elmer said:

It's a hell of a lot better than The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was, yet it doesn't have a track that really hits me in the gut, the way Ex-Factor did.

Now THAT is an overrated album, in my book. "Ex-Factor" and "Everything Is Everything" are nice, but still...

She's talented but I don't like her music. Different doesn't equal better.

elmer said:

She’s decent; I think this board praises her too much though I feel anything that is not shoved in our face the Org enjoys more . Not that’s she a bad artist because she has talent but she’s not the second coming. Her album is a grower I had to listen a few times to get into it but she’s alright with me I’m not running to the TV screen when she’s on it that’s for sure. I hate that hairstyle she has.

babybugz said:

She’s decent; I think this board praises her too much though I feel anything that is not shoved in our face the Org enjoys more . Not that’s she a bad artist because she has talent but she’s not the second coming. Her album is a grower I had to listen a few times to get into it but she’s alright with me I’m not running to the TV screen when she’s on it that’s for sure. I hate that hairstyle she has.

I dig it cause it's that old little Richard hairstyle

I wasn't liking her much last year. I thought she had talent but I wasn't feeling her songs. Is anarchoid suites II and III a new album? I've listened to 3 cuts so far including Mushrooms & Roses and now I'm obsessed with Wondaland, and I see what you all are talking about. It's amazing!

For myself i agree.. She's the future of music to me! But that just my opinion... She the most I've been excited about an artist since I got into Prince and maybe the first ever I've been this excited and became this big of a fan of an artist so earlier in their career.

I think she's brilliant!! I can't call her genius quite yet... Just enough material out there to say that... But she has a lot of promise of eventually being a genius... Although If I was a betting man, I bet on her becoming a genius... But again... That book still has to be written.. So we'll see... But if she still keep jumping in pools and climbing trees during performance... I'm gonna still be in love with her! lol.

[Edited 1/10/11 22:56pm]

another dope peformance with The Roots!

[Edited 1/10/11 22:47pm]

,

[Edited 1/10/11 22:57pm]

Cinnie said:

I usually roll with Moonbeam and Harle but I'm not hearing Janelle so far. I've been late to the party many times but I think when people say she is overrated it just means... How can she be the future of anything, even her own career, if we haven't been convinced with one song? I don't want to hear "future potential"; I want to hear a solid album today.

It's ok. There are plenty of worthy artists that I don't get either.

That said, I don't think "overrated" is the right word at all. She gets a fair amount of love on the org- that's true! But outside of a few circles like this, few people have even heard of her.

Harlepolis said:

sosgemini said:

Cha know, for the level of talent she actually displays on her album, i'd say the youngin's here who are desperate for validation are overrating her and overhyping her.

Whats the big deal though?

I don't get GaGa's hype(and I've tried) but I certainly can't dictate how they identify with her.

Janelle has promise, I won't say she's a genius YET but if she keeps it up consistently(not on some D'Angelo/Sade/Lauryn leave of absence bullshit) I might have to consider. Hell, it goes to show you how hungry folks are for just a "little" individuality.

And I think the use of the word "overrated" around these parts IS "overrated" and "overhyped"

[Edited 1/10/11 16:49pm]

I think you've pegged the problem, she *is* the Lady Gaga of colored music. An artist with a lil bit of talent who is blown out of proportions because she is perceived to have a lil creativity and a lil edge. I guess we should be happy with the status quo but I can't help but think how awe struck I was by debuts by otheersyet because the bar has been set so low, we are expected to jump hoops for her? PLEASE!!!

I just enjoy the hell out of her music. I really couldn't care less if others felt the same way!

sosgemini said:

Harlepolis said:

Whats the big deal though?

I don't get GaGa's hype(and I've tried) but I certainly can't dictate how they identify with her.

Janelle has promise, I won't say she's a genius YET but if she keeps it up consistently(not on some D'Angelo/Sade/Lauryn leave of absence bullshit) I might have to consider. Hell, it goes to show you how hungry folks are for just a "little" individuality.

And I think the use of the word "overrated" around these parts IS "overrated" and "overhyped"

[Edited 1/10/11 16:49pm]

I think you've pegged the problem, she *is* the Lady Gaga of colored music. An artist with a lil bit of talent who is blown out of proportions because she is perceived to have a lil creativity and a lil edge. I guess we should be happy with the status quo but I can't help but think how awe struck I was by debuts by otheersyet because the bar has been set so low, we are expected to jump hoops for her? PLEASE!!!

But,,but,,,,who said you should?

And if the overkill machine found out where she lives and hounded us over the head(even though I think she deserves it) we can revisit the Sepia Lady GaGa conversation,,,,,,,until then

[Edited 1/11/11 3:07am]

She's cool, her music is refreshing but she's overhyped and it's strange how this hype does not transcribe into sales

[Edited 1/11/11 4:10am]

Cotontige said:

She's cool, her music is refreshing but she's overhyped and it's strange how this hype does not transcribe into sells

I like it this way, selling large amounts is all fine and well, but when everyone from your 10 year old neighbour to your grandmother is whistling tracks from a large selling album it just makes it seem less special.

She needs to come talk to me when she learns the lyrics to If I Was Your Girlfriend. Then I'll listen to her CD.

I am probably just overlooking her because I don't really dig all the hype. Maybe one of these days I'll give her CD a spin. **kanyeshrug**

Tho I haven't heard much of her music, I do appreciate that she's an artist out here who seems to be talented and not running around half naked like 9% of these other talelentless "artists." Young girls need more images like her in the music business.

Well, I have to say that I'm a big fan of the Archandroid album, it sounds fresh, there's a lot of interesting obvious and not so obvious influences and cross genres on there, and that's all positive in my book. As for overated, I dont know about that. Everyone I speak to in the UK has never heard of her, but really likes her CD when I play it to them. Her performances live on the TV have left me a bit underwhelmed however, she's a bit too raw for my liking.

Whether she has more to give in the future remains to be scene, but what I would say is this. I've listened to her album many times over, some tracks like wonderland and tightrope on repeat. Shame I cant say the same about our purple friends recent output.

Overrated? Nobody out there is actually using real instruments, everyone is taking off their clothes and then people say they have talent. Her album is one of the best I've heard in a while. What more do you people want, does she need some butt implants to get your attention. If you don't like her album I want to know the music that you are listening to now (besides Prince)

Does she like...play any musical instruments?

Not a prerequisite in this day and age, but her songs better maintain a high standard or she'll most probably go down the Janet Jackson et al route...sexual exploitation equals 'empowered woman', meme...that we all see time and time again... (yawning in advance).

If you don't think that can happen to Janelle..you don't understand women...(off topic, but what I don't know about women is not worth knowing).

Wish Janelle well though

One thing I also like about her is the fact that she basically scares some of the stuck-up "hip-hop is the only music that matters" urban crowd...Remember how people looked @ her on BET's Prince Tribute? That's what I love to see. They didn't know what to think. (Even The 1 & Only looked a little shocked)

Alot of the people in that crowd have dragged music down to the point of no return...Only one way to go but up. And granted, that wasn't even one of her BEST performances, but compared to the other current artists on that show, she was energy personified. Even on the tribute, she was the only artist that represented the wild & loose Prince, PERIOD. Every1 else was mellow (still good though, & no, a pregnant Alicia hopping on a piano during a performance of "Adore" was not wild, just a little crazy! ). It was just cool to see some of those fools out there get their brains twisted up a little.

I enjoy her stage show more than her studio stuff, but the songs I've heard are creative & progressive. No reason why she shouldn't be as known as Rihanna or Gaga. You know the reasons why she isn't, though. Same story, different decade. Like most here have said, I wish her the best.

rebelenterprise said:

No reason why she shouldn't be as known as Rihanna or Gaga. You know the reasons why she isn't, though. Same story, different decade.

Reason? there's a reason: lack of great singles. The day she releases a super-single, that's when she'll become a star (at least in the US-UK)

It's "easy" to produce/release an album, if you're in the business (nearly 3000 albums are released every year all over the world, some are good, many are crappy, and a few are really strong), but to write timeless singles like Hot Stuff, Private Dancer, Rhythm Nation, Creep or even Independent Woman is not easy...perhaps she should work with professional songwriters (not necessarily sellouts) just to get that final spark that turns a good song into a monster hit...

I'd love to be a fan, but right now, I can only respect her and, like you, wish her the best...

LMAO!!!!!!

Some of you people think way way WAY too much of yourselves!!!

JoeTyler said:

Harlepolis said:

Moonbeam said:

She's the best, and hardly overrated.

I don't know any of this girls music. I've seen her perform live in award shows, but I'm not familiar with her own music. Can you tell me what type of music she does? Is it more soul, rnb or hip-hop? I'd like to get into it, but not sure what to expect.

Cinnie said:

JoeTyler said:

Reason? there's a reason: lack of great singles. The day she releases a super-single, that's when she'll become a star (at least in the US-UK)

It's "easy" to produce/release an album, if you're in the business (nearly 3000 albums are released every year all over the world, some are good, many are crappy, and a few are really strong), but to write timeless singles like Hot Stuff, Private Dancer, Rhythm Nation, Creep or even Independent Woman is not easy...perhaps she should work with professional songwriters (not necessarily sellouts) just to get that final spark that turns a good song into a monster hit...

I'd love to be a fan, but right now, I can only respect her and, like you, wish her the best...

Normally an armchair A&R post like this would irk me, but this really drives my own thoughts home. JoeTyler needs to produce my posts to make them super-posts.

lol

armchair A&R... lolollol

JoeTyler said:

rebelenterprise said:

No reason why she shouldn't be as known as Rihanna or Gaga. You know the reasons why she isn't, though. Same story, different decade.

Reason? there's a reason: lack of great singles. The day she releases a super-single, that's when she'll become a star (at least in the US-UK)

It's "easy" to produce/release an album, if you're in the business (nearly 3000 albums are released every year all over the world, some are good, many are crappy, and a few are really strong), but to write timeless singles like Hot Stuff, Private Dancer, Rhythm Nation, Creep or even Independent Woman is not easy...perhaps she should work with professional songwriters (not necessarily sellouts) just to get that final spark that turns a good song into a monster hit...

I'd love to be a fan, but right now, I can only respect her and, like you, wish her the best...

OK...You're definitely on the money, Joe...Interestingly enough, though, I don't even think she's focused on singles...or that's the perception I get from her business standpoint as of late. The mainstream industry only lets one, maybe two black artists in who do music different than regular hip-hop/R&B (funk,rock,alternative,etc.) every several years. Sometimes longer than that. The last time before Janelle that something on that level happened of course was with Outkast & arguably to a lesser extent, The Neptunes' N.E.R.D..

But with the Kast, it was different, they were already arguably the greatest hip-hop group of the 90s/early 2000s before Speakerboxx/The Love Below was released. And of course, The Neptunes were the hottest hip-hop/pop producers PERIOD at the time. Janelle almost came out of nowhere "mainstream" wise, even though people hip to the independent scene knew about her.

Tightrope probably should've been a hit on the level of Hey Ya!, but everyone was anticipating that song & the album. It's almost to her best interest that it didn't become a worldwide smash, cause people would have been quick to label her a one hit wonder. There are actually some who label Dre3000 a one hit wonder because of Hey Ya!, which is why he ended up hating performing that song...& stopped performing all together.

She may need "catchier" songs if she really wants to be a known "pop" artist, but I believe she just wants her "art" to be seen & heard, & be a success on her own terms. The mainstream has a stranglehold on that as well, only certain producers/songwriters get play nowadays. And just about anything can be a hit, with the right money & promotional support. Janelle's main promotion IS her live show.

With Diddy's supposed strong-arm business tactics, who knows why Janelle isn't bigger than she is now...But then again, he's managing Nikki Minaj now (I figure he still is), so we see where his attention is going. Tightrope had real HORNS & a live bass guitar on it...Big NO-NOs in the world of mainstream pop/urban music.

I would love to see Janelle move more into the realm of rock and heavier funk myself, instead of trying to even attempt to be a new queen of pop. Let B. & Mr. Raymond believe they're creating new musical genres...

rebelenterprise said:

JoeTyler said:

Reason? there's a reason: lack of great singles. The day she releases a super-single, that's when she'll become a star (at least in the US-UK)

It's "easy" to produce/release an album, if you're in the business (nearly 3000 albums are released every year all over the world, some are good, many are crappy, and a few are really strong), but to write timeless singles like Hot Stuff, Private Dancer, Rhythm Nation, Creep or even Independent Woman is not easy...perhaps she should work with professional songwriters (not necessarily sellouts) just to get that final spark that turns a good song into a monster hit...

I'd love to be a fan, but right now, I can only respect her and, like you, wish her the best...

OK...You're definitely on the money, Joe...Interestingly enough, though, I don't even think she's focused on singles...or that's the perception I get from her business standpoint as of late. The mainstream industry only lets one, maybe two black artists in who do music different than regular hip-hop/R&B (funk,rock,alternative,etc.) every several years. Sometimes longer than that. The last time before Janelle that something on that level happened of course was with Outkast & arguably to a lesser extent, The Neptunes' N.E.R.D..

But with the Kast, it was different, they were already arguably the greatest hip-hop group of the 90s/early 2000s before Speakerboxx/The Love Below was released. And of course, The Neptunes were the hottest hip-hop/pop producers PERIOD at the time. Janelle almost came out of nowhere "mainstream" wise, even though people hip to the independent scene knew about her.

Tightrope probably should've been a hit on the level of Hey Ya!, but everyone was anticipating that song & the album. It's almost to her best interest that it didn't become a worldwide smash, cause people would have been quick to label her a one hit wonder. There are actually some who label Dre3000 a one hit wonder because of Hey Ya!, which is why he ended up hating performing that song...& stopped performing all together.

She may need "catchier" songs if she really wants to be a known "pop" artist, but I believe she just wants her "art" to be seen & heard, & be a success on her own terms. The mainstream has a stranglehold on that as well, only certain producers/songwriters get play nowadays. And just about anything can be a hit, with the right money & promotional support. Janelle's main promotion IS her live show.

With Diddy's supposed strong-arm business tactics, who knows why Janelle isn't bigger than she is now...But then again, he's managing Nikki Minaj now (I figure he still is), so we see where his attention is going. Tightrope had real HORNS & a live bass guitar on it...Big NO-NOs in the world of mainstream pop/urban music.

I would love to see Janelle move more into the realm of rock and heavier funk myself, instead of trying to even attempt to be a new queen of pop. Let B. & Mr. Raymond believe they're creating new musical genres...

You're right on the money. I'll stick with Ms. Monae as long as she doesn't sell out.

Moonbeam said:

Cinnie said:

I usually roll with Moonbeam and Harle but I'm not hearing Janelle so far. I've been late to the party many times but I think when people say she is overrated it just means... How can she be the future of anything, even her own career, if we haven't been convinced with one song? I don't want to hear "future potential"; I want to hear a solid album today.

It's ok. There are plenty of worthy artists that I don't get either.

That said, I don't think "overrated" is the right word at all. She gets a fair amount of love on the org- that's true! But outside of a few circles like this, few people have even heard of her.

Well she making a name for herself .... international now so good luck to her...she needs it the org is full of Britney Spears fans...

Dreamer2 said:

Moonbeam said:

It's ok. There are plenty of worthy artists that I don't get either.

That said, I don't think "overrated" is the right word at all. She gets a fair amount of love on the org- that's true! But outside of a few circles like this, few people have even heard of her.

Well she making a name for herself .... international now so good luck to her...she needs it the org is full of Britney Spears fans...

I just saw you in that Britney thread.

I didn't wanna entertain it. But whatever, Monae all day.

I'll check The Audition when I get a chance.