We fans walk a bit of a tightrope. We love artists who -- before they strike it big -- feel like our secret. We hip others to them in a way that's nearly evangelistic in nature, seeking converts and pointing out how their music is vastly superior to that enjoyed by our friends.

Our artists have better voices, better melodies, better bands and production and infinitely more artistic integrity. Their favorites, on the other hand, are hacks who borrow everything from everyone else.

Simultaneously, while we do are best to increase our favorites' followings, we lament the fact that society at large doesn't seem to be catching on fast enough. It's not right!

Yeah, they're playing in larger venues. They're dating supermodels and professional athletes. But it's not good enough!!! They don't get their due!!! They don't get enough respect!!!


Here's my list:


Fiona Apple
Pat Monahan
Jonatha Brooke
Harry Connick Jr.
Marcus Miller
Terence Blanchard

ThreadBare said:

He's better off than most of his peers(esp the ones he came from) he's getting his dues now and I'm glad for him.

My list:

Don Blackman
Lonnie Liston Smith
Herbie Hancock(Not enough credit, dammit)
Roy Ayers
Bernie Worrell
Idris Mohammed
Cannonball Adderley
Gary Bartz
The Mizell Bros and the whole artists from Kudu Records.

These are the people on top of my list.

Lord Finesse
Redman
Hitman Howie Tee
Lawrence Goodman
Hurby Luv Bug