’ll read our comments and take it into consideration…..maybe :-/
“It’s Time” we are getting back to the realness!! I feel it JD let’s Go!!!! Look at it like this we are your students and you have to teach us the past in order to preserve the future! I think you have it now. This is what your music industry family needs from you! We need you to speak on the music industry! Now is the perfect time. Just Let it Out JD! I love when you talk about the industry!! Im a fein for the knowledge.
D.MAL
The World Famous
‘preciate the truth in that blog…damn. Dave Chappelle talked about when keeping it reals goes bad…how about, keeping it thug gone bad. And pull your damn pants up niahs….that shit is played. By the way, have anyone heard that the home of the strip club, ATL, is having a U.S. strip-off competition. Only in the A. Now that’s funny!
agree 100%….we need to bring back that 90s music and 90s sound back….. bring back the usher from 94-03…. haha…. ….great topic been thinking about this for a while
what up jd i thnk ur right i do only think it just the artist i think it also the has to do with the people in the suits and ties how are calling the shots.Image wise r&b has become so bland 2 me. wat ever happen 2 people singing about being in love., when did people start think that r&b was so SOFT? I think there are glimmers of hope n r&b with the jazmine sullivan. dwele ,raphael saadiq ,angie stone, alicia keys jill scott, raheem devaughn. ledesi n many others who still sing great r n b without confirmin 2 lables etc! R n b and should stay in its own lane! thats wat made it unique n so cherished! Jus like some people say hip hop is so called dead i think the similar can be said about r n b to an extinct!
I agree 100%. I been at this game for a minute and what sickens me to my stomach is music that lacks depth. We put image over real music, now I am not saying image is not important but what happen to REAL singers and rappers who spoke from the heart and was truly living what they talked about…Keep it coming JD!!!
Check out “You Caught Me” PLEASE at myspace, you will hear the originality…Feedback is good from a professional as such…Your head will rock to Sly and I…
LR
The issue lies more with the record companies those saying yea or nay when it comes to some of these songs released. The bar has definitely been lowered.
Off topic, even rappers should not be pacing the stage with their hand(s) on their crotch all the while yanking and squeezing. I don’t understand why it is even considered ok for rappers.
JDDDDD MANNNNN…i cant tell u how long i’ve been bumpin u wayyy back since i was like what….7?? HAHA! anyway this is on a serious note, i feel ya persona and where ya comin from on this, u use to have da brat signed and she did big thangz..until her fallout, so ever since then MY opinion is there hasn’t been a female mc to just go and represent for so so def like she did. I’M it. If you put hard in WORK, which is what any dedication to rap and/or r&b is, in return you get hard FAME, MONEY, and LISTENERS. I have PLENTY of listeners down here in 817 DFW, up to Htown, I”m not like these other dudes AND females trying to “blow up” off the dance craze shit fam. If I don’t get the chance to talk with you here, best believe you WILL be hearing my name, my words, and my motivation in person when I take a trip to SO SO Def. I’m ready. And if you believe in doing big things, you will KNOW I’m ready, ask DFW about me, we all waiting on my big break. Much LOVE to my long respected producer, MR. JDupri himself.
J
dats is so true ..we need jagged edge genuwine ect dru hill boyz 11 men ect no love making music no more
i heard that JD,,, man we gotta keep r&b how its been done from the issac hayes to the day 26 baby!!! i feel you big homie
JD I agree with you and B.Cox the divide between Hip Hop & R&B is damn near invisible…like you said everyone wants to be so hard and love is so much deeper than that it has depth, layers, it can be soft & sweet or dark & painful that’s why there are so many songs about it because it evokes so many different feelings and emotions…we need the artist & writer’s of today to be different & unique take R&B to another level …take risk! Just like MJ, Prince, Sade, Marvin Gaye, Jodeci, Mary J, Maxwell, & Bobby Brown did in their day…they need to do like Janet and take CONTROL! We do have a few diamonds in the rough such as Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Musiq Soulchild, Chrisette Michele, Usher, Beyonce, & John Legend but we need more! JD keep doing want you do, your such an INSPIRATION! Keep LTL!
umm JD..are congratulations in order?