RnB Music Has Gotten Lazy

Is it just me or is something missing from today’s RnB music? It’s like that one ingredient is missing from your favorite cake, and you can’t quite figure out, but you know it ain’t right. That’s how I’ve been feeling lately about the latest crop of RnB singers. I don’t know if the industry has just gotten lazy or if artists are just taking shortcuts to make money quicker, but it’s not hitting like it used to. Artists are now putting out songs that are only two minutes long with no bridges. Their whole albums are only 23 minutes long, and they are constantly complaining about having to actually work and perform live. What’s worse is that a majority of music hasn’t seen any growth in years. These new batch of music listeners may be ok with this, but I come from an era where singers actually SANG and worked, so none of this new stuff works for me.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of old and new RnB artists. They create music that is meant to soothe the soul and most days, I need that instead of listening to someone rap about trapping all the time. However, while I’m a big supporter of Summer Walker, Ari Lennox, Teyana Taylor, occasionally Jacquees and Trey Songz, their mindset of only doing half the work in order to gain more money sucks. What I mean by that is this new trend of 2 minute songs and lackluster performances. I can also toss in that the music of Chris Brown and Trey Songz hasn’t seen true growth in years. For some strange reason, Jacquees finds comfort in singing covers of other peoples songs instead of his own, original music. Sad. Both Trey Songz and Chris Brown are well into their 30’s and still talk about sucking and squirting on stuff. It’s old and stale. The people that suffer the most from this lack of work ethic is the fans.

This desire of wanting to have Beyonce's recognition, but not her work ethic is whack. The desire to get more streams and more money overrides the need of putting out a solid project. I first noticed this 2 minute song trend when Teyana released her new album, and I got through the whole thing in 20 minutes. She only had about 7 songs, but right as I was starting to get into the groove it was over. Like why would you hype me up just to let me down? I’m a fan of you because I like you as an artist, but how am I supposed to be excited when you aren’t?

I understand why artists are putting out shorter projects. The younger generation isn’t patient enough to listen to an entire project and the 2 minute songs mean more streams and more money. They want instant gratification and content they can relate to. A two minute song means 2 short verses, repeating the hook and no bridge. What kinda RnB song is that? There’s no substance, no depth, no build up, and nothing left to be desired. Chris Brown is still singing about sleeping with women in a bathroom. Sir, you have two children and have been through some things. It’s time start singing about substance.

I can’t forget to mention that artists are given lackluster live shows. I know you’ve heard all the buzz about Summer Walker and her issues with performing live. While I understand that social anxiety is very real because dealing with living, breathing humans everyday is a lot, you have a responsibility as an artist to deliver some sort of product to the consumer. Take Sia for example. She too deals with performance anxiety, but has found comfort in performing with a huge wig on that hides her face all while giving sickening vocals and giving you performance art. Maybe Summer should take a page out of that book……

Let me reiterate, I’m not downing Summer Walker for having social anxiety. As someone who deals with anxiety, I get not wanting to be around people. It only gets aggravating when it comes off as a lack of wanting to work instead of just needing to step away for a moment. Like I stated previously, these entertainers want the Beyonce’ legacy, but seem to forget how hard she worked to get there. I know for a fact that Beyonce’ can’t stand coming out in public and dealing with our foolishness. The Hive doesn’t know how to act and she’s become your favorite celebrities favorite celebrity, so it’s a lot. Sis pops up for a quick photo opp and takes herself right back home. I’m sure it’s a lot of pressure to be in this industry, but this is what they wanted. It’s annoying to login to social media and see your favorite singer complaining about having to perform and how fans get on their nerves. Ari Lennox has done this quite a few times so I’m thinking, ok well, do you want to do this or not because I keep my coins in my pocket.

I’m only writing this because I’m a huge fan of these artists and I want to see them do big things. Maybe I just need to adjust my expectations as music consumer. Times have changed, the music industry looks a lot different, and artists are doing their best to adapt. Maybe the Summer Walkers and the Ari Lennox’s don’t want that type of career and if so, I can respect it. However, if these entertainers want a lasting legacy, they need to heed the knowledge Bey dropped in “Life Is But A Dream.” Taking shortcuts in this industry will only lead to a quick burn out.