The Pop-ization of Great Artists: Is There Such A Thing As Too Much Success?
Let me start off by saying, I love Usher. He’s a true artist, always pushing boundaries, his voice goes to places I find it hard to believe, etc. With that said, he dropped a new single, Climax, literally about half a second ago. And it’s already on top of the charts. Again, what’s not to love about him? He can sing, dance, charm anyone within half a mile radius, and the list goes on. I just wish there were a way for him to be Usher without him having to be USHER; without having to have his music played constantly to the point of nasuem. But he is just an example I’m using. The same thing happened to Adele, true talent, great music, and yet I can’t bear to hear anymore of her songs. I’m talking about the pop-ization of amazing singers ans rappers. And yet, it’s what nearly everyone wants. The artists really can’t win nor the conscientiousness fan and music lover.
It’s usualy stuff that flies under the radar that remains great without the stigma of being played constantly to a pop audience and made into pop, when in fact, it is something entirely different. (Usher exudes R&B, yet he has been cast as a pop artist) Case in point: 50’s “Wait Until Tonight”. This is the way music should sound. His success has been tantamount to super super stardom. And a mixtape was all he/we needed. I did not and do not want to hear him constantly on Z100. Do not underestimate 50. He knows he is relevant just being himself.
I know you are thinking that 50 is in a state of life where he can afford to do anything he so desires. And it’s entirely true. Yet, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to be the best artist he feels he should be. Don’t you think 50, with his power and pull could have any station he wanted playing his music a lot of the time? He chooses not to. He’s preserving his integrity as an artist and entertainer.
So, it’s something to think about for those coming up. Where does an artist draw the line? Musical integreity that will last or absurd amounts of album sales? Are both possible, for the long run? Everyone has a different version of success and each path taken is unique for a reason. Furthermore, is there even such a thing as “selling out” or too much success? All valid questions to which everyone will have a different answer, and I’m certain that there is no real answer anyway!
Check out the videos below. Usher’s is especially powerful. Which further proves my point, he’s a real artist being pushed into a pop box.
Also, just go get one of 50′s Street King Energy Drinks. You’re helping feed a hungry child. Pretty amazing.
