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Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 5922
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 22, 2007 - 03:55 am: | 
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Is the Current Onslaught of ‘Blue-Eyed Soul’ Performers Overshadowing Black Music Culture?
Date: Thursday, June 21, 2007
By: Danielle Kwateng, Howard University News Service
Listening to "Lost Without You" makes fans of Robin Thicke want to sail away to a romantic island. The eclectic sounds of Joss Stone remind many of smoky blues clubs. And when Justin Timberlake fans hear "My Love," they’re instantly infatuated with the passion in his voice.
So what do these three sultry-voiced musicians have in common? They’re part of the new generation of "blue-eyed soul" artists.
"Their sound is different -- like Justin Timberlake’s album is more upbeat than most black R&B artists," 20-year-old Howard University student Brianna Hurt told BlackAmericaWeb.com. "I just like their sound, plus I don’t really like hip-hop anymore. It all sounds the same. Yes, [Robin Thicke] sounds like Marvin Gaye, but I don’t compare him to anyone. I listen to them because they’re good, and there’s no profanity."
The new generation of R&B lovers seems to embrace the music of today's blue-eyed soul artists, but their sound may also largely have something to do with the production teams behind them.
"Interestingly enough, today's biggest white soul singers have had strong support from black producer/mentors," acclaimed filmmaker and author Nelson George told BlackAmericaWeb.com.
"Joss Stone has worked with the Roots and Raphael Saadiq, Justin Timberlake has been supported by Timbaland, and Robin Thicke was originally signed by Andre Harrell," George said.
"What many people don’t know is that white musicians have been singing R&B since its beginnings," he added. "Although the roots of rhythm and blues come from the African-American culture of the South, many whites enjoyed and replicated the music as well."
The term "blue-eyed soul" originated in the 1960’s with the emergence of white artists who sang songs written and produced by black musicians, because blacks couldn't get radio play. Elvis Presley, for example, sang songs written by black artists when the those acts were not allowed on the radio.
Over the years, the term revolutionized itself to describe white artists who, for lack of better words, "got soul." A lot of the original blue-eyed soul artists came from a jazz, blues, or country background, musical forms that were all fundamentally created by African-Americans.
Groups like The Righteous Brothers, The Young Rascals and The Box Tops were the pioneers for more mainstream artist of the 80’s and today. Many of us are familiar with artists like Hall & Oates, Teena Marie, Michael McDonald and George Michael, artists who made it commonplace to hear white singers on urban contemporary radio stations.
"There have been blue-eyed soul singers for as long as there's been soul," says George. Back in the '60s, Dusty Springfield and the Righteous Brothers were played on black radio."
Charles Young, a professor of jazz at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and former member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, agrees, but thinks there is a slight difference in jazz.
"The level of proficiency in white [jazz] players isn't as high," Young told BlackAmericaWeb.com. "They were spurred on by the love of black musicians."
Some African-Americans worry that the culture behind historically black music is being lost behind the shadow of new white talent. But many music scholars believe its the black community itself that needs to do more to preserve the vitality and character of its music culture.
Young says he's concerned with the lack of enthusiasm young African-American students have towards their own music and the history of their culture.
"I'm saddened," Young said. "that African-American culture has become so hooked on pop culture that we don’t know our history, let alone give a damn about it. I'm concerned that in another 50 years, if we’re not careful, John Coltrane will be white."
George, however, doesn’t see these new white artists as a threat.
"I don't see how owning the Robin Thicke's CD affects the health of black culture," George said. "Owning George Michael's "Careless Whisper" in the '80s didn't stop Michael Jackson or Luther Vandross. Whites have been inspired by -- or stolen from -- black music since slavery days."
"It’s doubtful that any of the current stars will undermine the vitality of black culture," he added. "The only thing that can do that is black people themselves."
LISTEN: Blue-Eyed Soul Radio featuring Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake, Teena Marie and more:
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/entertainment/blackmusicmonth/blueeyedsoul621 |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2307
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 22, 2007 - 03:58 am: |
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"It’s doubtful that any of the current stars will undermine the vitality of black culture," he added. "The only thing that can do that is black people themselves."
End of subject.....................
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Serenasailor
Veteran Poster
Username: Serenasailor
Post Number: 1654
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 22, 2007 - 01:58 pm: |
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Here we go again just because NTFS unanimously agrees with something he is going to automatically decide for us all that it is the "end of subject".
Last I checked this was a MESSAGE BOARD. Meaning that everybodies opinions were welcome.
HOW FUNNY!!! |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2309
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 22, 2007 - 02:18 pm: |
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"Here we go again just because NTFS unanimously agrees with something he is going to automatically decide for us all that it is the "end of subject"."
SS, are you bitter and angry because I posted a comment or are you in disagreement with my comment? Two different things. Which is it?
"Last I checked this was a MESSAGE BOARD. Meaning that everybodies opinions were welcome."
Absolutely! You just did! I've been telling you this for some time now. PEOPLE SHOULD BE FREE TO POST THEIR OPINIONS WITHOUT BEING PREEMPTIVELY CALLED OFFENSIVE NAMES AND ATTACKED WITHOUT PROVOCATION. Don't you agree? Hint....hint....hint........
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Chrishayden
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 4737
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 23, 2007 - 10:16 am: |
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It always has.
Look at Paul Whiteman--the King of Jazz. Bing Crosby. Al Jolson. Elvis Presley. Pat Boone doing little Richard covers as soon as they came out. The Beatles. The whole disco thang. The Righteous Brothers. The Brill Building writers. And on and on and on.
Thing is, isn't this what is desired? I mean isn't one of the goals of exposing other people to black culture having them honor it by imitating and picking them up?
And as long as they do it well, what's the complaint?
I suppose that the brothers ain't getting the money, etc.
The brothers and sisters ought to be doing white music. I remember when the Fifth Dimension came out--I was stunned to find out they were black.
Turn it around. Get some of that dough. Or better yet, become managers, record producers, choreographers, agents, etc etc |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9399
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 08:56 am: |
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Chris: "Turn it around. Get some of that dough. Or better yet, become managers, record producers, choreographers, agents, etc etc"
Many, if not MOST, of the today's biggest White pop stars have Black producers, songwriters, choreographers, etc. But most of them are smart enuff to know that in most cases (with exceptions like Dr. Dre & Emi(tate)nem and Timberline & Justin Timberfake) the LESS middle White America see/know/hear of their association with White popstars, the BETTER. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9401
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 09:24 am: |
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Btw: WHAT current, thriving genre of American music is NOT at its origin and core largely, if not entirely...BLACK? |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8956
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 11:37 am: |
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Grunge and Metal and Bluegrass. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2305
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 12:21 pm: |
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You can hear the influence of Jimi Hendrix in nearly every metal song in existence. And considering grunge started in Seattle (and is an offshoot/subtler form of metal), I wouldn't doubt his influence there, either. And Hendrix, to me, sounds like a much more aggressive Chuck Berry.
I don't think country originated with blavk people. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2306
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 12:25 pm: |
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If you base this theory on Purple Haze ALONE, you could almost assume Jimi Hendrix INVENTED metal. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2307
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 12:27 pm: |
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And his rendition of Star Spangled Banner? |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8958
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 12:50 pm: |
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Yes, but what came first? Metal or Hendrix? Jimmy Henrix used to play R&B with little Richard then he switched styles and infiltrated the heavy metal genre which was in its infancy. Hendrix was a guitar genius who took metal to another level but it's arguable as to whether he originated it and metal never became popular with black audiences because it was considered white music. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2308
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 01:16 pm: |
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I have to admit I don't know "which" metal you must be referring to. Metal as I know it came after Hendrix.
The earliest two I can think of: Black Sabbath started in 1966 but weren't recognized or respected until they started doing covers of Hendrix, and Aerosmith formed in 1970. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2309
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 01:17 pm: |
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But then again, Aerosmith is "hard rock" and not metal...even though they tried so hard to be so in the 80's when metal was really popular. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8960
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 02:13 pm: |
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Jimi Hendrix was in a class by himself. and the fact remains that in his heyday during the late 1960s his audience was white because he was playing "white" music. His music has been referred to as "acid rock" as opposed to "metal". After his death in 1970, he became a legend and black folks evetually came to appreciate his genius. So, how old were you in 1970, Renata? |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2313
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 02:45 pm: |
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And he still INVENTED metal. Whatever else was playing at the time is irrelevant. Rock was here, blues was here, jazz was here (also influenced Black Sabbath). METAL was started by Hendrix.
The harder stuff today is still influenced by blacks (the really good stuff anyways). Rage Against the Machine was nothing but a rapper with a rock band to back him. If Chris Cornell (now backed by the same band whose new name I can't remember) gets any more soulful than he is, I'm going to start a movement to move him to R&B. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2314
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 02:46 pm: |
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I'll get back to this later. I have to take my child outside. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8963
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 03:43 pm: |
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Yeah, go run off somewhere. In your opinion Hendrix invented heavy metal. Conventional wisdom does not agree. And all of these other groups you claim are influenced by blacks are of a different genre. Metallica is the premiere metal band. No need to get back to this subject unless you have something of substance to add. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2315
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 06:49 pm: |
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Running off somewhere? LOL....some people might call it living somewhere other than online.
OMG....
Kirk Hammett (of Metallica) has said HIMSELF that his biggest influence was Jimi Hendrix. It's quite interesting that you'd mention that band. At least bring up a band that would mention someone OTHER than Hendrix as their influence. Goodness. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2316
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 06:51 pm: |
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I'm a closet Metallica fan. You guys have got to hear the "And Justice for all" CD. Really good stuff. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2317
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 06:54 pm: |
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I can't say we influenced country. Or Polka. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8972
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 07:22 pm: |
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I'd opt for the interesting pass time of surfing the net anyday to having to amuse a snotty-nosed brat, Renata. And do you know the difference between influencing something and originating it?? And the idea that music is "invented" rather than created proves how obtuse your thinking is. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2318
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 07:41 pm: |
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LOL Whatever, lady...
point: the next time you want to bring up how someone didn't influence something much (invent or not) because it was already around, it only makes sense not to mention the people who are well known to say they wished they WERE that person and that the person was their BIGGEST influence.
I mean, really, I say he was such a big influence on metal that he basically almost invented it...and you mention AS PROOF that it's incorrect: METALLICA. LOL (I can see you weren't on your school's debate team.)
I'll make it easy for you..... Take back all I've said...... I don't think AC/DC has listed them as an influence (I could be wrong, I'm not a fan of theirs). Or Gorky Park. Or the Scorpions. Even easier, all of those bands are foreign, so you could say metal originated in Australia, Russia, or Germany. A long stretch, but still. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8975
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 08:01 pm: |
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Oh put a sock in it. You are not an authority on heavy metal, Renata. You are obviously a fan of it. I am not a particular fan of it but I can read what the music historians say about it. You keep trying to say that black folks influenced heavy metal. Jimi Hendricks is one person and he was a guitarist first, and a black person second. He's comparable to a white jazz musician; a white man playing black music infusing it with his own individual style. Sheeze. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2319
Registered: 08-2005
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 08:06 pm: |
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Check out this song (which I LOVE) on youtube. Other than backing De La Rocha in R.A.T.M., this band has no known links to "black" music. Chris used to be the singer for Soundgarden, and also has no known links to black music. Tell me if you don't hear any black influence here. It has a big blues/gospel/Hendrix feel to it (to me anyways).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEYNSi7gWnU
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Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2320
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 08:13 pm: |
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LOL...I don't even have to say that Hendrix influenced metal, those playing it will tell you themselves. Not just "an" influence...their BIGGEST influence. Some have even been known to say that when they start to play they try their best to "channel Hendrix". Some have said that they want to BE Hendrix. Don't take my word for it that he was the BIGGEST influence on metal as we know it.
They don't want to "be" Satriani, or "channel" Steve Vai. Find the ones who'll say that. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2321
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 08:31 pm: |
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Heck, if this band (Audioslave) ever finds religion and want to give up being famous, they can always move to the south and play for a black church. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8981
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 08:47 pm: |
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Yawn. When you can discern the difference between influence and originate and get that through your thick skull I might give some credence to your babbling, Renata. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2322
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 09:01 pm: |
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LOL...whatever, lady.
Just figure this out: Listen to metal after Hendrix...listen to the same "metal" bands BEFORE Hendrix. Not one or two of them, a few of them. Tell me if their sound AFTER Hendrix was or wasn't the HENDRIX SOUND. Bands who couldn't get people to remember their name were respected and recognized...AFTER they picked up the "HENDRIX SOUND". Bands who played POLKA before Hendrix, played with his influence and changed the type of music they played.
Hammett was taught by SATRIANI (no slouch). That's a HUGE DEAL. And when asked who he wanted to be or who his influence was, he doesn't name Satriani.
I don't even know what we're arguing about....white people do have some music they picked up on their own: country, polka, classical, Catholic church music, and whatever it is those Von Trapp kids were singing.
And the music these bands are playing has been heard before...by anyone who's been inside a black church. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 8983
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 09:35 pm: |
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Click! I've changed the channel. Chatter on. Reading your posts is a waste of my time. |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2323
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, June 24, 2007 - 09:53 pm: |
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This is my favorite Rage Against the Machine song, "Bulls on Parade". Same band, different frontman. If you like rap, you might like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-58-36lSqG4 |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9404
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 25, 2007 - 08:01 pm: |
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Are metal and grunge musical genres? Or are they simply subgenre's of Rock? Likewise, is bluegrass a genre of music? Or is it a subgenre of Country?
And are either of those (sub)genres (especially bluegrass) still actually "current, thriving"? |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2324
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 25, 2007 - 10:07 pm: |
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That's an interesting question. About bluegrass....I have no idea at all. I don't even know what bluegrass sounds like.
There is still a really big audience for metal, especially overseas. I don't think it's ever going to be as big as it was in the 80's. Metallica are still big because they're just really good. Grunge has kind of slipped into "alternative". It peaked with the whole Seattle music scene in the 90's. When more and more musicians started joining the movement from around the country, the sound kind of changed.
So, short answer: the "modified" versions are thriving. |
Moonsigns
Veteran Poster
Username: Moonsigns
Post Number: 1978
Registered: 07-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 09:31 am: |
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I think debating about music is pointless.
However, on a side note, not too long ago, I saw Robin Thicke on Oprah. Now, I've always liked his voice, but when I saw him dance -- if I can even call it that -- it turned my stomach. I was so turned-off. Because of the horrible visual I have of him (trying to) bodyrock, I'll never listen to his music the same way.
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Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 451
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 09:45 am: |
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If you ask me, Robin Thicke's got that whole metrosexual thang going, which I find a turn-off. I know he's married, but still... But I really dig that song, Shooter, he did with Lil' Wayne. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 9024
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 01:44 pm: |
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Bluegrass spawned C&W music. R&B and Rock and Roll did spawn other music genres and Grunge and Metal are examples of what Rock spawned. As for a genre that is currently thriving, I don't think any particular kind of music is dominating the music charts. Adult contemporary music is a conglomerate of all types of music. |
Mzuri
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mzuri
Post Number: 5061
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 02:00 pm: |
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Who the fukc is Robin Thicke anyway??? With all the idol winners, America's got talent and watch me do the tango, and damn near everybody and their momma over at myspace having a musical career, it's impossible to keep up. There are just too damn many "celebrities" and I don't hardly give a care about any of them. Or maybe I'm just getting old. 
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Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 452
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 03:07 pm: |
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Mzuri, Robin Thicke is the hottest White R&B male artist out right now. You may have heard his song Lost Without You:
I'm lost without you
can't help myself
how does it feel
to know that I love you baby
I'm lost without you
Of course he says "without choo," I guess that's sexier. And he sings the song in an airy falsetto, so if you heard the song you probably thought you were listening to a woman. RT is also Alan Thicke's son, and he's married to a Black actress. Her name escapes me. |
Jackie
Veteran Poster
Username: Jackie
Post Number: 582
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 03:23 pm: |
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Moosigns: However, on a side note, not too long ago, I saw Robin Thicke on Oprah. Now, I've always liked his voice, but when I saw him dance -- if I can even call it that -- it turned my stomach. I was so turned-off. Because of the horrible visual I have of him (trying to) bodyrock, I'll never listen to his music the same way.
LMAO ! I thought the same thing. When he did that Michael Jackson skipping thing...I was like uh uh. He need to quit.
I like most of the songs on his cd for the exception of 2 or 3.
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Mzuri
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mzuri
Post Number: 5064
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 03:32 pm: |
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U.S. - I appreciate you trying to school me, but I haven't heard that song. I just googled him and the latest news is that he may win a BET award tonight. What next.
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Misty
Veteran Poster
Username: Misty
Post Number: 953
Registered: 02-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 03:34 pm: |
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RT is also Alan Thicke's son, and he's married to a Black actress. Her name escapes me.
which one is married to a black woman alan thicke or robin thicke? |
Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 6041
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 03:37 pm: |
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Robin Thicke could be first non-black to win B.E.T. Award
BRAD WHEELER
From Tuesday's Globe and Mail
June 26, 2007 at 3:53 AM EDT
Robin Thicke is white, and that's no rap against him. At least in the eyes of Black Entertainment Television, the U.S.-based cable network which airs its annual BET Awards ceremony tonight.
Thicke, the crooning, platinum-selling son of Canadian entertainer Alan Thicke and singer-actress Gloria Loring, is a contender for the best male R&B artist and a publicly voted viewer's choice prize for his smash album The Evolution of Robin Thicke. If he should win, he would be the first non-black artist to snatch the star-topped statue: Justin Timberlake and Eminem made short lists, but lost, in 2003; while the wacky and pale Michael Jackson has never even been nominated. (Justifiably, BET people have historically been ice-ice cold to the milk-skinned rapper Vanilla Ice.)
The BET Awards were established in 2001, according to a Wikipedia blurb, to "celebrate African Americans and other minorities in music, acting, sports and other fields of entertainment." Though his lithe falsetto has confused radio listeners into thinking otherwise, Thicke is not an African American. Skin colour aside, Thicke's Oprah-approved brand of suave soul has been embraced by black audiences. YouTube commentary is highly favourable ("homey can sing!"), and the cover of the current issue of Giant is given exclusively to Thicke, dubbed by the Afro-centric magazine as "Soul Brother No. 1."
In the article, Thicke is disarmingly candid, whether speaking about his marriage to black actress Paula Patton (Idlewild) or a long-seeded jealously of Jesus: "I'm special. I'm able to be righteous. How come Jesus gets to be the Son of God and not me?"
In the same interview, the Beverly Hills-born and raised Thicke reveals the delusion that he is something other than privileged. "People act like the only black people or Puerto Ricans or people of any ethnicity who make it out of the 'hood are athletes and rappers and, in reality, we have more minority doctors, lawyers, teachers, and professors than ever before. Society as a whole is changing because the white man is finally losing some control."
The cryptic use of "we," whether it refers to minorities or residents of the 'hood, is nothing short of bizarre coming from the non-suffering musician.
That being said, in the field of urban R&B music, Thicke is a minority. Victory tonight in Los Angeles would be a legitimate triumph. Thicke will be in tough, though, facing challenges from Senegalese rapper Akon, John Legend and the sympathy-vote grabbing Gerald Levert, recently deceased. Blue eyes and light skin notwithstanding, Thicke, in this race, is the dark horse.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070626.wthicke26/BNStory/En tertainment/home |
Misty
Veteran Poster
Username: Misty
Post Number: 954
Registered: 02-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 04:02 pm: |
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Btw: WHAT current, thriving genre of American music is NOT at its origin and core largely, if not entirely...BLACK?
at the root arent all american genres a mixture of black and white in some way? some just weigh more heavily in black influence while others weigh more heavily in white influence. |
Mzuri
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Mzuri
Post Number: 5065
Registered: 01-2006
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 05:33 pm: |
|
Just Fucking Google It |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 9035
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 26, 2007 - 08:30 pm: |
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Robin Thicke is just a white Smokey Robinson. But Smokey could stay on key. Robin struggles in his live performances, and forget about a capella. He is well-produced, however. IMO. |
Tonya
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Tonya
Post Number: 6055
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 01:26 am: |
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He sounded like Maxwell to me. I HAD TO pick up his album because of that.
I LOVE MY MAXWELL!!!!! |
Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2325
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 09:21 am: |
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If this dude sounds like Maxwell, maybe I should check him out.
I checked out a CD (but didn't buy it) of a singer named Van Hunt. From the very little you're allowed to listen to in the store, this dude sounds really good.
Has anyone here heard his songs all the way out? How do you like him?
And he's really cute, too! |
Ntfs_encryption
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Ntfs_encryption
Post Number: 2319
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - 09:22 pm: |
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"When you can discern the difference between influence and originate........"
This is the crux of the matter. Most people fail to distinguish the two. They are both completely different...
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Renata
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Renata
Post Number: 2326
Registered: 08-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 01:58 am: |
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Here's a Van Hunt video. I like this dude a lot!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0IkEbJTDvI |
Brownbeauty123
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Brownbeauty123
Post Number: 2029
Registered: 03-2006
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 28, 2007 - 06:49 am: |
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Robin Thicke is terrible at singing live. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9414
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 30, 2007 - 05:32 am: |
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BB123,
MOST of today's (so-called) singers are. The true STAR of today's music is the producer and studio engineer. |
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