The conversation was about American Idol or shows like it. Oprah asked Kenneth how did he feel about that show and the instant gratification it brings.
He responded and said 'They are on a crash course. Most won't survive because they have to do it in front of an audience. Pop culture is wishy-washy. Today they like you, tomorrow they don't. You get beat up a lot quicker.'
OK so I paraphrased some of that. But it was so profound. I just had to blog about this whole idea of instant success. I left a comment on another YouTube video with OWN saying how I was reading reviews on Goodreads one day, and someone left a review about JK Rowling's Harry Potter series. The reviewer said something to the effect of. "OMG, I can't believe I used to think this story was good. I reread it again and its horrible.'
So let's pause right there. Do you see how quickly people's view of you will change? At the drop of a dime, you have suddenly become the worst artist, writer, singer, ever!
Kenneth was talking to Oprah about why Toni Braxton wanted to leave the music industry. Well, Toni wanted to leave for a variety of reasons. She'd mentioned on her show that today's music just didn't move her anymore. She also was very candid about her fear of being relevant with today's pop culture.
Kenneth told her, that if she didn't sing nor write another song for the rest of her life, she had already done enough. Her work speaks for her. I totally agree. Toni doesn't have to be relevant for pop culture. However, she must be relevant for herself. She can't mute her own voice if she is speaking from the heart.
Artist should never ever create works for popularity. That's artist suicide. You'll be dead within minutes if you work that way. I believe artist should create works for themselves; from their hearts. Don't worry about Tom, Dick or Harry liking it. If they do, fine. If they don't, great. I'd still keep speaking my own truth.
I'd still live inside my head and bask in my own 'sweet spot.' After all, isn't that what its all about? OK well maybe for some folks, everything is about money. But there come a point in everybody's life, where you have to decide what's important for you.
If you are a singer, sing because you love it. Don't sing because you are waiting on a standing ovation at the end of your song. On a side note, I loved Tamar Braxton's acceptance Speech at the BET awards show. (I think it was BET)
But any who, Tamar said she was going to keep on singing if nobody bought her album. I don't blame her. Be confident in your own talent. Learn how to believe in yourself. Learn how to celebrate yourself. One day you may look around and the people you thought would be happy for your success, are suddenly giving you the 'side-eye.' That's why one should never be dependent on the adoration of others. Believe me when I say; its subject to change!
Keep yourself surrounded by all things that encourage and inspire you. Never give up on the things you want to do in life, but don't let deferred dreams rob you of your joy.
I'm done for the night! Bye guys!!
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