Welcome to the latest 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 each anchor…
What Is On Your 2018 Wish List?!
Sam
The Return Of Beyonce – The Pop Star
With over 20 years in the game, Beyonce has mastered the art of metamorphism.
She’s anchored one of the greatest groups of all time, become a showgirl solo superstar, and been coronated as a Pop cultural Queen.
Recent years have seen her embrace a “less is more” approach with everything from her music (stripped back beats), image (less sparkle, more grit), and media presence (no interviews). All of which have proven powerful in maintaining her star and the demand for it.
And while this has facilitated a climate where she she is being showered with more critical acclaim than ever (see: self-titled and ‘Lemonade’), there have been drawbacks.
Calling a spade a spade, she’s not as omnipresent on radio, in the clubs, or on streaming services as she was. All intentional, but it’s something that has perplexed me a little because she – quite easily – has the ability to “have it all.” And I suspect that may be her next play.
That hat-trick of Pop-leaning collaborations last Fall felt like a smart chess move to re-assert her position on mainstream radio as well as non-TIDAL streaming services. And it worked. She scored a #1 with Ed Sheeran, a #3 with J Balvin, and a top 20 with Eminem.
With that foundation set, I’d like to see her use her next project to continue the return to more mass appealing terrain.
Not to suggest that she should compromise on her Urban core, but it’d be epic to see her deliver a “Sasha-fied” take on a specific sound and aesthetic. Much like Bruno Mars’ ’24k Magic’ or better yet her own ‘B’Day’ era.
All in all, willing something lighter, more uplifting, and carefree this go round from Queen Bey. The darker, edgier lean of recent years was necessary for the brand at the time. But now I’m keen for her to turn a corner and strut on more familiar ground.
For The “Coming Soon Crew” To Actually Come Through
Christina Aguilera, Kelly Rowland, and Keri Hilson are just a few of the names whose new material is consistently “coming soon.”
Yes, music is art, expression, and all that good stuff. But it’s also a business. A reality these artists no doubt understand in ways we won’t.
With said knowledge, though, should come the parallel understanding that time waits for no one.
Recent years have seen some of the crew’s more senior signees learn the hard way that bench-warming for extended periods can backfire so badly that it’s hard to bounce back from. Just ask the likes of Fergie and Gwen Stefani.
So, for yours truly, a lot of these acts ought to stop with the pausing and pacing and just swing the bat. Even if it doesn’t hit, there’ll be other chances. All the waiting and agitating is so tiresome that fans may well be fast asleep when they finally decide to proceed.
The game has changed, as such the notion of underperforming, disappearing for long stretches, and rising like a phoenix years later is rarer than rare. In its place the new generation are powering on with a mindset of “more, more, more” and “keep it moving.” A mantra seasoned acts could learn from.
‘Emancipation’ Eras For A Select Few
As comeback’s go, few are as notable in scale and resonance as Mariah Carey‘s 2005 rise from the Pop abyss with ‘The Emancipation Of Mimi.’
Very much a millennial answer to Tina Turner‘s 1985 revival, the “era” updated the blueprint of an artist fighting their way out of a backed-corner to fresh triumph; with wins so big that they often dwarf the wins achieved during earlier heydays.
In 2018, sales are no longer the key metric of success. As such having an ‘Emancipation’ quite easily means different things for different people. With that, here’s what I’m wishing and willing for the following…
Janet Jackson – Stage domination! Whether Super Bowl, new tour, or Vegas, I’d love to see Janet maintain her ‘State Of The World’ momentum and go all out in 2018. Principally to remind the masses of her living legend status. She was done wrong in ways that are too numerous to re-count, but she could re-write her story in an epic way if she chooses.
Usher – The struggle has been real to sing about anything as compelling as ‘Confessions’ since…well…’Confessions.’ His silence in the midst of his recent scandal has oddly but surely created a scenario where he has the potential to have a real “moment” pop culturally speaking. Seize it!
Brandy – With her legal woes behind her, it’d be awesome to see B-Rocka regain her footing. Whether that be a critically acclaimed album, a hit Urban single, a successful tour, something…anything.
Mariah – Sequels are rarely as good as the original, so in no way expecting Mimi to enjoy 05′ flavored glory. Still, with Roc Nation on-side and ample good will from her New Year’s do-over, it’d be awesome to see her release a strong album (that delivers critically and commercially) and pairs it with an era (performances + aesthetic) that is flaw-free.
Beyond wishes, I more than anything want to be surprised in 2018 – from unique release strategies, to shock collaborations, to rule-breaking roll-outs. Here’s to an epic year!
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David
Transparency
If 2017 taught us anything it’s that nothing is ever as it seems when it comes to the entertainment industry.
With the #MeToo movement and Kesha‘s harrowing story in mind, I’m hoping 2018 will see the industry become more transparent, boot out its own Harvey Weinsteins as well as do more to protect and educate aspiring artists.
Of course, abuse takes places in all corners of the world but the secretive nature of the business allows it to “flourish” in ways that it doesn’t in heavily regulated industries.
So, here’s hoping last year’s surprising revelations in Hollywood inspires all of us in music to look out for each other and make the scene we all love and care for a hostile and inhospitable environment for lecherous perverts.
Let me know how you think we can combat them in the comment section below.
The Return Of All-Out The International Campaigns
Recent years have seen international promotional campaigns die.
The result? Missed opportunities to build fan bases and boost profiles overseas. I’m hoping to see more artists take their campaigns outside of the United States and push harder on a global tip.
Fortunately, we’ve already seen the likes of Khalid and Camilla Cabello put the above in motion with their new releases so I look forward to seeing more of the same from their peers and their more established peers.
The Return Of Character-Driven Movies
A little different, but I digress…
As cool as huge tentpole action flicks are, I’d like to see Hollywood invest just as much into creating original movies akin to ‘American Psycho‘, ‘Girl Interrupted’ and ‘Doubt.’
Movies like these have been forced to find homes on platforms like Netflix or television but it’d be awesome to see a new wave of actors ushered into Hollywood via original stories that give them the room to showcase skills that are hard to flaunt in action projects.
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Rashad
Last year I wished for a return to prominence of Mary J. Blige. That wish, though not in the manner expected, was granted. Now, this year I’m hoping for the following:
Chris Brown to (Technically) Take a Year Off
Regardless of how many times his personal life has overshadowed that of his professional, one thing that’s never been impacted is Chris Brown‘s work ethic. With his own LPs, collaborations dropping left and right, and unexpected – and (arguably) widely undesired – mixtapes, playlists, EPs, and more, Brown has taken the idea of “market saturation” to extremes I’m not sure the industry has ever seen.
One on side of the coin, you can’t knock the man’s hustle as it is fundamentally his job as a musician to create music. But, the reality is simple; his music cannibalizes itself. In never knowing what his “active” single is given how quickly these songs overlap (and this does include his features), fans are often left to gravitate to whatever catches their ears.
This overproduction, in turn, creates a new problem: too many of the songs sound similar. All in all, Chris – an extremely talented singer, songwriter, and producer – just needs to take a break. That “break” can take many forms and includes, but is certainly not limited to, the following: more behind the scenes collaborations (i.e. letting other people in on his creative process), touring, venturing into acting more, or simply chilling the f*ck out.
Either way, it’s clear that Chris is creating his own path in music history, but I think it’d be better appreciated if spaced out.
The Breakthrough of a Group
As an 80s kid who grew up in the 90s, vocal groups have always had a special place in my heart. And, while I am not realistically looking for the reincarnation of En Vogue or Boyz II Men, I do believe 2018 can offer at least a new age Danity Kane or Day 26. I recognize the 2010s hasn’t exactly been the most welcoming of Urban composites, but I still have hope that some bomb ass trio, quartet, or even quintet will start making waves on the scene.
P.S. – I wish for this annually, yet all I’ve gotten so far is Fifth Harmony. At least the universe is getting warmer, but not quite there…yet.
Usher To Comeback With Undeniable Heat
The reality is this: the odds were already stacked against Usher’s comeback before 2017. Being completely honest, Usher is character who will always be “relevant” in the grand scheme of Urban culture (especially given the dearth of active/charting R&B divos), but his last two albums critically and commercially left so much to be desired it started questions about exactly where his name ranks on the list (of relevance). So, adding a scandal of any sort – especially one that directly impacts his female supporters’ outlook on his overall “package” (no pun intended) – is just that much of a roadblock.
Interestingly, I do not see the challenge as insurmountable. While I am by no means hoping for another ‘Confessions’ in terms of content, I am hoping that he finds the creative balance between style and substance befitting an R&B veteran nearing 40. No ‘I Don’t Mind’ or ‘No Limit’-esque, trap-pop inspired numbers. And, if the trap route is undeniable, find ways to make it so qualitative that critics don’t look at it like you conforming to the sound as much as you taking it to the next level.
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Joe
Fifth Harmony Signs To New Label
With Camila Cabello hitting #1 with both her single and album, it seems like her transition into a bonafide solo act is finally complete. Meaning it’s only natural that she now serves as a priority act on her label… a label she still shares with her former bandmates Fifth Harmony.
Now, in which universe would that be fair to the group?
Arguably, the ladies have released material that is on-par with hers throughout 2017, yet it’s been evident which act garnered more support from the label… and, with the way things are going, it’s only going to intensify.
I believe Normani, Ally, Dinah and Lauren deserve a chance to redeem themselves and that can only happen in a brand new environment where they won’t be playing second fiddle.
Though Camila has always been the most charismatic member of the ensemble, I refuse to believe that she was the sole reason behind successes such as ‘Work From Home’ and ‘Worth It.’
So, for me, all 5H need is the right push and they’ll get back in no time to the top of the charts — next to their former colleague.
More Netflix-Like Music Documentaries
Long gone are the days when fans could expect a mandatory DVD of their favorite concert at the end of an album cycle. A decade ago, it was still the usual way to seal a project.
But the concept of a “deeper” look into the behind the scenes of an “era” is still proving a powerful tool
In 2017, after a slow start with ‘Joanne’ LP, Lady Gaga turned turned the tide in her favor with an epic Super Bowl performance and – relative to the point at hand – an intriguing Netflix documentary. Christened ‘Five Foot 2,’ the doc turned into a critics favorite and an oh-so-necessary re-introduction of Gaga to the world.
With the popstar now back on the elite map, a lot of artists have turned to the “docu” format to promote their new music, including Demi Lovato and to an extent Katy Perry, to varying results.
In 2018, I expect a lot more artists to follow suit, as this represents a great way of linking the music and the intention behind it. Ever since Beyonce’s self-titled anarchist release, it’s been all about “promoting by not promoting” — which isn’t necessary for everyone (see: the ineffectiveness of Taylor Swift’s current campaign).
A lot more artists could benefit from this format, especially considering the impact of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and YouTube.
I, for one, can’t wait for Janet Jackson’s rumored special where she’ll address the latest in her life (her divorce, going back on tour, new music and of course her life as a new mom).
A Brand New Urban Boyband
I know, it was already on my list last year. It still is this year, simply because it still hasn’t happened. I’m still down for an urban alternative to One Direction, essentially male Fifth Harmony, for the very same reasons too.
From the Jackson 5, the Temptations, to New Edition and Boyz II Men, boybands have gone to achieve immense feats in the history of music, as such I firmly believe a new breed of male ensembles could generate new success narratives.
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Do you agree with our picks? Who was spot on? Let us know your thoughts on the latest TGJ Roundtable and your own 2018 wish list!
Nothing is relevant but Beyoncé in your list. Although I’d like her to take her time
Mariah and Janet are direct influences, and in lots of cases RIP OFFS, of Beyonce so they, legends, will always be relevant. Not to mention they still sell out arenas and tours and have number one or top 5 albums. Nice try tho
Dear ELIO/Waste of S****:
Mariah and Whitney and Celine and Madonna are the ICONs. They are the blueprint. They made these H_oes. If it were not for there INFLUENCE, SONGS, DANCES, VIDEOS, Chart success AND THERE LIVES ……………… THERE WOULD BE NO BEYONCE. NO RIHANNA, NO GAGA. Have some Respect H_oe.
I just wish that Toni Braxtons gets at least one major hit from her 2018 album and it seems heart away is going in that direction
I agree giving me Libra
I hope all mainstream female artists disappear, except for Björk and Lana Del Rey.
Lana can’t sing to save her life and anyone can sing depressing trans music, she definitely can disappear. Bjork is cool tho
What a dumb thing to say in a site of this genre.
You’re such a hater! I don’t get you man, if you don’t like the artists they speak about here, why are you constantly here bashing the likes of Beyoncé and others? There’s tons of blogs and sites writing about the type of music you like.
He’s just a sad f** with nothing to live for.
He’s also low key obsessed with black people. He’s one of those racist who deep down inside envys our beautiful race. The saying goes “What they hate, they secretly love”. And that applies to that inbred.
As long as you disappear first h0£!!!
Beyoncé has proved she’s more than just a ‘hit after hit’ pop star with her last three most critically acclaimed albums. She’s focused more on the art, what it would mean to her fans/listeners and how it would shape her as an artist, and I applaud her for that.
However, it would be nice for her to release a radio-friendly, pop infused project that would ascend her back to the top of the radio charts . I love the new Beyoncé, but a little of the old Bey wouldn’t hurt too, especially this year. ??♂️
To be honest, Beyoncé’s last two albums have been my least favorite and most forgettable with 4 being my absolute favorite. I’d like a mesh between 4 and Bday. My two absolute fav bey albums and her best vocals
4 WAS A MASTERPIECE and gets NO love. Hated her Last two CD’s.
I’m sure Bey wouldnt mind being on radio again…. that’s a big part of what makes timeless catalogs not for just stans but for the GP. Single Ladies is still her biggest song to date because of that.
I think Janet has a lot of surprises lined up and hopefully some collabs with newer artists who wanna work with her like bruno,.
I never count Mariah out, her studio voice and writing skills alone are enough for another hit album.
Chris should focus on movies.
im here for a good Xtina album. I don’t really see it for any of the others this year tho.
I’m really wating on Jennifer Lopez and I also would love a new album from Dua lipa
Who i dont kniw ger
You don’t know to spell little words … On wonder you can’t know the people I’m talking about ..lol
I want Madonna to have a legit era and image change. Her last few albums have pailed in comparison to her last GREAT album Confessions on a Dancefloor. Madge had Like a Prayer in the 80s, Ray of Light in the 90s, Confessions in the 00s so I know she has another masterpiece in there.
I’d also love to see MC or Janet have another radio hit. Radio is disgustingly ageist but I’d love to see these legendary divas so at least one more victory lap
Let me be a hater for a min. NO, Beyonce has not mastered the art of metamorphism. Shes manage to sound the same, look the same, and give the same performance style her entire career. That my friends is not metamorphism, its called TIRED. And no we do not need her to retire to music. Her music is all hype for the first 2 months then disappears. Its boring.
Also. TGJ, please call the cleaners cuz this site has massive bugs and crashes like crazy. You literally have to type your comment in notes and paste it to the site because its crashes mid sentences. DO BETTER.
Well sweetie you Stan heavy for Rihanna so let’s not talk about anyone being tired or hype, okay!
Poor thing. Beyoncé has mastered it and then some.. reason why she’s been successful for 20 years. Forgotten? Ha. Lemonade is still winning awards and still being talked about and still selling at full price almost 2 years later. You better buckle up Beyoncé is coming back this year with new album, tour etc. lmao! Hating her won’t make her less successful. Sorry, kiddo.
Coachella sold out in record time due to her. People can’t get enough of her. Sorry *giggles*
I really want Little Mix to have a fair shot in the US…I thought Glory Days would have been that album. I really want them to link up with scooter Braun as their US manager. They are signed to Columbia, so I know the power to promote.
Me too! I love little mix.
They’ve had plenty of “fair shots” in the USA. They spent most of the first half of 2017 there promoting and touring and we still didn’t care
Wholeheartedly agree with Rashad on CB… talk about over saturataion to the max.
Janet all day! Slay baby slay!
I think everything y’all want from Beyoncé, she’s already given in the past and has given up. The big budget campaigns, radio dominations, side projects that go hand-and-hand with albums releases, national/international promo and one off concerts…we’ve gotten that. Tho i do agree her image has become boring as THE f*** and her last era was pretentious as hell, i understand why her promo and artist/business has slowed down & shifted. She has a rocky marriage and tho she forgave her husband she’s always going to question going away for long periods of time, travel the US and International in the same week, etc. because of that. Now she has a daughter in school and Two babies to look after. She can’t give you “I Am…” promo, it’s impossible and now expensive to do all that. She grown and understands how the music buying GP treats women over 30/35 so going pop is probably out of the question ESPECIALLY how “Run The World”, “XO” and “Pretty Hurts” were tossed to the side and “Hold Up” was given lukewarm pop reception. She’s put herself in the position to where if she back peddle she looks desperate.
LOL and then some people say I live in the past. These guys at TGJ are so repetitive… it seems like they only know a few girls in mainstream and nothing else. Their wishes smell like past times. Usher is not coming back like that. Chris Brown is irrelevant. There won´t be a new R&B boy band anytimes soon, Beyonce always on tehir minds… lol
Seriously, do better!
I couldn’t agree more. They talk about these same tired celebs over and over. Like do y’all even know about other artist. Ursher? Seriously? Kelly Rowland? Seriously?
I agree completely. These wishes are so dated. All of these artists are faded and gone besides Beyonce. As for her going back to her Pop days, we definitely know she’s done with that, because in this industry it’s all about growth. Beyonce reinvented herself by leaving Pop with Lemonade and her self titled album. People are bored with the old Pop campaign. Especially with 2017 as an example, people are not here for pop music. We watched Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Kesha, Sevyn Streeter, K Michelle, Tamar Braxton, Kelly Clarkson and Fifth Harmony all fall. People are no longer looking for the traditional R&B/POP. If you aren’t cultured, have an album full of singles, or not political, people are not interested. As for Girl Groups, and boy bands, milennials aren’t interested in them. Let’s face it completely, R&B is dead. The music doesn’t sell, the media doesn’t promote it, and the music has become repetitive. Groups are especially hard to sell without it, because without R&B the groups can’t find a signature sound, i.e. Fifth Harmony and June’s Diary. As for these stars such as Kelly Rowland, Brandy, Usher, and Janet Jackson, we’ve watched all of their last released albums hit an all time low. One thing that always bugs me about this site is that they never update about artists who are currently on top. They give priority to all these artists I never see on social media unless they are apart of scandals.
“R&B is dead. The music doesn’t sell, the media doesn’t promote it, and the music has become repetitive.”—->
YOU’R WRONG! The Bruno Mars’ last work is a R&B/ Funk album. It’s a critical and commercial success!
#AnyQuestion?! lool
Beyonce’s last two albums are her best musically and artistically. This is the best she has sounded. She should continue this way. But I just wish she makes her music more available to other platforms. Please dont do regular pop records like others.
I, for one, appreciate TGJ’s focus on artists that have proven themselves. I dont know a Dua Lipa and CardiB and SZA are too new to the game to get excited about. Yes, TGJ, could look for who is going to “break” next but how can that discussion be deep as we dont know really until they break. Its not the artists fault that tired commercial radio is ageist or that their personal lives have taken a front seat to their professional lives (as they should)…Why not tell the editors who you are looking for next and why instead of complaining about their choices? Expand the conversation…
I’m excited for African music to make an impact on the global stage. The likes of Tiwa Savage, Davido and Wizkid have already started. Thank you for covering them every now and then.
I was really most intrigued by what Sam was compelled to address! I feel like Beyonce does not get the kudos she deserves for remaining consistent with her Urban/R&B -Soul offerings during an era that catered to fluff Pop music/artists at the start of this decade! The first 3 years were tragic! I don’t know if I want Bey to abandon that campaign and return back to the “Pop star” because of the agenda in place, which seem to have been moving towards erasing this brand of music altogether! From 2010 – 2013, there was Katy Perry (Teenage Dream), Gaga (BTW), Kesha (We R Who We R), Miley (Wrecking Ball), Bieber (Boyfriend), Taylor Swift (WANEGBT), Carly Rae Jespen, LMFO, Taio Cruz and many more of the like dominating the charts! Beyonce’s ‘4’ was underappreciated because of this shift and her refusal to conform! There were few that didn’t abandon the genre at the time that got noticed (Chris Brown, Tamar Braxton, etc) and others that could’ve offered more assistance, but later came around (Usher, Rihanna), but we were flooded with bubblegum disposable music!
There was also some noteworthy music that later came around with an Urban feel (ex: Lorde – Royals), that also swung the pendulum the other way. Adele’s ’21’ was a great return to substance and talent! I believe this is why we have a few artists like Bruno doing old school soul and some offenders (Bieber) winning with edgier music today! This is why I don’t need Beyonce returning back to commercial Pop, I do think a B’day part 2 is in order. I also wouldn’t mind her giving more of a promotional push (but that’s not so crucial imo)!
I’d like to see Janet given what she’s deserves! Next year SB should be hers! I think Janet will be in for an awesome year when she returns (especially if she continues on the track she’s been heading with ‘Unbreakable’, but with something even more upbeat).
I think Brandy and Usher will deliver this go round! When they get it right, they do great things! Bran’s music is very consistent and Usher is in a good place to be recognized now!
I want Christina to give us a great Urban Pop album and hit the promotional trail hard! I need her to do music in the vein of ‘Your Body’. When I hear tracks like Demi Lovato’s ‘Sorry’, I know there’s room for artists like Chrissy to come through with a smash!
I just want good, catchy music – whether it’s fun, bold, haunting or deeply reflective! Just deliver bops!
Normani needs to go solo!
I vehemently agree with Joe on Fifth Harmony needing a new label. It is literally the one thing they need to become the best they can be. They have so much potential but their useless, greedy, selfish label doesn’t care about them. These girls deserve so much better.
Wish list 2018
Mariah – releases an album that is critically acclaimed and commercially successful
Toni Braxton – her album is a hit and she tours with it in the uk
Xscape – get back together as a 4 piece and tour the uk
Beyonce – releases album with JayZ in first quarter before Xmas then Destiny’s Child release an album (only BeyKellyMichelle- but they bring Latoya and Latavia our for a some shows)
Lil Kim drops her album and it’s a mix of old Kim and New Kim
Christina Aguilera – new album and tour
I don’t agree with advising the “Coming Soon” clan to just hurry up and release their projects so as to satisfy the anticipation and hunger of the fans. Celebrities should always work their hardest to produce quality music even if it takes a longer time than it should. When artists release albums, they crave both commercial and critical success for their projects. But most often times, the commercial aspect doesn’t always come to fruition. But it is better for them to release an album that is critically acclaimed and one that their fans can truly enjoy. These stans nowadays need to learn how to wait for greatness and be patient.