As we all know, music is an example of personal expression. It takes a certain level or degree of talent to really come up with something that hasn’t been done before and doesn’t sound like the same old thing.
This summer R. Kelly released “In the Closet,” a series of mini-musical soap operas. I would definitely have to agree that these songs were the latest rage of the summer.
The whole idea was quite a creative concept, but I have to admit I’ve grown a bit bored with the continued closet scenario. I won’t deny the fact that I fell into the deep abyss of mindless entertainment. R. Kelly was able to tap into our senses and draw out that natural desire for suspense.
For some people it’s been fulfilled, but there are still many people who are foaming at the mouth, waiting for more.
One aspect I don’t really favor because of its negativity, is the perpetuated stereotypical “down low” figures portrayed. Of course it happens, but its so cliché!
“In the closet,” promotes the idea that people gravitate to drama, whether it’s made up or a real life mess. I enjoyed hearing the songs the first 50 times, but now I quickly turn the station in hopes that I don’t have to hear that repetitive melody.
Perhaps I may be a bit presumptuous, but I really don’t think that this will make a serious impact in the history of R&B. This isn’t the monumental classic R&B that we play at family reunions, weddings and birthdays, but the kind we download to listen to and forget in a year or two. If our music reflects our culture, then what does this say about the black community and its urban counterparts? This type of music isn’t just made for us; other people hear this and are under the illusion that this is what real R&B is. Someone has to step up to the plate, get back to the basics, and get out of the closet.
Yewande Addie is a freshman print journalism student from Atlanta. She can be reached at omolola15@yahoo.com.