The reason I ask this question is because there is a local dj in town that has been on this kick of asking this question. He asks the question to almost every artist he interviews.

He feels that Maze is such an institution in r&b music and has not even been nominated for any major awards. Sure, I think Maze is one of the best bands/acts still touring, but musically, I don't know. Frankie is definitely talented, but I don't know what to think about him not winning or being nominated for any major awards.

What do u guys think?

daPrettyman said:

is this the guy who was signed 2 Bad bay and is now a preacher?

missmad said:

I never cared for Franky Beverly and Maze but was always amazed at the fact that they became so huge while only scoring hits on the R&B charts. I'm really not sure why they never experienced Pop success.

missmad said:

No, not the rapper Mase.

probably that voice that why he didn't get acknowledged

missmad said:

How old are you?

BoOTyLiCioUs said:

blessedk said:

Thanx for figuring that out for me. I was confused as hell.

kitbradley said:

daPrettyman said:

You're welcome

BoOTyLiCioUs said:

He's not that bad of a singer.

I find it funny that they close the Essence Music Festival every year and people pack in the Superdome for their show. Not to mention, sing every word. Isn't it crazy that someone like Beyonce who has sold millions of records OPENS up for Maze at the Essence.

I feel that the public got robbed and its really a bummer to them more than to Maze.

daPrettyman said:

He's not a bad singer,,,,

AT.ALL.

Somebody's suffering from wax invasion dammit

Harlepolis said:

Indeed!!!

All their music SOUNDS THE SAME as does Frankie's voice. It amazes me that they ever got big at all.

scriptgirl said:

That same argument could be said for someone like Sade.

daPrettyman said:

Yanno!

@ missmad. No NOT Mase!

daPrettyman said:

I dont find it so odd, particularly for an event of that type. For many folk, I think Maze is an institution. They are bbq, family reunion, wedding, family road trip music. 65 year olds are going to 2 step and 30 year olds are going to scream "oh this was the jam", when they come out. Its laugh it up,reminisce feel good music. Beyonce and similar acts don't have that kind of legacy, to bridge that kind of age gap, nor create a "family/community" type of vibe at this point.

mcw00 said:

Exactly.In the 70s,Earth Wind and Fire was that kind of band.In the 80s and beyond,Maze filled that position.The type of band that you'd hear at a family reunion.Their music is fun,inoffensive and it just makes you feel good.

mcw00 said:

Very good point. Not to mention, Maze used to be more popular in the South. Therefore, playing in New Orleans would cause people to go wild.

I love Maze. I have seen them 6 times (not all by choice) and enjoyed myself. My issue became that they didn't release any new music. I don't know if they aren't releasing new music because of the record company or because of Frankie. Either way, it's crazy. They have released several GH packages in the last 10 or so years and people buy them constantly. It makes me wonder if they are gaining new fans or are the old ones buying these cds.

daPrettyman said:

I love Maze. I have seen them 6 times (not all by choice) and enjoyed myself. My issue became that they didn't release any new music. I don't know if they aren't releasing new music because of the record company or because of Frankie. Either way, it's crazy. They have released several GH packages in the last 10 or so years and people buy them constantly. It makes me wonder if they are gaining new fans or are the old ones buying these cds.[/quote]

I'm not surprised at all that they have never been acknowledged
by the mainstream.That's not who they are? They've never tried
to do Lionel Richie 80's type pop records. So what they have
never won any major awards. Guess what? What they have is a strong
legion of loyal fans that even some of those other artists who won awards
don't have today. I remember reading an article in Ebony a few years back
with Frankie and he admitted it used to bother him that the band wasn't being
recognized but now he says some of those artists that got all the recognition
want what Maze has now. Frankie also stated in the article that the reason
they hadn't put out new material was because of record label issues. He said
that Maze will put out the type of record that Maze wants to do. They won't
compromise their sound. It still amazes me Maze hasn't put out an album
since 1993's Back to Basics and they are still selling out wherever they
tour.

The reason why Maze ain't acknowledged: because they remained who they were. They didn't TRY to cross over.

funkpill said:

I loved how Marvin told him what would be the hardest thing to do after you make it.

SoulAlive said:

I wonder if he's still with Ch.4 newscaster Pam Moore. They've been together for years. That's for the Bay Area folks who know about her. I saw him and the group a few years ago, and the crowd really livened up when they performed.

SoulAlive said:

The best kind of music

blessedk said:

ah ok

kitbradley said:

in my early 20's.

Timmy84 said:

LOL