For the last couple of years I have witnessed the R&B scene go from being sensually-potent with deep figurative speech to converting the passions of human nature into a meaning-less facade.
Don't believe me? Turn to your favourite radio station and seek the top ten songs, the men either sing about performing sex and the women sing about relationship problems.
The problem lies in the human characteristic for this evident lust for greed. Greed turns artists into selling themselves. I'm positive that these artists grew up idolizing artists like Marvin Gaye, Luthor Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Anita Baker, Sade, Donny Hathaway, Al Green, Gladys Knight, Chaka Kahn, Stevie Wonder, Micheal Jackson, Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin and etc. With influences as wonderful as the previous legends mentioned before, how can the state of such a incredible art be at such a horrible condition?
My greatest example is Virginia's own, Trey Songz. This artist completely lost himself in the battle against greed. He is an amazing singer with an incredible first album to back up my claims. He came into the game with comparisons to R.Kelly and the support of Aretha Franklin. It still leaves me confused and bitter that I can't figure out where this gentleman went wrong!
How could he of have gone wrong? Present R&B stars who are receiving overwhelming attention from the market (mostly females in their teens) release albums that in ten years won't be remembered. Sex, sex, and more sex will be the demise of an art form that has soothed the hearts of millions of men and women and holds the dearest memories has turned into a melodic-porno genre of music.
Before some of you disagree with me, I want to clear things up, there are still artists who are continuing the legacy of the genre but you must keep in mind that these artist aren't getting the appreciation they deserve which only enforces the point of this post.
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