The-Dream Says Black Artists Have It Harder / Slams Dr. Luke

Published: Saturday 20th Jun 2015 by Sam
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Beyond the impeccable list of hits The-Dream has penned (which include ‘Single Ladies’ and ‘Umbrella’, the songwriter is renown for his debate-inciting soundbites.

The latest came during a new interview with Billboard; within the feature Dream – real name Terius Nash – delved into the “battle” Black artists tend to face compared to their Caucasian counterparts in the music industry.

During his lengthy explanation, he playfully yet seriously threw a few jabs at producer Dr. Luke, who he cites as being among the list of those who borrow from Urban culture to replicate in the Pop sphere.

His words below…

Via Billboard:

Taylor Swift and Big Machine pulled her music from Spotify. As a label owner and creator, do you support that?

I can support it, but I could never do the same. I’m black.

Meaning what?

It’s a race thing. It’s always going to be a race thing. For one, if I took my records off of Spotify, it would affect the people who listen to my music for free and may not have the means otherwise. Taylor Swift fans probably have the means to go and buy a Taylor Swift record.

What role does race play in how artists get paid today?

If you got a hit and you’re white, there are no limits to what you can do. If you’re black and you have a hit today but can’t do it again tomorrow, then your ass is out of here. When the industry uses you up, that’s it. You’re gone. It’s a constant battle for our culture. We can’t say no to radio, we can’t say no to Spotify, and we can’t have a concert because nobody will come. And the whole time, everybody is taking from our culture to enhance the pop side of things. By the way, the pop side doesn’t mean you have to be white. Bruno Mars is pop. Nobody listens to Bruno Mars like he’s a black artist. Which I’m sure for him, he’s like, “Thank God.” There are urban artists and then there are pop artists, and urban artists get things taken from them. We create the swag, and everybody knows it.

Dr. Luke has been remaking [Rihanna’s] “Umbrella” since we made “Umbrella”! I tell him that to his face! He has been making it over and over, and pop radio loves it every time.

Quite a loaded set of statements from Mr Nash – many of which we don’t necessarily disagree with.

That said, what are…

Your thoughts?

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  1. Rihanna Lately June 20, 2015

    Watch S****** Blonde turn this around. He probably killed those 9 blacks

    • Shady81 June 20, 2015

      You know you shitless for you comment that was a tragedy you dumb asshole show some damn decorum and have some respect for the loved ones that were lost in that church tragedies families those people are going through alot right now and all you can do is make an insensitive joke @Rihanna Lately you can go straight to hell with that white man that took those people in that churches lives, I may not agree with some things that TGJ does but I do agree that you should be flagged and at this point @Rihanna Lately you make @S****** Blonde look like they have more common sense then you, but you stan for an insensitive b**** so I wouldn’t put it past you to be an insensitive ass that you are.

      • Faf June 20, 2015

        Right like what was the point

      • June 20, 2015

        exactly.

  2. jaquala June 20, 2015

    Even tho I don’t like dream, he has a point if you are not pop or have crossed over you most likely will have a short career in music

  3. Miss Jones June 20, 2015

    *Sits in recliner, crosses legs, puts the rollers in and WAITS hunni* This is about to get meeeeeeessy.

  4. Dem Lessers June 20, 2015

    “Bruno Mars is black” Loool you lost me from there.

    • Islandboi80 June 20, 2015

      He meant he is black but people don’t view his music as black because he is light skin n pop

      • Faf June 20, 2015

        Right just like Rihanna

        She did POp when she does urban it’s ironic

        That’s why I don’t agree with her being nominated in r&b categories

        U have to pick a lane
        “Pour it up” is an example

        It’s like a white girl rapping in a booth it’s not authentic but white ppl eat it up bc it’s their “f@v rih@anna @ct1ng RATCHET 0mG!”

    • Miss Jones June 20, 2015

      No, he meant that Bruno ISN’T white but that his music is pop and that’s why he enjoys success because he isn’t thrown into the urban category since his debut was on the rapper B.O.B. song. It’s stereotyping, but there’s some truth to it. It’s a “some, not all” type of situation.

    • Cough Cough June 20, 2015

      Bruno Mars is Filipino… Not black

      • Shady81 June 20, 2015

        I thought Bruno was polonysian?

      • Elite June 20, 2015

        Can y’all read?? He didn’t say anything about Bruno Mars being black! He said, Bruno Mars Wasn’t white and that he has an urban sound, but he’s probably happy he isn’t viewed as black.

    • Al June 20, 2015

      He ain’t black he’s a bit Spanish hahahaha

  5. Islandboi80 June 20, 2015

    This is so true!! I still say look at Kelky Rowland! Yawl don’t act like her music is good because it’s better then a lot of popping artist but I think her skin tone is what is held against her. She could easily perform on these massive stages but she only got a chance as artist with her music was BET awards other shows she’s presenting n that’s f***** up

    • Miss Jones June 20, 2015

      No, Kelly Rowland doesn’t have a budget to even make it in R&B. The market is desolate these days. She was doing fine in the pop market, especially in the UK. But until R&B gets back on its feet, artists like Kelly Rowland, Brandy, and Ciara will continue to struggle. Yes, I believe skin tone plays a factor, but more than that these ladies just don’t have the budget to promote their albums beyond a few videos and a few TV spots. It’s sad how in just one decade we went from artists easily able to scan platinum to them barely able to scan 100K

      • Faf June 20, 2015

        Budget isn’t the issue it’s what they’re willing to do

        Brandy and Ciara don’t make pure pop

        Never will

        Why cut urself short for a quick hit no one remembers

        I bet peaked higher than American Oxygen domestically and internationally

    • Miss Jones June 20, 2015

      I feel like Kelly’s last album would have SLAYED in the early 2000s and probably been considered a masterpiece by now. If she would have released “Simply Deep” THEN “Here I Am” THEN “Talk a Good Game” she’d be a household name just like Beyonce.

      • Islandboi80 June 20, 2015

        I totally agree with you! Her last album was amazing! I just don’t know what it is and why she isn’t sticking but i guess your right

      • pat June 20, 2015

        Simply deep was released on purpose by matthew to keep Kelly n 2nd place. She had the biggest song of the year w Nelly n the label puts out an alternative single n album. A novice can c that Made no sense. They could’ve recorded a dilemma sounding bop real quick to drop to the public while they retweeked the album to b more r n b.

      • Miss Jones June 20, 2015

        I always wondered why she went from “Dilemma” to “Stole” like it was such a left-field turn. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE that song and its album (Hell, I played Simply Deep more than Dangerously In Love. I was a Kelly stan back then) but I always wondered why she wasn’t R&B and Beyonce strictly pop.

      • Faf June 20, 2015

        Yes that’s why I love Letoya he tried to blacklist her off radio she still slayed and went plat on her own

        #CantKeepAGoodWomanDown

  6. Jo June 20, 2015

    The Dream is spitting that real!

    White supremacy exists in the music industry! It’s no different in the industry than it is in real life. Give a few blacks some success, so it can look like an even playing field. But the reality is, most black artists are struggling, don’t get as much promo, and I believe they get dropped more frequently.

  7. Jo June 20, 2015

    The best artists we have that are black who experience massive successes usually bleach their skin and emulate white culture

  8. Mark111 June 20, 2015

    BS, you can’t take your music off Spotify because you can’t sell albums and you need every little unit you can get. I haven’t heard any song that sounds like Umbrella, so that’s bs. YOU’RE done, you were never a great writer, just an extremely catchy one. Your hooks are just repeating the same words over and over (Baby baby bay, ohhhh my. Baby baby bay oooh my.) (If you like then you should’ve put a ring on it. If you like it then you should’ve put a ring on it. Don’t get mad cause he decided that he want it, if you like it then you should’ve put a ring oh it. Oh oh oh.) (Under my umbrella, ella ella, ah ah ah. Under my umbrella, ella ella ah ah ah.)
    .
    Urban music is out with the old, in with the new. And pop is the same, every 5 years there’s a new line up of pop stars. 5 years ago it was Gaga, Kesha, BEP and so on, 5 years before that it was Fergie, Gwen, JT and so on, 5 years before that it was Backstreet boys, nsync, XLtina and Britney. Before that it was Janet, Madonna, Paula and so on. How many are those artist are still here? Very little. Maybe one or two will make it to year 10, the rest fall through the cracks.

    • Musicstan June 20, 2015

      your statement is a contradiction due to the fact Rihanna’s (your fave) biggest hit was written by the man you said isn’t a great song writer (These your words not mines)… Let’s not forget if the other prior artists who was originally offered to recorded the song didn’t turn it dwn, your fave wouldn’t have any success that she has now!!! And please don’t act like Rihanna horrid vocals save the song … Please humble yourself and the general public thanks you in advance!!! Be blessed now you heard!!!

      • Barb B**** June 20, 2015

        Lol drag this power bottom!

      • Mark111 June 20, 2015

        Umbrella is a great song, but it’s because of Rihanna voice, Tricky production and Dreams catchy hook. That’s his only solid song, the rest are just poorly written catchy songs. 1, Rihanna already had a #1(SoS), #2 (Pin De replay), a top 10 (Unfaithful and Break It Up) and a top 40 (if it’s loving that you want). 2 A platinum and gold album. 3 many hits after and 4 We Found Love is her biggest hot.
        .
        So if you’re going to reply to me, better come with the facts and not your hate for Rihanna clouding your intelligence and spilling your envy.
        .
        The haters always try and fail every time.LOL

    • Faf June 20, 2015

      But that’s Rihanna’s most noted single tho

      The self drag

      • Mark111 June 20, 2015

        We Found Love is her most successful hit.

      • Barb B**** June 20, 2015

        I agree Faf. Umbrella is still Rihanna’s most noted and iconic song just deal with it! And unfortunately, it’s because of the lyrics. The song that put her on the map as an actual factor that could compete with big names like Beyonce, Britney etc because she wasn’t sh!t before Umbrella. You cussing out dream like he hasn’t basically elevate her career.

      • Mark111 June 20, 2015

        And you dis SB when he basically wrote everything that came out Nicki mouth.

      • Barb B**** June 20, 2015

        And you diss gays despite being one yourself.

    • gravatarlessnobody June 20, 2015

      @Mark111

      I have been a die-hard MC fan ever since, and I know you drag MC all the time (even though I know you LOVE her). But please stop it. Coz Rihanna adores Mariah from head to foot

  9. Joel June 20, 2015

    Damn all this time I thought Bey, Rih etc had it easy. Not only do they have to satisfy their urban fans, they also have to ponder to pop in order to sell and compete with these white girls.

    Artists that used to slay back in the day like Usher, Brandy, Alicia Keys etc are flopping harder than a fish out of water. I wonder if Aaliyah was still alive, where would she be career wise.

    • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

      Whenever I hear an Aaliyah remake, I wonder the same thing. Cuz she was an R&B artist. It bothers me because I am a die heart R&B fan and when all of my favorite artist have to cross over its like Damn, do I have to listen to this s***?. I don’t hate pop but the closet pop I went out and ever bought was Ciara’s fantasy ride and her current album Jackie. Idc what no one say, I loved her BASIC INSTINCT album. Probably one of my favorites Dream and tricky did their thing in that album and Mariah’s Memoirs of and imperfect angel. I love Dreams sound!

      • Faf June 20, 2015

        Usher isn’t flopping he’s still getting certifications (I don’t mind) without a vid

        just scared to put an album out

    • Mark111 June 20, 2015

      Aaliyah would had been like Timberlake, a album every 4 to 6 years. Her music didn’t sound like her peers and later wouldn’t sound like them ether. And she would had been a huge actress.

      • ~The Arcade~ June 20, 2015

        I concur @Mark111. I remember watching Aaliyah’s MTV Stripped episode, and she did say she admired Sade taking, something like 10 years off between albums… so I would’ve imagined her doing the same.

    • JLo June 20, 2015

      @ Joel, Aaliyah music wise would have been a big flop, her album was even tanking before she passed.

      Acting wise, I think she would do well.

      • Mark111 June 20, 2015

        Lies.

    • Royalkev June 21, 2015

      Damn all this time I thought Bey, Rih etc had it easy. Not only do they have to satisfy their urban fans, they also have to ponder to pop in order to sell and compete with these white girls.
      —————————————–
      ^ Pretty much this! I believe this is a big reason why Dream feels the way he does. I’ve always felt that certain crossover artists had it hard simply because they’re not able to get away with just recording anything (and have a big hit like most mainstream artists). These issues, along with all the politics and injustices in the music business make things quite difficult.

  10. bunny June 20, 2015

    I don’t think Dr luke copies his style. He was doing pop with Kelly clarskon in 2004. Blacks have to support blacks music. But we don’t and wont. That is why he end up f*****.

  11. Confessions of a Has Been June 20, 2015

    The only reason Taylor Swift was able to get away with snatching her music from Spotify is 1. She’s white. 2. She’s in her prime & 3. Her fans buy her record’s. Only Adele can stop her music from Spotify and slay.

    I miss the 80s, 90s & 00s, black artists then could get diamond album’s along with white artists. I wish the likes of Janelle Monae, Sevyn Streeter, Tinashe, Jhene Aiko, Elijah Blake etc could get the same type of exposure RIHta Oral is getting.

  12. fatusankoh June 20, 2015

    Yes Dream you so right about that slick Dr luck no good man

  13. Selenator *Good For You out June 22nd* June 20, 2015

    I agree with a few pointa but
    1. Taylor could pull her music because she is the biggest name in music right now. If anyone else, white, black, or hispanic, tried the same they’d lose money.
    2. Suggesting Taylor fans can afford to buy an album but The Dream fans can’t is ridiculous. Urban fans are in complete poverty. They can pay 11.99 for an album, they choose not to. They’d rather download illegally
    3. I don’t agree that black one hit wonders are treated differently than whites. Labels will use up anyone and throw them out once they’re expired. Just look at Ke$ha, Foster the People, Goyte, and all the others before them.
    4. Dr. Luke has not re-created Umbrella anywhere and that song is hardly urban anyways. Dr. Luke has produced all forms of music, not just pop.
    5. Bruno Mars is not black
    6. Jason Derulo is pure pop and he doesn’t sell. I think there’s more to it than just race. Going pop isn’t the key to selling.

    • B2B June 20, 2015

      Jason Derulo can sell singles like its nothing

  14. Carlitos June 20, 2015

    So why aren’t black people supporting the “urban” artists? His statement is contradictory.

    • Jon June 20, 2015

      Because Black people and poverty generally go hand in hand.

  15. OMG Logic!!! June 20, 2015

    Yawn. Another tired ignorant excuse from someone who refuses to take responsibility.

    Currently, there are 5 Black artists in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. That is FIFTY PERCENT. Black Americans make up 14% of the American population, yet they are vastly overrepresented on Billboard. Clearly Blacks artists don’t have it harder.

    • Pray for #R8 June 20, 2015

      How are black people over represented on billboard when black people are responsible for Most, if not almost all to be honest, of the music genres that exist and are prevalent in America today? …Or are you one of those problematic becky’s that believes white people created rock and roll and country…. And built the pyramids…. And discovered America…

  16. boutdatlife June 20, 2015

    AkA Black people does not purchase music. The last record I bought had to be at LEAST 8 years ago. I think Invincible was the last albums I bought. Smh. And I had Beyonces 4 someone bought for me. Idk I used to buy the asantis destinys childs b2ks nsync all of britneys jessica and ashlee simpsons Lol dmx… neyo ushers chris browns i even bought chris rocks single no s**…and tlc albums…plus lots more lol but my main goal as of now tho is a Bruno Mars concert! Im not impressed by albums anymore

    • ~The Arcade~ June 20, 2015

      Very true about being impressed with albums; SOME NOT ALL. Its like why spend my money on something I don’t like?

  17. Shady81 June 20, 2015

    The bad thing about music today is that music is just simply bad, pointless and tasteless and way to over sexualized that’s why you have artist like Adele, Taylor, Bruno, Sam Smith,Ed Sheeren,Mumford and Sons Etc. Succeeding they come with music that has substance instead of let’s get down and play with my p**** music and let’s not get started on these male and female rappers girl bye definitely no substance their I have to disagree with some terms of what the Dream is speaking on, about why blacks don’t make it I mean he’s the same guy who created Partition for Beyonce need I say more. I feel blacks can crossover but it’s up to them to change for instance it also starts with the media as well. The media has to stop mentioning to these artist that they are the next legendary for Example Michael or Janet Jackson or they use the term young or next or even young Whitney Houston or Madonna or Prince because in all honesty I just don’t see it and it gravitates….. no shade just speaking truthfully people like Chris Brown or even Ciara to get lazy as hell and not create their own image for themselves so their stuck living through a Michael or a Janet image why because the media says so remember when Michael died and Chris Brown’s mother tweeted the words of Michael Jackson died so my son could live. That really p*** the masses off and how back in 2008 Ciara jumped her ass on Janet’s song feedback and had the nerve to create a remix without Janet and her team’s permission see trying to live through a legends legacy instead of creating one for themselves back when Michael, Janet, Whitney, Mariah, Anita Baker, TLC, Luther Vandross, George Michael the Legends before this generation came through they were inspired but they never tried to recreate or live through someone like Aerosmith, Three dog Night,Ambrosia, Aretha Franklin, Mahalia Jackson,Zapp & Roger, the Whispers, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson,Labelle, James Brown, Etc. Because originality was involved if this generation starts to become original and have substance then maybe just maybe there could be a change along with these new artists creating their own image and not a bad carbon copy of the Legends they looked up to.

    They had insir

  18. LoveBey June 20, 2015

    While race does play a role it’s not the only factor. It’s more about having good music and a lasting impact and of course the ability to cross over which means appealing to teenage white girl’s because they are the ones who buy albums these days.

  19. Barb B**** June 20, 2015

    Its a combination of things. I don’t think any of us are in a position to judge unless you actually experience the music industry for yourself. It is still a white mans world. Lets be real, if Taylor Swift had a dark skinned black face shed be a flop with that music.

    • Mark111 June 20, 2015

      You’re so stupid. Taylor started out in country music, how many country songs are in the top 40? Maybe one otmr two. Taylor had to cross over just like Beyoncé and many other rnb artist. Even with the success on her first 3, she never had a #1 hit until RED. Y’all acting like she just jumped out with pop songs. Now your fave, she’s trash.

      • Barb B**** June 20, 2015

        And did you know country music originated from black people? How many Black Country artists do you see on the charts, because believe me there are many out there.

      • Barb B**** June 20, 2015

        And also. Why is Taylor Swift never called a sell out but artists like Nicki Minaj and Beyonce are. Because white artists don’t drag each other down as much black people do generally speaking. The s**** complex is still deeply routed. And the music industry is still run by white men. Nicki is a crossover artist like it or not. She can do both and respected in both.

      • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

        Lol! Taylor didn’t have to cross over much if any at all. I bet None of her albums are the same, just an evolution or growth. Some people would beg to differ with what you just said about Taylor.

      • Mark111 June 20, 2015

        @Luke, I’m not saying she HAD to and you’re right, it was with ease, but still, country radio don’t even play her music anymore, so yes, she crossed over.
        .
        @Tard, no one calls Beyoncé a sellout, because she crossed over with DC, so she was already over there from the start of she solo career. Plus even tho she have pop songs, the vocals are still rnb. Icky is supposed to be a rapper, yet her she clings to pop just to get a hit. In short, her music is trash, it’s just awful music. Deal with it on your own time.

      • Barb B**** June 20, 2015

        Lmao. You don’t even know the difference between have and has so, yeah the conversation is over seen as you couldn’t even answer any of the questions I posed. I only debate with smart people.

  20. Don’t hate B!TCHES. June 20, 2015

    Damn black peoples are still crying.

    • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

      Ignorant. I could say something just as ignorant but then I’d be you. But just thought I’d call you out on your b*******.

  21. king June 20, 2015

    LOL
    1. most top artist in the USA are BLACK!!
    2. POP music is s***! black people are into HIP HOP/RAP
    3. ONLY fools can eat thie ugly meal of stupid words from a stupid man who feels like a victim just because is black
    stupid b**** u are brown first of all and u make shity music!!!!!!!! thats why u have close to zero FANS!
    BYE B****

    • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

      You sound dumb as f***! He spoke the truth, now deal. Brown? Lol smh what an ass wipe.

      • king June 23, 2015

        i may sound dumb to dumb people 🙂

  22. Lake Erie June 20, 2015

    Dream is right! He’s and incredible producer. I honestly didn’t know about Dr Luke until Ciara started working with him so I’ll do some research on him later. In my opinion, Dr Luke isn’t the first to do it and won’t be the last. On a deeper aspect, blacks are always being taken from, it goes back centuries. Unfortunately like he said with black not supporting one another, we have to belittle and become alternative (which DOESN’T at all work for all blacks) and do pop music with some and urban twist or full blown. I don’t have nothing against pop, it’s just not my forte on a collection aspect. But I’ll listen to it if I like the artist and their music.

  23. RihNavy June 20, 2015

    I haven’t see this many race comments and race post on TGJ in years. This website is truly changing. Anyways, I see no lies in what The Dream said.

  24. Molly June 20, 2015

    Don’t just blame white people because at the same time yall tear your Black artist down.. Look how yall drag Tamar,Ciara,Tinashe etc because they can’t sell yall rather drag than support. It isn’t easy for black artist at all but the black community doesn’t make it any better for them.

    • RihNavy June 20, 2015

      You know…I can’t argue with any of that. That’s very true.

    • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

      I agree with you whole heartily. With it not being that many of my blacks, more support is needed.

    • Dave June 21, 2015

      That’s definitely the truth, sadly.

  25. RihNavy June 20, 2015

    AND WHOEVER THIS PRESSED BOTTOM IS THUMBING DOWN EVERYONE’S COMMENTS…IT IS SUNDAY! GET SOME GOD IN YOUR LIFE! Vile demons

    • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

      I noticed that lol. I’ve come realize it’s two things. Either the person doesn’t like us or they don’t like the truth cuz if you noticed, people with one like or multiple like say don’t have any dislikes while some of the rest of us get the thumbs down. Lol. Hating. So it’s personal lol.

    • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

      Mines always get the thumbs down lol so I know it’s personal, either that or I may get no like at all. But I know my s***. So i pay them know mind lol. I wish they did show “who” likes and dislikes your comments like on FB or maybe IG so I could call they ass out. Cuz it maybe be people you least suspect. Lol.

      • RihNavy June 20, 2015

        OH MAAAAN! That would be the BIGGEST kiiii of all if they showed who downvoted people’s comments. It’s whatever, just means we have fans. Anyways, how are you today love?

      • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

        Lol! Right! And I’m good. Bout to go without 🙂 You turn up last night?

      • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

        Workout I meant lol***

  26. Mark111 June 20, 2015

    Urban culture is out with the old, in with the new. By the time mainstream picks it up, we’re on something new. The word is mainstream, not white. Cause punk, gruge, skaters, anime and so on feel or felt the same. Mainstream picks up whatever WORKS. It always been that way.

    • RihNavy June 20, 2015

      Hey boo. I wanna call a truce :(. After you slayed me with that díck last night, I’ve forever been changed. All 4 inches made me feel like a natural womaannnn ????

  27. junior June 20, 2015

    Excuses excuses, Plenty of black artist selling records out here! STOP USING RACE AS A EXCUSE!!!!!! YOUR MUSIC IA WHACK!!!!!!

    • Adrian June 20, 2015

      Well what could you say for the new urban artists? Even artists today? The black artists that are selling had came in a time where they had established themselves in popular mainstream. Jason, Usher, Pharrell, Beyoncé and Ne Yo are the type of artists that never left the scene and rose to popularity When Urban/R&B was still a very respected genre on Radio. Nowadays the only way artists can be heard is if you were to pull a Tinahse or Jerimah and start coming out with tracks that contain a certain amount of ratchet ness and hip hop hook that can really only be heard on mainstream today. Which to me is very sad. And for the past 3 or 4 years what most black artsits even on “singing shows” face is still a very common reality when someone of a different genre can get more positive reception for a genre that producers and the industry thinks reflects what’s flooding the charts, not what’s different and who’s talented and they’re are plenty of amazing R&B artists out there that get more of a kicking to “try harder” sounds like a common fact to me cause it’s pretty evident.

  28. LB June 20, 2015

    Oh Dream come on, the fact that Jason Derulo, Flo Rida and Pharrell have got more lives than a basket full of cats proves your assertions are false.

    Artists in general cannot pull their music off of Spotify because they do not own their masters. Once you own your masters, you can do whatever you want with your music.

    • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

      But if he did he wouldn’t be able to eat. Taylor did it with her last album right? And she’s just fine. In his genre he just can’t take that risk and I think that’s part what he meant.

      • Mark111 June 20, 2015

        Sounds like a personal problem and not a race issue.

      • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

        So you think other R&B artist could do the same? Which the majority of them so happens to be black. Could they? O and I don’t stream but isn’t Spotify won’t of the BIGGEST streaming services or sites? Mmmm, but Taylor? Uhh, if she does it, I’ll just GO and buy her album right? Either way I’m buying that bish right?

      • Mark111 June 20, 2015

        It comes down to Taylor fans goes out and buy and she or her label were in agreement to pull it. I don’t see how it’s anyone’s problem. Ok, pull your non selling album from Spotify then and make less money. You think Gaga will pull her music or Katy?
        No.

      • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

        I absolutely do think they could do it and no repercussion would happen. And it all goes back to what he’s saying which is why.

  29. LB June 20, 2015

    He is right about Urban culture though, for the moment. Never would I have predicted Hip Hop would be so popular and so mainstream as it is today. It is kind of amazing how that one genre and culture has ballooned into an uncontrollable beast.

    But like anything that is popular for the moment, it doesn’t last.

  30. Fancy BISH June 20, 2015

    I think that The Dream is referring to the “ella, ella, eh eh eh” hook that Umbrella kick-started and popularized (but truly didn’t create chile)…now look how many still use it…Gaga and Maroon 5 use it the most…Roar has the “oh oh oh – oh oh oh oha”, numerous songs by Maroon 5 has the Rihanna “ehs”, and Gaga incorporates those type of hooks in most of her big hits…

    Now, I miss the days when “urban” artists could easily go Gold, go Platinum with a Top 10 single, sell 2 million with a couple hits (Xscape, Tony Toni Tone), triple platinum (Mary J Blige, En Vogue, New Edition, Babyface, Jodeci, Al B. Sure, Guy), 5x-10x platinum (Keith Sweat, Prince, Marvin Gaye, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Mariah, Whitney, Bobby Brown, Tupac, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, Destiny’s Child, TLC, Puff Daddy, Hammer, B.I.G., Ciara (Goodies album worldwide), Ashanti (debut album worldwide), Anita Baker, R. Kelly, Aaliyah, Brandy, Usher, Kris Kross, Tina, Lionel)…I could cry…The Dream is absolutely right…SWAG honey!

    • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

      That’s exactly what he meant I and I agree. Look at DLWML. Not too far fetched. I see what he’s getting at. But that’s the only song I can say that about cuz like I said, I only knew of him cuz of Ciara. So I’ll have to listen to the other joints he produced.

    • Mark111 June 20, 2015

      Ok, I see now. I thought he meant as in the beats.

      • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

        Lol. Nope..

      • Lake Erie June 20, 2015

        Even though they are taking our sound too but that’s for another time. Lol.

  31. ~The Arcade~ June 20, 2015

    ???? I think his points are valid

  32. Room319 June 20, 2015

    I’m about to throw salt: Once many people hit a certain level, they start treating other people like s*** – The Dream is one of them (firsthand info) – Definetly NOT a governing authority to speak on unfair practices. #selfish

  33. Mark111 June 20, 2015

    This is the person that wrote Justin Bieber biggest hit. This is the person that made a track for Kim lardashian. This is the person that dissed Ciara for Basic Flop. The same person that were on the Camels d*** and c*** til they were done with him. Oh well.

    • Fran June 20, 2015

      And the same person who gave Rihanna the song of her career.

  34. Fran June 20, 2015

    He told absolutley no lies.

  35. Blacksista June 21, 2015

    Some black fans are wishy washy too. They only with you when you are hot yet call you a flop when you fall short.

  36. petricia June 22, 2015

    So did no one pick up on the fact that dream basically said that black people can’t afford to buy music?

  37. Shaquinisha-rose June 22, 2015

    I smell B*llSh*t!! The Dream Vs. Taylor Swift…Who has more fans in the U.S.A and internationally??? TAYLOR Fing SWIFT. No one knows who the Dream is, it’s not about race you racist.

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