Afronomical said:

In any case, when you look at industry charts, there's no "top 20 neo-soul" category. It would for all intents and purposes be a considered a sub-genre at best; much like "new jack swing". Regardless, I think its not necessarily bad that her ties with WB are severed as an artist. Many acts have gotten screwed by majors and independents with major distribution like Motown, with Kedar at the helm. More often than not, contracts with majors are slighted very much in favor of the label and its a known fact throughout the industry that the less you sell on a major the less promotion money gets thrown your way (with a few exceptions). If you're a bigger act on a smaller label, you tend to get treated better although your access is usually a bit more limited. This still tends to work out better for niche artists with core fanbases.

BlaqueKnight said:

Right, Neo-Soul is only a sub-genre.

If an artist plays it right, they can do very well, but that have to turn from artist/creative type to treating their career like a business. Unfortunately, I see many potentially great artists and groups failing simply because they aren't able to cross into the territory of becoming a businessperson or knowing someone who can manage their career for them. Even professional booking agents, managers, etc., are just as bad as the record labels, they don't want to have shit to do with you unless you either have a big pull in the industry or are signed - if you're signed, they know you have a budget and while you the artist will most likely wind up in debt, they will most likely get paid. So they're little help. Nowadays, you have to be the artist, the manager, the booking agent, the publicist and accountant if you want to have a successful career and it's about hanging in there and setting realistic goals for yourself. It's not about get a record deal and get a hit record and when I hear young folks saying they want a record deal and get a hit, they are either very young or they've come out to California from some little small town. If they knew what time it was, they wouldn't even bother coming out here to California. There are plenty of other U.S. cities with a strong live music scene. If you're an already established artist, say like Leela James, if she plays her cards right, she can come out very well.

LQ

BlaqueKnight said:

Yeah, I agree it's definitely a sub genre of R&B.

That's what these cats need to do - band together and do it just as you described.

Afronomical said:[quote]

lonelygurl8305 said:

Brotha Fro,the phrase fillerish is an understatement. That song had more filler than a Ballpark frank.

MsLegs said:

[Edited 6/8/07 18:41pm]
[Edited 6/8/07 18:42pm]

She can't sing for shit, so big deal about this.

Mong said:

TRANSLATION: "I've never heard of her, who is she?"

Afronomical said:

TRANSLATION: "I have a big problem accepting other people's opinions"

Afronomical said:

Afronomical said:

Pretty much in a nutshell Brotha Fro.

Grow up, for God's sake. I saw her live a while back and she was dire. Great backing vocalists though.

Mong said:

No . Thanks for warning us.
[Edited 6/9/07 5:21am]

MsLegs said:

Mong said:

TRANSLATION: "Yep, it's confirmed: I've never heard of her"

Afronomical said:

Looks you two win the Retards Of The Month on prince.org - well done.

Mong said:

Thanks! But was it hard giving up your crown?

Not at all, you deserve it more.

Mong said:

They said you almost didn't show up to pass the crown on? I can't believe that!

Mong said:

Maybe she was having a bad night or something, but this lady can sing and it's refreshing to hear some straight out soul singing instead of this Pro Tools, Antares-using perfection that everyone gets so used to. I listened to a few of her live tracks and I would not leave a show saying that she can't sing. It really just comes down to what your expectations are. Mine are pretty high.

LQ

One thing for sure, everybody's entitled, but I've seen Leela James live, too and I can't imagine anyone not seeing/hearing the talent unless it's just not the kind of music they like----and that's something totally different. Whether she's on a major or not, I hope that I haven't heard the last of her.