Connect with us

Entertainment

Let’s talk about Michael Jackson vs. Chris Brown

Published

on

Musically, I like Chris Brown. I understand that his personal life makes him essentially the most problematic star we have ever had, but given his artistry, I’m a fan. He can sing, dance, act, rap, write, etc. He’s got the entire package, perhaps even greater than Usher Raymond, who has been the gold standard of R&B for years because the late 90s. Usher’s catalog is healthier than Chris Brown’s; I do not think that is debatable, but they’re each great at what they do. Chris has something extra, though, that makes the Chris Brown vs. Usher discussion price listening to.

And then there’s Michael Jackson. You’ve heard of him. Another problematic superstar (all of them appear to be) who was probably essentially the most famous man on Earth for a time. Michael Jackson could sing, dance, act, understood theatrics, and had an unassailable catalog. Michael Jackson has several of the best-selling albums of all time, and for good reason—Off The Wall and Thriller are incredible works. Period.

When Mike (any longer we are going to call Michael Jackson Mike) died in 2009, his glory days were long behind him. He still attracted attention, as evidenced by ticket sales “This is it” list of live shows he was speculated to play in London in 2009 and 2010. But even a slowed down Mike was a category above the remaining. He simply was. Do you understand how significant and good you’ve gotten to be to have the worldwide status of 1 name under the name “Michael”? Mike was the very best of all of them. He may not have had the very best voice, but he was a fully amazing singer and his live shows were legendary. I attended a “Bad” concert in West Germany in 1988 (I do not remember which city we saw it in, but I used to be living in Frankfurt on the time) and I still keep in mind that concert vividly. As much as I keep in mind that concert, I also remember listening to the album time and again, together with hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands of other people.

That’s why I’m all the time amazed by the Chris Brown vs. Michael Jackson arguments. Again, I’m a Chris Brown fan (and in his favor he closed (“the next coming of Michael Jackson” talk). Recently, chatting with Stephen A. Smith, R&B singer and podcaster Tank said that Chris Brown is healthier than Michael Jackson, indicating that it is solely a matter of evolution.

I do not agree with Stephen A. Smith as much as I would really like to, but his response was appropriate, not simply because the statement was crazy, but since it’s simply not true. Chris Brown, I might argue, is a generational talent and some of the complete artists on the market at once. And I feel Brown has reached his plateau. His run-ins with the law and his destructive actions, combined with the era during which he’s making music, make it difficult for an artist like him to achieve his full potential unless he really decides he desires to achieve this. Chris Brown has megahits, but I do not think he’s had an album that is on par with any of Mike’s albums. That’s not even a criticism, but somewhat a feature of that era of music; a variety of people consider Usher’s Confessions to be the last great, noteworthy R&B album — which got here out in 2004. Music artists invest heavily in singles, and the algorithm that ensures a song explodes in streaming. Chris has a little bit of middle child syndrome, which J. Cole references in his song the identical namewhich talks about the issue of being an artist who bridges eras. Chris has been around long enough to have all these amazing videos, award show appearances, and truly iconic songs under his belt. But his catalog of music is where the argument loses steam.

In comparison, most individuals who know Michael Jackson can name his albums because they were influential after they were released and are still in rotation. Mike’s music and albums are here to remain. “Thriller,” for instance, will outlive us all. In the era that Michael Jackson was making music, the album was the first unit of measure. Artists may not view them the identical way today, but they still make and release full-length albums, so that they still matter.

Music

Mike also benefited from working with Quincy Jones, who found a approach to refine Mike’s sound and goals into what became Mike’s profession (and thus fame), very like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis helped Janet Jackson reach her creative peak. I don’t know if Chris Brown had one producer who really had the ear in a way that allowed him to search out a singular sound and vision to create a legendary and everlasting body of labor. I’ve looked through the credits for all of Chris Brown’s albums, several of which have incredible songs, and the list of producers reads like a who’s who of the most popular producers. Coupled with the indisputable fact that the albums were less R&B and more of the rap/R&B fusion that dominates the sound of R&B today, his music has its highlights, but do any of his albums keep on with your ribs in a way that stands the test of time? I’d say no.

And that’s the actual divider. Chris Brown, like many others, was influenced by Michael Jackson and understood the pressure of being seen because the rightful heir to the throne. Chris Brown’s performance, presence, prime quality entertainment and musical offerings are clear indicators of why comparisons to Michael Jackson are made (same goes for Usher). I’m sure Chris is even honored by this, while maintaining a humble attitude, knowing that Michael was truly an alien, considered one of a form, a standing that Chris may sooner or later achieve with some work.

Do I feel Chris Brown could catch as much as Mike? I do not think so, but that is not Chris’s fault. I feel Michael Jackson was too big for too long with albums that may outlive us all; I’m undecided ANYONE could top Jackson. Not Chris. Not Beyoncé. No one. Talent-wise? Sure. Chris has every talent you can want in an individual. I used to say that adding Chris Brown to any record immediately improved it – his presence and vocals alone were enough to raise any song. I still think so. I just think Mike is an unattainable goal and truthfully, it isn’t price trying. I doubt anyone could top the space Michael Jackson has in my lifetime.

Maybe someday it’ll occur, but I would not be surprised if in 100 years persons are still trying to search out the subsequent Mike.



This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

Published

on

By

Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

Published

on

By

India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

Published

on

By

Instagram

With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending