I don't agree that they "can't" they just know where the money is. It's sad to say, but most black ppl don't physically buy music anymore so in a way black artists were forced to make music that would sell among other races [that includes any race that isn't black]. Even hip hop artist started to grab a hold to rock and pop to start selling in a major way. Even though black ppl were the 1st to sing rock [but that's another discussion]. I think its smart as far as marketing goes, but it's sad.

Personally I miss REAL R&B/Soul...like the old Toni Braxton...now she's on that pop ish too =/ ugh. I blame the kids born after 1991...they don't know any better and they feed into this "new age" bs... and as far as the "roles" changing, I don't see it as a big deal. Michael Jackson was a black guy who did pop ALL his life...it's not something new...but there are only a select few black ppl who still do R&B.