Madonna, Come On!!!

I am thoroughly convinced that some of the veterans making music today are losing their minds. Maybe it has something to do with age. First Janet needs "discipline" like she hasn't been out of control long enough, and now Madonna teams with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland on one of the wackest so-called dance records I've ever heard. (Can someone tell me why they only have 4 minutes to save the world 'cause I really don't get the madness.)

Crotch open, something in your mouth, and more atrocious songs for the kiddies at 49. Madonna, come on already!!! I thought you were evolving so nicely with "Ray of Light" and "Confessions on a Dance Floor." Now you put out this? Why didn't you hire one of those great foreign producers like you have in recent years to give you a distinctive sound and not a Timbaland and Neptunes sound?

Madonna, come on!!!

Mariah, Retire!!!

Okay, so "E=MC2" is out, and frankly, I'm not impressed. I mean, how gullible are fans nowadays? Don't they know rehashed material when they hear it? "Touch My Body" is not original. It sounds like something I've heard before but can't put my finger on. It probably has something to do with the fact that it was produced by Jermaine Dupri, whose sound, when it comes to ballads is sooooo predictable and repetitive at this point in his career. Sorry Janet!

I've been tired of Mariah ever since I realized that her breasts got awfully big over the years, and she insists on trying to play the cute role and wear tight things when she, in my opinion, is not sexy. She's not really that cute, either. But it is the voice that I admired, back when "Vision of Love" brought her to the public realm.

Nonetheless, she is the last of the Mohigans, the last of the superstars with clout and quality albums behind their name. (The Mohigans also includes Madonna, Janet, and Whitney, although, the latter may already be in the pasture.)

Despite the fact that she can still go multi-platinum and currently holds the record for having the most number one singles, let's face it, the pipes ain't the same. (She doesn't hit those high notes anymore. Am I the only one taking notice?) I also believe that Mariah needs to take a break. Hell, between her and Beyonce, they are two people who don't know how to go somewhere and sit down so that fans can miss them awhile.

So unless the voice comes back full blast, the breast confession is rendered, and she stops having cheesy hit songs under Jermaine Dupri's production hand, I have one recommendation: MARIAH, RETIRE!!!

Ray J - R&B's Latest Double Standard

I am really tired of male R&B singers, and rappers for that matter, engaging in sexual acts and being rewarded with success or awards (i.e., R Kelly) instead of jail time or a ruined career. Even so-called R&B singer Justin Timberlake catapulted to even bigger fame in the R&B industry after being the one responsible for the infamous "wardrobe malfunction" Janet Jackson experienced. And now...there's Ray J.

"Sexy Can I" is receiving extensive airplay and is the number one ringtone on iTunes. He even had the number R&B/Hip-Hop album on Billboard's chart last week with his latest release "All I Need." I guess that sex tape and his endowed member helped his career tremendously.

But my thing is this: Why is it that women are ridiculed and scandalized and have to recover ten times what they accomplished when R Kelly and Ray J and myriad other males become sex symbols? Kim Kardashian may have a show on TV, but she also has a tarnished image. Ray J, on the other hand, has adoring fans.

When are fans going to wise up and either applaud the women as well or let the guys feel a little heat? I guess the sad fact is, when it comes to sexual acts, men always get the glory...unless they are not built like Ray J.

It's Gonna Be A Live Nation

First Madonna. Then U2. Now Jay-Z. These are just a few of the artists who are going to make big bucks over the course of the next 10 to 12 years through Live Nation. Artists like Madonna and Jay-Z are leaving the majors and signing on with the soon-to-be extremely wealthy concert promotion company with deals that consist of things such as selling their merchandise, backing their concerts with dollars, and in Jay's case, money to start a business venture. My question is, while all of that may sound great, why would artists of their caliber commit to a company so long?

Better yet, why not start their own business ventures and just seek endorsement money for their tours from a company like Live Nation? And even more important, why does Jay-Z need a $20 million advance? Isn't he rich enough?

These kind of deals are just another example of the rich getting richer. I just wonder, given the state of the music industry, if they will be that profitable in the end.

The State of the Music Industry

Since there isn't much going on in terms of hot music right now, I just wanted to say that I hope things get better. I am presently working on my colloquy (Master's Thesis) about how the industry is really going down hill with each decade. There is no originality anymore, and I don't have the impulse to buy music like I used to. (Maybe that's a good thing. I'll have more money in my checking account...not!)

Concert prices are ridiculous, so I guess there will be a few artists I just won't get to see before I die, like Madonna, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, and George Michael. Speaking of which, why is he charging $254.50 for tickets when he comes to Madison Square Garden? George, I like you, but I don't like you that much!

And I really wanted to see him too! He's such a handsome man with a velvet voice! I guess I'll have to watch my DVD collection of him and listen to my CDs instead.

Music industry! This is not the way to make up the deficit you have in CD purchases! Artists! Stop charging these asinine amounts for fans to come and see you! Music is the saving grace for many, but now it's just becoming insanely expensive to get a little bit of basic entertainment.

That's it. I'm done.