 |
Weezy’s forthcoming vanity project, a still-untitled rock album, has been met with snickers from those who have heard early leaks online. Lil Wayne’s ever-growing ego and eccentricity may be fueling this genre-bending push more so than any true artistic viability. That’s not to dismiss Wayne’s desire to branch out as an artist, but being the biggest rapper in the industry right now does allow for some self-indulgence and Wayne is taking full advantage.
Hopefully, Mariah Carey’s love life won’t have the same effect on her career as Janet Jackson’s love life had on hers. Ms.-Jackson-If-You-Nasty fell head over heels for hit-making producer Jermaine Dupri, gave him full rein over her career, and proceeded to take an extended vacation from the top of the charts. This is Mariah Carey’s first project since marrying actor-TV host Nick Cannon in 2008, and the first single, “Obsessed,” has underperformed compared to hits released from her previous two sets; 2005’s The Emancipation of Mimi and 2007’s e=MC2.
In Diddy’s case — his album releases have become publicity stunts to help maintain the ruse that he actually, sincerely cares about being a recording artist. Any endeavor Diddy undertakes at this point has to be taken as just another way for him to keep his visibility up as a pop culture figure. Diddy likes being a star, and he’ll do damn near anything to stay one — regardless of the genre or format.
The push back on albums is a by-product of the fear that has overtaken the music industry. Labels have become more and more like movie studios, shuffling release dates to avoid having to compete with each other’s major blockbusters. With expected juggernaut releases from artists like Drake and Jay-Z, it makes sense that still viable veteran artists like Mariah and Diddy, B-listers like Amerie, and a one-shot vanity project like Lil Wayne’s would be moved around. But it doesn’t bode well for new artists who are trying to drum up attention for their releases if proven winners are panicking at the lack of interest for their albums. –todd williams
