R&B Music Forum

Normally I blame the record labels,but this time Blackstreet disappeared just like the Guy disappeared because of Mr. Teddy Riley. It has alot to do with greed,power,and jealousy. Teddy was adamant on singing lead and the fans and Aaron Hall had a problem with it. There was a list of issues when it came to the group Guy. But the facts are clear when you look at the issues Teddy had with Dave. So ask yourself why did he have issues with his lead singers. And that's why these great groups disappeared because people can't just do there roles and be happy with it producers want to be singers and singers want to be producers. At the end the fans lose.

I think it's the lead singer who wants to go solo and hold all the money not the limelight. The limelight comes with it. Look at Beyonce she didn't have to go solo at that point in time,we knew she was a star. She is a star to the point where she could have waited. What you heard on the Dangerously in Love and B'day album it could have easily been a Destiny's Child album. We have to admit that LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett were right,Mathew Knowles reached a point early on that he was going to gear up for a Beyonce solo. That creates a problem with the rest of the group especially if your're not honest up front. And these were strong people that were out spoken. Kelly and Michelle chose to take it in stride.

You are right, but you are missing that it really got to that point where it was Beyonce with backup singers only because Beyonce and her dad kicked out LaTavia and LeToya. But before I think they would have been fine. Beyonce did not soak up all the lead. Go back to the first CD. Self titled Destiny's Child.

Well Blackstreet with no Dave is like Blackstreet with Black, but no street. Or Guy with no Aaron Hall that was my point they could have been better had Dave stayed.

Going back to Beyonce...I forgot who said it, but they were right, Beyonce is a star...period. Although she should've married me, Jay-Z has done her very well. But even outside of that, her vocals have come so far and sh DESERVES to go solo. No knock to Kelly or Michelle who are both beautiful and talented, but they simply do not compare to Beyonce in either regard. And Guru you're right...it should be Beyonce and Destiny's Child. It sounds weird, but what's wrong with that? That's the way it was done in the old days (e.g. Gladys Knight). So this presents a new problem...

What about the time/situation when a budding star is being held back in a group situation? I'm not saying Beyonce was taking steps backwards by staying in the group, but to me it's obvious that she needed a few solo projects. This is probably really rare, but let's not be so quick to dismiss this.

Well, there's no real line that can be drawn. Most groups have a lead singer and even most back up singers that are worthy of being a solo act. Unfortunately, it goes that apart from their respective groups, the success just is not there. So the problem is that there really is no "line" you just have to go with a feeling...

Now if you're looking for an example, as opposed to a line, look at BIIM. You can't tell me that Shawn and Wanya don't have more than what it takes to embark upon a successful solo career. They couldn't do it now as theyy're a little old and the group as a whole has been too successul. But, what was the example they set? No lead singer. They each have their own style and strengths, but no one person leads an entire song. This isn't the only way to do it , but it really works. So, would a group like Destiny's Child be better off "sharing" the load w/ at lead...maybe not now because people want to hear Beyonce, and rightfully so.

I think it's all about knowing your role. Beyonce is the standout member, that probably won't change. If there is a line to be drawn, it should be drawn to separate the "backup" from the lead singer more than drawing it to separate the singers from a solo career. In this case, Beyonce is the star, and the group benefits the most from the others knowing their role. It takes a lot to play 2nd trumpet, but there's something to be said about it. In the end the group and its audience is better for it.

I always was waiting for Shawn to release a solo album. He looked for a while like he was going to with Visions of a Sunset and a slew of other tracks he did as a solo artist around the same time, but nothing ever came of it.

But all in all, great points Soul. When you get into one of these talks, it's music to my ears :).

The Dru Hill footage is a classic example of the answer. Money means a lot and the more involved, the more division.