Opinion: What do we do Now?

What direction is R&B heading towards and is it still sacred to the audience it was created for and by?

The music industry faces an immense loss with the passing of one of the most significant artists of the past 35 years, D’Angelo. His unexpected death sent shockwaves through the internet as the world discovered he had succumbed to an ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 54.

D’Angelo’s timeless artistry transcended the Neo-Soul era, leaving a significant impact on R&B. He was a multi-instrumentalist, a talented vocalist, possessed an exceptional ear, was a mesmerizing performer, and a trailblazer in creating authentic melodies. Some of his most famous works include Brown Sugar, Voodoo, and Black Messiah. Renowned musical talents held him in high regard, even dubbing him "The son of Prince." Prince, a pivotal music icon, recognized and praised D’Angelo for his contributions. He provided a platform for artists like Anthony Hamilton, who was initially D'Angelo's background singer. He contributed to classic movie scores like Belly, Space Jam, The Best Man and The Sopranos.

He leaves a legacy of generational talent that, sadly, is not often seen in today's mainstream artists. This raises the ongoing question: where does the R&B genre head from here? The neo-soul era was a significant period for Black Americans. During this time, artists and groups distanced themselves from the increasingly popular gangsta rap, especially among non-Black communities, while preserving a pro-Black image. This subgenre provided Black artists with a platform to express consciousness, romance, education, and style. Artists like Common, Erykah Badu, Black Thought, Maxwell, Jill Scott, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and many others played a crucial role in transforming neo-soul from merely a sound into a lifestyle.

As someone who remembers BET specials honoring music legends like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, BB King, Prince, Diana Ross, and Gladys Knight, these torches are symbolic and represent much more than just the genre. The music created by Black artists has significantly influenced the identities of people in this country, who often face unfair treatment compared to those who have appropriated the styles they pioneered. These celebrations honoring music legends will continue, but do we have the level of talent we're accustomed to from the 20th century to properly carry on the legacy of those who came before?

The Motown, disco, and neo soul eras were each rebellious in their own way during their respective times. Now, however, talent and popularity are no longer as closely linked. So, what era are we currently in?

K-pop is becoming increasingly popular among various communities and demographics, with boy bands that essentially replicate a culture originally created by Black Americans, which is then exploited and commercialized. This has become so blatant that artists like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande have openly acknowledged their influences from Black artists, yet their fans often fail to appreciate or respect this origin.

Fans of Chris Brown, also known as Breezy, often label him as the "GOAT," yet when compared to legendary artists, he falls short. Despite the differences in their musical styles, D’Angelo embodies the true spirit of R&B. His music not only surpasses today's lyrics in poetic quality but also stands out sonically, particularly in the use of complex jazz and blues chords and keys.

We observe artists such as Chris Brown, Mariah the Scientist, Brent Fiyaz, Cleo Soul, and others thriving due to their brand, rather than their music. Elements such as misogyny, colorism, propaganda, and other sociological barriers that affect consumer behavior have significantly impacted the success and failure of many emerging artists.

Even though most of Chris Brown's fans are aware of his history of abusing women, accusations of colorism, and homophobic behavior, he continues to be well-received by many fans who have supported him throughout his rise to stardom.

Mariah the Scientist acknowledged her lack of on-stage experience but still managed to secure a national tour.

How you perceive these artists' ascent to fame is up to you, but I present an alternative viewpoint. With so much talent among non-controversial performers, why do music fans gravitate towards these mediocre artists who reveal themselves as objectionable individuals whenever possible?

Today, more than ever, individuals engage in parasocial relationships with artists they admire. This admiration isn't solely for their talent, but for the artists' ability to overcome self-destructive behaviors, which fans view as redeemable. Fans not only forgive these artists for their flaws, but also find that musicians offer more than just music—they provide hope. This hope isn't about aspiring to be a remarkable creative, but rather the hope that if fans ever find themselves in similar situations, they will be met with the same understanding and grace they extend to their favorite artists.

When people invest their time, money, and energy into mediocre acts because of their parasocial relationships, it significantly damages the music industry. As seen with R. Kelly, it is extremely difficult to "cancel" a talented person with a dedicated fan base. The real issue, however, is believing that the artists people passionately support are on the same talent level as R. Kelly. Today, people fervently defend artists who are neither pioneers nor generational talents. Instead, they support individuals who represent the person they wish to be or associate with. I was supposed to watch D'Angelo perform at The Roots Picnic this year (a music festival in Philadelphia celebrating black music), but he canceled to focus on his health. For me, seeing him perform would have been an unimaginable experience. Although I highlighted artists who I feel are less deserving of celebration, I now intend to focus my energy on carrying on his legacy in music by sharing the beautiful sounds and melodies he created with those who appreciate the true essence of soul, which he always embodied during his incredible run as one of the greatest minds in music the world has ever heard. Rest in Peace Michael Eugene Archer.