CynicKill said:

Andrew Ridgeley opted out of celebrity life after his album wasn't well recieved and seems all the better for it. Just look at George Michael, who never met a public embarrassment he couldn't resist.

>

And that was exactly my point about Target. I'm sure there are sociological thesis on the ramifications of actual communities being replaced by virtual, online ones that people don't seem to care about because they've become enamored with convenience but I'll save that boring arguement for a different time. But you can hardly knock their survival instincts kicking in after an album was released and sold over a million copies before it even hits your shelves.

If I recall! George Michael opted out of his success also, at the height of his popularity!!!

WHY....are folks catching honest-to-God feelings over all this??? X 10! Not really that deep...

I have to agree with a previous poster: Love the marketing strategy, lukewarm on the music (with a few exceptions--DIL is on repeat right now). I like parts of her songs...certain hooks, certain lyrics, but as a whole, it's kinda....

Well, I'm only a casual fan of hers, anyway--so that's par for the course for me.

MyNameIsPiper said:

WHY....are folks catching honest-to-God feelings over all this??? X 10! Not really that deep...

I have to agree with a previous poster: Love the marketing strategy, lukewarm on the music (with a few exceptions--DIL is on repeat right now). I like parts of her songs...certain hooks, certain lyrics, but as a whole, it's kinda....

Well, I'm only a casual fan of hers, anyway--so that's par for the course for me.

I agree. Clever marketing with whatever she wanted to accomplish in terms of marketing and sales. but the songs except for a very few do nothing for me.

MyNameIsPiper said:

WHY....are folks catching honest-to-God feelings over all this??? X 10! Not really that deep...

I have to agree with a previous poster: Love the marketing strategy, lukewarm on the music (with a few exceptions--DIL is on repeat right now). I like parts of her songs...certain hooks, certain lyrics, but as a whole, it's kinda....

Well, I'm only a casual fan of hers, anyway--so that's par for the course for me.

It's a way of life around here.

MyNameIsPiper said:

WHY....are folks catching honest-to-God feelings over all this??? X 10! Not really that deep...

I have to agree with a previous poster: Love the marketing strategy, lukewarm on the music (with a few exceptions--DIL is on repeat right now). I like parts of her songs...certain hooks, certain lyrics, but as a whole, it's kinda....

Well, I'm only a casual fan of hers, anyway--so that's par for the course for me.

An even better question is why are folks going out of their way to be pettily cynical and trying their damndest to discredit her? Something that has been a habitual habit around here long before this album, so it's hardly a surprise, but still ridiculous. That's why I'm rubbing her success in peoples faces. Because the cynacism where she's concerned is OTT and unnecessary, so watch me be OTT.BTW, the album is projected to sell another 375k in the US for its second week...which is slightly above average for a new releases FIRST WEEK sales...bringing her total to 1 million sold in the US alone! In just 2 weeks Beyonce managed to have the third best selling album of 2013 overall!

[Edited 12/23/13 6:15am]

ADC said:

MyNameIsPiper said:

WHY....are folks catching honest-to-God feelings over all this??? X 10! Not really that deep...

I have to agree with a previous poster: Love the marketing strategy, lukewarm on the music (with a few exceptions--DIL is on repeat right now). I like parts of her songs...certain hooks, certain lyrics, but as a whole, it's kinda....

Well, I'm only a casual fan of hers, anyway--so that's par for the course for me.

An even better question is why are folks going out of their way to be pettily cynical and trying their damndest to discredit her? Something that has been a habitual habit around here long before this album, so it's hardly a surprise, but still ridiculous. That's why I'm rubbing her success in peoples faces. Because the cynacism where she's concerned is OTT and unnecessary, so watch me be OTT.BTW, the album is projected to sell another 375k in the US for its second week...which is slightly above average for a new releases FIRST WEEK sales...bringing her total to 1 million sold in the US alone! In just 2 weeks Beyonce managed to have the third best selling album of 2013 overall!

[Edited 12/23/13 6:15am]

You hit the nail on the head. Folks are trying to twist themselves into contortions to discredit her and her success, but that's nothing new. It's particularly entertaining this time around.

i dont see the big deal, i mean it was a good marketing move.beyonce knows she is a internet sensation and she took advantage of it.and right before christmas.im not a beyonce fan but i dont hate her or begrudge her success (i use to kinda like her until she married jayz,he irks me). i can understand her fans gloating,im sure if any of our fav artists came out with a big album we would be excited and a lil cocky at the moment. that being said, if after all this hoopla this album sells over a million in a couple weeks but falls off big time when the hype dies down what will she do next....

ADC said:

MyNameIsPiper said:

WHY....are folks catching honest-to-God feelings over all this??? X 10! Not really that deep...

I have to agree with a previous poster: Love the marketing strategy, lukewarm on the music (with a few exceptions--DIL is on repeat right now). I like parts of her songs...certain hooks, certain lyrics, but as a whole, it's kinda....

Well, I'm only a casual fan of hers, anyway--so that's par for the course for me.

An even better question is why are folks going out of their way to be pettily cynical and trying their damndest to discredit her? Something that has been a habitual habit around here long before this album, so it's hardly a surprise, but still ridiculous. That's why I'm rubbing her success in peoples faces. Because the cynacism where she's concerned is OTT and unnecessary, so watch me be OTT.BTW, the album is projected to sell another 375k in the US for its second week...which is slightly above average for a new releases FIRST WEEK sales...bringing her total to 1 million sold in the US alone! In just 2 weeks Beyonce managed to have the third best selling album of 2013 overall!

[Edited 12/23/13 6:15am]

...I'm sorry, It's just that I wasn't aware that it actually IS that deep (or that she needed any help...)

Carry on.

lowkey said:

i dont see the big deal, i mean it was a good marketing move.beyonce knows she is a internet sensation and she took advantage of it.and right before christmas.im not a beyonce fan but i dont hate her or begrudge her success (i use to kinda like her until she married jayz,he irks me). i can understand her fans gloating,im sure if any of our fav artists came out with a big album we would be excited and a lil cocky at the moment. that being said, if after all this hoopla this album sells over a million in a couple weeks but falls off big time when the hype dies down what will she do next....

Retire & have more babies with Jaz Z! Because she will never have another album that sells like that again!!

[Edited 12/23/13 21:49pm]

MyNameIsPiper said:

ADC said:

An even better question is why are folks going out of their way to be pettily cynical and trying their damndest to discredit her? Something that has been a habitual habit around here long before this album, so it's hardly a surprise, but still ridiculous. That's why I'm rubbing her success in peoples faces. Because the cynacism where she's concerned is OTT and unnecessary, so watch me be OTT.BTW, the album is projected to sell another 375k in the US for its second week...which is slightly above average for a new releases FIRST WEEK sales...bringing her total to 1 million sold in the US alone! In just 2 weeks Beyonce managed to have the third best selling album of 2013 overall!

[Edited 12/23/13 6:15am]

...I'm sorry, It's just that I wasn't aware that it actually IS that deep (or that she needed any help...)

Carry on.

Lol it really isnt that deep and Beyonce sho dont need her stans to defend her honor on online messageboards. I just have to laugh at the Bey stans who get all hot and bothered over anyone who doesnt bow down to kiss her backside or dare to level even a slight criticism against her or call out her album release for the marketing gimmick that it is. And on that note, here's another good article for the Beyhivers to bash

What Beyoncé's 'Non-Marketing' Illusion Says About the Current State of Music

Before I begin, I must preface this by telling all royal worshipers of King Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter that my critique has nothing to do about the substance of her new album. It is a remarkable piece of art, created with great taste and relevance. It is one of the most appealing albums of the year and I without a doubt was impressed.

However, despite my critical acclaim for the album itself, I feel the discussion about her "non-marketing" must be revisited. To the media and fans alike who have been praising the superstar for her ability to release an album with ...ing at all must not have been living in 2013.

Sure, she did not release an official album date for release. And no, she did not have an "official" single. But if you had the privilege to perform (or lip-sync) at the Presidential Inauguration, the Super Bowl, a full run (and re-run) of a sold out world tour, and had your music and face on repeat Pepsi commercials year round (with an HBO documentary and H&M catalog following)...would you actually need to promote a new album?

No, because that is the promotion.

What an artist at Beyoncé's caliber did was not bold or risky, but just clever. After building an extreme level of anticipation all year round by taking over headlines and billboards, the results of her rapid sales should not really be that much of a surprise. After two years of fans seeing her face everywhere without any new music, the pressure was on. The wait was overdue and once she had reached the pinnacle of public visibility and deity, she dropped the album during the holiday season. And the constant overflow of sales followed...as expected.

What has been even more discouraging is the comparison of other artists and their sales in comparison to Mrs. Carter's. Sure, there has been a very stubborn way of conventional promotion. Yes, the typical television spots and initial singles are not doing enough to sell records as much anymore. Artists like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga are not pulling in the numbers that match the level of their very extreme traditional promotion. But perhaps this speaks more about the quality of the music itself, rather than the marketing being done instead.

What Beyoncé did was make her album promotion a year round event. She basically launched an entire marketing campaign surrounding her brand (herself) and spent millions of dollars to reconnect with her old fans and develop a new generation of "Bey-Hivers" who were not old enough to purchase her 2003 debut Dangerously in Love. As a result, her visibility made anyone who was not aware of her before now unable to escape her presence and music.

Given her reputation of flawless talent in a generation where auto-tune has reigned supreme, it was no shock that new fans were flocking to see her at such a rapid rate. Why else would anyone pay for a tour ticket for an artist with no new music? Such a thing could not happen in the 90s given the fierce talent of Ms. Dion, Ms. Houston, Ms. Carey, Ms. Jackson and Madonna. But since most of today's pop stars lack the ability to build momentum, such an easy crown has been given to Beyoncé.

With the absence of new music from Taylor Swift and Adele this year (whose presence stand to rival a few of Mrs. Carter's records), the stage was set for Beyoncé to have a year to dominate. From Vogue covers to Pepsi cans...she was everywhere.

Which goes to show that in many ways, the music industry and all of us alike, must rethink what it means to market music and branding over time. An album release date means nothing if you do not have any excitement or anticipation. Seasoned sale projections and award predictions have skewed the success of many talented artists and that is a shame. We are becoming a generation that has been plagued with so much lackluster talent that we cannot notice the schemes of those who are better. Undoubtedly, Beyoncé's recent success with her fifth album speaks more about the decline of the music industry rather than that of her own actual talent.

The fact that she can take over an entire year of promotion, drop an album whenever she pleases, and have enormous projected sales tells us that pop stars as of right now are fading. Could she have done this in the 90s or even the 80s? Absolutely not.

Whitney Houston would have had her going back to the drawing board. Mariah Carey would have had her release a debut single. Madonna would have had her make an edgy music video. And Janet Jackson would have had her booking the first run of live television performances. The various levels of creative competition and talent are what fueled album sales and made the music industry stronger in the past. Not one artist's campaign to monopolize for the year's most anticipated album.

Beyoncé's buzz proves that it is not that people are no longer buying music (actually Adele reminded us of this first) but just that we need to feel compelled to. With raw talent and a fresh new way of appealing audiences, better artistry should promoted and encouraged across the industry overall. Otherwise, expect for the continuation of one big superstar taking over a year of promotion and having major sales amongst a sea of mediocre talent.

Hopefully, that is something we all can agree not to "bow down" to.

http://www.huffingtonpost...57117.html

I picked up two copies at Wal-Mart over the weekend. I hadn't bought a Beyonce album since Sasha Fierce , which I hated and promptly dispatched to a relative. This one is da bomb and completely satisfying. No buyer's remorse here.

NaughtyKitty said:

MyNameIsPiper said:

...I'm sorry, It's just that I wasn't aware that it actually IS that deep (or that she needed any help...)

Carry on.

Lol it really isnt that deep and Beyonce sho dont need her stans to defend her honor on online messageboards. I just have to laugh at the Bey stans who get all hot and bothered over anyone who doesnt bow down to kiss her backside or dare to level even a slight criticism against her or call out her album release for the marketing gimmick that it is. And on that note, here's another good article for the Beyhivers to bash

What Beyoncé's 'Non-Marketing' Illusion Says About the Current State of Music

Posted: 12/17/2013 2:55 pm

Before I begin, I must preface this by telling all royal worshipers of King Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter that my critique has nothing to do about the substance of her new album. It is a remarkable piece of art, created with great taste and relevance. It is one of the most appealing albums of the year and I without a doubt was impressed.

However, despite my critical acclaim for the album itself, I feel the discussion about her "non-marketing" must be revisited. To the media and fans alike who have been praising the superstar for her ability to release an album with ...ing at all must not have been living in 2013.

Sure, she did not release an official album date for release. And no, she did not have an "official" single. But if you had the privilege to perform (or lip-sync) at the Presidential Inauguration, the Super Bowl, a full run (and re-run) of a sold out world tour, and had your music and face on repeat Pepsi commercials year round (with an HBO documentary and H&M catalog following)...would you actually need to promote a new album?

No, because that is the promotion.

What an artist at Beyoncé's caliber did was not bold or risky, but just clever. After building an extreme level of anticipation all year round by taking over headlines and billboards, the results of her rapid sales should not really be that much of a surprise. After two years of fans seeing her face everywhere without any new music, the pressure was on. The wait was overdue and once she had reached the pinnacle of public visibility and deity, she dropped the album during the holiday season. And the constant overflow of sales followed...as expected.

What has been even more discouraging is the comparison of other artists and their sales in comparison to Mrs. Carter's. Sure, there has been a very stubborn way of conventional promotion. Yes, the typical television spots and initial singles are not doing enough to sell records as much anymore. Artists like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga are not pulling in the numbers that match the level of their very extreme traditional promotion. But perhaps this speaks more about the quality of the music itself, rather than the marketing being done instead.

What Beyoncé did was make her album promotion a year round event. She basically launched an entire marketing campaign surrounding her brand (herself) and spent millions of dollars to reconnect with her old fans and develop a new generation of "Bey-Hivers" who were not old enough to purchase her 2003 debut Dangerously in Love. As a result, her visibility made anyone who was not aware of her before now unable to escape her presence and music.

Given her reputation of flawless talent in a generation where auto-tune has reigned supreme, it was no shock that new fans were flocking to see her at such a rapid rate. Why else would anyone pay for a tour ticket for an artist with no new music? Such a thing could not happen in the 90s given the fierce talent of Ms. Dion, Ms. Houston, Ms. Carey, Ms. Jackson and Madonna. But since most of today's pop stars lack the ability to build momentum, such an easy crown has been given to Beyoncé.

With the absence of new music from Taylor Swift and Adele this year (whose presence stand to rival a few of Mrs. Carter's records), the stage was set for Beyoncé to have a year to dominate. From Vogue covers to Pepsi cans...she was everywhere.

Which goes to show that in many ways, the music industry and all of us alike, must rethink what it means to market music and branding over time. An album release date means nothing if you do not have any excitement or anticipation. Seasoned sale projections and award predictions have skewed the success of many talented artists and that is a shame. We are becoming a generation that has been plagued with so much lackluster talent that we cannot notice the schemes of those who are better. Undoubtedly, Beyoncé's recent success with her fifth album speaks more about the decline of the music industry rather than that of her own actual talent.

The fact that she can take over an entire year of promotion, drop an album whenever she pleases, and have enormous projected sales tells us that pop stars as of right now are fading. Could she have done this in the 90s or even the 80s? Absolutely not.

Whitney Houston would have had her going back to the drawing board. Mariah Carey would have had her release a debut single. Madonna would have had her make an edgy music video. And Janet Jackson would have had her booking the first run of live television performances. The various levels of creative competition and talent are what fueled album sales and made the music industry stronger in the past. Not one artist's campaign to monopolize for the year's most anticipated album.

Beyoncé's buzz proves that it is not that people are no longer buying music (actually Adele reminded us of this first) but just that we need to feel compelled to. With raw talent and a fresh new way of appealing audiences, better artistry should promoted and encouraged across the industry overall. Otherwise, expect for the continuation of one big superstar taking over a year of promotion and having major sales amongst a sea of mediocre talent.

Hopefully, that is something we all can agree not to "bow down" to.

http://www.huffingtonpost...57117.html

this is why I get mad everytime I see good female pop artists like janelle monae, kimbra etc not promoted like they should..the industry doesn't even give them a chance to reach these other names..they don't get radio airplays ..they are snubbed at awards..so of course there are always the same names dominating..less competition because it's the same industry nowadays that destroys the competition..

[Edited 12/23/13 17:26pm]

[Edited 12/23/13 18:09pm]

[Edited 12/23/13 18:31pm]

cindymay said:

NaughtyKitty said:

Lol it really isnt that deep and Beyonce sho dont need her stans to defend her honor on online messageboards. I just have to laugh at the Bey stans who get all hot and bothered over anyone who doesnt bow down to kiss her backside or dare to level even a slight criticism against her or call out her album release for the marketing gimmick that it is. And on that note, here's another good article for the Beyhivers to bash

What Beyoncé's 'Non-Marketing' Illusion Says About the Current State of Music

Posted: 12/17/2013 2:55 pm

Before I begin, I must preface this by telling all royal worshipers of King Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter that my critique has nothing to do about the substance of her new album. It is a remarkable piece of art, created with great taste and relevance. It is one of the most appealing albums of the year and I without a doubt was impressed.

However, despite my critical acclaim for the album itself, I feel the discussion about her "non-marketing" must be revisited. To the media and fans alike who have been praising the superstar for her ability to release an album with ...ing at all must not have been living in 2013.

Sure, she did not release an official album date for release. And no, she did not have an "official" single. But if you had the privilege to perform (or lip-sync) at the Presidential Inauguration, the Super Bowl, a full run (and re-run) of a sold out world tour, and had your music and face on repeat Pepsi commercials year round (with an HBO documentary and H&M catalog following)...would you actually need to promote a new album?

No, because that is the promotion.

What an artist at Beyoncé's caliber did was not bold or risky, but just clever. After building an extreme level of anticipation all year round by taking over headlines and billboards, the results of her rapid sales should not really be that much of a surprise. After two years of fans seeing her face everywhere without any new music, the pressure was on. The wait was overdue and once she had reached the pinnacle of public visibility and deity, she dropped the album during the holiday season. And the constant overflow of sales followed...as expected.

What has been even more discouraging is the comparison of other artists and their sales in comparison to Mrs. Carter's. Sure, there has been a very stubborn way of conventional promotion. Yes, the typical television spots and initial singles are not doing enough to sell records as much anymore. Artists like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga are not pulling in the numbers that match the level of their very extreme traditional promotion. But perhaps this speaks more about the quality of the music itself, rather than the marketing being done instead.

What Beyoncé did was make her album promotion a year round event. She basically launched an entire marketing campaign surrounding her brand (herself) and spent millions of dollars to reconnect with her old fans and develop a new generation of "Bey-Hivers" who were not old enough to purchase her 2003 debut Dangerously in Love. As a result, her visibility made anyone who was not aware of her before now unable to escape her presence and music.

Given her reputation of flawless talent in a generation where auto-tune has reigned supreme, it was no shock that new fans were flocking to see her at such a rapid rate. Why else would anyone pay for a tour ticket for an artist with no new music? Such a thing could not happen in the 90s given the fierce talent of Ms. Dion, Ms. Houston, Ms. Carey, Ms. Jackson and Madonna. But since most of today's pop stars lack the ability to build momentum, such an easy crown has been given to Beyoncé.

With the absence of new music from Taylor Swift and Adele this year (whose presence stand to rival a few of Mrs. Carter's records), the stage was set for Beyoncé to have a year to dominate. From Vogue covers to Pepsi cans...she was everywhere.

Which goes to show that in many ways, the music industry and all of us alike, must rethink what it means to market music and branding over time. An album release date means nothing if you do not have any excitement or anticipation. Seasoned sale projections and award predictions have skewed the success of many talented artists and that is a shame. We are becoming a generation that has been plagued with so much lackluster talent that we cannot notice the schemes of those who are better. Undoubtedly, Beyoncé's recent success with her fifth album speaks more about the decline of the music industry rather than that of her own actual talent.

The fact that she can take over an entire year of promotion, drop an album whenever she pleases, and have enormous projected sales tells us that pop stars as of right now are fading. Could she have done this in the 90s or even the 80s? Absolutely not.

Whitney Houston would have had her going back to the drawing board. Mariah Carey would have had her release a debut single. Madonna would have had her make an edgy music video. And Janet Jackson would have had her booking the first run of live television performances. The various levels of creative competition and talent are what fueled album sales and made the music industry stronger in the past. Not one artist's campaign to monopolize for the year's most anticipated album.

Beyoncé's buzz proves that it is not that people are no longer buying music (actually Adele reminded us of this first) but just that we need to feel compelled to. With raw talent and a fresh new way of appealing audiences, better artistry should promoted and encouraged across the industry overall. Otherwise, expect for the continuation of one big superstar taking over a year of promotion and having major sales amongst a sea of mediocre talent.

Hopefully, that is something we all can agree not to "bow down" to.

http://www.huffingtonpost...57117.html

this is why I get mad everytime I see good female pop artists like janelle monae, kimbra etc not promoted like they should..the industry doesn't even give them a chance to reach these other names..they don't get radio airplays ..they are snubbed at awards..so of course there are always the same names dominating..less competition because it's the same industry nowadays that destroys the competition..

[Edited 12/23/13 17:26pm]

It's a crime that the Janelle Monae album isn't HUGE. It's such a fantastic record.

NoVideo said:

cindymay said:

this is why I get mad everytime I see good female pop artists like janelle monae, kimbra etc not promoted like they should..the industry doesn't even give them a chance to reach these other names..they don't get radio airplays ..they are snubbed at awards..so of course there are always the same names dominating..less competition because it's the same industry nowadays that destroys the competition..

[Edited 12/23/13 17:26pm]

It's a crime that the Janelle Monae album isn't HUGE. It's such a fantastic record.

it is..and her debut album before was basically perfect..I guess the industry is saying to janelle with the little airplays, and the snub at the grammies etc girl you need to un-dress if you want to reach the other pop females popularity( especially the black ones but also whites for the major part except adele) or not giving fastidious social messages in your songs trying to wake up the youth...but their loss because I don't think she will ever change for them..she started her own movement..that's probably better for her than huge sales or grammies at the moment..but the whole situation is still sad..because she is a gem and I can only imagine how she could feel sometimes..

cindymay said:

NoVideo said:

It's a crime that the Janelle Monae album isn't HUGE. It's such a fantastic record.

it is..and her debut album before was basically perfect..I guess the industry is saying to janelle with the little airplays, and the snub at the grammies etc girl you need to un-dress if you want to reach the other pop females popularity( especially the black ones but also whites for the major part except adele) or not giving fastidious social messages in your songs trying to wake up the youth...but their loss because I don't think she will ever change for them..she started her own movement..that's probably better for her than huge sales or grammies at the moment..but the whole situation is still sad..because she is a gem and I can only imagine how she could feel sometimes..

And the sad thing is there are so many great, commercial songs on The Electric Lady that would be hits if given a chance. She's such an amazing talent, but she also does incredibly catchy music. There is no way Dance Apocolyptic shouldn't have been a #1 single. It's really a shame that stuff like Katy Perry can go to #1 and Janelle Monae can't even get a Top 40 hit.

NoVideo said:

cindymay said:

it is..and her debut album before was basically perfect..I guess the industry is saying to janelle with the little airplays, and the snub at the grammies etc girl you need to un-dress if you want to reach the other pop females popularity( especially the black ones but also whites for the major part except adele) or not giving fastidious social messages in your songs trying to wake up the youth...but their loss because I don't think she will ever change for them..she started her own movement..that's probably better for her than huge sales or grammies at the moment..but the whole situation is still sad..because she is a gem and I can only imagine how she could feel sometimes..

And the sad thing is there are so many great, commercial songs on The Electric Lady that would be hits if given a chance. She's such an amazing talent, but she also does incredibly catchy music. There is no way Dance Apocolyptic shouldn't have been a #1 single. It's really a shame that stuff like Katy Perry can go to #1 and Janelle Monae can't even get a Top 40 hit.

you're so right..that stupid roar song was the worst lol I hope things will change for her soon.. the only song of hers that received a little airplay was primetime on the urban radios( and when I say little I don't exaggerate lol)..and indeed it became probably at this point her most known song..I know people who don't listen to her but they know primetime.. dance apocalyptic received ZERO airplay nada de nada..and it was a really catchy pop tune..SMH..she could try to change label maybe Atlantic isn't the best..I don't know tbh..

[Edited 12/23/13 18:49pm]

[Edited 12/23/13 18:50pm]

[Edited 12/23/13 18:52pm]

cindymay said:

NoVideo said:

And the sad thing is there are so many great, commercial songs on The Electric Lady that would be hits if given a chance. She's such an amazing talent, but she also does incredibly catchy music. There is no way Dance Apocolyptic shouldn't have been a #1 single. It's really a shame that stuff like Katy Perry can go to #1 and Janelle Monae can't even get a Top 40 hit.

you're so right..that stupid roar song was the worst lol I hope things will change for her soon.. the only song of hers that received a little airplay was primetime on the urban radios..and indeed it became probably at this point her most known song..dance apocalyptic received ZERO airplay nada de nada..and it was a really catchy pop tune..SMH..she could try to change label maybe Atlantic isn't the best..I don't know tbh..

[Edited 12/23/13 18:49pm]

So true, so true. Sad state of the Top 40 right now. I put her in my Top 30 albums and Top 10 singles in the magazine I write for (links below) and also did a big review of the album, so I tried to do my part to spread the word. Hopefully one day she'll get the success she deserves. She's a truly original pop/R&B artist with amazing talent.

NoVideo said:

cindymay said:

you're so right..that stupid roar song was the worst lol I hope things will change for her soon.. the only song of hers that received a little airplay was primetime on the urban radios..and indeed it became probably at this point her most known song..dance apocalyptic received ZERO airplay nada de nada..and it was a really catchy pop tune..SMH..she could try to change label maybe Atlantic isn't the best..I don't know tbh..

[Edited 12/23/13 18:49pm]

So true, so true. Sad state of the Top 40 right now. I put her in my Top 30 albums and Top 10 singles in the magazine I write for (links below) and also did a big review of the album, so I tried to do my part to spread the word. Hopefully one day she'll get the success she deserves. She's a truly original pop/R&B artist with amazing talent.

cool I liked your list.. music magazines, blogs and critics had always praised her to death I need to say..they are the ones who created her basically for sure not the industry itself..erykah badu said something about janelle's success some months ago saying that the public and the net created her because the industry never believed in Janelle because she isn't a safe artist .. something like that..

[Edited 12/23/13 18:57pm]

[Edited 12/23/13 18:58pm]

[Edited 12/23/13 19:00pm]

[Edited 12/23/13 19:07pm]

cindymay said:

NoVideo said:

It's a crime that the Janelle Monae album isn't HUGE. It's such a fantastic record.

it is..and her debut album before was basically perfect..I guess the industry is saying to janelle with the little airplays, and the snub at the grammies etc girl you need to un-dress if you want to reach the other pop females popularity( especially the black ones but also whites for the major part except adele) or not giving fastidious social messages in your songs trying to wake up the youth...but their loss because I don't think she will ever change for them..she started her own movement..that's probably better for her than huge sales or grammies at the moment..but the whole situation is still sad..because she is a gem and I can only imagine how she could feel sometimes..

Thats basically what they are saying. They are indirectly saying "Girl I need to see some ass and tits. I need you pussy popping, singing explicitly, $^%& and all the likes. We don't want educated black women singing about anything with substance or anything with social messages". That is what the industry is saying to Janelle Monae and I LOVE her attitude in how she handles it. She does not allow the industry to run her and she stays true to who she is. The industry is not backing her because she contradicts what they represent and what they are trying to sell. Its sad because the girl is extremely talented, artistic and creative. You are right it is their loss.

cindymay said:

this is why I get mad everytime I see good female pop artists like janelle monae, kimbra etc not promoted like they should..the industry doesn't even give them a chance to reach these other names..they don't get radio airplays ..they are snubbed at awards..so of course there are always the same names dominating..less competition because it's the same industry nowadays that destroys the competition..

[Edited 12/23/13 17:26pm]

[Edited 12/23/13 18:09pm]

[Edited 12/23/13 18:31pm]

Great post! The industry promotes the same artists because those are the artists that they want to promote. Those are the artists that are selling what the industry wants to promote.

I don't need critics, hype, grammies etc to tell me how great Janelle is when I already know. However, music buyers are also apart of the problem. What I think is even more sad is how people will run out and spend their money on these other pop stars just because their hyped despite their material being lack luster. I've never brought an album just because it was hyped but alot of folks are like that. I like to support music that I truly like and not what the media tells me I should like or what most are listening to if I truly don't care for it. If people like Janelle and know about her then they need to go out and support her! The ArchAndroid and The Electric Lady are some of the most inspiring albums/music I've heard in years but people want to jump up and down about a Beyonce record that is no different from a Rihanna or Lady Gaga album? I just dont get it I think if Janelle was given the same platform as the pop stars out now she would be much bigger.

mjscarousal said:

cindymay said:

this is why I get mad everytime I see good female pop artists like janelle monae, kimbra etc not promoted like they should..the industry doesn't even give them a chance to reach these other names..they don't get radio airplays ..they are snubbed at awards..so of course there are always the same names dominating..less competition because it's the same industry nowadays that destroys the competition..

[Edited 12/23/13 17:26pm]

[Edited 12/23/13 18:09pm]

[Edited 12/23/13 18:31pm]

Great post! The industry promotes the same artists because those are the artists that they want to promote. Those are the artists that are selling what the industry wants to promote.

I don't need critics, hype, grammies etc to tell me how great Janelle is when I already know. However, music buyers are also apart of the problem. What I think is even more sad is how people will run out and spend their money on these other pop stars just because their hyped despite their material being lack luster. I've never brought an album just because it was hyped but alot of folks are like that. I like to support music that I truly like and not what the media tells me I should like or what most are listening to if I truly don't care for it. If people like Janelle and know about her then they need to go out and support her! The ArchAndroid and The Electric Lady are some of the most inspiring albums/music I've heard in years but people want to jump up and down about a Beyonce record that is no different from a Rihanna or Lady Gaga album? I just dont get it I think if Janelle was given the same platform as the pop stars out now she would be much bigger.

definitely ! these other most famous popstars never did an album musically good and authentic like the archandroid or even the electric lady(and don't forget the previous metropolis ep)..Beyonce included.. those 2 albums are timelesses and don't mention that the others usually sing over beats while she sings over real music played with real instruments( I sound like Prince here ) ..I still can play the archandroid and discovering elements and musical layers and it's been out for 3 years..and I don't know how many times I played it-...Anyway I agree with your posts. The industry is basically saying to her: girl, give us your pussy and titties and don't sound too much educated like you do ..By the way I read an interview with Nate and Chuck from WOndaland( from deep cotton) and they said that at first janelle met some major labels reps and they tried to convince her to promote a sexy image, singing songs written by others (not her own) and they would have made her a big star..but of course she refused..they said she never cared to take the easier route..she wanted to make a difference, opnening more doors for women.so she went on on her own without even Atlantic and Diddy's support for distribution, just fully independent..she said who I need to convince when I'm already convinced? PRICELESS and so true...I'm glad that her album at least debuted in top 5 this time..sign that the people are indeed kinda interested in her...

[Edited 12/24/13 6:11am]

mjscarousal said:

cindymay said:

it is..and her debut album before was basically perfect..I guess the industry is saying to janelle with the little airplays, and the snub at the grammies etc girl you need to un-dress if you want to reach the other pop females popularity( especially the black ones but also whites for the major part except adele) or not giving fastidious social messages in your songs trying to wake up the youth...but their loss because I don't think she will ever change for them..she started her own movement..that's probably better for her than huge sales or grammies at the moment..but the whole situation is still sad..because she is a gem and I can only imagine how she could feel sometimes..

Thats basically what they are saying. They are indirectly saying "Girl I need to see some ass and tits. I need you pussy popping, singing explicitly, $^%& and all the likes. We don't want educated black women singing about anything with substance or anything with social messages". That is what the industry is saying to Janelle Monae and I LOVE her attitude in how she handles it. She does not allow the industry to run her and she stays true to who she is. The industry is not backing her because she contradicts what they represent and what they are trying to sell. Its sad because the girl is extremely talented, artistic and creative. You are right it is their loss.

lowkey said:

mjscarousal said:

Thats basically what they are saying. They are indirectly saying "Girl I need to see some ass and tits. I need you pussy popping, singing explicitly, $^%& and all the likes. We don't want educated black women singing about anything with substance or anything with social messages". That is what the industry is saying to Janelle Monae and I LOVE her attitude in how she handles it. She does not allow the industry to run her and she stays true to who she is. The industry is not backing her because she contradicts what they represent and what they are trying to sell. Its sad because the girl is extremely talented, artistic and creative. You are right it is their loss.

or maybe she just dont appeal to the record buying public. i think she's extremely corny,matter fact only time i really here people hyping her is on this board.do you guys really think shes that good or is it because prince likes her so she must be talented?

I'm not mjscarousal but I don't think it has anything to do with Prince tbh..I guess you don't frequent too many music blogs..everyone hyped her up among critics and music lovers since her debut in 2010,someone even before with her ep..so it's definitely not because Prince loves her at least outside of this site isn't...and the hype is definitely because of her talent but I don't want to shove her down your throat because it's not my style..if you don't get her artistic vision you should simply stay away imo ..so sorry for you if you don't see it...About her buying public,hipsters gals are usually the buying public of janelle's but she has a very diverse crowd: children, young people, middle aged, blacks and whites and that totally shows her potential in the selling department imo...sorry for these kinda off topics arguments inside the thread.This thread is about Beyonce..enjoy..

[Edited 12/24/13 11:54am]

[Edited 12/24/13 11:55am]

Did Beyonce steal her idea for a visual album from this artist?

>

Beyonce Releases "Part 3" of Self-Titled Documentary
December 26th
Link



Beyonce is explaining the recording process for her chart-topping self-titled album in Part 3 of her "Self-Titled" mini-documentary.

At the beginning of the clip, Bey gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making on her lead single, "Drunk in Love" featuring Jay Z. The singer appears next to Kelly Rowland in the studio while Hov freestyles his verse in the booth.

"When I started picking the songs that I gravitated towards, because I recorded about 80 songs, it was the songs that were more effortless for me that stuck around," Yonce says. "That I still love just as much I loved a year ago when I recorded them."

"And Jay went in and he just started flowing out his verse, we just kind of had a party," Beyonce says of their duet, which included production from Detail and Timbaland.

Beyonce shares that the experience was "great because it wasn’t about any ego." She adds, "We weren’t trying to make a hit record, we were just trying to have fun and I think you can hear that in the record."

The diva says she relied heavily on being spontaneous and effortless while filming the accompanying music videos for the project.

"I wanted to carry this idea of being in the moment and embracing mistakes and effortlessness into the videos," Bey explains as footage captures her and Jay frolicking on the beach for the "Drunk in Love" video. She adds, "It was just us two and it was perfect."

Beyonce also explains that she filmed her videos very differently for this album, which she explains made it more exciting.

"It's really just about fun, and art, and you know, creativity...that is instant. Whatever comes into your head at that moment, you can't plan it, it's just something so refreshing about that," she says. "If it was my choice, I would never have a permit. I would just get in the car, get a camera and we'd just shoot. And trust me, we tried."

lyecry said:

I like the video for Grown Woman.

Isn't that Kelly in the video too

Wallstreet Journal: Beyonce is the top celebrity brand of 2013.

[img:$uid]http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/BN-AX086_beyonc_DV_20131226105501.jpg[/img:$uid]

1. Beyoncé proved Beyoncé doesn’t need anyone but Beyoncé.

When she released 14 new songs on iTunes promoted only by a message on Instagram and the subsequent swell of Internet chatter, Beyoncé Knowles proved the self-fulfilling prophecy that her brand is bigger than the Pop Music Industrial Complex. The album, the singer’s fifth, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. It sold 617,000 units in the U.S. in its first week and more than one million albums around the globe. Beyoncé not only proved her brand strength with the unorthodox move, she bolstered her brand even further, creating a multiplier effect of brand power that will trickle into 2014. Consumer brands, desperate for the kind of firestorm she is capable of generating, will look to link their brands to Beyoncé in the new year

http://blogs.wsj.com/spea...s-of-2013/

[Edited 12/28/13 18:15pm]

Variety Best Albums of 2013--> Only mainstream artist on the
list

#8 Beyonce. Beyonce (Columbia)


While Beyonce's
fifth solo album is likely to be remembered more for its sneak attack release
strategy and kitchen-sink packaging, it's the music itself that deserves most of
the attention. Allowing for an uncharacteristic degree of intimacy from the oft
imperious R&B princess, the album exhibits a startling range, with Bey
masterfully tugging heartstrings, heating up bedrooms, and out-rapping her
husband. Bow down, bishes indeed.

http://variety.com/galler...-columbia/

US Magazine: Beyonce Review -Beyonce's Surprising New Album Is "Magnificently Conceived"

4 stars (out of 4 stars)

Who runs the world? Ahem, no further debate after taking in Queen Bey's (surprise!) 14-song, 17-video crowning glory.


The voice defies gravity (that falsetto and those runs on "No Angel," wow!), the production value of each clip is first-rate (every one is Video of the Year-worthy) and the electro-R&B, pop and trap-rap tracks are magnificently conceived.


On the lyrical front, her stock feminist life coach ("Pretty Hurts") and dutiful housewife ("Jealous") roles are intact. She also lays out her bedroom skills guess what "Blow" is all about! so graphically, a **** star would blush. Bow down, bishes.

http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainm...eived-20132712

Top 10 Female Pop Albums of 2013


1. Beyoncé - Beyoncé



Her most ambitious, cohesive and personal album to date, "Beyoncé" stormed iTunes and social media on Friday, Dec. 13th with no promo and no announcement, selling a whopping X copies in just X days. Featuring an ensemble of hit-makers including Sia, Justin Timberlake, Frank Ocean, Timbaland and Drake, the lush, luxurious and irresistably sexy album is truly a celebration of Beyoncé and her womanhood, weaving seamlessly through anthems of unapologetic sexuality, anxiety, joy and heartbreak, culminating in the deceptively simple "Blue," an ode to motherhood and her daughter, Blue Ivy. Not to mention, all of the accompanying music videos are gorgeous and incredibly fun to watch.


http://www.hngn.com/articles/19757/20131224/top-female-pop-albums-2013.htm

I CANNOT resist this. It wouldn't be RIGHT if I didn't do this...

mjscarousal said:

People are starved for something to talk about lastdecember Most of the "talk" is not even about music I don't pay attention to the hype.

HAPPYPERSON said:

5 similarities that the Beyonce & janet. album share

[Edited 12/21/13 11:35am]

Four and five are false.Janet was the highest paid female ARTIST during that period. Her music LABEL paid her. She did not get money from perfume lines, clothing lines, pepsi commericials, or endorsements and plus anyway MADONNA was the highest paid female artist this year so why is this advertisement saying Beyonce was when she wasn't?

Beyonce has ALWAYS had a sexy image this was nothing new for her on this album. She just took it to the next level by attempting to copy Rihanna and Lady Gaga because she wants to stay relevant. Janet on the otherhand was covered from HEAD TO TOE from Control through Rhythm Nation. So when she came back on the scene with a more sexier look for the JANET album it was something different for her. She was sexy but still tasteful. She did not half her ass hanging out. What kind of bullshit is this? The Janet album is also VERY eclectic musically and covers a wide range of genres. It is more mature LYRICALLY as well and is NO WHERE in the same conversation as that generic immature boring ass album. The JANET album covers a wide range of themes such as cheating spouse, depression, love, sex,etc. It does not JUST talk about sex and the lyrics about sex are more ARTISTIC and not just vulgar immature words with no meaning. Lastly, Janet did not have to use a gimmick to get her album to number one. Her song "Thats The Way Love Goes" was a number one hit around the world and was one of the longest running number ones of all time. The Janet album is also one of the biggest selling albums of all time with a handful of CLASSICS. I'm tired of people comparing overhyped/overrated Beyonce to legendary or iconic artists. If some like this album then fine... but dont sit up here and compare this album to anything Janet or MJ has done. Just STOP!

[Edited 12/22/13 18:32pm]

First of all:

Oh, let's not. EVER.

Janet was only covered "head to toe" (LOL) for them THREE YEARS because she was chunky and ashamed of her figure as she has admitted herself in True You. Whereas Beyoncé has had the courage to embrace her full figure in her music ("Bootylicious") AND her videos.

Besides, a Janet Jackson fan should NEVER try slut-shaming any other artists. I don't know what Beyoncé sounds like when she orgasms, but Janet...

"The Janet album is also VERY eclectic musically and covers a wide range of genres." "The JANET album covers a wide range of themes such as cheating spouse, depression, love, sex,etc." because it sounds like a mixtape

"It is more mature LYRICALLY as well" "The JANET album covers a wide range of themes such as cheating spouse, depression, love, sex,etc.really it isn't.

"is NO WHERE in the same conversation as that generic immature boring ass album." It certainly isn't, but not for the reasons you think.

"It does not JUST talk about sex" Neither does BEYONCÉ Unless "Pretty Hurts", "Ghost", "Yoncé", "Jealous", "Mine", "XO", "***Flawless", "Superpower", "Heaven", and especially "Blue" have some subtext I'm not aware of. That's ten songs out of sixteen by the way.

"the lyrics about sex are more ARTISTIC and not just vulgar immature words with no meaning." I quoted JUST for this one.

"If you like, I'll go down, da down down down da down down
I'll hold you in my hand and baby,

Your smooth and shiny feels so good against my lips, sugar..."

"I can feel your body
Pressed against my body
When you start to poundin'
Love to feel you throbbin'"

"Unh!

Ooh!

Huh! (Damn, baby, shit! Oh!)

Oh..."

"[insert the entirety of "Any Time, Any Place (I'll Take That Dick)"]"

That's artistic and modest?

"Her song "Thats The Way Love Goes" was a number one hit around the world and was one of the longest running number ones of all time. The Janet album is also one of the biggest selling albums of all time with a handful of CLASSICS." And BEYONCÉ set ALBUM sales records around the world. Besides, didn't I just see you in another thread yapping about sales and records not meaning anything?

"I'm tired of people comparing overhyped/overrated Beyonce to legendary or iconic artists. If some like this album then fine... but dont sit up here and compare this album to anything Janet or MJ has done. Just STOP!" It's your ugly, disenfranchised, deaf business if you believe that Beyoncé is somehow overhyped or overrated in comparison to the nepotistic, nonsinging, producer's showcase Janet Jackson or anyone else. But you can't stop people from doing expressing anything, especially not by formulating weak, socially backwards, easily dismantled arguments like those above. I suggest you take your own advice and just stop.