7/24/2011

Let's recognize them

Have you ever wondered why gospel music does not get the same hype that R&B, Hip Hop or Dance music receives?  For many years people have pondered if the religious aspect of this music is its kiss of death.   I wonder what would happen if people just looked at it as an R&B, Hip Hop or dance song with a religious connotation? It would seem that they would receive more attention because it is music with a positive statement...like a "The climb" by Miley Cyrus or "I'm a survivor" by Destiny's child.  Shouldn’t they receive more attention or just as much attention as those of the same style.  Is it because their positivity comes from God?  Shouldn’t they receive more attention or just as much attention as those of the same style?


For example Mary Mary made a name for themselves with the cross over song "Shackles" and ten years later they have gone on to win 3 Grammies, 2 American Music, an NAACP, and a BET award.  With every album they produce they are able to entertain different styles of music yet are mainly recognized for gospel.  Moreover, Mary Mary has gone on to explore more ventures to reach more people.  In doing this they have been able to include other artist such as David Banner.






Now knowing this, think about how often you here about them or any gospel artist who is in the main stream.  It would seem the media receive more from promoting artist with less of a positive message.
There has also been gospel artist who have crossed over and has received both positive and negative media.  Such artist as Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribbett are two good examples of this.
You would think that through their negative media is would show the world those gospel artists are still human.  This would normally help to the Urban, Hip Hop or R&B artist gain more recognition and yet nothing changes for gospel music.

Tye Tribbetts music has crossed over in more than one genre.  His latest album Fresh has styles that range from R&B to Hip Hop.  With songs like "Good in the Hood", you would think his album would be a shoe in for more recognition in the secular world.  This is not true.
Gospel music seems to be the only genre that is categorized by the lyric content instead of sound.  This is not a bad thing, but it may be one of the reasons many are not able to give gospel artist who have crossed over the attention that is earned.  This of course may not be a concern for the religious artist as they are working for God and not the media.

So why is it hard for us to recognize them in other genres?  While we ponder though let's recognize them just a little more.  This is something that will forever be pondered in all of our minds.






7/11/2011

Behind the scenes


                                    


When most people think of fame they think, lots of money, big houses, unique cars, large wardrobe, and unlimited access to all forms of jewelry.  This has become more of the thought process for many people as time goes on and more stars are flaunting their success.  What many people do not take into consideration though, is the sweat, blood, and tears that many artist put into their work to earn those things.  As the common saying goes the grass is always greener on the other side.  If we were to take a moment a listen to what many artists are saying, you may here warnings and truth about the inside work of the entertainment industry.  You may also here encouragement to stay strong in who you are and what you believe in.  These types of interviews are not posted or aired as much as those that tell the drama and horror of many of their lives.  Why is that?  If we were to stop focusing on drama in their personal lives and more on the positive effects that their art has on us what would happen? 
This video was put together as an example of some of the things that is put out in the media but not enough for most of the population to catch.


                                            


What is it about the negative news that makes the industry seem to thrive even more?  Why is there so much pier pressure on artist to be, act, and live a certain way?  There was once a time when being an artist meant you had some form of freedom to express your art.  Whether it is through music, photography, sports, modeling etc.  Now it seems that art expression and the entertainment industry are becoming two separate entities. 

There are a few, who you will not or rarely here of in the tabloids.  How did they escape the masquerade of drama?  Entertainers such as Denzel Washington, Tom hanks, Julia Roberts, or Will Smith are heard of in advertisements not tabloids. So why is their story different?  Could it be they are part of the few who held strong to their beliefs and morals and did not allow the drama that swarms the entertainment industry to damage or destroy their lives or careers? 



Well in Will Smiths case, he seems to take it and spit it back in the tabloids face by being a open with his life and letting them know that there are no lies for them to scrape up and spread across the tabloids.  This doesn’t always work for everyone though.  It would seem that each artist should in the beginning figure out what it is they want and stick with that and not let anyone tell them different.  That is what seems to work for those who are successful and are not negatively affected by the industry.  This of course is always easier said than done.