Rihanna: the Reluctant Role Model

Rihanna: the Reluctant Role Model

(Photo courtesy of Neil P. Mockford/FilmMagic via HuffingtonPost.com)

“‘Role Model’ is not a position or title that I have ever campaigned for…”

                                                                                    Rihanna via Instagram

I have grown tired of celebrities including Rihanna whining about the fact that they are considered role models. The term “role model” is defined as “a person whose behavior, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people” (dictionary.reference.com). Rihanna is an intelligent, intuitive young woman; therefore, I cannot see how she can continue to deny that there are probably thousands of girls that want to be just like her.  Whether you choose to acknowledge the fact that a mass population looks up to you is your decision.  Rihanna seems to file this burden under the “Not my Problem” category.  However, ignoring the true impact of your actions and their implications is just cowardly.  I am not saying that Rihanna or any other celebrity has to be a good role model, but they should at least be aware of their influence over the younger generation.  For Rihanna to say that she is not a role model, good or bad, is purely ignorant and a blatant lie. The responsibility has been bestowed upon her whether or not she chooses to accept.  I wager that it is easier not to do so.

Yeezus: Truthful Contradiction

Yeezus: Truthful  Contradiction

           

            (Photo courtesy of Stereogum.com)

            In listening to Yeezus, you may be thinking what the hell does Kanye West have to complain about? Being filthy rich? Wifing up Kim Kardashian?  Yet, you have to somewhat respect the fact that Kanye still has the audacity to still stick his middle finger up at the game in which he seems to be such a winner.   

            According to early estimates, Kanye West’s Yeezus has sold over 300K (Examiner.com) in its first week of release.  While there is nothing brand new or overly impressive about this album, it’s definitely worth a listen.  Honestly, I was not a fan of Yeezus at first; however,  I later realized that my dismay was for the wrong reason.  I did not feel like this album was for the fans, but since when is that a prerequisite for a good album? Kanye reminded me that music is about more than making club bangers (although, Yeezus does have a couple). In a day and age where mainstream hip hop seems to be a high school popularity contest (dependent on who gets more “turnt up” at the club), Kanye looks beyond the prom king bid. He’s been there, done that. Instead, Kanye reminds us that being in the cool crowd is not all that it is made up to be.

              Kanye unloads a great deal of frustration on Yeezus.  It seems that the more successful he becomes the more he resents the music industry and corporate America.  Although, the average fan might think that having money and success would be freeing, the way that Kanye tells it, these assets can be just as inhibiting as liberating.  Still, he loves to brag about his fame while simultaneously taking shots at its hypocrisy. 

              Kanye is only stating the fact that his fame comes with a pretty price.  However, it’s not so much of a “poor me” vibe as it is a truthful realization of the contradictions that exist in life.  As Blaise Pascal put it, “contradiction is not a sign of falsity, nor the lack of contradiction a sign of truth”.   You can’t fault Kanye for his honesty (although many do).  No matter how successful he has become in this industry, he has always looked at the world in which he exists with a critical eye.  Kanye is out to prove that although he plays the game he does not let it play him. Do you think the man doth protest too much? Give it a listen and judge for yourself. 

J. Cole: A Fan Favorite

J. Cole: A Fan Favorite

 

            

            While the reviews for J. Cole’s newest release, Born Sinner, have been mixed the fan response has been overwhelmingly positive. Videos and pictures cannot truly capture the mass hysteria and energy at the stops on J. Cole’s current Dollar and a Dream Promo Tour.  City after city, fans are lining up around the block and causing near riots for a chance to see the self-proclaimed “new Legend” perform live.  Opting to perform at smaller venues has appeared to have an enormous impact on the fan experience.  In his recent Crown interview with Elliot Wilson, J. Cole stated that nothing has ever come easy to him.  This is probably why he seems to be thoroughly enjoying this moment of increased success.  It may also be the reason why he made his Dollar and a Dream Tour such a laborious (yet highly worthwhile) event. 

            Fans have stood in lines for hours, equipped with lawn chairs, magazines, and food; fully prepared for the wait ahead of them.  Although the tour was meant exclusively for die-hard fans that have been there from the beginning, many of the shows included a mixed crowd.  Some knew every bar on Friday Night Lights, while others could only sing the words to Power Trip.  Understandably, newer fans were not going to pass up this rare opportunity.  Being at the New York show, fans had the feeling that they were witnessing an epic moment in history; a star on the verge of becoming a legend.

            

           J. Cole may or may not win the first week sales battle against you know who; however,  as he’s adamantly mentioned before, he does not study the charts. Instead he opts to study his fans’ hearts.  Furthermore, the opinion that he’s not as overly charismatic or flashy as his competition seems to be working in J. Cole’s favor, fanwise.  He’s the underdog’s underdog; a born sinner, opposite of a winner.  However, do not make the mistake of counting him out.  If you do not know about J. Cole and his talent by now then you’ll soon find out. Allow him to reintroduce himself; his name is Cole! Next stop on the Dollar and Dream Tour is Houston.