Why Is Mary J Blige So Popular?

[Disco Funk]

What I want to know is:

Why is Mary J Blige so popular?!!!

(I'm focussing on this person because most people seem to agree that artists like Britney, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, etc.. are pretty weak.)

I simply don't get it. I feel like I'm in an episode of the Twilight Zone when everyone around me seems to think Mary J Blige's got chops and rates up there with the best of the Divas like Aretha and Chaka. Come on!

I've been doing a little reading on the internet to see what kind of defense people offer for Mary J. They seem to agree that she's pitchy, which is a nice way of saying 'tone deaf'. And her voice isn't particularily pleasant to the ears. But the one thing they keep saying in her defense is that she's likeable because she's EMOTIONAL. What?!! That's the reason why she's a good singer? Perhaps then she should be an actress, not a singer.

I've disliked Mary J Blige from the very beginning. In the early years she seemed to have this chip on the shoulder type of attitude, which was a turn off in itself. But the weak vocals really speak for themself. When there are so many good singers out there trying hard to make it in the business, I don't understand why Mary J Blige is being sold as today's answer to Aretha, Chaka, Diana, etc...? If enthusiasm in one's music is what is selling her, then why isn't someone like William Hung, who genuinely looks like he's having a good time when he performs, getting the same props?

Anyway, you can tell this has been building up for years, hence the long rant. I've told people around me how much I dislike Blige's singing. But I don't think I've ever ranted about it on a message board.

Okay, let the flames begin. And before you start offering arguments about anything other than her (lack of) ability to sing on-key, remember that a singer is supposed to, well, be able to sing.

Disco Funk

[ol'skinflint]

First of all, I'm not sure if this is the proper board to post this question. Feel free to move it if it's not in the right place.

Secondly, I'm focussing on this person because most people seem to agree that artists like Britney, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, etc.. are pretty weak.

What I want to know is:

Why is Mary J Blige so popular?!!!

I simply don't get it. I feel like I'm in an episode of the Twilight Zone when everyone around me seems to think she's got chops and rates up there with the best of the Divas like Aretha and Chaka. Come on!

I've been doing a little reading on the internet to see what kind of defense people offer for Mary J. They seem to agree that she's pitchy, which is a nice way of saying 'tone deaf'. And her voice isn't particularily pleasant to the ears. But the one thing they keep saying in her defense is that she's likeable because she's EMOTIONAL. What?!! That's the reason why she's a good singer? Perhaps then she should be an actress, not a singer.

I've disliked Mary J Blige from the very beginning. In the early years she seemed to have this chip on the shoulder type of attitude, which was a turn off in itself. But the weak vocals really speak for themself. When there are so many good singers out there trying hard to make it in the business, I don't understand why Mary J Blige is being sold as today's answer to Aretha, Chaka, Diana, etc...? If enthusiasm in one's music is what is selling her, then why isn't someone like William Hung, who genuinely looks like he's having a good time when he performs, getting the same props?

Anyway, you can tell this has been building up for years, hence the long rant. I've told people around me how much I dislike Blige's singing. But I don't think I've ever ranted about it on a message board.

Okay, let the flames begin. And before you start offering arguments about anything other than her (lack of) ability to sing on-key, remember that a singer is supposed to, well, be able to sing.

Disco Funk

it's not that I really dislike her singing, but like most of the so called female RandB singers popular today, even though she can deliver a song in tune and on key, her voice is not very distinctive and has very little personality. I only own one of her recordings (her debut, "What's the 411?") and it doesn't impress me. The fact that most of the songs have weak melodies and generic lyrics pulls it down even further. I've said this before but I'll say it again: when I want to hear female artists who have some personality, style and distinction, I'll head to favorites like Aretha, Gladys Knight, Patti Austin, Chaka and Ella Fitzgerald. Listen to any of those artists and tell me you'd confuse them with anyone else...you would NOT.

[SandraDee]

In the early years she seemed to have this chip on the shoulder type of attitude, which was a turn off in itself. Disco Funk

I find that's standard these days; to be an 'r & b' or rap artist you seem to have to have tons of attitude & just be generally unpleasant. Don't you long for the days of joyous, enthusiastic artists who seemed to enjoy what they were doing (even if they weren't!:icon_mrgreen:)?

[SandraDee]

Mary J.Bilge I call her!:icon_mrgreen:

[Disco Funk]

I find that's standard these days; to be an 'r & b' or rap artist you seem to have to have tons of attitude & just be generally unpleasant. Don't you long for the days of joyous, enthusiastic artists who seemed to enjoy what they were doing (even if they weren't!:icon_mrgreen:)?

Well, they don't have to be joyous and enthusiastic, but seriously, if you're going to be interviewed, at least act like you're happy to be there. Sort of. If not, then don't do interviews! :)

Disco Funk

[markydefad]

Well I don't hate Mary J.--but I do think she's way overrated compared to the standards of female singers from previous generations...

[Think of all the great singers from the Sixties & Seventies that had one hit and then just sorta faded without the benefit of good material...so many names come to mind.....]

But I have heard her--Mary J.-- sing very badly--on Oprah's show--no less--she was sooooo off-key I couldn't believe it.... THAT day, based on her performance--she woulda been booed & shooed off with a broom on "Showtime At the Apollo" if she weren't already a STAR!!!

Anyone see that??? God, she was B-A-D that day!!!

[remicks]

*****

I didn't see that Oprah ....

but I don't follow her anyway ...Mary not Oprah ...or rather make that both of 'em ... I tried to find something likable by her on youtube to post here and after several tries ... gave up ...... ... for one thing I like music that contains instruments not spitting sounds ..... and for another ... songs that are sung not blathered ....

maybe someone else can post one that's a charmer ???????????? :icon_mrgreen::icon_question:



*****

I think with enough makeup slathered on she's very photogenic...... Mary not Oprah .... well or rather ..... both of 'em

[Videoskooter]

maybe someone else can post one that's a charmer

[discokicks]

I can tolerate Mary to a certain degree. I thought she delivered the intensity and soul needed for her hit No More Drama.

The only album I have of hers is a compilation of remixes (naturally). There's a couple of treats on there, most notably a sweet remix of Give Me You. I can only tolerate today's radio "artists" when they've been remixed for the dancefloor.

Having said that, this was probably the biggest club hit on most dancefloors last year (thanks to popular remixer at the moment Moto Blanco) and it still is a pleasure to hear this when I mix it in....the video is definitely not official :icon_rolleyes:

YouTube - Mary J. Blige--Be Without You(Moto Blanco Remix Edit)=

[remicks]

I can tolerate Mary to a certain degree. I thought she delivered the intensity and soul needed for her hit No More Drama.



Having said that, this was probably the biggest club hit on most dancefloors last year (thanks to popular remixer at the moment Moto Blanco) and it still is a pleasure to hear this when I mix it in....the video is definitely not official :icon_rolleyes:

YouTube - Mary J. Blige--Be Without You(Moto Blanco Remix Edit)=

Skooter..... glad she does some disco homages ....


This is good ! .......thanks to some passionate vocalizing too ..

....... by the back-up singers however ..... :icon_razz: :icon_lol:


******

[Dayna]

"Family Affair" by Mary J Blige was by far one of if not my favorite R&B Dance song of 2001...
Whenever I heard that song I would dance no matter if I was in the super market or at home.
But as a whole I dont worship her or think she's like a super Diva or anything of that nature.

[Videoskooter]

From The DBS to The DVA :icon_exclaim:

[Dayna]

From The DBS to The DVA :icon_exclaim:

Thank you J..I SO dig that video and her hair is kicken too~!!:icon_biggrin:

[K-Bee]

I have mixed feeling about Mary J. Blige. When her debut "What's The 411! was released in 1992 new jack swing had ruled the r&b world for the past 3 years but this album was different. It singlehandedly launched the hip-hop soul era: Mary J didn't even appear on the album opener, something unheard of ever before. "What's The 411" is a true classic and probably the only ever album that showed that Sean Puffy Combs actually had some talent! He managed to create songs that worked around Mary J.'s limited vocal range and emphasized the grittiness and (dare I say it) soulfulness that she does possess.
To this day, she has never managed to live up to this debut, and personally I stopped buying her albums after "Share My World" in 1997.

[SandraDee]

she woulda been booed & shooed off with a broom on "Showtime At the Apollo"

What a great image! Or maybe a big long hook pulling her off (so to speak :icon_eek::icon_mrgreen:)! I saw a documentary about her where it implied that she was some sort of successor to Anita Baker; what drivel - she isn't fit to breath the same air as Ms.Baker IMO.

[Dayna]

What a great image! Or maybe a big long hook pulling her off (so to speak :icon_eek::icon_mrgreen:)! I saw a documentary about her where it implied that she was some sort of successor to Anita Baker; what drivel - she isn't fit to breath the same air as Ms.Baker IMO.

This is off topic but the tone is set right..If you really want to know who one of the biggest B*tch's in the music industry is I will tell you..
"Anita Baker"..and the other one starts with a A as well........I guess the other artist didnt think she got enough R-E-S-P-E-C-T:icon_eek:
Although both are great talents...

[remicks]

******


:icon_lol: :icon_lol:

Funny I've always had that impression of Anita ....although I've always applied the word "snooty " ..... some artists emit an aura like they picture their very presence as god's gift to the world ... Peabo Bryson always struck me that way too .....

but I don't know if that's the same as bitchy :icon_question: .... I think it plays into it ...
...... what do you mean exactly Dayna when you refer to her that way ????? Demanding??


******

[keefelc]

I'm so glad I'm not alone with wondering why Mary J. is soooo popular. She's one of those artists where I have to quickly change the station if her song is being played.

However, she must have seen the $$ signs and realized some charm school lessons would be helpful. She was being interviewed on one of our "quiet storm/ r&b" stations a few weeks ago. I was surprised how warm, funny and pleasant she was to the DJ. Then, I actually enjoyed her guest appearance a few weeks back on "Entourage." I suspect she's trying to make her way to the movies!

[Dayna]

******


:icon_lol: :icon_lol:

Funny I've always had that impression of Anita ....although I've always applied the word "snooty " ..... some artists emit an aura like they picture their very presence as god's gift to the world ... Peabo Bryson always struck me that way too .....

but I don't know if that's the same as bitchy :icon_question: .... I think it plays into it ...
...... what do you mean exactly Dayna when you refer to her that way ????? Demanding??


******

Most Diva's are demanding in some sense or another such as "Demanding the best lighting,camera angles etc" With good reason.. But in Anita's case it's a very I'm superior to you and if you dont like it F*ck you attitude~!!
Many people in the industry refuse to work with her..:icon_eek:

[SandraDee]

This is off topic but the tone is set right..If you really want to know who one of the biggest B*tch's in the music industry is I will tell you..
"Anita Baker"..and the other one starts with a A as well........I guess the other artist didnt think she got enough R-E-S-P-E-C-T:icon_eek:
Although both are great talents...

Wow, that's a very interesting piece of info Lady Dayna!:icon_eek: I don't know much about Anita as a person, I just love her 80s records so much as I think they're pure class. I did know about the other 'A' though!

[markydefad]

I understand it ain't easy being a DIVA, especially a very talented one--they have internal demons to deal with also...but "the Other "A" "...has had a Career and bountiful R-E-S-P-E-C-T heaped upon her from music critics and the public alike --akin to no other R&B singer....what's she got to complain about? She's The QUEEN...and she's been so for DECADES....she's not like an under-appreciated talent who gets some critical R-E-S-P-E-C-T after she's dead......

What about great singers like Jean Carn[e], Randy Crawford, Patti Austin, Angela Bofill, Stephanie Mills, Deniece Williams, Marlena Shaw, Linda Clifford, Yvonne Fair...and ESPECIALLY the late Phyllis Hyman?...all wonderfully talented ladies who had some success --but nothing like the adoration reserved for you-know-who....not saying they are Artists of the same caliber as you-know-who....but I'd say they have a right to play the "bitter card" more so than you-know-who....

[discodevil]

I have liked her, but I was so disappointed when I have seen her live performances.

Off the point but has any one ever tried playing two of the youtube clips at once the ones on this thread.
I tried it with (I’m going Down) and (Be without you) just a bit of fun.