If King B didn’t dance and writhe around half naked, she’d be your typical average voiced R&B singer that opts not to do that. Her image as a sex symbol has always been part of her brand. I’m not a fan of B’s voice; I’m there for her live performances, and they would fall entirely flat if not for the image she’s built.
For D’Angelo, skin wasn’t part of his imaging until “Voodoo”. A good portion of the fanbase now jumping ship are the ones that got hooked by that. It’s always been about his MUSIC, for me. That revamp of him imaging has clearly been to his detriment, personally and professionally.
In the middle, let’s throw Jill Scott in the mix. Her viability has solely been about the music. It helps that she’s cute, but since she’s obviously gonna be a big(ger) girl no matter what weight class she releases an album at, nobody rides her about her sex appeal.
Couldn’t agree more, also the mentioning of Mariah Carey was odd (but understandable) to me since she didn’t start off using sex to sell either. Also, I don’t know how many would have called her a sex symbol. She’s gorgeous, but her diva-antics may make her look a bit (or a lot) less than sexy.
i don’t think there’s a double standard, there’s a choice be a sex symbol or don’t. just like any other choice in life you have to deal with the consequences. heavenleiblu talked about Jill Scott’s career being about her voice, so was Whitney Houston’s and Chrisette Michele’s. i think D’angelo has a problem with being a sex symbol now that he no longer looks like the “untitled” video. most people have a problem with being a sex symbol when they can’t benefit from it anymore.
Double standard or not, I’ve been waiting for a LONG time for sex appeal to fade away as a main selling point for non-sex-related products. Even when a song is about sex, I find myself cringing at how raunchy music videos are, whether it be over sexualized men or women. Maybe I’m just a prude, though.
If King B didn’t dance and writhe around half naked, she’d be your typical average voiced R&B singer that opts not to do that. Her image as a sex symbol has always been part of her brand. I’m not a fan of B’s voice; I’m there for her live performances, and they would fall entirely flat if not for the image she’s built.
For D’Angelo, skin wasn’t part of his imaging until “Voodoo”. A good portion of the fanbase now jumping ship are the ones that got hooked by that. It’s always been about his MUSIC, for me. That revamp of him imaging has clearly been to his detriment, personally and professionally.
In the middle, let’s throw Jill Scott in the mix. Her viability has solely been about the music. It helps that she’s cute, but since she’s obviously gonna be a big(ger) girl no matter what weight class she releases an album at, nobody rides her about her sex appeal.
Couldn’t agree more, also the mentioning of Mariah Carey was odd (but understandable) to me since she didn’t start off using sex to sell either. Also, I don’t know how many would have called her a sex symbol. She’s gorgeous, but her diva-antics may make her look a bit (or a lot) less than sexy.
I so agree on als you madel the point
i don’t think there’s a double standard, there’s a choice be a sex symbol or don’t. just like any other choice in life you have to deal with the consequences. heavenleiblu talked about Jill Scott’s career being about her voice, so was Whitney Houston’s and Chrisette Michele’s. i think D’angelo has a problem with being a sex symbol now that he no longer looks like the “untitled” video. most people have a problem with being a sex symbol when they can’t benefit from it anymore.
Sex sells–period!!
It was great to go through your post. Thanks for sharing here. Keep up the good work.
Double standard or not, I’ve been waiting for a LONG time for sex appeal to fade away as a main selling point for non-sex-related products. Even when a song is about sex, I find myself cringing at how raunchy music videos are, whether it be over sexualized men or women. Maybe I’m just a prude, though.