In reply to Danzou.

Wow, great points by both of you! Danzou, I believe what your saying is usually the best strategy to go with! Most crossover artists established a hardcore urban audience first, before going mainstream! That's a formula that have worked for several decades and I believe it's usually, if possible, the best way to start your career as a black artist with commercial appeal. You always have something to fall back on when the industry start bullshitting you!

In Tinashe's case, I think she's tried that approach. I'm not sure that's taking off! I know she still can give that method time, but you do run the risk of becoming a Nicole Scherzinger or Cassie if you don't strike a chord with people soon enough! There are so many politics in this industry now, that I just can't fault an artists for trying new things! Tinashe is smart in making a switch with her image early on, but she's at a point where she must choose a side to stand on or she'll confuse the public!

As for Ciara, she's an artist (whether she goes right or left) that just can't win BIG right now! That's also due to politics! It's not hard to see why Ciara started out as one of the biggest artists of the last decade! She's have what it takes! She's a showstopping performer, video slayer, even versatile artists (capable of handling Pop and Urban material equally), but people love to give some folks the business! I'm just glad that Ciara was accomplished before the decline (some people don't even find her initial success) and I'm also happy that Ciara manages to get her hands on an urban hit from time to time! She honestly deserves more!