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Michelle Williams: Love Gun

7/7/2011

Michelle Williams has a new song out, ya'll! :) The track is called "Love Gun" and, according to Williams' Facebook, it's a "tester." Typically, "tester" tracks are designed to create buzz for a future project and give the artist and/or their record label an idea of what sound the audience will gravitate to. "Love Gun" is lyrically solid and fits the contemporary mold of techno-dance pop, but is musically very basic and predictable. Make the track less formulaic and more energetic, and it would be off to a better start. Hear "Love Gun" below and let me know what you think.

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Kelly Rowland-Motivation Video

4/4/2011

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I'm glad it wasn't the "Slave 4 U" raunch-fest the set photos indicated. I was pretty relieved that Kelly pushed the envelope only a teasing bit; I'm over pop divas using skankdom for publicity. I don't have much to say about this video other than that. I would've like to see a storyline and more choreography. What do you guys think?

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Kelly Rowland: Rose-Colored Glasses

9/15/2010

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Ms. Kelly Rowland, or "Ke-Ke" as I call her lol, has a new video out; I'm diggin' it. Tell me what you guys think, and if you've seen the "Commander" video, also let me know what you think about "Rose" in comparison. Just hit the "comment" button above. :) Thanks!

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The Curious Case of Beyonce: How to Become the "Queen of Pop"

8/18/2010

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A career analysis.

Beyonce` Knowles is in a unique position and at an interesting turning point in her career. If she plays her cards right, she very well could be the next singer to be crowned the “Queen of Pop.” Over the last decade, she has increasingly become one of the most visible and internationally-known (not to mention financially successful; according to “Forbes” she made 87 million last year) singers of our time and barely has ANY major competition from her contemporaries, especially those in R&B. Britney Spears appeared to be a major contender for the title, but recent years have left some questioning her position in the pop kingdom. Some may mention Lady Gaga in this mix, but she is honestly too new to be considered in this discussion. Talk of Beyonce’s potential to become the “Queen of Pop” began after Michael Jackson’s death, as music media analyzed Jackson’s legacy and influence on the current generation of artists. Based on her deep love for Jackson (Most artists respect Jackson, but Knowles is actually an involved hardcore fan of his), her intense work ethic and dominance in pop music and pop culture, she was deemed the closest thing to Jackson out right now. Some music magazines referenced her as “the female Michael Jackson.” As if the “female Michael Jackson” title wasn’t enough, she has been endorsed by some of the greats in the industry including Prince (she performed a Prince medley with him at the 2004 Grammys), Tina Turner (performed with her at the 2008 Grammys), Barbara Streisand, Bette Midler, Etta James and Reba McEntyre, just to name a few. And let’s not forget being hand-picked by 1st Lady Michelle Obama to sing at her husband’s inauguration. The lane is wide open and the crown is Beyonce’s to wear. All she has to do is keep driving in the right direction. Considering the careers of those who came before her, I’ve created a list of things that I think will ensure Beyonce’s coronation.

Lesson 1: Avoid “Nipple gates” and Scandals.
Granted, Janet Jackson didn’t plan for her bare breast to be exposed on national television during her 2004 Superbowl halftime show, but her intentions didn’t matter to the media or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). After the incident that came to be known as “nipple gate,” Jackson was heavily scorned and ridiculed by the media, and the singles from her album, “Damita Jo” (released a month after the Superbowl), failed to make the top 40 on the billboard chart (ref. Wikipedia). According to the RIAA, “Damita Jo” sold only a million copies; a major decrease in sales in comparison to her previous albums. The sales decrease and her loss of the lead role in a Lena Horne biopic are suspected to be a result of the Superbowl controversy. Furthermore, some have tried to define Jackson by that moment. After years of great music and performances, that’s all some people STILL focus on. They’ve tried to reduce her to an exposed nipple and act like she’s no one. It’s not fair or just, but in this industry, that’s what happens. One scandal or unflattering moment, and everything you’ve worked for is threatened. You’re given a “scarlet letter” label that may never be removed. Many artists still hold their respective honorary titles (titles like the “Queen of Pop” or “The King of Rock N’ Roll) despite controversies, but it’s not worth the risk if you can avoid it. Beyonce` needs to consciously do what she can to avoid scandal and controversy to gain her title and keep it in tact. Seemingly already ahead of that game, Beyonce` has a great P.R. (public relations) image and has avoided any drama. Let’s hope it stays that way. Some might argue that “pushing the envelope” helps. In that case, it’s smarter to “push the envelope” musically by discussing a controversial societal issue (not sex, because that’s what EVERYONE does) versus doing something controversial personally.

Lesson 2: Always Self-Preserve and Stay Healthy.
Part of what becomes a scandal or controversy for some artists is their lack of care for themselves. Any type of substance abuse or addiction can be a threat to you and your career. Many artists have attested that, due to a number of factors, being in the entertainment industry can be physically, emotionally and/or mentally wearing and can lead to a breakdown or seeking self-destructive “escapes” (like drugs and alcohol). Beyonce` should never exceed her own personal limits at the expense of her health. No matter what, she needs to self-preserve; even if it means retiring from music. I love hearing a new Beyonce` record like the next fan, but not if it results in a breakdown.

Lesson 3: Know what your source of power and strength is; aka your “formula.”
Most artists have a particular creative formula or aspect that they can rely on to stay ahead or keep their music solid. For some, it’s working with a specific writer. For others, it may be having a certain image or stance. Sometimes, it’s recording in a certain setting. Taking a risk and deterring from your “magic formula” can work out well, but it has the potential to cost you. Janet Jackson’s collaboration with producers (and writers) Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis has been nothing but magic. She’s primarily collaborated with them her entire career, and her long-held success has been attributed to their chemistry together. Her last three albums have had reduced sales due to a number of different factors, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the last three albums have also had different mix of writers and producers. On her latest record, “Discipline”, Jam/Lewis were nowhere to be found and Jackson didn’t write a thing. “Discipline” is her lowest selling record since “Control” in 1986. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. The Jackson/Jam/Lewis chemistry is her magic formula, and deterring from it didn’t work out.

Beyonce’s has 3 parts to her “magic formula.” Musically, her strength is her cross-over appeal. Image-wise, it’s being viewed as feministic and clean-cut. If you listen thoroughly to all of the Destiny’s Child records and Beyonce’s solo work, each album has a different sound or incorporates a different genre. When you incorporate a different genre into your music, the material can appeal to a new audience, expanding your fan base. With each project (and business/branding deal), Beyonce` has been expanding her fan base and visibility. Becoming the “Queen of Pop” involves being internationally known and a household name. The worldwide obsession with the “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it)” video and the success of her Spanish-language songs and South American tour dates (two dates in Rio were sold out and 60,000 people attended her Sao Paulo concert) show that Beyonce` isn’t wasting time diversifying.

In terms of her image, being viewed as feministic and clean-cut has served her well. Social communities that are mistreated or discriminated against (ex. women & racial minorities) often support those who represent or defend them or give them someone to relate to. Beyonce’s fan base is mostly female and they’ve made it clear that her feministic material is something they appreciate. Her biggest selling and most popular solo singles are those with female-supportive themes, like “Irreplaceable,” “Single Ladies”, “If I Were a Boy” and “Me, Myself and I.” One female Bee fan said to me “Beyonce`…we NEED her. We need her music.” When Knowles covered “Allure” magazine in February 2010, the headline was “Beyonce`: The Voice of Strong Women Everywhere.” ABC did a news piece on her entitled “Beyonce`: The Symbol of Female Empowerment. Obviously, a feministic image/or theme is something she should stick with as a part of her formula. As mentioned earlier, Beyonce` currently has a sparkling public image. I think this is a contributing factor to her diverse fan base. When you appear to be “clean-cut”, you’re more socially acceptable and porous. People (especially parents), are more comfortable admiring you or looking to you as a role model. She hasn’t had a “fall from grace” or has been “obscene or offensive” to make her socially debatable or worth rejecting. All a part of a great formula that Beyonce` should stay conscious of and keep.

Lesson 4: Stay ahead of record label politics and stay in creative control.
B.S. handed down by record label execs can really jack up your career either temporarily or permanently in a number of ways. From Prince, to Fiona Apple, to Kelly Clarkson, the list of artists who have had public wars with their record labels or management over artistic creativity, finances, promotion and etc. goes on and on. It can be difficult to stay ahead of and dodge label politics, but Bee’s gotta watch her back nonetheless, and take chances (like Prince) to preserve her artistic and business integrity. Sometimes label issues can result in leaving a recording label, which is often a murky, transitional process. Mariah Carey has treaded those murky waters a couple of times. She left Columbia Records at the top of the millennium after what she described as a negative “political situation” from “corporate people,” only to move to Virgin Records for a “stress-fest.” Virgin offered her an $80 mill. contract, but paid her $28 million to close it after mediocre album sales. Carey is now with Island Def Jam. Carey said of her decision to sign with Virgin: “I made a total snap decision which was based on money, and I never make decisions based on money. I learned a big lesson from that." What Bee can learn from this particular example is to never chase money and always sign with a label that respects her as an artist and has her best interests at heart. When it comes to creative and business control, Bee already has a leg up. Since the Destiny’s Child days, she has had her own publishing (helps with royalties), and gets credit for writing and producing on her albums. Unfortunately, even with that much creative input, label execs can still force their hand; but some input is better than no input. She should keep this up and increase her creative control with time if she can.

Lesson 5: Have multi-tasking music and don’t back track.
A strength that prior pop icons have had was multi-dimensional music. Pop may be viewed as the designated genre for dance fluff, but many who have reached iconic status had music that not only made you dance, but made you reflect or….procreate (wink, wink lol) at the same time. Covering political or societal issues from time to time or having personal lyrics will be help Beyonce` have longevity and creative sustenance. As far as back-tracking, your music should continuously evolve and never conform (see “Professionals Sounding Like Newbies” 6-7-10) to current gimmicks or the current sound in attempt to stay popular; it never works. Being you works. Consistently growing and progressing, not moving backward, works. Keep this in mind, Beyonce`. If she follows or conforms to what is current or popular, she will be in the race with everyone else and will be at risk to get lost in the shuffle.

Lesson 6: Pace Yourself. Know when to sit down and stand up.
As far as I know, Beyonce` is currently on hiatus and is not in the studio or working on a movie. This is the longest time (it’s been about 5 months) that Beyonce` hasn’t been working on or promoting a major project since 1997. In my opinion, she’s taking a much needed break. Part of preserving your health AND art is taking well-timed breaks. There IS such a thing as overexposure, and Beyonce` might have been riding that line, especially after “Single Ladies.” Over-exposure can lead to the audience growing weary or underwhelmed by you (or taking you for granted). No one wants that. The opposite of this problem is taking too long of a break. You don’t want to be gone for so long that people lose interest or that you become irrelevant. Going on a break is a delicate process. You gotta know when to sit down and stand up. So the rules of “breaking” are: Take breaks, break when you’re on top (you wanna leave because you chose to, not because people didn’t want you anymore), and don’t be gone for too long.

Lesson 7: Use your instincts.
A gut feeling is a gut feeling. No one knows you better than yourself; she should always follow her instincts.
Lesson 8: Watch your inner circle.
It may be difficult to keep genuine people around you when you’re an international pop-star, but it must be done. Like many who started a recording career as a teen, Beyonce’s inner business circle consists of family. Fortunately enough, her family has proved to be trustworthy. Her father is her manager, her mother still acts as her clothing stylist (she used to be her hair stylist as well) and her cousin is her personal assistant. Nearly everyone else, from her choreographer to her tour creative director has been around since the first Destiny’s Child record. There are very few outsiders. This tight-knit circle approach has served her well so far. Anyone in the industry needs to make wise decisions about who they let into their atmosphere.

At the very ripe and young age of 28 (she’ll be 29 in September), Beyonce` has accomplished quite a bit. Particularly as a minority artist, it’s quite the marvel. Records have been broken, history has been made and a standard has been set. It will be fascinating to see what direction she takes with her career; of course I wish her the best of luck. It’s a shark tank.

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Music on Facebook 8/3/10

8/3/2010

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Here's one of my latest facebook statuses regarding music.
"I'm sorry Beyonce`, I love you, but I'm not going online to vote for "Video Phone" so you can win your 5 VMA nominations. "Video Phone" was a hot trash mess and you know it LOL."

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StuCk In mY HeAd

6/6/2010

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Today’s “Stuck in My Head” song is Kelly Rowland’s “Commander.” I hate the fact that she’s using auto-tune and that the song is essentially about nothing but dancing, but some way, somehow, this song has remained in my psyche.

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YoU ShoULD HeAR tHiS

6/3/2010

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Today’s “You Should Hear This” song is “Save the Hero” by Beyonce`. Now, before you roll your eyes, check the song out-it’s not your typical Beyonce` song by any means. It’s the best Beyonce` song hardly anyone has heard. The lyrical content is great, the harmonies are great. Just check it out.

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MTV Video Music Awards

9/16/2009

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Amazing show. I’ve always viewed the VMA’s as a more exiting, more hip and more casual Grammy’s, and I look forward to it every year. They’ve had some years that weren’t all that exiting, but this year didn’t fit into that category. This year’s show fit into the “classic VMA” box: exciting, entertaining, memorable, and of course with at least one “OMG! Did that really happen? ” moment. There were several “OMG” moments. Let’s start with the amazing opening: the tribute to Michael Jackson. MTV’s homage to the “King of Pop” was expected at this year’s show and was eagerly anticipated. If anyone NEEDED to do a tribute, it should have been MTV; considering he’s the 1st African-American artist to have his music video on the station and part of the reason why MTV is what it is now. Plus, MTV needed to make up for the lack of tribute programs aired in the days after his death (Yes, there was SOME tribute programming, but many of them were simple, underdeveloped and lackluster).
Giving an emotive and heartfelt speech, Madonna made several thought provoking points that captured the human and intimate essence of Michael that we often either forgot about and/or failed to see (see the post below for her speech in its entirety). When they panned to the audience to show their reactions to the speech, many of the recording artists present were either fixated on Madonna, had their eyes closed, or their heads bowed. Entrenched in every word and moment, it seemed as if the audience was in prayer or reflection. If you’re Michael fan, you were right with them. She ended her speech with the phrase “long live the king”. I was really hoping someone would run with that and start a chant.  Madonna’s speech was followed by a dance team performance of his hit songs. Each dancer was dressed in a replica of a signature M.J. costume. The only thing that would have enhanced the performance more was to have someone who was obviously influenced by M.J. (like Justin Timberlake, Usher or Ne-Yo) be a part of the sequence. The icing on the cake was JANET JACKSON (yes, J.J.) performing “Scream” (the only recorded M.J. and J.J. duet) as the music video played in the background. The choreography was synced perfectly with video. I don’t know about ya’ll, but I was jumpin’ around and screaming to the top of my lungs when Janet came out. It was the ultimate performance and the ultimate tribute, and it seemed like the crowd loved it. It only got sad when it registered that Janet was on the stage by herself without her brother, and we would never see them perform together again.

The rest of the live performances were awesome, including Taylor Swift, Muse, Lady Gaga, The Queen Bee (Beyonce`), Green Day, Pink, Kid Cudi , Jay-Z with Alicia Keys and a special tribute to the late DJ AM.
Taylor’s performance was interesting -it was shot following her through a New York subway and into the street in front of Radio City Music Hall. Several fans won a chance to ride with Taylor on the subway and dance with her in the street for the performance. That’s another thing I love about the VMA’s- they always involve the fans, and give them the best seats (right by the stage). Lady Gaga made me want to check out her album- I didn’t know she could actually sing. It’s hard to get passed her craziness long enough to notice that she can sing. She doesn’t realize that she’s distracting from her own talent. I find it interesting that Lady Gaga is considered to be “cool and different” for her eccentricities, but Michael was called “Wacko Jacko” and weird. Intriguing…......anyhow, on to Beyonce’s performance….Bee Bee, (as I affectionately call her ) NEVER fails to perform well (and believe me, I have seen enough performances to say that with confidence). The only reason why “never” would turn into “almost never” with her VMA appearance is because there were about 3 notes at the beginning that didn’t quite hit right. And she almost tried TOO hard to put the sexy on with one too many body rolls. Sometimes, I think she forgets that she’s Beyonce` and things like “sexy” just come natural to her, requiring no work. Her introduction was cool and creative; she made a tribal-esque remix of the bridge to “Single Ladies”. Looking like a small “Sasha Fierce” army, several dancers eventually joined her on stage to perform the infamous choreography.
Like Beyonce`, Pink is usually impressive live and was even more impressive as she performed “Sober” while being flung around in a trapeze act (believe it. It happened). If you thought THAT would be distracting or keep her from performing well, it didn’t. She sung in full voice and didn’t miss a beat. Now Keri Hilson really has no excuse for her poor live performances (See my June 29th Keri post). The coolest New Yorkers in music, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, gave an excellent performance of “Empire State of Mind” from Jay-z’s latest album, “The Blueprint 3”. I LOVE THAT SONG! One whiff of that song and you’re gonna wanna pack your bags, put on your Manolo’s, and book lunch with Samantha, Carrie and Bloomberg. I’m leaving tomorrow.  LOL It was a perfect ending to the VMA’S- the best of New York music, in New York, singing about the aura of New York. It was classic. The only glitch in Jay’s performance, if you can call it one, was the random and sudden appearance of rapper and fellow New Yorker Lil’ Mama. Because she’s from New York, I initially suspected that she was supposed to be up there, but there was still a hint of “this wasn’t planned.” And it wasn’t. On NBC’S “Today” with Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb, Alicia Keys was quoted as saying “We can appreciate her being overwhelmed and inspired, but we would have appreciated it if she would have done it from her seat."
There was another random and obnoxious interruption earlier in the show by Kanye West. Now an infamous and much talked about moment, Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video, denoting that Swift’s fellow nominee, Beyonce`, should have won. “Taylor, I’m happy for you and I’m gonna let you finish, but Beyonce` had one of the best videos of all time” (referring to “Single Ladies”). After his snide remark, West handed the mic back to Swift, shrugged his shoulders and left the stage as he was booed by the audience. The audience showed their support for Swift by chanting her name. Host Russell Brand, who was less obnoxious this year (thank goodness) mentioned that in the spirit of Michael Jackson, we should “love everybody” and that all the nominees were great artists. West has a history of and a reputation for making fuss over award wins and losses, but over his OWN wins and losses. Kanye was being his typical self: rude, immature, arrogant and special edition. One of the things that irritate me the most about Kanye’s act was that he put Beyonce` in the middle of his bull. It’s one issue to act a monkey over your OWN awards, but someone else’s awards too? He called himself “defending” her, and yet he was putting her in the position to have to put out a P.R. fire. He stole Taylor’s moment AND Beyonce`s, as she had to use her moment winning Video of The Year (which better honors it as the pop-culture impacting video it was than Best Female Video, btw) to make up for his mess. RRR!!!! Like Lady Gaga, Kanye doesn’t realize he’s overshadowing his own talent with his chicanery. I’m surprised that he hasn’t matured, considering all that he’s been through with the death of his mother and his dramatic breakup (that he made a whole album about). It’s ridiculous.

On the note of who won and who lost, it appears that this year’s theme was “everybody’s a winner here.” The “heavyweights” of the past year (and therefore the expected winners-Beyonce` and Lady Gaga) won. The “authentic, genre impacting and legitimate” artists (Eminem, T. I. and Green Day) won. Old MTV favorites (Britney Spears) and the unexpected, yet fresh and new (Taylor Swift) won. It was everybody’s party and everybody’s night. No one was left out it seems, which makes for a good award show.
While Britney is still on my breath, I find it interesting that when Brit Brit was most deserving of a VMA (pre-“Blackout”), she never got one. She’s been nominated 26 times total, only winning 4 times. 3 out of her 4 wins were attained last year; her 4th at this year’s show. When she won last year, I felt like that were just giving them away to her as thanks for seeming like she got her crap together and putting out “Circus”. I thought it was a spit in the face because MTV didn’t appreciate Britney and give her just dues until they thought they were going to lose her. Say what you will about her talent and whatever else, but she MADE MTV in the late 90’s and in the early 2000’s. MTV Asia and MTV Europe gave her props from jump, but no, not in America. Why is it that Europe treats our artists (including minority ones) better than we do? If you can’t make it America, start selling your junk in Europe and you’ll be rolling in doe, but that’s besides the point. I digress.
The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards were filled with lots “OMG!”, “sis-boom-pow!” and great performances, making it memorable one. Brava MTV.

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Kelly Rowland Back on Her Feet?

9/10/2009

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Ok Destiny’s Child fans, I’ve got some great Kelly news. Just in case you didn’t know, Ms. Kelly, (Or “Keke”, as I affectionately call her lol) DOES INDEED have a new manager. His name is Jeff Rabhan and he is a part of “Three Rings Projects” (TRP), which currently manages Jermaine Dupri, Kelis and American Idol alum Elliott Yamin. Kelly let everybody know via Twitter, saying “Everyone has been asking, I thought you all knew, I’ve a new manager, his name is Jeff Rabhan.” (Yes, she actually posted this, I saw it myself.) Kelly also reported on Twitter in several posts that she is currently in the studio and working on a new album (I would quote them all verbatim, but my twitter is acting a fool right now lol). She said in a T.V. interview with Craig Ferguson that she plans for her next album to be a dance record. She didn’t mention if she’s been signed to a new label yet, however.
Just to give a brief back-story, Kelly ended her management relationship with Matthew Knowles and subsequently left Columbia Records (See January 28th post). Kelly fans are hoping that she’ll be in good hands with this management team. Because I’m one of those “hoping” fans, I did a little bit of homework on Mr. Rabhan.
Rabhan recently formed TRP with music biz vets Stuart Dill and Cal Turner III, after reportedly having his contract terminated by “The Firm” management team with Arthur Spivak (See “Associated Links” tab on the left for the associated news article). Although I’m not a big fan of The Firm because of the trouble they caused Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia Barrino, this still looks pretty bad. TRP also doesn’t have a website yet; only a purchased domain. Fishy, if not unprofessional. To Rabhan’s credit, he’s worked with Michelle Branch (a pretty notable artist) and fought to defend Kelis when she was dropped by Jive, which is a sign of respecting artist integrity. We all know that Kelly could use some respect as an artist. Also, Kelly posted on Twitter that Jeff brought her a care package when she was sick in bed. Awww.  Despite some of the more negative tidbits I mentioned about Rabhan, Kelly is already showing signs of progress and success. French house artist David Guetta’s hit single “When Love Takes Over” features Kelly, and is burning up the chart in Europe. The single has already gone Gold (RIAA) by itself. The accompanying album, One Love, has two other tracks featuring my girl; “It’s the Way You Love Me” and “Choose”, which also features Ne-Yo. Rowland also just wrapped a season of hosting Bravo’s “The Fashion Show.” It hasn’t been confirmed if the series will return for another season.
In other Kelly-related news, Rowland is sharing more about leaving Matthew Knowles. According to CYInterview, Kelly was quoted as saying "I just felt like I wasn't growing anymore (with Music World Ent.). It took a long time to actually come up with the final decision because it was something that you think about before when you feel like you're almost hitting a ceiling. I wanted a change. I needed a change. So that's what happened".
Interesting….

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Keri Hilson Pisses Me Off Some More, and Beyonce` Gets Panned

6/29/2009

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Ok, let me briefly talk about Bee Bee and then we’ll move on to why Keri Hilson puts a bad taste in my mouth. I was in NC the weekend the BET Awards aired, and I was listening to this radio show that was taking caller comments about the show. Among the more silly comments being made (comments like the M.J. tribute wasn’t good enough- HELLO! THEY HAD 3 DAYS PPL!), were comments that Beyonce’s performance was lame and they thought she would do something like “Single Ladies” or “Diva”. I Immediately rolled my eyes. Obviously, those comments came from people who just want to see Beyonce` shake her butt and lack substance. These are the same people who Beyonce` created that trash “Sasha Fierce” disc 2 for. They failed to notice how BEAUTIFULLY AND SKILLFULLY she sang the song or the fact that she sung in freakin’ ITALIAN. Again, people who don’t care about real talent, artistry or true performance; just a lot of booty shaking. Require your mediocre artists that you adore so much to do that. Don’t require caviar to be collard greens.
Anyhow…..about Keri Hilson. I wasn’t going to write a post about this, but after her less than stellar BET Awards performance, I had to say something……
Keri, you had the NERVE to give that weak, note-missing, breathy performance at the BET awards, while Beyonce (who you talked about) sung an Italian opera hitting ALL her notes?! Get the hell outta here! Girl, if you’re gonna talk ish you need to BACK IT UP!!! That performance should have been HEART STOPPING the way you’ve been going around braggin’ on yourself and running your mouth! You may be a great writer, producer or whatever the heck, but you are NEW as an artist sweetheart and you’ve gotta lot to learn. You should have been taking notes during Ave Maria! My friends tried to give her a slap on the wrist with her performance- “Well, she WAS dancing AND singing…” SO THE HELL WHAT?!?
I watched Bee IN CONCERT 2 DAYS AGO do “Déjà vu,” “Crazy In Love” and “Get Me Bodied” back to back with full choreography and never missed a note!( and I watched Pink sing and do a trapeze act without missing a note! See my Sept 13TH VMA post). The argument was “well…Beyonce`s been doing this since she was 9 and she used to run in the park and sing to catch her breath….” Well Keri better get to singing on a dang treadmill and learn how to catch her breath or not sing and dance. There’s no excuse for a lame performance. If you’re not sick and your voice isn’t hoarse, I don’t want to hear it. And don’t say I would give some other artist an out, because I wouldn’t- I was reaming Kelly Rowland just yesterday about an off performance. People spend money on you- you better get up there and perform or get off the dang stage!
You know, I REALLY hate it when recording artists publicly criticize other artists. It’s just plain unnecessary, tacky and unprofessional. It also makes you look arrogant and a straight hater. ALL recording artists are in the same shark tank and have to deal with the same B.S.; whether it’s from the recording labels, the media or the audience, so why do they make it worse by subjecting each other to the B.S. that they hate so much? It just doesn’t make sense. Why help the same disgusting media machine that rends YOU, rend someone else with hateful or negative comments? I don’t get it. Like and dislike who you want to in the industry, but don’t feed the mainstream media machine.
What further irritates me about Keri’s lyrical smash of Beyonce`, is that she worked on one of Bee’s songs (“GreenLight”- the ONLY Bee song Keri worked on). As an up and coming producer and/or writer, your dream deal is to work with a major artist, because if your song becomes a hit single, it creates more publicity (and thus, more jobs) for YOU. Even if you have a few hit songs under your belt, one more wouldn’t hurt. That’s one more song you can add to your resume` that puts you even further on the map. One more song that you get credit, royalties and possibly a Grammy for, if luck strikes you. The infamous and much respected Diane Warren and David Foster became infamous because luck stuck them and they got to work with some major artists. Beyonce` (a major artist) gave Keri (and up and coming writer) a shot. She gave Keri an opportunity, a job, a paycheck and another song to put in her publishing portfolio. And yet, Keri ran her mouth? Really? I might be crazy, but I think that is disrespectful, ungrateful and a spit in the face. Dude, why are you burning your professional bridges? That’s just plain stupid. Show some humility. Did Beyonce` treat you like crap or something in the studio? If she did, I much rather would’ve liked to hear about that on the “Turnin Me Off” remix. At least you slamming her would’ve had some real motive behind it.
If you have no idea what I’m talkin’ about (which I doubt), Keri made an underground remix to her single “Turning Me On” that wasn’t intended for release. On the song, she was allegedly making negative comments about singer Ciara and Beyonce`. From what I’ve seen of Keri’s interviews talking about the remix, she denied it being about Ciara, but NOT Beyonce`. Here are the lyrics that ALLEGEDLY are in reference to Beyonce`:

“ I shot the sheriff, but wait til I shoot these bitches down, I ain't tryin to start some mess
There's just somethin on my chest that I need to get off, Cause you turnin me off
Your vision cloudy if you think that you're the best; you can dance, she can sing but she need to move it to the left, She need to go have some babies, She needs to sit down, she fake”

(Sigh). What is your purpose?? “I ain’t tryna start some mess”??? Are you sure, Keri?
If anything, she made Bee look even better, because not only did Beyonce` NOT put this ungrateful newbie in her place, she has yet to publicly criticize ANY OTHER recording artist or address any negative comments by industry people. Brava to Beyonce` for having poise, maturity and P.R. skills as usual. She’s accomplished a lot and could brag about it all, but she doesn’t. Love HER. Keri really grinded my gears. Mainly because I thought it was sooo disrespectful to slam someone that gave you an opportunity. Eww.

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