*Pinned: Posts Resume As Normal Below*
Welcome to the first-ever TGJ Roundtable!
Over the years, That Grape Juice has established a distinguished voice that – whether loved or loathed – sparks discussion, debate, and on occasion drama!
Though comprised of seasoned writers who share a similar outlook on Urban Pop culture, the idiosyncrasies of the TGJ team members often lend for quite heated debates “behind the scenes” about the hottest topics.
Now, we give you a front row seat to the show. In a format similar to ‘The View’ or ‘The Real’, TGJ editors – Sam, David, Rashad, and Joe – get real in a very candid way.
Today’s roundtable topic asks…
What Are Three Things In Music Would You Like To See In 2015?
Sam
A New Beyonce Album
Historically, Bey’s projects are often spaced out at two-year 
intervals – which would make this year “time”.
And granted yours truly enjoyed the ‘Beyonce’ campaign and its edgier lean, I’m personally ready for a return of the Beyonce who treated her LP’s like a race at the Olympics. Full-speed, all-out promo for material that was mass appealing.
I’m all for R&B on a slow-creep, but Bey’s U.S.P has been that she’s able to hit a home-run on the Pop front too. She’s also hailed as a dance-floor dominator, something her 2013 effort didn’t care to stress much. As such, I’d love to see her give folk something with more up-tempo gusto. Another ‘End Of Time’, ‘Crazy In Love’, ‘Single Ladies’, ‘Run The World’. Sonically, these are her trademarks.
A Janet Jackson Comeback
Long overdue. And as one of the last true Pop royals, it’d be an event. She’s smartly been out of limelight for enough time to be missed, so the opportunity here is major.
Destiny’s Child Reunion
Yes, another Beyonce flavored pick. But I digress. There’s something electric about when Bey, Kelly, and Michelle work together. So, with 2015 marking ten years since their split, the marketing opportunity to hinge on to is too big to miss out on – whether it be a tour, new music, or both.
**************
David
More Diversity On Top 40 Radio
As the world of television reaps sweet ratings from culturally diverse seeds, I’d like to see the music industry follow suit.
Though an artist’s race shouldn’t determine how much label backing they receive, the lack of “variety” on the charts has us wondering if the majors feel the same way, boasting rosters that do all of nothing to represent the cultural rainbow that is the record buying public.
The Rise of An R&B Superstar
After sitting on the bench for far too long, 2014 saw “Urban” finally make a comeback on Top 40 radio, thanks in part to releases launched by Jeremih, Jason Derulo and Tinashe.
Unfortunately, the fact remains that R&B has failed to deliver a new world class artist pushing a world class album in recent memory.
Indeed, despite leading the pack in the US, not even the likes of Tamar Braxton or K. Michelle have been able to soar above local ground (yet), and remain relatively unknown or unheard of in foreign markets.
If industry murmurs prove to be true, the answer to R&B’s problem “may” lie in Tinashe, who we hear is tipped to receive quite the push in 2015.
Whatever the case, I’m hoping to see the genre unleash a new pack of Beyonce’s, Usher’s and Alicia’s on the world in the coming year.
The Return of Mathew Knowles Style Management
If 2014 has taught us 
anything, it’s that skill and artistry will always trump hype.
Though it’s a fact some artists choose to ignore, Jennifer Lopez’s ‘AKA’ campaign proved an era is unlikely to be written off as a “flop” if armed with killer performances, stellar visuals and the kind of talent that keeps an artist’s credibility in tact even in the face of poor sales.
So, here’s hoping 2015 will see more managers take the time to develop their artists before throwing obscene amounts of cash at them only to scratch their heads when the sales don’t add up.
One couldn’t tell by looking now, but there was once a time when the general “vibe” towards Beyonce was anything but positive, slammed by critics who cited her father’s managing of her as the sole reason for her success.
Now, thanks to the style of artist development so many teams are keen to side step, the once loathed “daddy’s girl” now stands as the most celebrated artist of her generation by silencing her critics where it mattered most…on stage.
Will her continued success encourage more labels to learn from this lesson? I hope so.
*************
Rashad
Male Act of Color Dominate Charts With Respectable Music
I’m the first to argue that Luke James was “Sam Smith before Sam Smith,” but he missed an opportunity window. With this in mind, I feel we’re long overdue for a male act of color to dominate the industry the way Smith has. In fact, he can be a newbie or a seasoned act, I don’t care.
The Full Return of Christina Aguilera
I’m not talking just literally, I mean the return of the Xtina we fell in love with – vocals, choreography, staging, conviction, etc. As one who greatly balanced her albums with substance and fluff, I’d love for her to seduce us with a solid, but catchy Pop single, then captivate us with a quality Pop album (‘Stripped’ meets ‘Bionic’ and has a musical baby).
A Vocal Group
Growing up in an era that saw Boyz II Men & En Vogue carry on the R&B traditions of acts that preceded them, it’s hard for me to accept that there are no vocal groups to be found on charts! I’ll even accept a return of BSB and NSYNC-esque boybands of my teen years because, regardless of how much their music lacked quality, they could still thrill a capella. I know this is unlikely, but I can’t help but cross my fingers and hope that one day the music we’ve found acceptable today will take a back seat to real talent.
************
Joe
The Return of the Uptempo
Call it a reach, but I feel like real uptempos have all but disappeared from the face of the earth (or less dramatically, the music industry), leaving the coast clear for the dominance of “Turn Up Music”.
Yes, the charts are full of ‘Loyal‘s and ‘Drunk In Love’s, but I feel such songs lean towards energetic-midtempo category – leaving a void in what was once the pulsating club banger.
Hopefully 2015 is the year Urban-Pop tracks with the speed, urgency, and ferocity of songs like Janet Jackson’s ‘Feedback’ and ‘Lose My Breath’ by Destiny’s Child make a return.
Maybe Usher or even Rihanna could re-introduce uptempos to the mainstream mass?
A Blockbuster Christina Aguilera Album:
The ‘Lotus’ era has left a bad taste in my mouth. Not because of weak material, but quite the contrary. The album had plenty commercial “moments” that Team Xtina never really exploited to their advantage. A shame since her likeability has constantly been on the up ever since joining ‘The Voice‘.
With the songstress back in the studio and in her seat on the talent show, I am hoping she has the right people around her to make the right choices when it comes to creative direction, singles choices, media training, overall sound, and most of all PROMOTION. Let there be fireworks, Xtina!
Diversity In The Male Arena
With Miguel taking his time to release new music, Usher trying to keep up with Chris Brown and Trey Songz, and August Alsina yet to show a core point of difference, the male Urban-Pop market still seems seems thirsty for a fresh wave of artists.
What I would like to see is eclecticism regarding lyrical themes, styling and general message.
Frank Ocean had managed to do so in 2012 with his ‘Channel Orange’ album and Nick Jonas – with his very Pop approach but heavily Urban-influenced music – seems like a step in the right direction.
******************
Do you agree with our picks? Who was spot on? Let us know your thoughts on the first TGJ Roundtable and tell us your own wishes for 2015 below!
![Songwriters Hall of Fame 2025: Janet Jackson, Eminem, N.W.A., & Rodney Jerkins Nominated [Full List]](https://thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/janet-jackson-eminem-nwa-songwriters-hall-fame-tgj-464x260.jpg "Songwriters Hall of Fame 2025: Janet Jackson, Eminem, N.W.A., & Rodney Jerkins Nominated [Full List].")
![Extended Trailer: Prime Video's 'Cruel Intentions' Series [Starring Savannah Lee Smith, Sarah Catherine Hook, & Zac Burgess]](https://thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cruel-intentions-prime-trailer-tv-adaptation-thatgrapejuice-2024-464x260.jpg "Extended Trailer: Prime Video's 'Cruel Intentions' Series [Starring Savannah Lee Smith, Sarah Catherine Hook, & Zac Burgess].")
XTina won’t be back. Besides being on competiton shows, what else has she done to transition out of being a pop singer? She’s way past her prime
All Sam ever contributes to this blog is redundant Beyonce worship and Rhianna hate posts.
yea but without his hate towards rihanna this blog wouldn’t get hits I’ve been coming here since 2009 i’ve seen straight out stan wars on here the more he hates the more she shines
the more who shines?
LOL. Who cares. Y’all wanna be famous so badly. Just make webisodes on YT.
|
Give as the news and keep it moving. ➡➡➡
I don’t see it for christina coming back to be huge like she once was. This new generation isn’t really familiar with her and she doesn’t really have a big core fanbase. But who knows, she still manages to score hits by featuring on other people’s songs.
Beyonce can chill till next year, Selftitled only just turned 1year old, so we good. I’m eager to see what Rih has in store. Also, how wanna see how gaga is gonna turn artpop’s underperformance around.
As for DC, a reunion tour would be nice, but no thanks on a new album (maybe an EP). But that can happen before the decade is over, maybe during their 20th anniversary. Go on like a 20 date tour, like On The Run. If they’re feeling generous, they can bring out Letoya and Latavia on a few dates.
Janet return sam
I still don’t know how people didn’t hear the resemblance of Christina Aguilera’s “Dirrty” song sounding identical of Whitney Houstons “Queen of the Night” lol. Both good tunes!
I liked David’s opinion about seeing more new rising superstars do well and be heard.
And to Rashad wanting vocal r&b groups back, I agree. There is a group called “MPrynt” that is signed to “Motown Records” their good.
–
I can’t wait to see more artists come out this year like Kyndall, Eric Bellinger, Sebastian Mikael, Kreesha Turner (who is being groomed to be the next Rihanna), Keri Hilson’s return, Sevyn Streeter and I would say Mila J but that pabel of hers is terrible. And I want Missy to come back! 😉
*Label
I’m team David on his points!!!! to sam I’m not sure beyond is releasing anything this year tho….
but in this , no one is talking about rap!!! and how colour influence award shows eg grammys
what I want for 2015; I’ve always said this and no one is answering me..why was Iggy nominated in a pop category contrary to Grammy rule as a lead artist? why was TNC nominated for a Grammy with a metacritic score of 55 and RR with 62 was not nominated?
thus, this are the things that make people prefer wrestling entertainment, movie instead of music cause Oscars hardly do shits like this!!
what I want in 2015 is Beyonce rihanna and Nicki Minaj collab….and also I want Nicki to collab with a Latino rapper like snow da product, dulce maria, anahi …so it can be a Spanglish record!!! I love Spanish
OMFG, the ignorance. Dulce María and Anahí are not rappers. ¡Santo Dios! Collab would be great, but it won’t see the light.
LMAO Sam´s obsession is a problem is his everyday life. I´m sure! lol
Leave Beyonce out of something for once! lol
Personally (well it´s f****** obvious, not even my opinion) ADELE´s new album is the event for 2015 musically, nothing else stands a chance.
Things I would want? The rise of one or two superstars with huge talent who can both slay with their talent and also commercially. Adele and Gaga have been the last ones really.
Also, the undeserving place Taylor Swift has in American music right now needs to vanish. I mean, are you people serious? From Michael, Prince, Whitney or Madonna… to Taylor Swift being the album slayer? What? Such mediocrity? Just no. I can´t understand it.
A new Florence album. It´s time now.
I love you for this comment…. lol also whatever happen to Florence she used to slay i love her voice… Also good luck to your fav Gaga
Is there a problem that Sam loves talent? If you experience constant irritation, because Sam continuously shows his interest and support for Beyonce, then you really shouldn’t frequent this blog anymore, because your opinions certainly won’t change his attitude towards her.
—
ITS HIS SITE. DEAL THE FVCK WITH IT OR FVCK OFF.
Don´t worry I can deal with his obsession. I just point it out cause it´s hilarious. Question is: can he deal with it? 🙂
Omg yes! I’ve been checking for Florence + The Machine also! I’m ready for another dark fantasy! Lol
More RnB males making it big Sam oh and Tinashe better come through this year, she’s our last hope.
Bey just re-released BEYONCÉ so no I doubt it she’s releasing anything so soon. If anything she’ll be waiting on those year-end sales.
DC reunion? Maybe 2017 (20th anniversary of No No No/debut album) or 2019 (20th anniversary of TWOTW which is still their magnum opus as a collective)
Matthew Knowles? no thank you. JLo didn’t flop? LOL oh-kay…
Christina Aguilera will never make the same impact as she made in the past cause years of bad technique drained out her vocals. Either she does something about that or she lets go of her egotistical tepid lyrics and I don’t see any of those happening anytime soon.
Luke James and Sam Smith can both sing their asses off but their material sucks. WTH is Money On My Mind I didn’t think someone with those pipes could record something so trash.
YEEEESSS @ more diversity on radio. people need to start addressing racism and eurocentrism on those radio playlists. it’s not JUST the label execs.
YEEESSS @ a real vocal group coming back (I thought Bey wanted to do that as head of Parkwood? maybe she’ll find the time to scout proper talent this year) and YEEEEESS @ male diversity. if I hear another corny song about eating p**** sung on falsetto…
Eh,Beyoncé shouldn’t release again until 2016,second or third quarter. Destiny’s Child wouldn’t work in 2015, but I’m sure they’d do better than those two mediocre girl groups who keep trying to happen but won’t. I mean the worst of 2004 shits all over “music” from last year.
The Tinashe chick, is a no!I’d rather have someone who can actually sing come up.
Janet can return but I doubt it will make much traction besides amongst the queens.
Christina will probably never return to her status of old,but she can always hop on a single.
Kudos to the TGJ Writers!!! Please give us more post like this so that we can actually debate about the music versus the constant fan/stan wars. Sidebar ** I think Miguel is the most underrated artist out today. He’s a great writer with soulful and sultry vocals. I love how you hear elements of rock, r&b, Latin and funk in his music. Love the song he did for the ‘Girls’ soundtrack!!!
Oh Samand David, check out Adrian Marcel, he’s one to watch as well!
Round table? Where the f*** is the table? We want to see them UGLY MUGS! Lol, all shade, all tea.
I would love a Beyoncé album in 2015. But hive lets be true to ourselves that’s not happening till the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2016. What I’m looking forward to is music from Rihanna. Yes I said it. Rihanna. I know I throw shade all the time but she makes bops. And I want her to step her game up on the stage. Stop being lazy. Not really into Adele but I’m eager to see what kind of #’s she does with this album. Is she here to stay & slay or was 21 just a one time thing!! A DC reunion album or tour would be nice but I think that should take place in 2017. Like they should release an album on the exact date their first album was released. That would be dope.
Sam,
Print pictures of rita at the voice photocell; she looks hot, the bODY is on fleek. Can we get a post about MORE RIHANNA MONEY ROUBLE?
This female singer is not making the kind of money she expected at this stage. Although she has tons of fans, she does not have tons of cash in the bank and her cash flow situation is worrisome. Look for her to sell off one or more of her real estate holdings in the very near future.
Singer:
Lol at @I STAN(D) clocking your tea.. No one cares about what you 4 fagggots think.. We don’t come here to hear what u think, we come here for the news. Stop trying to be something y’all are not, give us the news and stop this madness. No one is checking for this b*******!!
“Diversity In The Male Arena”>>> co-sign 1000% cos, the whole overs3xed songs and images need to die down already.
Honey BOOM!!!
Hey cray cray boo. Happy New Years:)
Happy New Years boooo!!!!!:-D
What’s the point???
Lol happy new year @TruthSerum hopefully we wont have issues this year .
Happy New Years
Biitch
TGJ guys, this is really interesting. Keep doing things like this!
David, to me hit the nail right in the head. We need more variety on top 40 radio.
I hate to turn on the radio and all I hear is white trash.
Talking from personal experience, Z100 for example rarely play black people music, and if they do it’s an EDM sung by a black person (ex. Rihanna We found love).
True RnB and Hip/Hop amazingly lack on the top 40 radio. And here is the funny part, the ONLY time (I repeat) the only time Z100 plays RnB/hip-hop or any black music it’s @ around 3am when everybody and their momma is f****** sleep but me. This needs to change.
—
Also, I feel like RnB artists breaking out mainstream WW have died since he times of Beyonce, Usher and Ms. keys. People don’t throw total support behind new RnB acts anymore. Just think about, there are soo many new talented RnB acts out now with solid material (Frank ocean, Tinashe, Luke James, ext) but few of them can even go silver. And there was a time (like 90’s 2000’s ) where RnB albums were dominating the charts, could compete against Pop albums and even outsell them. But now, RnB is only competing with its own, RnB. The last recent RnB album that did extremely well was by an artist that came out in the 90’s which was outdone again, by the same artist.
You are such a try hard, its cringe-worthy 🙁
Oooop.
He’s French. You know them mothr effers love to stretch
Is that a read? I couldn’t tell.
this wack ass comment doesn’t even deserve an “ooop”
.
as usual this human size sewage always doing the most in a n a l cleaning
I truly think Chris Brown is the last R&B artist to achieve breakout success on an international scale and he isn’t even carrying the torch as high as his predecessors (Beyonce, Usher and Alicia) did. I’d love to see a female R&B artist achieve something close to and even beyond what Breezy did with his first two albums. I think Tinashe has a chance, especially noting her potential as a performer but the chances are slim.
You are such a try hard, its cringe-worthy 🙁
R8, end of conversation.
I Stan For Talent is Beyoncé’s biggest fan!!
The ads on this site are unbearable!!!
I would love to see a more diverse selection of music on the charts and award shows.
talentless , you now use “|” between paragraphs? ….lol…afraid of using “.” ????
.
so now you gone settle for being my clone? I see you used to follow my comments in 2014 , the year I owned
.
keep stealing my drags and perfoming poorly with them , struggling IT student, don’t you have 3rd hand computers to fix, bitter phaggot?
Why is career struggle always dedicating comments towards me?
My 2 cents:
A New Beyonce Album: Nope! Another Bey Project ccoking up for sure though, that would Blue’s brother
A Janet Jackson Comeback: Yesssss but she better not come back until it’s something revolutionary. Take your time, Damita!
Destiny’s Child Reunion: I’m in for anything DC! Whether it’s a Sony movie, a cartoon series, a greatest hits, LeToya’s return, whatever, I’m in!
More Diversity On Top 40 Radio: yes for sure
The Rise of An R&B Superstar: Pop had Lady Gaga. Hip Hop had Drake. R&B is definitely in need of its next big name since Chris Brown.
The Return of Matthew Knowles Style Management: Matthew Knowles, Peebles, P. Diddy, you name it. If new R”n”B acts had this kind of management, there would be no complaint about diversity or whatever.
Male Act of Color Dominate Charts With Respectable Music/ Diversity In The Male Arena: R&B singers should just let seasoned songwriters write their songs like in the old Motown days. John Legend is holding it down though.
The Full Return of Christina Aguilera/A Blockbuster Christina Aguilera Album : Unless Christina has a meltdown like Mariah Carey back in 2003, she will never be back with a “Emancipation of Mimi” type of album. I don’t think we need a great comeback from her if that includes the lost of her sanity. We good, Xtina, please don’t go britney-crazy.
A Vocal Group: Vocal is not enough. Vocals, stage presence, sassiness, originality. This is defintely time for vocal groups to make a comeback. We’ve had enough of individual acts. Fifth Harmony has vocals but lacks everything else, that’s why they flop.
The Return of the Uptempo: We definitely need a new Usher for this one. *plays Caught Up*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qDo7eDTbpE
are you gonna pass on this song like you did RiRi’s leak? I hope not
nah I think he posted it?
Yes I soo need Christina Aguilera to come correct!!! Ever since Bionic and her getting a divorce, my girl has been a hot mess!! People say she’s lost her voice but I have to disagree because when she’s on The Voice coaching her team she is flawless but the minute she gets on stage she contradicts what she just did behind the scene. So either she got some screwed stage freight or just sheer lazy or insecure/conceded about showing what she can really do. I know she has it in her, we’ve seen her do it with Pitbull, Maroon 5, Lady Gaga, and just recently a Great Big World. So yeah I know she can! Put them aśśless chaps on for one more round and get right!
it’s not stage fright. Xtina is not afraid it’s the complete opposite… someone who actually gets thru to her thick head should let her know that the ‘styling’ she does on her songs is tacky AND ruins her voice and her sound.
Lol that to! Even I a huge Xtina Stan can admit that my girl is OD on the extra.
I completely agree on the Luke James point. His debut album is a complete masterpiece but no one talked about it. Dont know if it is bad marketting or people just sleeping on black music
Well for one:
I’m excited about Rihanna’s return. I’m hoping she brings us some great vocals and gets back into actual choreography as well. She’s been gone for a while and I’m ready for what she has to offer. She knows how to drop a hot single.
Two:
I know this will probably never happen, but I would love for Nicole Scherzinger to come out with a well crafted album for US release. I love her voice and I find her to be undervalued and a bit schizophrenic musically, but if she could find that sweet spot, I’d totally be down.
Three:
We definitely need some major collaborations a la “Bang Bang” or “Lady Marmalade”. Something to excite us with new talented artist or a mix of old and new.
Four:
I’m also here for Brandy, Christina, and Janet’s return. All three ladies have the potential to drop an amazing album and slew of singles. Hopefully, people would support and hopefully labels will give the amount of promotion and marketing that they are deserved.
Which leads me to Five:
This will probably not change in the near future, but I look forward to when consumers, audiences, stans, or whatever you want to be called stop calling people Flops and actually go out and buy albums, request music on radio stations, and create an environment in the market for the so-called flops to succeed.
Lastly,
Overall in the music industry, I want better lyricists, songwriters, producers, artists in general. People who not only want a hit but want to say something with their music.
Thats my two cents….
I for one don’t want a new Beyonce album. I LOVE self-titled and I think it’s her magnum opus. While she’s avoided conventional promo this go-round (zero televised interviews and minimal performances on TV), I feel like she’s been everywhere. A well-deserved break would be nice for her but you know Bey, she’s always up to something! I didn’t grow up on Janet Jackson (I’ve only experienced the 20 Y.O and Discipline eras) but over the last four years, I’ve come to love and appreciate her work! It’ll be really interesting to see what she’ll come up with next. I’m really looking forward to Rih’s new music because I think this two year break she’s had will bring out the best in her artistically. Meaning I hope she delivers vocally and performance-wise on a consistent level. Christina could come back strong if she follows the points listed but she has to really want it and this new generation is not kind to pop stars from her time. Concerning more diversity in the males in Urban music, HELL YES! I do like Usher and Chris Brown’s X won me back as a listener but their hypers*xulaized musical output has become overplayed. Can’t believe Usher went from songs like U Got It Bad to trash like I Don’t Mind. I think that’s the reason why many of them are finding it difficult to cross-over because their music does not reach a broad audience and is not relatable to everyone. It’s sad that we haven’t had a real breakout star in R&B since Chris Brown. I mean, there are tons of talented R&B artists with great material but their often relegated to the bottom of the charts and are deemed ‘flops’ when they have so much to offer. We need to support more of these artists.
Christina isn’t past anything.. It’ll be awesome for her to do great things musically. Pop radio also needs to play urban leaning songs as well. Usher isn’t trying to keep up with Chris and co. He’s just trying to find a good balance musically.. Bands such as NSync/Backstreet Boys being welcomed back would be awesome. Pop radio needs more diversity.. Mariah doing amazing on the charts would be great too. No Beyonce anything, she wears you down with her stuff..
I’m so tired of people saying what an artist can or cannot do! You are NOT God!!! If Madonna can make 2 comebacks (Ray of Light and Confessions on a Dance Floor) and if Mariah can Emancipated from the haters and Fly Like A Bird then surely Christina, Janet, Brandy and so on can to! That’s what’s wrong with the world so much dámn negativity. Until then I’ll be enjoying Christina’s Jackson melody.
http://thatgrapejuice.net/2013/11/watch-christina-aguilera-performs-michael-jackson-janet-jackson-medley-the-voice/
2 comebacks? Music was a sales hit and American Life is one of her strongest albums lyrically.
I understand that it can be tiring to hear some of these stans going off about things they know nothing about with zero logic but why does every piece of criticism needs to be labeled as ‘negativity’? critics and audience will analyze and nitpick… it’s up to the artist to know what advice to take to heart and what advice to throw away.
Well by critic standards she had 2 come backs, granted I never knew she left, likewise Mimi. But no I agree “Music” and “American Life” were both good. And yes “Life” was lyrically phenomenal. As far negativity goes I’m pretty sure the True Artist don’t listen to what the haters think and just do them. I just miss music that made you feel something. In addition it’s really only women in music the media gives a hard time to, why I don’t know. Overall though I agree with you.
Well if you don’t like TGJ for obsessing over beyonce. Then don’t comment
Hmm, I don’t agree with every statement fully from each individual, but I am in agreement with bits and pieces of several suggestions made by each person.
Sam – A Janet Comeback
Yes! Yes! Yes! … & Yes! It’s time!
Smh @ the Bey album though! I love B as much as any fellow hive member does, but 2015 is way too soon for Bey to give us the next chapter.
David – More Diversity on Top 40 Radio (if you don’t preach)!
I’ve noticed the absence of this for quite some time and I think it’s unfortunate.
#2 David – The Rise of An R&B Superstar
This seems like it would take a miracle in 2015, but it shouldn’t!
Rashad – The Full Return of Christina Aguilera
She’s a very talented artist with a lot to offer still. I wish the music biz wasn’t so unfair to artists like her.
Joe – Diversity in the male arena
^This! If I hear one more song that could have been given to the same 5 guys, I’ll scream! We need something fresh and exciting when it comes to the men. Fast!
Janet comeback! That’s all I have to say.
I love Sam all the way I want him to continue giving us his best
Janet …..
Personally I agree with them. I want Diversity in the Top 40. Rock, R&B, Hip Hop,EDM etc.
I really want Xtina & Janet to return & slay.
First off until they find the next Luther Vandross, I don’t think black males will do that well.They’re music (lyrically) is complete and utter crap.They aren’t singing about anything of meaning,importance,or even something truly relate able other than you-know-what.
Love Christina but I will admit I miss her as a performer not just a vocalist.Then again I guess we really wouldn’t know because unless she’s doing a duet of someone else’s song on the voice with a contestant I haven’t seen her perform a damn thing.Your Body was a hit and they sat their flabby ass on it.When RCA acquired Britney’s Contract they seriously threw Christina under the rug.That’s another thing.I think these artist are also doing really bad because most of them are all on the same label.Think about it.
If your looking for diversity in top 40,the artist are going to have to work with different producers.I promise you all Dj Mustard,Zedd,David Guetta, use alot of the same beat they just change the tone ever so slightly.That’s why Janet Jackson was so successful at one point.She worked with two new producers no had heard of at that point and she made her own sound.You knew when a Janet jackson song came on.
I need Ciara to team up with Jazz Pha & lil jon again.Nobody wants to admit but I will.When she came out with Goodies and The Evolution she was dubbed the Princes of Crunk&B.Where’s the crunk at now.Don’t get me wrong I love Fantasy Ride and Basic Instinct,It’s just she’s missing that flare that set her apart from everyone else.I’m looking forward to Tiffany Evans,Jordin Sparks,JoJo (I wanna see what happens now that Ariana Grande’s on the scene.) Raven Symone,and Luke James.Yep there’s more but I’ll stop there.God Bless You!
When did Britney go to RCA?!
When Jive and J Records folded and their artists were absorbed by RCA.
Never mind Googled it. Well it’s not like “Britney Jean” was her best roll out. But as I have said Christina hasn’t been right since “Bionic” and her divorcing Jordan Bratman 🙁 but yeah you would think that these record labels who have all these big stars on there label would be trying to push them to collaborate. Hmm a Britney and Xtina duet could be Hot! Overall I agree with everything you are saying.
You got a great point there. A lot of these new producers are not in it for the long run anymore as long as they get fast cash and the small number of labels operated by an even smaller number of major record groups only aggravates the issue.
Now on the examples you used… a lot of people weren’t pleased when Ciara turned away from Jazze but I think it’s a burned bridge by now. Can Jazze Fantasy Ride was really wack but Basic Instinct and self-titled were good. I say she keeps Planet VI and Mike-Will and brings Danja back. She needs to cut out on some of those fillers tho.
JoJo >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mariah’s lessor
Yes tragically enough it’s all about the mean the green. I wish there was still some quality produce left who cared about there craft. These new producers get a catchy tune and reshuffle it (EX: Ryan Tedder’s Already Gone (Kelly Clarkson) and Halo (Beyoncé) that’s just the first example that came to mind.) I need producer like Diddy and Timberland to come back. A signature song that screams their name but still fresh and innovative. I liked Ciara when she 1st came out but around or after “Love Séx Magic” I just lost interest, so yeah I think that’s when she left Jazze. Not gonna lie I don’t remember “Basic Instinct” may have to go back and listen to it again. But she’s in the studio now so we’ll just have to wait and see what see does.
I throughly enjoyed this read, and agree with U all. I thought NE-YO was gonna bring it back, and she knows is nice, but I don’t know. Def agree with U all though.
janet.
David, Rashad and Joe have the best suggections, for me, i want men on top, enough of these ladies, (in before, someone say Madonna) all of them, i really mean it.
Isn’t this a British blog? Why you spelling colour like color? Anyways I’m waiting for a Janet and/or Britney comeback, either will give us a song so upbeat every human on this earth will be TURNT UP!
CHRISTINA AGUILERA. PLEASE SAVE US! MUSIC IS WACK WITHOUT YOU!
Toni wins another Grammy w Babyface
I like these kind of discussions, really – kudos to you 🙂
I’d like for the male stars to be more polished, developed and have much larger budgets behind them, like back in the day with Justin Timberlake. Who from the guys in the music scene is that exciting and big nowadays? In that sort of pristine pop kingdom we only have female acts. But anyone as charismatic, talented (singing and dancing) and good-looking as Justin? Justin Bieber? Cmon, he’s nowhere near him. Bruno Mars? He’s driving in a completely different direction. Who could deliver anything close to the feelings “Cry me a river” gave us? No one of the new guys popping up, none of them has that great sense of pop. None of them are being marketed in that way. And none of them can deliver what JT can.
In this world where music has become much more shallow, I’d like to have a male popstar come blow us all away by continuously delivering edgy quality pop/urban material and have the needed financial back up, and make it big.
JT’s shoes are yet to be filled.