Okay so I’ve been a huge fan of Dave Hollister ever since he dropped “Chicago 85…The Movie.” Some may know him since Blackstreet and possibly since Ghetto Hymns. But I got a feel of the true Dave Hollister on Chicago 85. Anyone who has that album will know that it a great piece of art. From songs such as “One Woman Man” and “Take Care of Home,” it makes absolutely no sense why a brotha of this vocal and writing caliber ain’t shining today. I would even say his album, “Real Talk” wasn’t bad at all. I don’t know if this post is meant to complain or what. All I know is singers such as Dave Hollister should be represented and marketed better. Him, Carl Thomas, Joe, Brian McKnight….geez, Things in the game done changed indeed….cats would rather cop that Pretty Ricky eh? shameful!
~Thesis
Reecie
thehonorable
Hey….I normally don’t reply to posts, but I visit almost everyday to see you guys opinion on things. =) But today, when I read this, it was just so weird that me and my roommate were just talking about this subject. I’ve come to the conclusion that right now in our society/ mainstream industry, there isn’t any room for real artists. The mainstream industry is so packed with garbage that true talent often gets ignored or they get little to no promotion. It’s just scary to me that people like Dave Hollister, Deborah Cox, Tamia, and Carl Thomas (and the list could go on) are pushed aside and become second, third string picks for the likes of Pretty Rickey, Cassie, and Ciara (not saying she’s horrible, but come on…she’s no Deborah.) It upsets me that great artists have to settle with lukewarm chart spots while gimmicks and cookie cutter artists scorch up billboard with horrible albums that shouldn’t have even been recorded.
I hope that with all changes, it changes to something else. I hope it changes to something better, because I couldn’t stand it if it gets any worse than this.
Renee-
Firstly, we at HM would like to thank you for the support. Indeed, we like to differentiate ourselves by giving honest, yet credible, opinions on today’s entertainment issues. We hope that you continue to frequent the site and spread the word.
Secondly, I concur with all you have said. I definitely believe that there is enough room in the industry to push certain acts. In a way though, and this is something that just came to mind, many artists actively choose not to be mainstream. Some prefer the 153,345 fans and will make their independent money off that. Indeed they exist in a world of “mo money, mo problems” and I think that some artists, while they know they are very talented and deserve a machine that will push them, still opt to do things at their own pace…a la Sade, Maxwell, D’Angelo. We all know Sade drops like once every other leap year. lol.
Not to say that the points you’ve made aren’t valid, I think that there are other factors blowing in the wind worth exploration. But to specifically address your thoughts on the prevalence of “cookie-cutter” and “gimmicks,” I wholeheartedly agree. I think the industry is doing too much fornicating right now with all the illigetimate seeds its poppin’ out in the mainstream. The sad thing is is that when you check the sound scans, these cats are actually buying it. So you know, at the end of the day it comes down to business. As a record exec, do I care about quality or do I care about numbers? I think this is the issue many people deal with….
Again, thank you for your reply and please, post sommore!
~Thesis
Hey Thesis…I agree with what you said as well. I understand that artist actively choose not to be mainstream. I agree with that choice…I was just saying that I believe that they should have the same SUCCESS as those that are mainstream. I wasn’t saying they should be mainstream. Maybe I should’ve said that somewhere in there….lol.