purplethunder3121 said:

RodeoSchro said:

I just might! I know he's well-thought-of here, but something about him has always kept me away. But I'll check him out some time.

But never Van Hunt. Not after what that guy said about Prince fans.

What did he say?

This:

Message from VAN HUNT

it’s none of your business what other people say about you...
Category: Blogging

taken from: http://blog.myspace.com/i...=347018692

but, I have read my own press. Not all of it. Just enough to not be able to turn back. it's gone to my head.
I can remember once going on okayplayer-trying for the 15th time to find some new info on D'angelo's still nascent record-and "stumbled" across a thread about the Prince comparisons that have been made about ME... some of the comments on there were downright destructive. I never even imagined that you could mix the words "p**ssy" and "musician" while stating an opinion:) Some were supportive. Even fewer were constructive or managed to put forth what I would deem accurate analysis. It all made me sick. Because I knew that NOBODY really knew what the f*ck they were talking about. I am neither as perfect as the best that has been said about me nor as mediocre as the worst that's been said.

It's ironic. Just two nights ago an associate called and asked if HE should go on line and address some "false accusations" that were made about HIM. I told him, "hell naw. Don't even give those fools any energy. That's what they live for...to dismantle people and overcompensate for their personal problems...all from behind a computer screen."
And, alas, here I am.

Last night I was on the
computer with my son. He likes to look up biographical information on the 43 presidents. (And to think, at 5 years old, all I wanted to do was the 'robot'). After he'd his fill he asked if I would google "Van Hunt's Son." I pondered his reasoning and the potential for damage that I was ignoring. I was reluctant when I said, ". . .o. . .k..."
I pressed enter. and right there, at the top of the page was a heading, "Van Hunt is Prince's Son." This time it was Prince.org. "Oh, Jesus" I whispered. I had to have it.

Double Click.

I read the first line, "there aint sh*t about Van Hunt that's genius." Or something to that effect. My son reads almost as fast as i do. But, I caught him before he got to the curse words. I said "go play." He started to challenge the order. I put on my transformer face. He found a toy.
I read on.
Of course, everyone on the thread was a Prince fan. But, to my surprise, this time I emerged from the comments without any long-term scarring. Some people didn't know enough about me to form an opinion. Some people knew enough to be enthusiastically supportive and encouraging of my work. Some were, obviously, musically inclined on top of being Prince fans. Some didn't give a damn.
The debate seemed to be fueled by the bodyguarding of Prince's legacy and about the question of whether or not I was a good musician. They mentioned other musicians who would supposedly wipe the floor with me (even 10 year old musicians).

What they don't realize is that I've played guitar with, for and beside most of their heroes. And, I doubt that any of those musicians would say that I couldn't hold my own. What they don't know is that guitar isn't even my first instrument. Piano is. What they don't know is I never set out to make improvisational solo records. I fast forward through Prince's guitar solos. As a matter of fact I would be more likely to listen to Thelonious Monk play one of his tinkly excursions than I would Art Tatum. Charlie Parker could MAKE you hear modal scales in fourths-using major minor 11ths and do it before you notice that Mccoy Tyner or Oscar Peterson didn't even have his hands on the keys. but, i put my money on Johnny Hodges. slow notes by the most beautiful horn tone in the business. Ask me who's the better singer, Sam Cooke or Muddy Waters, and I'll say, obviously, Sam Cooke. But, ask me who I prefer to listen to and, well... Muddy is my man! And, if u listened to Sly's 'there's a riot goin on' you would not walk away from that record claiming that George Benson or Herbie Hancock need be worried about claims on their Godliness. But, it's MY favorite record.

What they don't know is that 'their man', while he is an incredible talent and entertainer, he willed his biggest hits into being. Because he HAD to be a star. He no longer writes great songs because being a great songwriter was never his goal. Being relevant was/is. What they don't know is that Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington...THOSE are great songwriters. They wrote hundreds of them- consistently. Nary a dud in their entire career. What they don't know is that Michelangelo was an artist. Marlon Brando was an artiste (emphasis on the 'iste'). Each more naturally skillful than any of the people I've mentioned. Ayn Rand, Tennessee Williams... craftsmen. Read 'Fountainhead' or watch 'Night of The Iguana'. the work is more fine tuned and sharp and sophisticated than any of the people I've mentioned. They don't know that these are the benchmarks for me. Not their obsolete little argument over who has the best album of the last 20 years that was played on the now invisible and inaudible "black radio."

What they can't comprehend is the lengths I have gone to create what is my highest ideal...for their world to sneer at...and that it is quietly reaching critical immunity because of the dues that i have paid.

So, kiss my a** while you decide if i'm worth your respect. it shouldn't matter to me; and, i am glad to say that it doesn't anymore. and, i will tell my child the same thing the next time he asks me to google Van Hunt's son: it's none of your business what people say about you

details on my future coming tuesday.
V H .

http://prince.org/msg/8/257935

He's dissing Prince and fans in general. PRICK. I knew he was a punk ass the first time I saw him.

The author of this open letter clearly has a grudge.

D'Angelo's output or lack thereof is his business. He deserves praise for the 2 albums he's done. But what the author is exploiting is a sense of frustration at What Could Have Been, which continues to fuel hope in a lot of fans and resignation in others.

RodeoSchro said:

purplethunder3121 said:

RodeoSchro said:

I just might! I know he's well-thought-of here, but something about him has always kept me away. But I'll check him out some time.

But never Van Hunt. Not after what that guy said about Prince fans.

What did he say?

This:

Message from VAN HUNT

it’s none of your business what other people say about you...
Category: Blogging

taken from: http://blog.myspace.com/i...=347018692

but, I have read my own press. Not all of it. Just enough to not be able to turn back. it's gone to my head.
I can remember once going on okayplayer-trying for the 15th time to find some new info on D'angelo's still nascent record-and "stumbled" across a thread about the Prince comparisons that have been made about ME... some of the comments on there were downright destructive. I never even imagined that you could mix the words "p**ssy" and "musician" while stating an opinion:) Some were supportive. Even fewer were constructive or managed to put forth what I would deem accurate analysis. It all made me sick. Because I knew that NOBODY really knew what the f*ck they were talking about. I am neither as perfect as the best that has been said about me nor as mediocre as the worst that's been said.

It's ironic. Just two nights ago an associate called and asked if HE should go on line and address some "false accusations" that were made about HIM. I told him, "hell naw. Don't even give those fools any energy. That's what they live for...to dismantle people and overcompensate for their personal problems...all from behind a computer screen."
And, alas, here I am.

Last night I was on the
computer with my son. He likes to look up biographical information on the 43 presidents. (And to think, at 5 years old, all I wanted to do was the 'robot'). After he'd his fill he asked if I would google "Van Hunt's Son." I pondered his reasoning and the potential for damage that I was ignoring. I was reluctant when I said, ". . .o. . .k..."
I pressed enter. and right there, at the top of the page was a heading, "Van Hunt is Prince's Son." This time it was Prince.org. "Oh, Jesus" I whispered. I had to have it.

Double Click.

I read the first line, "there aint sh*t about Van Hunt that's genius." Or something to that effect. My son reads almost as fast as i do. But, I caught him before he got to the curse words. I said "go play." He started to challenge the order. I put on my transformer face. He found a toy.
I read on.
Of course, everyone on the thread was a Prince fan. But, to my surprise, this time I emerged from the comments without any long-term scarring. Some people didn't know enough about me to form an opinion. Some people knew enough to be enthusiastically supportive and encouraging of my work. Some were, obviously, musically inclined on top of being Prince fans. Some didn't give a damn.
The debate seemed to be fueled by the bodyguarding of Prince's legacy and about the question of whether or not I was a good musician. They mentioned other musicians who would supposedly wipe the floor with me (even 10 year old musicians).

What they don't realize is that I've played guitar with, for and beside most of their heroes. And, I doubt that any of those musicians would say that I couldn't hold my own. What they don't know is that guitar isn't even my first instrument. Piano is. What they don't know is I never set out to make improvisational solo records. I fast forward through Prince's guitar solos. As a matter of fact I would be more likely to listen to Thelonious Monk play one of his tinkly excursions than I would Art Tatum. Charlie Parker could MAKE you hear modal scales in fourths-using major minor 11ths and do it before you notice that Mccoy Tyner or Oscar Peterson didn't even have his hands on the keys. but, i put my money on Johnny Hodges. slow notes by the most beautiful horn tone in the business. Ask me who's the better singer, Sam Cooke or Muddy Waters, and I'll say, obviously, Sam Cooke. But, ask me who I prefer to listen to and, well... Muddy is my man! And, if u listened to Sly's 'there's a riot goin on' you would not walk away from that record claiming that George Benson or Herbie Hancock need be worried about claims on their Godliness. But, it's MY favorite record.

What they don't know is that 'their man', while he is an incredible talent and entertainer, he willed his biggest hits into being. Because he HAD to be a star. He no longer writes great songs because being a great songwriter was never his goal. Being relevant was/is. What they don't know is that Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington...THOSE are great songwriters. They wrote hundreds of them- consistently. Nary a dud in their entire career. What they don't know is that Michelangelo was an artist. Marlon Brando was an artiste (emphasis on the 'iste'). Each more naturally skillful than any of the people I've mentioned. Ayn Rand, Tennessee Williams... craftsmen. Read 'Fountainhead' or watch 'Night of The Iguana'. the work is more fine tuned and sharp and sophisticated than any of the people I've mentioned. They don't know that these are the benchmarks for me. Not their obsolete little argument over who has the best album of the last 20 years that was played on the now invisible and inaudible "black radio."

What they can't comprehend is the lengths I have gone to create what is my highest ideal...for their world to sneer at...and that it is quietly reaching critical immunity because of the dues that i have paid.

So, kiss my a** while you decide if i'm worth your respect. it shouldn't matter to me; and, i am glad to say that it doesn't anymore. and, i will tell my child the same thing the next time he asks me to google Van Hunt's son: it's none of your business what people say about you

details on my future coming tuesday.
V H .

http://prince.org/msg/8/257935

I thought the open letter was fair..

I think the wait sucks.

Am I frustrated hell yes.

Do I think D'angelo is wasting his talents yes.

But does he owe us anything ......NO

Clearly with 3 pages of discussion this guy is still winning with all press is good press.

I hope for an album as the live stuff has been really solid.

quest also tends to piss people off cause they keep showing up and hyping an album and then nothing. I actually had to get off his feed on twitter and instagram due to the hype with nothing showing.

For someone with no talent, he sure runs rings around any rnb singer out today with his vocals alone. Its shocking the mainstream press hasn't pick this letter up.

"I am neither as perfect as the best that has been said about me nor as mediocre as the worst that's been said."

This SO WELL sums-up how u feel when u enjoy some level of celebrity and the gossip that goes along with it.

Replica said:

RodeoSchro said:

This:

Message from VAN HUNT

it’s none of your business what other people say about you...
Category: Blogging

taken from: http://blog.myspace.com/i...=347018692

but, I have read my own press. Not all of it. Just enough to not be able to turn back. it's gone to my head.
I can remember once going on okayplayer-trying for the 15th time to find some new info on D'angelo's still nascent record-and "stumbled" across a thread about the Prince comparisons that have been made about ME... some of the comments on there were downright destructive. I never even imagined that you could mix the words "p**ssy" and "musician" while stating an opinion:) Some were supportive. Even fewer were constructive or managed to put forth what I would deem accurate analysis. It all made me sick. Because I knew that NOBODY really knew what the f*ck they were talking about. I am neither as perfect as the best that has been said about me nor as mediocre as the worst that's been said.

It's ironic. Just two nights ago an associate called and asked if HE should go on line and address some "false accusations" that were made about HIM. I told him, "hell naw. Don't even give those fools any energy. That's what they live for...to dismantle people and overcompensate for their personal problems...all from behind a computer screen."
And, alas, here I am.

Last night I was on the
computer with my son. He likes to look up biographical information on the 43 presidents. (And to think, at 5 years old, all I wanted to do was the 'robot'). After he'd his fill he asked if I would google "Van Hunt's Son." I pondered his reasoning and the potential for damage that I was ignoring. I was reluctant when I said, ". . .o. . .k..."
I pressed enter. and right there, at the top of the page was a heading, "Van Hunt is Prince's Son." This time it was Prince.org. "Oh, Jesus" I whispered. I had to have it.

Double Click.

I read the first line, "there aint sh*t about Van Hunt that's genius." Or something to that effect. My son reads almost as fast as i do. But, I caught him before he got to the curse words. I said "go play." He started to challenge the order. I put on my transformer face. He found a toy.
I read on.
Of course, everyone on the thread was a Prince fan. But, to my surprise, this time I emerged from the comments without any long-term scarring. Some people didn't know enough about me to form an opinion. Some people knew enough to be enthusiastically supportive and encouraging of my work. Some were, obviously, musically inclined on top of being Prince fans. Some didn't give a damn.
The debate seemed to be fueled by the bodyguarding of Prince's legacy and about the question of whether or not I was a good musician. They mentioned other musicians who would supposedly wipe the floor with me (even 10 year old musicians).

What they don't realize is that I've played guitar with, for and beside most of their heroes. And, I doubt that any of those musicians would say that I couldn't hold my own. What they don't know is that guitar isn't even my first instrument. Piano is. What they don't know is I never set out to make improvisational solo records. I fast forward through Prince's guitar solos. As a matter of fact I would be more likely to listen to Thelonious Monk play one of his tinkly excursions than I would Art Tatum. Charlie Parker could MAKE you hear modal scales in fourths-using major minor 11ths and do it before you notice that Mccoy Tyner or Oscar Peterson didn't even have his hands on the keys. but, i put my money on Johnny Hodges. slow notes by the most beautiful horn tone in the business. Ask me who's the better singer, Sam Cooke or Muddy Waters, and I'll say, obviously, Sam Cooke. But, ask me who I prefer to listen to and, well... Muddy is my man! And, if u listened to Sly's 'there's a riot goin on' you would not walk away from that record claiming that George Benson or Herbie Hancock need be worried about claims on their Godliness. But, it's MY favorite record.

What they don't know is that 'their man', while he is an incredible talent and entertainer, he willed his biggest hits into being. Because he HAD to be a star. He no longer writes great songs because being a great songwriter was never his goal. Being relevant was/is. What they don't know is that Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington...THOSE are great songwriters. They wrote hundreds of them- consistently. Nary a dud in their entire career. What they don't know is that Michelangelo was an artist. Marlon Brando was an artiste (emphasis on the 'iste'). Each more naturally skillful than any of the people I've mentioned. Ayn Rand, Tennessee Williams... craftsmen. Read 'Fountainhead' or watch 'Night of The Iguana'. the work is more fine tuned and sharp and sophisticated than any of the people I've mentioned. They don't know that these are the benchmarks for me. Not their obsolete little argument over who has the best album of the last 20 years that was played on the now invisible and inaudible "black radio."

What they can't comprehend is the lengths I have gone to create what is my highest ideal...for their world to sneer at...and that it is quietly reaching critical immunity because of the dues that i have paid.

So, kiss my a** while you decide if i'm worth your respect. it shouldn't matter to me; and, i am glad to say that it doesn't anymore. and, i will tell my child the same thing the next time he asks me to google Van Hunt's son: it's none of your business what people say about you

details on my future coming tuesday.
V H .

http://prince.org/msg/8/257935

I totally get his frustration, as we often forget that we're talking about real people here. I gotta admit I've said a couple bad things here and there that even though they're just opinions about musical abilities and style etc. I would probably get my facts straight if I was to for example give someone I know a few tips to learn from. Van Hunt doesn't deserve hating on the internet, and sometimes I feel like the internet years has been tough on musicians. Only thing I think was wrong of him was to try and prove how much smarter and intelligent he is than orgers by name dropping a bunch of elite people he studied. Trying to outsmart small internet trolls? I think he should be better than that. Still no hard feelings. Van is cool.

I understand him being irritated about what ws written about him but it sounds like he was taking his anger out on Prince instead of the fans. I think Van Hunt is a very talented guy but this comment below is total bullshit. He sound jelous as hell.

"What they don't know is that 'their man', while he is an incredible talent and entertainer, he willed his biggest hits into being. Because he HAD to be a star. He no longer writes great songs because being a great songwriter was never his goal. Being relevant was/is."

It is kinda true though that Prince, in order to get his sound across, did have to become a star, and therefore, relevant. Look at that Max Martin guy. He's "relevant" because he has written something like a hundred hits. Is he a great songwriter? Maybe. But if the songs weren't big hits he wouldn't be relevant today.

laurarichardson said:

Replica said:

RodeoSchro said: I totally get his frustration, as we often forget that we're talking about real people here. I gotta admit I've said a couple bad things here and there that even though they're just opinions about musical abilities and style etc. I would probably get my facts straight if I was to for example give someone I know a few tips to learn from. Van Hunt doesn't deserve hating on the internet, and sometimes I feel like the internet years has been tough on musicians. Only thing I think was wrong of him was to try and prove how much smarter and intelligent he is than orgers by name dropping a bunch of elite people he studied. Trying to outsmart small internet trolls? I think he should be better than that. Still no hard feelings. Van is cool.

I understand him being irritated about what ws written about him but it sounds like he was taking his anger out on Prince instead of the fans. I think Van Hunt is a very talented guy but this comment below is total bullshit. He sound jelous as hell.

"What they don't know is that 'their man', while he is an incredible talent and entertainer, he willed his biggest hits into being. Because he HAD to be a star. He no longer writes great songs because being a great songwriter was never his goal. Being relevant was/is."

I see your point, and yeah that bit sounds a bit bitter. However he is not actually dissing Prince. Sounds more like he is trying to find an excuse for why he is not that big himself. As if he'd go more commercial, he'd succeed just as much. I'm no expert, but I don't think he ever will, or ever would. Altough that's just assumption, just as much as he is speculating on how Prince is approaching his own carreer. However I enjoy some of Vans music, and I've supported him with my money and bought his last album. I hope he'll succeed more than he does today. He deserves that. But he should also stop caring about what orgers say. People say stupid shit behind a fake name, and he can't really take it personally. He must be happy people are mentioning his name. That's atleast some kind of fame. WHen you are being discussed on the org, you've atleast done something right

Van is cool, but needs to not care about what anonymous orgers say about him. He is not alone in this world getting judged by orgers.

Van Hunt is 100% correct as far as I can tell.

Also, being big is not necessarily the same as being an artist. In fact, many times they aren't related at all.

There are people in the small town of Denton, Texas, (where Sly Stone was born) that would blow your mind if they gave a shit about playing something other than small house parties.

Some people really just don't give a fuck about anything but being the best artist they can be. The better you are, the LESS likely you are to have mainstream success because as you evolve your art goes beyond what folks who haven't taken that journey can understand. They don't know from where you're coming because they have no point of reference. In music, if you're really doing something new, it's going to sound like alien music.

Take 12 tone music for example. It is highly structured with very strict rules and it's very difficult to creat something that the average, uneducated pop person can appreciate. If I were to play some 12 tones music for most of you, you would proabably think it sounded like people just making noises on their instruments and you wouldn't even recognize it as music. If I put a loud beat under it and had someone speak in rhymes over top of it about Da Club, alcohol, clapping without using hands, being in the VIP section of a club AND proclaiming to be an 'artist', some of you would take the idiot's word for it. He would claim, "I'm an artissss". No, you're a dumbass who found a way to trick other dumbasses into giving you their money by having them join your cult of personality.

Prince is an amazing performer and he's created some art that happened to also entertain the unwashed masses. He is NOT a genius as definied by most educated people. If you strip away dancing, clothes, looks and performance, (which have nothing to do with creating music) then I know a couple of guy who can do things with music that Prince cannot at this point in his journey. It doesn't matter.

Who cares? If you like it, you like it. It's that simple and that's all there is to it.

Art is not a competition because the results are subjective. You can't know who is winning because no one is. My grandfather would've gone to his grave believing Ronnie Milsap was more talented than Prince because that's what he preferred to listen to.

I don't think jealousy has much to do with any of this shit. I enjoy the music I make and I don't think I'd want the headache of trying to make a living by taking the money of people I don't respect.

Arguing on the internet is like the Special Oympics. Even if you win you're still retarded.

steakfinger said:

Van Hunt is 100% correct as far as I can tell.

Also, being big is not necessarily the same as being an artist. In fact, many times they aren't related at all.

There are people in the small town of Denton, Texas, (where Sly Stone was born) that would blow your mind if they gave a shit about playing something other than small house parties.

Some people really just don't give a fuck about anything but being the best artist they can be. The better you are, the LESS likely you are to have mainstream success because as you evolve your art goes beyond what folks who haven't taken that journey can understand. They don't know from where you're coming because they have no point of reference. In music, if you're really doing something new, it's going to sound like alien music.

Take 12 tone music for example. It is highly structured with very strict rules and it's very difficult to creat something that the average, uneducated pop person can appreciate. If I were to play some 12 tones music for most of you, you would proabably think it sounded like people just making noises on their instruments and you wouldn't even recognize it as music. If I put a loud beat under it and had someone speak in rhymes over top of it about Da Club, alcohol, clapping without using hands, being in the VIP section of a club AND proclaiming to be an 'artist', some of you would take the idiot's word for it. He would claim, "I'm an artissss". No, you're a dumbass who found a way to trick other dumbasses into giving you their money by having them join your cult of personality.

Prince is an amazing performer and he's created some art that happened to also entertain the unwashed masses. He is NOT a genius as definied by most educated people. If you strip away dancing, clothes, looks and performance, (which have nothing to do with creating music) then I know a couple of guy who can do things with music that Prince cannot at this point in his journey. It doesn't matter.

Who cares? If you like it, you like it. It's that simple and that's all there is to it.

Art is not a competition because the results are subjective. You can't know who is winning because no one is. My grandfather would've gone to his grave believing Ronnie Milsap was more talented than Prince because that's what he preferred to listen to.

I don't think jealousy has much to do with any of this shit. I enjoy the music I make and I don't think I'd want the headache of trying to make a living by taking the money of people I don't respect.

Arguing on the internet is like the Special Oympics. Even if you win you're still retarded.

>

I liked this post up until this. Unnecessary.

steakfinger said:

Van Hunt is 100% correct as far as I can tell.

Also, being big is not necessarily the same as being an artist. In fact, many times they aren't related at all.

There are people in the small town of Denton, Texas, (where Sly Stone was born) that would blow your mind if they gave a shit about playing something other than small house parties.

Some people really just don't give a fuck about anything but being the best artist they can be. The better you are, the LESS likely you are to have mainstream success because as you evolve your art goes beyond what folks who haven't taken that journey can understand. They don't know from where you're coming because they have no point of reference. In music, if you're really doing something new, it's going to sound like alien music.

Take 12 tone music for example. It is highly structured with very strict rules and it's very difficult to creat something that the average, uneducated pop person can appreciate. If I were to play some 12 tones music for most of you, you would proabably think it sounded like people just making noises on their instruments and you wouldn't even recognize it as music. If I put a loud beat under it and had someone speak in rhymes over top of it about Da Club, alcohol, clapping without using hands, being in the VIP section of a club AND proclaiming to be an 'artist', some of you would take the idiot's word for it. He would claim, "I'm an artissss". No, you're a dumbass who found a way to trick other dumbasses into giving you their money by having them join your cult of personality.

Prince is an amazing performer and he's created some art that happened to also entertain the unwashed masses. He is NOT a genius as definied by most educated people. If you strip away dancing, clothes, looks and performance, (which have nothing to do with creating music) then I know a couple of guy who can do things with music that Prince cannot at this point in his journey. It doesn't matter.

Who cares? If you like it, you like it. It's that simple and that's all there is to it.

Art is not a competition because the results are subjective. You can't know who is winning because no one is. My grandfather would've gone to his grave believing Ronnie Milsap was more talented than Prince because that's what he preferred to listen to.

I don't think jealousy has much to do with any of this shit. I enjoy the music I make and I don't think I'd want the headache of trying to make a living by taking the money of people I don't respect.

Arguing on the internet is like the Special Oympics. Even if you win you're still retarded.

You have many valid points, however you sound like an elitist with some of your posts.

Music is not nessesarily art just because it doesn't get attention from the general public. Sometimes that just sounds like a bad excuse for not doing big in music. If your goal is to make pop music and you're a creative dude, you'll more likely to succeed doing that than making zappaish prog rock. There's probably a bunch of people that are incredible prog rock musicians also that would never be able to create a fanatastic pop track. Cause they're not attracted to that kind of entertainment, attention etc. You think music is advanced only if it can't be appreciated by uneducated people? What makes you "educated" enough to dictate what's genuis?

Miles Davis was not the best instrumentalist he has had in his own band. But he sure was one of the most game changing persons in music history.

Picasso wasnt known for photo identical paintings. He was known for his style and way of expression. Music is expression and a creative problem solving just as any other art. The best problem solving within certain chosen limits is what makes something genuis imo. It can be minimalistic, maximalistic, technically good and even sometimes bad. But it has to serve its purpose.

I'm not trying to dictate my opinion on that Prince is a genuis onto others. But that's my opinion. And I don't need snobs and elitist with long academic education in jazz and classical music to teach me that he isn't.

Please explain to me who and why all these people that you know are more talented than Prince. I'm sure you have found a way to measure difference in overall skill and level of "genuis" that is easy to explain to us uneducated people .

I'm also sure that even though some of these guys that you haven't mentioned can do some things that Prince can't do. I'm sure Prince also can do something that they can't do. Being Prince is probably one of those things

[Edited 6/3/14 14:05pm]

laurarichardson said:

steakfinger said:

Van Hunt is 100% correct as far as I can tell.

Also, being big is not necessarily the same as being an artist. In fact, many times they aren't related at all.

There are people in the small town of Denton, Texas, (where Sly Stone was born) that would blow your mind if they gave a shit about playing something other than small house parties.

Some people really just don't give a fuck about anything but being the best artist they can be. The better you are, the LESS likely you are to have mainstream success because as you evolve your art goes beyond what folks who haven't taken that journey can understand. They don't know from where you're coming because they have no point of reference. In music, if you're really doing something new, it's going to sound like alien music.

Take 12 tone music for example. It is highly structured with very strict rules and it's very difficult to creat something that the average, uneducated pop person can appreciate. If I were to play some 12 tones music for most of you, you would proabably think it sounded like people just making noises on their instruments and you wouldn't even recognize it as music. If I put a loud beat under it and had someone speak in rhymes over top of it about Da Club, alcohol, clapping without using hands, being in the VIP section of a club AND proclaiming to be an 'artist', some of you would take the idiot's word for it. He would claim, "I'm an artissss". No, you're a dumbass who found a way to trick other dumbasses into giving you their money by having them join your cult of personality.

Prince is an amazing performer and he's created some art that happened to also entertain the unwashed masses. He is NOT a genius as definied by most educated people. If you strip away dancing, clothes, looks and performance, (which have nothing to do with creating music) then I know a couple of guy who can do things with music that Prince cannot at this point in his journey. It doesn't matter.

Who cares? If you like it, you like it. It's that simple and that's all there is to it.

Art is not a competition because the results are subjective. You can't know who is winning because no one is. My grandfather would've gone to his grave believing Ronnie Milsap was more talented than Prince because that's what he preferred to listen to.

I don't think jealousy has much to do with any of this shit. I enjoy the music I make and I don't think I'd want the headache of trying to make a living by taking the money of people I don't respect.

Arguing on the internet is like the Special Oympics. Even if you win you're still retarded.

More elistist bullshit from this guy. What would we do if we did not have you to explain things to us uneducated folks.

CynicKill said:

steakfinger said:

Van Hunt is 100% correct as far as I can tell.

Also, being big is not necessarily the same as being an artist. In fact, many times they aren't related at all.

There are people in the small town of Denton, Texas, (where Sly Stone was born) that would blow your mind if they gave a shit about playing something other than small house parties.

Some people really just don't give a fuck about anything but being the best artist they can be. The better you are, the LESS likely you are to have mainstream success because as you evolve your art goes beyond what folks who haven't taken that journey can understand. They don't know from where you're coming because they have no point of reference. In music, if you're really doing something new, it's going to sound like alien music.

Take 12 tone music for example. It is highly structured with very strict rules and it's very difficult to creat something that the average, uneducated pop person can appreciate. If I were to play some 12 tones music for most of you, you would proabably think it sounded like people just making noises on their instruments and you wouldn't even recognize it as music. If I put a loud beat under it and had someone speak in rhymes over top of it about Da Club, alcohol, clapping without using hands, being in the VIP section of a club AND proclaiming to be an 'artist', some of you would take the idiot's word for it. He would claim, "I'm an artissss". No, you're a dumbass who found a way to trick other dumbasses into giving you their money by having them join your cult of personality.

Prince is an amazing performer and he's created some art that happened to also entertain the unwashed masses. He is NOT a genius as definied by most educated people. If you strip away dancing, clothes, looks and performance, (which have nothing to do with creating music) then I know a couple of guy who can do things with music that Prince cannot at this point in his journey. It doesn't matter.

Who cares? If you like it, you like it. It's that simple and that's all there is to it.

Art is not a competition because the results are subjective. You can't know who is winning because no one is. My grandfather would've gone to his grave believing Ronnie Milsap was more talented than Prince because that's what he preferred to listen to.

I don't think jealousy has much to do with any of this shit. I enjoy the music I make and I don't think I'd want the headache of trying to make a living by taking the money of people I don't respect.

Arguing on the internet is like the Special Oympics. Even if you win you're still retarded.

>

I liked this post up until this. Unnecessary.

I liked it so much I made it my sig.

Different strokes...

aalloca said:

I thought the open letter was fair..

I think the wait sucks.

Am I frustrated hell yes.

Do I think D'angelo is wasting his talents yes.

But does he owe us anything ......NO

Clearly with 3 pages of discussion this guy is still winning with all press is good press.

I hope for an album as the live stuff has been really solid.

quest also tends to piss people off cause they keep showing up and hyping an album and then nothing. I actually had to get off his feed on twitter and instagram due to the hype with nothing showing.

Agreed, but I do wonder about what does his contract say?
..and he's probably done with the business, I don't know.

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

For someone with no talent, he sure runs rings around any rnb singer out today with his vocals alone. Its shocking the mainstream press hasn't pick this letter up.

It is possible the mainstream press didn't think it was relevant

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

For someone with no talent, he sure runs rings around any rnb singer out today with his vocals alone. Its shocking the mainstream press hasn't pick this letter up.

The press and consumers do not care about D'Angelo. Musically, Americans have a very short memory and if you are not releasing albums every 2 or 3 years, they forget who you are. And as far as a new album, I don't think there are a lot of labels willing to take a chance on an unreliable, veteran Soul singer with known drug problems. He's a pretty big risk and the sales probably won't be there if something is released. His audience demographic don't buy a lot of music. Young people aren't going to buy his records. So, really, if there is an independant label out there willing to risk it, he will be lucky to move a few thousands copies with little to no promo. Gold and Platinum certifications? Forget it.

Actually D is signed to a major label now.

scriptgirl said:

Actually D is signed to a major label now.

Doesn't mean we will see a product or that they are going to put $$$ behind it for promotion. I've seen lots of veteran artists signed to majors and then dropped without ever having an album release and, in several cases, recording an album and having it shelved for various reasons. He's 40 years old. That puts him at a huge disadvantage right there. With the exception of Charlie Wilson, labels generally don't spend money or time promoting middle-aged R&B singers, espeically ones who haven't had a product on the shelves in 14 years.

Exactly. El is an icon of black music-people love him and wanted to see him come back. No doubt D will slay em.

D'Angelo is better than Prince!

just like

Lebron is better than Jordan!

its called evolution people!

So...

I know a lot of parents who've told their children they needed to get their heads out of the clouds and prepare themselves to make a living, get a real job.

It appears someone feelings were hurt; fair or unfair these "open of letters" always come off as being petty. (IMHO)

I don't recall D' Angelo every saying he considered himself a genius, that lable was heaped upon him by others. D'Angelo isn't the first or last artist / musicians who's career has been derailed because of substance abuse and/or fame. My memory is foggy but I think it was Peter Frampton who defined fame as; "having too much of everything 365 days a year."

Maybe that's all D' had in him (two albums, as the author suggests), maybe the substance abuse cost him his ability to set down and write music, maybe he thinks the reward for selling music is too high a price for your soull. Maybe sitting at home playing on the guitar, piano, and doing an occasional gig is good enough for him. The man isn't on the public dole so it doesn't matter, his life to do whatever he pleases. Play his two album and enjoy them. Next.

===========================

[Edited 6/29/14 13:59pm]

daingermouz2020 said:

I dont know. El Debarge had a drug history and had not released a new album in 15-16 years yet his Second Chance album was pushed,promoted,produced a hit single,and he did a lot of TV appearences. So I dont think Dangelo's gonna have a problem at all. In spite of his drug issues like El it has NOT messed up his vocal. ability. He still has it. When the album does drop I dont care if its not commercial or considerd a flop and only sales two copies as long as I have a copy Im good. [Edited 6/29/14 7:45am]

El’s “Second Chance” received minimal promotion from Interscope Records. Therefore, it struggled to peak at #13 on the R&B Charts (where I thought it would have performed better) and #57 on the Pop side. Another example of how labels are generally not going to put dollars behind a veteran R&B act with known problems and with an older core audience who simply don’t spend a lot of money on music. El was not able to continue the momentum because he was still not able to conquer his demons. We all heard the rumors about his behavior after the album was released. D’Angelo must be very disciplined and have a hell of a management/promotional team if he wants the album to sell decently, that is, IF it’s ever released.

[Edited 6/29/14 16:38pm]

kidmelody2012 said:

D'Angelo is better than Prince!

just like

Lebron is better than Jordan!

its called evolution people!

neither is true....loll

Lebron is now 2-3 in finals play even playing w/2 superstars

Jordan was 6-0 in the finals never playing w/another career 20ppg scorer

and he did in in a more physically, more skilled competitive league.......

I think the expectations were warranted and the results have been disappointing. Truthfully, nobody knows what goes on in his head, so nobody knows why it happened. But its always been fascinating to me that so many people have had his back for so long. It leads me to believe that maybe there are some bigger issues at play beyond his motivation and talent, or lack thereof. Drugs, obviously, but more than that, too. This one guy ripping him doesn't much change my opinion of the guy, either. I think he's got a lot ot talent, it's just too bad it's been wasted for so long.