Real love isn’t exactly what Summer Walker was on the receiving end of after some staunch Mary J. Blige fans copped a gander at her tribute performance on the 2024 Urban One Honors on Sunday (February 25).
Taking to the stage to deliver a medley of the Hip Hop Soul Queen’s hits like ‘Real Love,’ ‘My Life,’ and more, Walker royally divided viewers with her homage to Blige (on hand to receive the night’s Icon Award). So much so, some of them took to social media in droves to share their displeasure with the performance.
Indirectly seeking justice in the court of public opinion for his client, Justice Baiden – Summer’s manager – took to social media himself this week to admonish critics for using their platforms to tear down artists overall.
Look inside to see what he said.
@tprmediagroup #Justice Summer Walker’s manager, believes that comment sections on social media have had a negative impact on artists. Classmates what’s y’all thoughts?!? #TPRMediaGroup #TheProgressReport ♬ original sound – TPRMediaGroup 🎯
Hopping on social media Wednesday (February 28). Baiden made clear that he’s not a fan of the way music fans judge musicians.
“Social media has made everybody lack accountability,” he said before later continuing, “And I’m not saying this is all on one side, but it’s a two-way street. […] You guys have to let artists be artists. That’s the reason why we like them. And if you don’t let them be artists, things are gonna feel stale, as versus, giving them that space. And really letting them be them.”
While Baiden did not directly address the hoopla around Urban One Honors, his comments about giving artists creative license to be adventurous came as a timely one.
Look below to revisit the performance (courtesy of TSR) that had some Blige fans up-in-arms.
@petty.news #FYP ♬ original sound – Petty News
These “fans” or “bots” are out of control. This page literally runs off advertisements and spam but the real “juice”, is these late as hating ass comments that really in turn intimidate and drive folks in the commercial music landscape. People are just out of control. Weak on the Bible talking s*** so that no one can find them. Yes Summer Manager ate, and he look good too just like her. These h*** is crusty and mad every day, while standing Bey and Jay hoping to get some Royalty.
Es la verdad
Wow, that performance was dead as hell… no stage presence at all.
I like summer but she is not above reproach. The performance was off key!
We the people pay and support these said artists and if we say she didn’t do Mary justice you need to listen or else Summer will be a thing in the past. Take criticism and apply it.
My mans was hitting it from the back when we was watching dis. I ain’t even know who a summer Parker is.
she is talented but no stage presence . You can’t just stand there sis . I hate to bad mouth her but people been telling you . Or don’t do live performances. Just say no . This is crazy your manager is doing you a dis service by allowing you to continue with medicore performances.