Friday, August 2, 2013

Music Groups or Music Dupe?

The slang word dupe mean (n.) "a person who is easily deceived or fooled; gullible. A person who unquestioningly or unwittingly serves a cause or another ..." You might be wondering why the usage of group and dupe in the same sentence. During the course of the article you will figure out why. 

Many of us can name renown artists and the popular music groups that propelled them into stardom. Did I hear someone say Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Diana Ross, Bobby Brown, Kandi Barus, T-Boz, and the list goes on. All artists mentioned have all started with a music group. The Legendary Jackson 5 birth Michael Jackson,  


 

The Supreme gave life to Diana Ross, 


 

TLC produced T-Boz




 Destiny's Child launched Bryonce's career.


 

Music groups serves the following purposes:



1. Providing nurturing and boosting the confidence level of a budding artist.



2. Provides a blend of varying vocal range into a perfect harmony. R&B group "Bot To Men" came to mind.



3. Its cheaper to split the cost among group members instead of one person carrying the burden.



4. Groups are easier to market than a solo artist since the fans can identify with different personalities.



 All of these groups started out successful but had one thing in common. There was always one member of the group who had a hidden calculated agenda to outshine the rest and send them deep into the valley of oblivion. Yes I said it, no tea no shade. Books (autobiographies), movies, interviews, have all been used as the platform in which this truth is/was told throughout the centuries.

Is alleged (in a TV documentary) that Michael Jackson felt that the Jackson 5 were keeping him back from creating the global brand he envisioned for himself. With this in mind the other 4 brothers were left to fen for themselves. But the truth is Jermaine Jackson was the one who left the group and remained with Motown (his father-in-law at the time Berry Gordy record company). This is said to be what punched the hole in the Jackson 5 bucket and never stopped the leaks. Listen the turmoil.

 


EVEN AS THE JACKSON'S TRIED TO REGROUP POST MJ'S  DEATH THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE JACKSON 5 SPLIT PREVAILED!!!!
The cameras did role and candidly showed us who the real brothers are!!
   

Rumour swirled that there was also trouble in The Supremes camp forcing Diana Ross to go solo. Listen to the video below.

 

TLC also had its share of the problems associated with music groups too. In fact Lisa aka "Left Eye" wanted to leave the group and did so permanently after she met her early death in a car accident. TLC never regrouped successfully following this incidence.

 R&B "Escape" consisted of Kandi, Tiny, Tameka, and LaTocha went down similar road

 

My favourite boy group of all times "Boys To Men" could not compete with the rise in the hip hip dominance so the group slowly faded. Listen to their biggest global hits. This legendary R&B group is said to be the only one of the bunch I've mentioned that remained loyal to each other and was forced out of the mainstream music because their brand no longer appealed to the market. However, they continued to perform across Europe for their fans and recently took up residency in Vagas where they perform their of music.


 

Finally, "Destiny's Child" has been known to have one of the most underhand split of them all. Beyonce is the child of destiny who left Kelly and Mechelle without real footing in the music biz. What else do we expect when you have your father as the manager of the group? Love me some B but I feel so bad for the other two who have lived in her shadow for the rest of their lives. The price you pay for being the elbow and the feet to launch the real star!

 

So here's the real question. Does it make sense to start out your music careers using groups as your launching pads? Be careful that you don't get left behind musically!!! Exercise wisdom and common sense and play the game safe without getting duped!!!

Kandi Reminisces About Writing for TLC and Destiny's Child

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Thursday, August 1, 2013

THANK YOU #SUPPORTERS - A TRIBUTE TO YOU!

Written by @hitsongss
This blog initiated in May 2013 as an experiment. I had no idea what to expect in the world of music/pop culture blogging. I knew I love writing, music, and sharing people's work. Where these passions would lead me, only the heavens knew. My first post was Rihanna "Diamond" and "Stay" singles since these songs connect and resonate with me. I tweeted the posts and noticed different counties started visiting. Wow, I was surprised to learn people really cared for what I was blogging about.
This week I celebrated 10 000 page views and has officially become certified by Google, site owner of this blogged. Three months already and major progress thus far. Thanks to Almighty God for His wisdom and vision and to you dear loyal readers who have contributed.
Special thanks to Trent aka @TheLavaLizard who has been my source of inspiration in the capacity of in dept and honest blogging. His website TheLavaLizard.com has provided me timely and frequent updates re. the music industry and a forum through which I can engage in active debate regarding music industry issues.
Jane Coles @JaneColes2 has visited this site and regularly tweet to her audience. She also retweets me. Thanks Jane I love and adore you.
Many music artists, record companies, and youtubers have visited and retweet and allowed me to post their work. Thanks for showing gratitude and for believing in my vision especially for young artists. A special shout out to @aconnectiontv, #MJFAM, Bomani, Tamisha Nicholls, Keith Currency and New Starz group, Hance John, other Vincy Artists, all my 8 000 and some Twitter followers from my various accounts who support:
 @jaysondogphresh, Duane Stukins ‏@stuke000
@Indi_Redd pradia | #NUMB3RS ‏@pradiaaa
@iamtherealtaj, #CRANKDATGETOUT
Erin Bowman,
F.T.X / C2W²ยบ¹3® ‏@akafizzy
J€§§€ €MJA¥ RA¥ ‏@JesseRadford09
MarQuis Trill Ⓜ @6BillionPeople
Paper.li authors
#PSY tweeters
Facebook tweeters
Lady Gaga News
Nicki Minaj Fans/Stans
Rihanna Navy

Kevin Kyttle

Justin Bieber and Beyonce Fans

Fellow bloggers

Rolling Stone Magazine

Yahoo Music

USA Song Writing

You Tube

Google 

@itsbrookesworld

BlackMountainRecords
 

HERE IS MY VIDEO TRIBUTE TO YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!
             

TOP TEN 10 COUNTRIES TO HAVE VISITED:
United States
4488
Canada
2442
Russia
735
United Kingdom
503
Germany
297
Japan
235
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
138
Sweden
89
Saudi Arabia
57
Serbia
55



POSTS AND PAGE VIEWS
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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

BETRAYED BY THE #MUSIC INDUSTRY! - TONI BRAXTON, Mariah Carey, TLC, New Edition

Written by CLAIRON HAYNES
Those 80s and 90s babies are no strangers to R&B star Toni Braxton. "Unbreak My Heart" was the single that parachuted her to global fame and stardom. After spending over 20 years in the music biz she shockingly found out her label LaFace Records couldn't account for her substantial share of the over 20 000 000 record sales. She received a royalty check of a meager $2 000 as her net income. Bankrupt, the R&B diva was left like a fish out of water to survive musically. Listen to the video below for more information regarding "Behind The Music" for Toni.



 Toni was not the only victim. The well known successful girls group consisting of T- Boz, Chillie, and Left Eye sold over 10 000 000 albums and yet again had little money to show for it. Bankruptcy could not keep them from shining through the 90s. "Waterfalls" and "No Scrubs" are said to be their global hits and everyone's anthem.
WATERFALL                            NO SCRUBBS

LISTEN TO FULL "BEHIND THE MUSIC"


 
 Mariah Carey is no stranger to being victimized by the music industry that she helped to fuel with her major hits. The familiar story told of her ex husband and manager is known too well. Listen to her full behind the music story to get a full understanding of the situation.
Listening to all three situations it is easy to detect that females have lil or no luck to financially survive in the music industry without suffering some form of exploitation by managers/husbands/labels/record companies. Frightening isn't it? With the influx of social media that gives all a platform to market their talent or lack thereof, the labels no longer seem to have that power over the artist.

It seems women are/were not the only push overs in the music industry. "One Edition" consisted of Bobby Brown (Whitney Houston's ex husband), Maurice Starr, Ralph Tresvant, Ricky, and Ronny. This bubble gum pop group dominated the mid 80s. When their royalty arrived in the mail they were shocked to receive .87 cents after all their records were blowing up everywhere.
HERE'S THEIR BEHIND THE MUSIC STORY
 
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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

#COMPASSION for #AmandaBynes + Schizophrenia

The media was all over Amanda story for a long time now. However listening to many daytime talk shows discussing her recent hold in psych ward left me quite appalled and upset. Most hosts made fun of her situation knowing fully well half of her twitter rants came from a helpless place. Even allegedly pouring gasoline on her neighbor's garage is indicative of an act by someone with mental issues. I know some of the things TMZ reported she did come across funny, quite frankly one would expect a TV panel to put on a straight face when sharing such issues knowing they under public scrutiny. I headed to You Tube to see who had a plate of compassion for this young lady and I found this video log by Quaadir aka Timaya. He receives my You Tuber of the week award by showing compassion to Amanda Bynes. Proud of you! Thanks for using your platform to make a difference and spread positivity in spite of the sea of negativity that infiltrates the internet.

                             
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Friday, July 26, 2013

NEW ARTIST #ErinBowman on the rise @ErinBowmanMusic #music

This site remains loyal to giving new artist the exposure they truly deserve. 

Pop singer/songwriter Erin Bowman who hails from New Jersey in the United States of America, has wowed many showcasing her exceptional talent on You Tube where she shares her music. In a recent interview with Clairon Haynes, Erin revealed the following details about her self and her musical journey.

Z100 in New York City!

me, Alissa Pollack and Garrett after her interview with Z100 in NYC!

Z100 in New York City!

about to perform at Z100 in New York City!

King Boy                            Problem (Official)

Interview:
"I've loved pop music my whole life but I also really like pop rock, classic rock, r&b, disco, and some country pop. I've worked with several producers! However, I have not put out and album yet but I have the music and just need to figure out the perfect time in which to release it to the audience."  
Future goals: Put out an album and get a #1 hit! And maybe world domination. :)
Inspirations: Spice Girls, Britney Spears, TLC, Gwen Stefani

 
QUESTIONS
1 Are you satisfied with the current state of the musical industry? What changes would you love to see made?


The music industry is a whole lot different than it's ever been. Artists now can do more on their own which is a great thing but that also means good artists can get lost. As an aspiring singer, it used to be that only major label artists were your competition, now it's every artist on youtube and every release on iTunes/Amazon/etc by independent and label artists. You used to need a major label; there was really no other way. Now you see artists like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis getting their first 3 singles into the top 10. It's crazy and awesome! I think labels and artists are trying to figure it out. I don't think there's anything I would necessarily change, you kind of just have to go with the flow.


2 What do you have to offer to an already competitive music industry that seems to put out imitations and clones of our music legends

I never felt like I was trying to be a clone of anyone. There are artists that I absolutely love,  definitely look up to, and am inspired by but being a clone was never something I was interested in. I never sat down and tried to write a song that sounded like another song. 

I offer relatable words, words that people will want to sing because they've experienced the same thing or feel the same way. That's what music is all about. 

3 What do you hope to achieve with your music or how do you intent to create a profound impact on listeners globally?
 
I hope to achieve a fan base that I have an amazing connection with. A fan base that just feels like a giant group of friends. People that get me and people that I get. And I hope to give the world music they love and can relate to!

4 How do you intend to change the scope of mediocrity that has become the status quo within the music industry?

I intend to change the scope of mediocrity by writing and recording songs that are not mediocre. It's all about the music. You can be crazy, pretty, great singer, date an A list actor, but it you don't have good music ya got nothing. I believe in my music and I believe in my writing.

5 What advise do you have for young aspiring artists like yourself?

Don't listen to people that try to bring you down. I can't even count how many times I heard I'd never make it. Some guy told me wanting to be pop star was like wanting to be a princess. That's actually kind of funny in hind sight but still mean. I've thought my whole life "someone has to make it, so why not me?" I suggest young aspiring artists do the same. To stay connected with this lovely buzzing songstress click the links here >>  youtube channel: www.youtube.com/erinbowmanmusic
follow me on twitter @erinbowmanmusic
"like" me on facebook: www.facebook.com/erinbowmanmusic

buy "King Boy" on iTunes here:
www.erinbowman.net 

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#SamSimon Giving Away #MILLIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt Groening’s Writing Partner Sam Simon Giving Away millions
Many of us will remember the hit show "The Simpsons." Sam Simon was actually part of the creative team as a co-writer. He became quite wealthy with a fortune still tuck away in his bank account. He told TMZ in a live interview that he is partnering with charity groups to invest some of that money to the needy. Why? He has been diagnosed with colon cancer and has been given 6 months to live. I do admire his spirit though seemingly jovial and light spirited about his fate.


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Thursday, July 25, 2013

#MJFAM > #MichaelJackson vs. #CelineDion -- #AEG's Outrageous Claim!!!

 0725-celine-dion-michael-jackson-getty
NOW LIVE >>

7/25/13: Michael Jackson vs. Celine Dion -- AEG's Outrageous Claim!!! http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_ho5ftpqy/ 

This is absurdity at its highest level!  Michael is a superstar who even became huger after death! Which other star can bring in billions of dollars from the sale of their catalog, and other work at the rate at which Michael Jackson did? Not even Whitney could have done that! This is clearly a cheap stunt by #AEG to prevent paying out all that money should Kate wins that lawsuit! 

THANKS TO @ACONNECTIONTV FOR THIS RESPONSE CLIP

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