To the people saying Ashanti can’t sing… Everyone doesn’t have to be a powerhouse singer to be a good singer. Imagine if EVERY singer was a Whitney, Mariah, Melanie, etc…Y’all want everybody to sound the same? There’s a lane for light voices and “strong” voices. I appreciate both! It takes a certain level of skill to master both! It’s like comparing a humming bird (soft singers) to a lion (powerhouse singers). They’re both beautiful and serve their own purpose. You don’t have to tear down one to build up another.
Ashanti still can't sing tho. Mya is a soft singer but her voice is pitch perfect live and she is a great runner and riffer too. Her harmonies, background vocals are top tier
The very thing that the record labels hated about Melanie Fiona is what I loved. She was so refreshing and real. Just bringing her raw talent and making real music. I’ve missed her.
@@msthang5366 I remember seeing her in concert where she opened with Trey Songz and R Kelly. I was one of the only ones that knew the songs but the crowd was falling in love with her.
"It Kills Me" will forever be an R & B classic. This only proves that the music industry wants to distribute ignorance to the masses. Telling a talented black young woman to dumb it down vocally and verbally was very disrespectful.
Melanie: "No shade to anyone." Proceeds to only call out Ashanti, whose music career had already peaked by that time. She didn't mention Amy Winehouse who has a fuller voice or Fantasia who is an R&B/Soul singer that was booked and busy in '07/08. She mentioned wanting to model herself after Whitney Houston who had released her final studio album around that time. She had a bit of every genre on the album 'I Look To You', including Pop. If Ms. Houston herself is creating Pop music, assimilating to the current musical climate, and she's insinuating she can match her vocally, why is she too good for Pop? Brandy released an album, Human, around that time and it didn't do so well. Brandy didn't blame anyone, and her label was doing her dirty. She continued to work, signed under a different label, then diversified her roster of collaborators. And released Two Eleven in 2012, which was more Hip Hop and Pop driven and did relatively well. Brandy is an industry chameleon, she is willing to do what it takes to maintain relevancy whilst being authentic. Melanie had a good voice but doesn't possess that drive and grit one needs, to have longevity in the entertainment business. Blaming someone who isn't even a direct competitor of yours, who was already in the industry 10 years before you is counterproductive. Her anger is definitely misplaced.
She's amazing, but Ashanti has nothing to do with that and Ashanti is an incredible artiste... Ashanti had and still has her lane and that was hip hop & R&B ... leave Ashanti outta that mess.... and great video as always 👍🏽 ❤
That was it.....it was only looks and singing that charted a little bit but not a full on show for people to see. I don't see CoCo Jones going far either. Because it's just a pretty face with a sweet voice....it has to be more in this industry im telling yall!!
She can sing also Deborah Cox and Tamia are from Canada they are phenomenal singers with great range. It's strange that anyone would say they didn't know Canadians can sing. The person who said that must have just had other intentions or been under a rock
Hold up, I didn’t know Melanie Fiona and Adam Rodriguez were once lovers 😮 Also, many singers with strong voices are underrated like Jazmine Sullivan and Deborah Cox.
This is all a blessing in disguise if you ask me. People like Amerie, K. Hilson and etc seem genuinely happy. At peace. Joyful. Everyone don't have that
“Sings too well” wow. Never thought that would be a backhanded complement. Melanie Fiona will stay in rotation on my playlist. One of the best vocalists in this era
Melanie didn't want to play the industry game and do the pop it game. They wanted her dumb it down in her how she talks and Melanie didn't want to do that. Respect to her. She can definitely sing.
Melanie mentioning Ashanti was intended to be shady especially for Amanda’s response to be “yeah Ashanti ain’t singing like Whitney.” While Melanie is complaining about the cards she was dealt in the industry, Ashanti NEVER. Ashanti worked her ass off in this industry despite irv fucking her over and has platinum records, best selling books, a Hollywood star, street respect, and several major music awards. Melanie can only dream of her career to be as gainful and iconic as Ashanti’s has become to be
agreed! I like them both, but give Ashanti her respect, (maybe I am a biased ny'er) but ASHANTI was that girl in th 00's. she also wrote for big pun, jlo and did the demos on jLO major hits at the time.
Yes, Ashanti worked her ass off BUT Melanie’s voice is amazing. Melanie wanted to serve voice and Ashanti served body and THAT’S what sold sadly. Melanie was too soulful for young minds.
@@OptimisticFletcher1 Ashanti was not serving body when she first came out and if you believe that, you need to revisit her early career. Ashanti was 21 when she came out - a few years removed from teendom. She had a young woman’s wardrobe. As a grown woman now she serves body and most of her “serving body” is y’all sexualizing her. Ashanti as a 42 year old woman does not sing the same as Ashanti as a 21 year old woman.
@@OptimisticFletcher1 1) Ashanti was NEVER known for her body as a young artist. She was constantly compared to Beyoncé who was known for her body and seen as sexy. 2) what does Melanie’s Voice have to do with Ashanti? Sounds like Melanie is wrong at the wrong people. Be mad at her team for not marketing her better and getting her better songs.
I never understood people’s issue with Ashanti when she’s not only the person singing her songs, but also the person writing them. Y’all complain but she’s made hella hits for herself and other artists. She found a lane that worked for her and capitalized on it as she should’ve 👑
I noticed she didn’t mention the name of the R&B singer she was touring with. She could have mentioned the sound the execs were looking for without naming Ashanti just as she did with the R&B singer. Seems like she wanted to take a dig at Ashanti.
You can’t just blame everything on the industry. A lot of the blame falls on y’all, the audience. The industry will always support what sells. So if y’all don’t buy the “good or soulful music”, of course the industry wouldn’t push it. At the end of the day, music is a business and needs to make profit
Yes but we DID buy her music. We supported her and that why her album went far and was Grammy nominated. So why wouldn’t they push her if we supported her? Her records were being purchased. So this right here is more industry than us
@deliciabrosdiiozwn86 people don't know how to think critically these days, you would think being Grammy nominated would be a "clue" to who is at fault🤷♀️
I think you are absolutely correct this also what they do today with the nonsense music being heard today now it's just lazy singing songs being played right now and I can't stand it
I love Melanie but she didn’t have to keep bringing up Ashanti that was messy- Ashanti didn’t have anything to do with her career going defunct….Ashanti also went through stuff as well
I agree. I thought that was kinda messy for her to bring up Ashanti. Like Expressive said, Ashanti was passed her peak at that time(2007/2008)…earlier in the 2000s was really her era
Unfortunately being able to sing does not make a star! It's about the alchemy of the entire package - looks, voice, song choices, production, PR push, TIMING ,the je ne sais quoi. Unfortunately those things didn't come together for Melanie. she didn't need to drag Ashanti's name into it.
Stop the lies. Ashanti was a one hit wonder who was only remembered because of her affiliation to Murder Inc. Without that label, Ashanti wouldn't be talked about.
Roc Nation signed a LOT of artists that coincidentally ended up getting shelved and less promotion. Melanie Fiona, Santigold, Rita Ora, even Doja Cat (to name a few) were signed to Roc Nation. Melanie Fiona was simply a threat to the industry because she was a real artist with real talent. Talent isn't popular anymore because of the masses pushing mediocrity for the passed 20 years. Great video 🙏🏽
She unfortunately came in the game during the time that R&B music was no longer popular. Had her song It Kills Me dropped in 98 during the reign of R&B singers like Deborah Cox, Tamia, or Brandy and Monica she would’ve been up there. Even if it had come during the revival of R&B which is kind of now with the HERs, Muni Longs and Jazmin Sullivans of the world she would be up there too as well. Sucks smh…
Truth. The last good era of traditional r&b was the 90s. I think it sure did peak in 98. From there, everything got quicker, less easier to make out lyrically and eventually....robot voices instead of the actual warmth of regular vocals.
Melanie had the tools to keep R&B going strong singlehandedly, but I think she didn't want to use them to their fullest and avoids that possibility when talking about her career.
This video was so well made and thought out! I always want to compliment you because you put so much work, effort and research into your videos ❤ I always wondered why she stopped singing. I loved how sultry and soulful her voice was. So beautiful and such a powerhouse. I feel like we’re now getting back to a place where r&b can be appreciated so I hope she gets back into her r&b bag. A collab with her and someone like “Coco Jones” or “Jazmine Sullivan” would be amazing. It’s never too late for a comeback.
You spoke true facts that the record labels don't want powerful black singers. It's really sad that black artists have to dumb down their music and sound just to "sell."
Truth be told, I love grown, sexy, and classy soulful R&B, the Floetry types, the Jill Scott types, the Maxwell types and the Melanie Fiona types, but this is not the type of music you make stadium tours with or can blast on the radio AM. It's just not that.
Yes and being sexual too. Black women cant just get on stage and sing. They have to be be sexual and twerk. One thing i loved about missy Elliot was that she was sexual but she had real hip-hop choreography and her talent shined.
@@BroJo676 I disagree. I’ve been to a sold out Maxwell, Jill Scott and Lauryn Hill shows in arenas. Fans of neo soul WILL come out and support if the artist is consistent with good music. Idk why people are so obsessed with venue size. Has nothing to do with their talent or the songs they’re singing.
Another idea from this conversation that had my thinking was how most Canadian female artist that find success in the US never reach their fullest potential or stardom. This includes Tamia, Melanie, Deborah Cox and I'll even add in Nelly Furtado. Most of them had one maybe two major songs but never really broke through the way they should've for the amount of talent they have. And Melanie made a good point about labels pushing the pop sound or "dumbing down" your music to be successful. Look at Nelly Furtado for example. Nelly was initially more folk/Alternative when she came out with "Like a Bird" and even her Folklore album and it wasn't until her Loose era that she actually reached maximum star power but she's even said in interviews that wasn't even her true self it's what the label wanted her to be. Notice once she kind of returned to her alternative sound some years later her popularity declined tremendously.
Yes, Nelly Furtado's first album "Whoa, Nelly". I got it for Christmas when I was in 6th grade and to this day I still love every song, no skips. After that her sound was completely gone except for the remix with Missy Elliot, everything else with Timberland was just for mainstream radio.
It's not the industry shading Ashanti.. It's Melody shading Ashanti because she did better than her. Unfortunately, the industry does have a tendency to think it's only room for one female artist at a time. Their styles and sound are completely different. So, there actually was a lane and room for both. However, there is no need for Melody to shade or diss Ashanti. It's not Ashanti's fault.
@@mariarodgers5387 I found her boring and I really think she thinks she looks better than she does because of her Indo-West Indian features. Best believe in West Indian culture women who look like that are put on a pedestal, I've heard it my whole life. Outside of West Indian culture, (Guyana is in South American but the culture is distinctly West Indian and not Latin) that look doesn't tend to carry over to worldwide audiences. Tatiana Ali is the only example I can think of, and that's in TV acting- her music career also tanked. I love Tatiana tho! Don't get me started on Chrisette, I badly wanted her to win but the blk community cancelled her quickly for stuff men like Kanye get passes for over and over again.
@@user-dv3kq3rm4h Tatiana Ali is beautiful also. Yes I hated how Chrisette Michelle was done and I agree Kanye do the same thing and worse. Haven't been cancelled at all because he is a black man.
@@thetruesoulofanaquarius9302 Yes, Tatiana is adorable and beautiful. And yes, the double standard is awful. Chrisette didn't deserve that at all. Kanye had a whole Trump endorsement campaign yet Chrisette lost most of her fan support.
One of the biggest misconceptions about success is that we r taught to be hard working, not giving up, talent & etc. But the truth is that what are taught could be just the fundamentals to success. It’s also about timing, trend coz audience growing up in a different eras are more connected to different genres & etc. having said that, I still wish that all the hard working ppl could get what they really want. Just don’t forget to keep in mind that expectation & reality could be different. As long as you are working hard on your passion, you are already successful.
Melanie is a super-talented singer, the industry has the tendency of killing people’s careers once you try to stand up. I feel so bad for the way Keri’s career ended like I know her personally. She’s such a beautiful and talented woman.
🤦🏽Ashanti strongest era was with “Murder Inc” from 2001-2006…Ashanti writing ✍🏾 skills and fanbase was already established before “It Kills Me”… Ashanti left Murder Inc in 2007…Ashanti already had her own record label “Written Entertainment”…Melanie came out in 2009 and she won her grammy got married and had a family…Not sure why she feels Ashanti was a threat to her music career…😮💨😚
I love 4AM! That's the song that REALLY blew me away, idk why. I still get chills cos I was really in my teenage bag lmfao 😂😂 I'm glad you did this video bc that song been rent free in my head for a while and I think about her from time to time, even recently she's been popping up a lot. Wishing her the best of success!
Melanie Fiona is Bomb and can SANG. Ashanti’s voice has gotten better over the years but if we’re all being honest we know who can sang vs sing in this instance.
I agree. I believe Melanie because there are so many folks I wonder how in the world they are classified as singers. And let's be real, when Ashanti came out she was basic in her singing and that same two step dance move. Ah baby ooh baby over and over again. Lol.
Ashanti was dragged for her paper thin vocals during her live performances but now she be screaming and shouting at the top of her lungs like she Jennifer Hudson LFMAO
@@AngeBiampandou really? Lol. Does she sound good now? The last video I saw was some years back of her trying to sing "I will always love you" or "I will always love chuuuu" as Ashanti sings it. Lol. She did okay.
@@Alovellyone Right, and I love her hits and collabs with Ja Rule in the early 00s like the next person. Always on Time, What's Luv, Foolish, I'm real, Ain't Funny, Down 4 U, Mesmerized, Rock Witcha, Rain On Me were/are hits but c'mon now. She's nobody's vocal bible or something maybe except for J-Lo lol. Her pengame is legit tho
For a little over 3 years now I have literally watched every single video you have put out and liked every single one. I love your channel and I love the growth that you've made.
@@VictoriousSage she brought her her multiple times as if to say that she’s better than Ashanti. Like cool you’re a powerful singer, but why keep bringing up Ashanti
@@BabyGirlTiny that’s what I came to see/comment. It’s 1 thing to feel slighted. It’s another thing to throw someone else under the bus just bc she didn’t become as big as her (nvm the fact that Ashanti was also experiencing abuse and manipulation).
@AJ that is not what she said. She was saying that Ashanti was the goal post for the labels and that's what they wanted. They wanted to replicate Ashanti's success. Yall just like being messy. And the title of the video is very misleading.
Melanie F is right it’s just like being overqualified for the position they still want you for except with some dumb downed changes! Empressive you did your thing on the research , thank you for all you do on this channel
Melanie’s voice is phenomenal and everything that’s missing in R&B. Her range is very Empressive! The girl can sang! It disappoints me to know that true vocalists are stifled or kept in boxes. Black Canadian women singers can blow. They better recognize! Excellent work Empressive love your commentary and research on Miss Fiona.❤❤❤
@@samanthaknapo Leave it to y'all twist this Melanie's words just because yall hate Beyonce. Melanie mentioned Ashanti's name on both interview. Beyonce has nothing to do with this. Plus Melanie knows Beyonce is a powerhouse vocalist.
She coulda just said the music was more hip hop driven. No need to put a name to it because I know Ashanti wasnt the only person out at that time. Why do we do this?
Absolutely, nothing. She was looking for a scapegoat and choose Ashanti who’s career had peaked by the time she even put out a song. She had to avoid saying a bigger artists name. Smart for her.
I love Melanie Fiona's music always have and always will. She has her own unique sound, which I greatly appreciate. Also loved the way she treated Kevin Hart like 🗑️ during some prank situation.
Sometimes their promoters don’t promote.Beyoncé first solo album didn’t do as well as others so she went back and got new and better writers Keri Hilson the Dream etc also it helped that jay did a song with her which helped perpetuate her to big stardom .It’s Ms Fiona team who failed her .Her publicist ,management etc .She definitely don’t need to prove that she is a star and can sing her ass off but yea she need to come back independent f$ck a deal she don’t need that theres too many outlets out to choose from. I hope she get this message We miss you girl !! You still have an audience ❤️Also this reminds me of Amerie she had her own sound but they wanted her to be more marketable with sex symbolism which she wasn’t tryin to do so they didn’t push her music like they did others .Either play the industry game or invent your own .
@@sonna4298 Keri Hilson and The Dream did not work with Beyoncé on her solo debut Dangerously in Love which was a smash btw. Keri never worked with her either. Scott Storch (Baby Boy, Me Myself And I, Naught Girl), Rich Harrison (Crazy in Love, Be With You), Missy Elliott (Signs), her cousin Angie and few other ppl were her collaborators
@@AngeBiampandou Keri wrote her verse for the Love in This Club remix with Usher. Keri remarked that Beyoncé did it exactly the way Keri recorded it. And it seemed like it bothered her.
Thank you for these music documentaries. It’s so interesting what some of these artists have been through. I don’t think she said anything shady towards Ashanti she even crowed her the queen of pop R&B at the time just explained that she had a very different esthetic sound than that.
Why do people think they need to dim someone else light to try & shine bright? Ashanti had nothing to do with her as she (Ashanti) seems to be someone who mind her own business & to my knowledge, never talk down or compare herself to anyone.
I understand why the label told her why her voice was too powerful but we cannot blame the label, Melanie sings to the soul and majority of people aren't as musically incline to receive this kind of soulful music, thats the sad reality of it all, this is why Rnb in general always come second next to Hip hop/Pop
Why can't we blame the label?! People blame Roc Nation for everything in the industry. People blamed Diddy when his Bad Boy artist couldn't stay successful in their careers! But these old yt labels built off of the money they stole from Black artists since the 50s "can't be blamed for mistreating a overly talented black artists less than white artists who sing soul music like the phenomenon Sam Smith when there are 20 BM who sing just as well if not better....but don't get a look.
@DeeJoyce But it still comes down to the consumers, we live in a racist/colorist society and the Label are here to appeal to the consumers at the end of the day
@@phoenixastral9046 yes I agree with your points! However the label should be the advocate for an artist to overcome societal challenges. Through positive promotion, marketing strategies, radio interviews etc black artist have thrived in their musical genre due to their authentic talents and having genuine support from a label.
Ashanti, TLC, Aaliyah and more..even Destiny’s Child never use to hit strong vocals BACK THEN. So people just wanted to bop and not crazy high vocals. They only accepted it if it’s coming from the Maria, Whitney….
Two things: I absolutely HATE how the music/entertainment industry doesn’t want to hear soulful POWERFUL voices on everyone BUT Black people and will do everything they can to push them. Secondly, the industry has a history of putting Black women in an overly sexualized box and I hope in today’s age, we can work towards changing this!
This is interesting that Melanie had such a difficult time because of her strong voice, but Fantasia has the strongest voice out them all and she has a good career. But I do love her music give it to me right, and it kills me are still my top favs of hers. It's messed up how the music industry is. I can just imagine all of the talent they had passed off that could have been great today. I'm glad she didn't give up though.
Unless people like Fantasia, Teedra Moses and many others start singing all of their songs with auto-tune, stripping all of their clothes off and further fitting into today's image of a "ghetto superstar," then they are yesterday's news in the eyes of the industry. How sad when the infuences of before are no more, or almost perceived of as never having existed.
Where I respect Beyoncé and her father, they were smart and patient. You can't expect, as an up-and-coming young and struggling artist, to be signed by a record label which gives in to every and anything you want artistically. The label wants return on investment and you first need to meet their expectations. Keep working and milk the money, as time passes, the record label should get to know you better and will subsequently trust you with your sonic endeavor and exploration but it's not realistic, almost bratty, for some of these young artists to think the record label will say yes to everyrhing you want.
But the flip side of that is when the artist wants to switch up their sound, the record label doesn’t want them to mess up a good thing. Beyoncé didn’t get to do what she wanted until she fired her father. 4 did not sell as well as her previous records and people were starting to count her out. The visual album is what really solidified her-but she paid for it herself. She invested in herself. The same with Lemonade.
@@candygirl20048 You switch up your sound was you gained enough commercial/out-of-industry and in-industry credibility. This is first and foremost what surely gave Beyoncé the courage to do so. 4 certainly isn't her strongest commercial album but it still wasn't that huge flop people often like to make it out to be. You'd argue, we're talking about Beyoncé and it was a flop to her standards: Beyoncé isn't a big record seller to begin with... However, at that time, she had enough fame and star power to still monopolize the audience's attention around her by the time she switches her sound up. That's what I was pointing initially.
@Day I swear. I'm tired of these singers, especially the female ones, crying over the labels being reluctant to invest ton them in case they don't comply. The music industry is a business before anything else: money's invested in case return is at least certain.
Ashanti didn't robbed anyone ". She in her own control" to make her sounds good and she's a professional" the industry is just weird". .. Been her concerts so many times" Ashanti music still selling ".. she came along way ".. under ground r&b is gonna be on RUclips". 💛☯️
When you hear the entire context of what she says at not time does she say Ashanti can’t sing. She goes onto say the genre of R&B what Ashanti sings is not her genre. She brings across her point quite clearly.
Thanks for covering Melanie Fiona. I think that the industry definitely has a certain esthetic for R&B singers. That's always been the case, and that's totally unfair. Hopefully, spaces will be created where ALL talented singers can shine in their own lane without conforming to industry standards. Some singers have found acceptance in the smooth jazz genre of music such as Ledesi, Lalah Hathaway, and Avery Sunshine, just to name a few. Music is more money driven now, and I get that. It would be nice to hear more diversity in music on a regular basis, and I'm talking about all genres. That's a discussion for another time.
First off, I LOVE the Empressive Channel. I watch basically every single video! Secondly, I’m not much of an r&b person but I looovvveeeddd me some Melanie Fiona. She definitely deserved to skyrocket. Her voice is so incredible & unique.
Jazmine Sullivan was also on the rise around the time she blossomed ; I think she just wasn’t into the trends , she just wanted to express her music. 💐💜
Her music is dope. I have both Melanie debut and sophomore albums. She is most definitely on my playlist. I hate that she didn’t get her flowers. After her two Grammy wins, her career should’ve took off. Her performance of “Wrong Side of a Love Song” at the BET awards was phenomenal too.
I was just talking about her the other day and how she was so underrated. I love Melanie. She’s beautiful and talented. It’s artist like her that should be highlighted and put in the forefront.
If the record labels was holding her back, why couldn't she make it as an independent. She needs to keep Ashanti name out her mouth. She didn't say anything about Beyonce because she was signed to roc Nation. You don't see Jennifer Hudson complaining that her music didn't sell and she can sing. She should have compromised with her record label. And she would have had a career.❤❤
I used to LOVE singing this song. Personally, I think more artist should go independent. More creative power and you don't have to sell yourself in that manner.
Bri we ❤ you!!! and thank you for your transparency. I must I know exactly what you are going through I am a Capricorn moon and Venus so ughgggh I feel ya! It's our Pluto in Capricorn transit. I promise you, you are strong and will get through this. You have given me so much strength and encouragement in this time that words can't begin to express. We love you 😊
Melanie and Jasmine Sullivan were my 2010’s R&B favs! Still bump their music to this day. P.s. never heard her talk. In contrast to her singing voice she speaks so soft.
Another artist I think people over look or don’t give enough credit to is Tink! She has amazing music. Treat Me Like Somebody, Don’t Tell Nobody with Jeremih, Million, Cap, Bottom B****, and recently my favorite song I love off her newest album is called Fake Love and it’s absolutely amazing. She makes soulful R&B music and she hasn’t conformed to the industry’s ideas of her image or how her music should be!
I think the problem with think is that pretty much all her music is super sad - and it’s depressing and heartbreaking and some ppl like it but I think ppl like fun music better - especially for the radio - her only well charted song was the aaliyah sample “million” and its b/c it sounds more fun
You know...we dont need to throw shade at someone else to prove a point Ms. Melanie🤦. I do hope she is able to put out music on the future. Internet has allowed for all kinds of music to exist at once. Another thing, Canada has a weak music industry if their best feel they have to leave to make it. I was shocked by the level of talent that exists in Toronto and Montreal. But also equally sad by how stuck a lot of them feel there.🙏
I miss Melanie Fiona and her music I hope she has new songs coming in the future but for the industry to dumb her down on her voice is disheartening I was wondering what happened to her
The fact that she stood her ground and didn't waver from what it is she really wanted to do is truly admirable. I was never a huge fan of her music but I never had an issue with her either.
Hey girl 🙋♀️ thank you for all the time and research you do on these videos. I’ve been watching you from what feels like forever now, and I just appreciate❤ you so much. ❤ I listen to these videos while in my car, every time i do dishes or just for fun. Your very entertaining to me, and I love your soothing voice as well. Just wanted you to know.
Amerie, Melanie and Keri Hilson were robbed. They deserved better
Keri Hilson hurt her own career.
Keri Hilson is super-talented can't wait for her come back.
Amerie and Melanie were robbed.
Keri Hilson dropped the ball herself having a bigger career.
Replace Keri with Jazmine Sullivan, and I'd agree! Keri robbed herself.
Yh y’all should have bought their music. They deserved better fans
To the people saying Ashanti can’t sing… Everyone doesn’t have to be a powerhouse singer to be a good singer. Imagine if EVERY singer was a Whitney, Mariah, Melanie, etc…Y’all want everybody to sound the same? There’s a lane for light voices and “strong” voices. I appreciate both! It takes a certain level of skill to master both! It’s like comparing a humming bird (soft singers) to a lion (powerhouse singers). They’re both beautiful and serve their own purpose. You don’t have to tear down one to build up another.
Right but let's just acknowledge The difference lol
I totally agree with you Courtney.
👏👏👏👏👏
Ashanti still can't sing tho. Mya is a soft singer but her voice is pitch perfect live and she is a great runner and riffer too. Her harmonies, background vocals are top tier
I hope people understand this when it comes to Kandi Burruss.
The very thing that the record labels hated about Melanie Fiona is what I loved. She was so refreshing and real. Just bringing her raw talent and making real music. I’ve missed her.
I find it so weird that they didn't like strong voices I mean 😲😲😲
Me TOO!
4AM, Give It To Me Right, It Kills Me still are on heavy rotation on my playlist!!
@@msthang5366 I remember seeing her in concert where she opened with Trey Songz and R Kelly. I was one of the only ones that knew the songs but the crowd was falling in love with her.
@@simply_me_sg922 I BET!!!
She’s all that!!
@@msthang5366 Bite The Bullet and It Kills Me are my faves from Melanie Fiona. Wrong Side of a Love song is another good one
"It Kills Me" will forever be an R & B classic. This only proves that the music industry wants to distribute ignorance to the masses. Telling a talented black young woman to dumb it down vocally and verbally was very disrespectful.
That will always be my favorite song
Melanie: "No shade to anyone."
Proceeds to only call out Ashanti, whose music career had already peaked by that time. She didn't mention Amy Winehouse who has a fuller voice or Fantasia who is an R&B/Soul singer that was booked and busy in '07/08. She mentioned wanting to model herself after Whitney Houston who had released her final studio album around that time. She had a bit of every genre on the album 'I Look To You', including Pop. If Ms. Houston herself is creating Pop music, assimilating to the current musical climate, and she's insinuating she can match her vocally, why is she too good for Pop? Brandy released an album, Human, around that time and it didn't do so well. Brandy didn't blame anyone, and her label was doing her dirty. She continued to work, signed under a different label, then diversified her roster of collaborators. And released Two Eleven in 2012, which was more Hip Hop and Pop driven and did relatively well. Brandy is an industry chameleon, she is willing to do what it takes to maintain relevancy whilst being authentic. Melanie had a good voice but doesn't possess that drive and grit one needs, to have longevity in the entertainment business. Blaming someone who isn't even a direct competitor of yours, who was already in the industry 10 years before you is counterproductive. Her anger is definitely misplaced.
If you ain’t in music hush
But Ashanti was part of a similar. ASIC sound that allowed them to push artist like Jlo
She's amazing, but Ashanti has nothing to do with that and Ashanti is an incredible artiste... Ashanti had and still has her lane and that was hip hop & R&B ... leave Ashanti outta that mess.... and great video as always 👍🏽 ❤
Thank you I felt like it was shady to bring up Ashanti…
Agreed. Ashanti isn’t even my favorite artist but I don’t like people catching strays when they’re just trying to mind their business 😂
Exactly
Ashanti is truly incredible!! She’s thrives in her own lane and I love that about her ✨🔥
She brought up Destiny's Child as well. I don't think she's being shady.
Imagine passing on someone because they sing "too well." 😒 Great video Empressive. Thank you for these music docs. ❤
That was it.....it was only looks and singing that charted a little bit but not a full on show for people to see. I don't see CoCo Jones going far either. Because it's just a pretty face with a sweet voice....it has to be more in this industry im telling yall!!
I've heard that about Jennifer Hudson too
That’s Jennifer Hudson’s issue actually… you can’t market her to the youngsters
THat the same thing they say when you're over qualified for a job.The stupid things people say.
It's business, they probably already had a powerhouse vocalist on their label.
She can sing also Deborah Cox and Tamia are from Canada they are phenomenal singers with great range. It's strange that anyone would say they didn't know Canadians can sing. The person who said that must have just had other intentions or been under a rock
THAT part. 🙌🏾🇨🇦
I agree
Right! Celine Dion as well. And so many more. That exec was tripping
Wow I didn't know they we're Canadian.😮 GREAT SINGER'S!!!!!
@@CousinCourtney YESSSSSS I love her and Justin b right
Hold up, I didn’t know Melanie Fiona and Adam Rodriguez were once lovers 😮 Also, many singers with strong voices are underrated like Jazmine Sullivan and Deborah Cox.
Yep, I knew. I used to fancy him.
This is all a blessing in disguise if you ask me. People like Amerie, K. Hilson and etc seem genuinely happy. At peace. Joyful. Everyone don't have that
“Sings too well” wow. Never thought that would be a backhanded complement. Melanie Fiona will stay in rotation on my playlist. One of the best vocalists in this era
Because around the time she came out ppl wasn’t singing singing
You mean last era this is a whole new era
@@dee27206 this one. That one. All ‘em
@@ItsChrisWorld facts
I’ve heard that before, I don’t even think I can sing that great but I upset some people. The song bird is the status quo these days.
Melanie didn't want to play the industry game and do the pop it game. They wanted her dumb it down in her how she talks and Melanie didn't want to do that. Respect to her. She can definitely sing.
That’s all it is! When it comes to Black women, all they see is their body and want them to sell sex
💯 ❤exactly!!! They better put some respect on Melanie!!!!
☝🏽🎯🎯🎯💯💛
Exactly facts
Melanie mentioning Ashanti was intended to be shady especially for Amanda’s response to be “yeah Ashanti ain’t singing like Whitney.” While Melanie is complaining about the cards she was dealt in the industry, Ashanti NEVER. Ashanti worked her ass off in this industry despite irv fucking her over and has platinum records, best selling books, a Hollywood star, street respect, and several major music awards. Melanie can only dream of her career to be as gainful and iconic as Ashanti’s has become to be
agreed! I like them both, but give Ashanti her respect, (maybe I am a biased ny'er) but ASHANTI was that girl in th 00's. she also wrote for big pun, jlo and did the demos on jLO major hits at the time.
Yes, Ashanti worked her ass off BUT Melanie’s voice is amazing. Melanie wanted to serve voice and Ashanti served body and THAT’S what sold sadly. Melanie was too soulful for young minds.
@@OptimisticFletcher1 Ashanti body wasn’t even what it is now. That has nothing to do with her success you saying anything
@@OptimisticFletcher1 Ashanti was not serving body when she first came out and if you believe that, you need to revisit her early career. Ashanti was 21 when she came out - a few years removed from teendom. She had a young woman’s wardrobe. As a grown woman now she serves body and most of her “serving body” is y’all sexualizing her. Ashanti as a 42 year old woman does not sing the same as Ashanti as a 21 year old woman.
@@OptimisticFletcher1 1) Ashanti was NEVER known for her body as a young artist. She was constantly compared to Beyoncé who was known for her body and seen as sexy. 2) what does Melanie’s Voice have to do with Ashanti? Sounds like Melanie is wrong at the wrong people. Be mad at her team for not marketing her better and getting her better songs.
This industry just destroys people! We need voices like Fiona and J. Hudd!
I never understood people’s issue with Ashanti when she’s not only the person singing her songs, but also the person writing them. Y’all complain but she’s made hella hits for herself and other artists. She found a lane that worked for her and capitalized on it as she should’ve 👑
Yes I really thought she was messy for mentioning Ashanti
Have no idea why she came for Ashanti. She achieved a lot in her career
People complain about Janet Jackson and she’s more talented than Ashanti and… people will complain, end of story…
She didn’t complain or take any issue with Ashanti at all
I noticed she didn’t mention the name of the R&B singer she was touring with. She could have mentioned the sound the execs were looking for without naming Ashanti just as she did with the R&B singer. Seems like she wanted to take a dig at Ashanti.
You can’t just blame everything on the industry. A lot of the blame falls on y’all, the audience. The industry will always support what sells. So if y’all don’t buy the “good or soulful music”, of course the industry wouldn’t push it. At the end of the day, music is a business and needs to make profit
They not ready for that comment 😂
Yes but we DID buy her music. We supported her and that why her album went far and was Grammy nominated. So why wouldn’t they push her if we supported her? Her records were being purchased. So this right here is more industry than us
She could sing but I don't think she had the right song writers... I mean she wasn't memorable or relatable. That's what I recall? 🤷🏾♀️
@deliciabrosdiiozwn86 people don't know how to think critically these days, you would think being Grammy nominated would be a "clue" to who is at fault🤷♀️
I think you are absolutely correct this also what they do today with the nonsense music being heard today now it's just lazy singing songs being played right now and I can't stand it
I love Melanie but she didn’t have to keep bringing up Ashanti that was messy- Ashanti didn’t have anything to do with her career going defunct….Ashanti also went through stuff as well
Yeah true.
Exactly!! Ashanti had her own rough patch of some real ish she went through.
I agree. I thought that was kinda messy for her to bring up Ashanti. Like Expressive said, Ashanti was passed her peak at that time(2007/2008)…earlier in the 2000s was really her era
So true
Period it’s not Ashanti’s fault she had an IT factor and Mel just didn’t 🤷🏽♀️
Unfortunately being able to sing does not make a star! It's about the alchemy of the entire package - looks, voice, song choices, production, PR push, TIMING ,the je ne sais quoi. Unfortunately those things didn't come together for Melanie. she didn't need to drag Ashanti's name into it.
I grew up in Ashanti/ Ja rule era.
These two were everywhere in the early 2000s.
I'm not American but Ashanti is a global superstar.
Ashanti ain’t no superstar. She is a great songwriter
Stop the lies. Ashanti was a one hit wonder who was only remembered because of her affiliation to Murder Inc. Without that label, Ashanti wouldn't be talked about.
Roc Nation signed a LOT of artists that coincidentally ended up getting shelved and less promotion. Melanie Fiona, Santigold, Rita Ora, even Doja Cat (to name a few) were signed to Roc Nation. Melanie Fiona was simply a threat to the industry because she was a real artist with real talent. Talent isn't popular anymore because of the masses pushing mediocrity for the passed 20 years. Great video 🙏🏽
You forgot Bridget Kelly
Unfortunately yup, at least that is what it looks like
Jay doesn't want anyone outshining his cash cows, Beyonće and Rihanna
💯 % Melanie is an incredibly amazing singer. Her song “it kills me” is still one of my favorite songs. Absolutely love her as an artist
That she didn't write
I love her too ❤
Yes, I agree. 🤎
@@ravengreen-fs3wf did Whitney write her own music? Imagine them passing on her strong voice
@onlyh8720 that has nothing to do with this . Alot of artist didn't write their own music🤨pls dnt be sensitive to a factual statement
She unfortunately came in the game during the time that R&B music was no longer popular. Had her song It Kills Me dropped in 98 during the reign of R&B singers like Deborah Cox, Tamia, or Brandy and Monica she would’ve been up there. Even if it had come during the revival of R&B which is kind of now with the HERs, Muni Longs and Jazmin Sullivans of the world she would be up there too as well. Sucks smh…
Truth. The last good era of traditional r&b was the 90s. I think it sure did peak in 98. From there, everything got quicker, less easier to make out lyrically and eventually....robot voices instead of the actual warmth of regular vocals.
@@TheRetroWoman80 facts!
Melanie had the tools to keep R&B going strong singlehandedly, but I think she didn't want to use them to their fullest and avoids that possibility when talking about her career.
💯
I agree. Timing is everything!
Melonie Fiona’s voice is amazing!! Loved all her albums ❤
This video was so well made and thought out! I always want to compliment you because you put so much work, effort and research into your videos ❤ I always wondered why she stopped singing. I loved how sultry and soulful her voice was. So beautiful and such a powerhouse. I feel like we’re now getting back to a place where r&b can be appreciated so I hope she gets back into her r&b bag. A collab with her and someone like “Coco Jones” or “Jazmine Sullivan” would be amazing. It’s never too late for a comeback.
Even a collab with Tamar Braxton would be good.
I wore the MF Life out. It's a stunning album, and I hate that she didn't get the full career that I felt she deserved.
The CD had to be thrown out cause of replay?
When the labels say you’re too good, it only convinces me more that I’m right about the music of today being trash
💯💯💯💯💯
She said no shade but ABSOLUTELY threw shade. Ashanti has nothing to do with her being turned down. Very disappointing to hear.
Thank You! I completely agree!
You spoke true facts that the record labels don't want powerful black singers. It's really sad that black artists have to dumb down their music and sound just to "sell."
Truth be told, I love grown, sexy, and classy soulful R&B, the Floetry types, the Jill Scott types, the Maxwell types and the Melanie Fiona types, but this is not the type of music you make stadium tours with or can blast on the radio AM. It's just not that.
Yes and being sexual too. Black women cant just get on stage and sing. They have to be be sexual and twerk. One thing i loved about missy Elliot was that she was sexual but she had real hip-hop choreography and her talent shined.
Melanie Fiona’s not even black
@@BroJo676 same! I love Jill scott, lauren hill, Miguel, etc.
@@BroJo676 I disagree. I’ve been to a sold out Maxwell, Jill Scott and Lauryn Hill shows in arenas. Fans of neo soul WILL come out and support if the artist is consistent with good music. Idk why people are so obsessed with venue size. Has nothing to do with their talent or the songs they’re singing.
Another idea from this conversation that had my thinking was how most Canadian female artist that find success in the US never reach their fullest potential or stardom. This includes Tamia, Melanie, Deborah Cox and I'll even add in Nelly Furtado. Most of them had one maybe two major songs but never really broke through the way they should've for the amount of talent they have. And Melanie made a good point about labels pushing the pop sound or "dumbing down" your music to be successful. Look at Nelly Furtado for example. Nelly was initially more folk/Alternative when she came out with "Like a Bird" and even her Folklore album and it wasn't until her Loose era that she actually reached maximum star power but she's even said in interviews that wasn't even her true self it's what the label wanted her to be. Notice once she kind of returned to her alternative sound some years later her popularity declined tremendously.
Like a Bird was quite nice but Turn Off The Lights was everything.
Yes, Nelly Furtado's first album "Whoa, Nelly". I got it for Christmas when I was in 6th grade and to this day I still love every song, no skips. After that her sound was completely gone except for the remix with Missy Elliot, everything else with Timberland was just for mainstream radio.
It's not the industry shading Ashanti.. It's Melody shading Ashanti because she did better than her. Unfortunately, the industry does have a tendency to think it's only room for one female artist at a time. Their styles and sound are completely different. So, there actually was a lane and room for both. However, there is no need for Melody to shade or diss Ashanti. It's not Ashanti's fault.
Melanie Fiona is so beautiful and she definitely should have been bigger as an artist. Hopefully she will make a huge comeback.
Never liked her.. chrisette michelle was her competition, and keyshia cole
@@mariarodgers5387 I found her boring and I really think she thinks she looks better than she does because of her Indo-West Indian features. Best believe in West Indian culture women who look like that are put on a pedestal, I've heard it my whole life. Outside of West Indian culture, (Guyana is in South American but the culture is distinctly West Indian and not Latin) that look doesn't tend to carry over to worldwide audiences. Tatiana Ali is the only example I can think of, and that's in TV acting- her music career also tanked. I love Tatiana tho!
Don't get me started on Chrisette, I badly wanted her to win but the blk community cancelled her quickly for stuff men like Kanye get passes for over and over again.
@@user-dv3kq3rm4h Tatiana Ali is beautiful also. Yes I hated how Chrisette Michelle was done and I agree Kanye do the same thing and worse. Haven't been cancelled at all because he is a black man.
@@thetruesoulofanaquarius9302 Yes, Tatiana is adorable and beautiful. And yes, the double standard is awful. Chrisette didn't deserve that at all. Kanye had a whole Trump endorsement campaign yet Chrisette lost most of her fan support.
@@thetruesoulofanaquarius9302 Kanye West as a big white fanbase. Chrisette doesn't
ya need to see Ashanti live
Mya and Ashanti vocals are blessed
One of the biggest misconceptions about success is that we r taught to be hard working, not giving up, talent & etc. But the truth is that what are taught could be just the fundamentals to success. It’s also about timing, trend coz audience growing up in a different eras are more connected to different genres & etc. having said that, I still wish that all the hard working ppl could get what they really want. Just don’t forget to keep in mind that expectation & reality could be different. As long as you are working hard on your passion, you are already successful.
Well said 👏🏽
Love this
Melanie is a super-talented singer, the industry has the tendency of killing people’s careers once you try to stand up. I feel so bad for the way Keri’s career ended like I know her personally. She’s such a beautiful and talented woman.
I like Keri as well❤❤❤
🤦🏽Ashanti strongest era was with “Murder Inc” from 2001-2006…Ashanti writing ✍🏾 skills and fanbase was already established before “It Kills Me”… Ashanti left Murder Inc in 2007…Ashanti already had her own record label “Written Entertainment”…Melanie came out in 2009 and she won her grammy got married and had a family…Not sure why she feels Ashanti was a threat to her music career…😮💨😚
I love 4AM! That's the song that REALLY blew me away, idk why. I still get chills cos I was really in my teenage bag lmfao 😂😂 I'm glad you did this video bc that song been rent free in my head for a while and I think about her from time to time, even recently she's been popping up a lot. Wishing her the best of success!
I pray she comes back. I really love her music and know that she can get it back.
Melanie Fiona is Bomb and can SANG. Ashanti’s voice has gotten better over the years but if we’re all being honest we know who can sang vs sing in this instance.
That part❤️❤️
I agree. I believe Melanie because there are so many folks I wonder how in the world they are classified as singers. And let's be real, when Ashanti came out she was basic in her singing and that same two step dance move. Ah baby ooh baby over and over again. Lol.
Ashanti was dragged for her paper thin vocals during her live performances but now she be screaming and shouting at the top of her lungs like she Jennifer Hudson LFMAO
@@AngeBiampandou really? Lol. Does she sound good now? The last video I saw was some years back of her trying to sing "I will always love you" or "I will always love chuuuu" as Ashanti sings it. Lol. She did okay.
@@Alovellyone Right, and I love her hits and collabs with Ja Rule in the early 00s like the next person. Always on Time, What's Luv, Foolish, I'm real, Ain't Funny, Down 4 U, Mesmerized, Rock Witcha, Rain On Me were/are hits but c'mon now. She's nobody's vocal bible or something maybe except for J-Lo lol. Her pengame is legit tho
Melanie Fiona has a REAL grown woman voice ❣️I love the raw talent. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
For a little over 3 years now I have literally watched every single video you have put out and liked every single one. I love your channel and I love the growth that you've made.
Melanie has a great voice but I don’t see how Ashanti is directly to blame. It seems to be more of the people in the industry.
I agree. Ashanti had a niche. People who wanted to hear that gritty, raw, and urban sound. Her sound and image was very distinctive and well marketed.
She wasnt blaming Ashanti. The interviewer asked her to name an artist that was deemed more marketable even if the voice wasnt as powerful as hers.
@@VictoriousSage she brought her her multiple times as if to say that she’s better than Ashanti. Like cool you’re a powerful singer, but why keep bringing up Ashanti
@@BabyGirlTiny that’s what I came to see/comment.
It’s 1 thing to feel slighted. It’s another thing to throw someone else under the bus just bc she didn’t become as big as her (nvm the fact that Ashanti was also experiencing abuse and manipulation).
@AJ that is not what she said. She was saying that Ashanti was the goal post for the labels and that's what they wanted. They wanted to replicate Ashanti's success. Yall just like being messy. And the title of the video is very misleading.
Melanie is a classic soul singer. She deserved better!
Melanie F is right it’s just like being overqualified for the position they still want you for except with some dumb downed changes! Empressive you did your thing on the research , thank you for all you do on this channel
Melanie’s voice is phenomenal and everything that’s missing in R&B. Her range is very Empressive! The girl can sang! It disappoints me to know that true vocalists are stifled or kept in boxes. Black Canadian women singers can blow. They better recognize! Excellent work Empressive love your commentary and research on Miss Fiona.❤❤❤
So sad she is an incredible talent! Her voice is amazing live!
In 2008, Beyoncé was the hottest thing; Ashanti was more so hot in 2003
Facts
Now it all makes sense.
@originalmings1991 she probably did not want to mention Beyonce because that would get her black balled completely
@@samanthaknapo Leave it to y'all twist this Melanie's words just because yall hate Beyonce. Melanie mentioned Ashanti's name on both interview. Beyonce has nothing to do with this. Plus Melanie knows Beyonce is a powerhouse vocalist.
@@samanthaknapo well wasn't she under Rock nation?.. so she kinda was in way. You know there can only be one 🙄😤😶
She have the right to say her side of the story but LEAVE ASHANTI ALONE!
what does ashanti have to do with melanie fionas career not going the way it shouldve ?
She coulda just said the music was more hip hop driven. No need to put a name to it because I know Ashanti wasnt the only person out at that time. Why do we do this?
Exactly... she's giving latosha vibes...
Exactly that was so rude
She shouldn't have named anyone.
Absolutely, nothing. She was looking for a scapegoat and choose Ashanti who’s career had peaked by the time she even put out a song. She had to avoid saying a bigger artists name. Smart for her.
Thank God for Melanie never giving up. 🤲🏽🏆
I freaking LOVE Melanie Fiona! It's a shame that she didn't get the recognition she deserved.
I love Melanie Fiona's music always have and always will. She has her own unique sound, which I greatly appreciate. Also loved the way she treated Kevin Hart like 🗑️ during some prank situation.
I absolutely love her, her music is corky, different, almost like Rihanna and jenelle monae!! ❤❤❤
She’s not the only powerhouse singer to not have a sustainable career. Sometimes the music just doesn’t click with the masses !!!
Like Chloe Bailey. Amazing voice but her music is not clicking
@@sexychocolategoddess2821 Chloe isn’t a power house tho.
Sometimes their promoters don’t promote.Beyoncé first solo album didn’t do as well as others so she went back and got new and better writers Keri Hilson the Dream etc also it helped that jay did a song with her which helped perpetuate her to big stardom .It’s Ms Fiona team who failed her .Her publicist ,management etc .She definitely don’t need to prove that she is a star and can sing her ass off but yea she need to come back independent f$ck a deal she don’t need that theres too many outlets out to choose from. I hope she get this message We miss you girl !! You still have an audience ❤️Also this reminds me of Amerie she had her own sound but they wanted her to be more marketable with sex symbolism which she wasn’t tryin to do so they didn’t push her music like they did others .Either play the industry game or invent your own .
@@sonna4298 Keri Hilson and The Dream did not work with Beyoncé on her solo debut Dangerously in Love which was a smash btw. Keri never worked with her either. Scott Storch (Baby Boy, Me Myself And I, Naught Girl), Rich Harrison (Crazy in Love, Be With You), Missy Elliott (Signs), her cousin Angie and few other ppl were her collaborators
@@AngeBiampandou Keri wrote her verse for the Love in This Club remix with Usher. Keri remarked that Beyoncé did it exactly the way Keri recorded it. And it seemed like it bothered her.
Both her albums are amazing and she is so versatile. Hope she can comeback . So glad you’re highlighting her story.
Thank you for these music documentaries. It’s so interesting what some of these artists have been through. I don’t think she said anything shady towards Ashanti she even crowed her the queen of pop R&B at the time just explained that she had a very different esthetic sound than that.
Comparing herself to Ashanti for what reason? And singling her out for what reason ?
I love Melanie's music.
Right!!!!
Yes love love her voice
Yessss ❤
Me too ❤
Me too, and she is beautiful too 🥰
Why do people think they need to dim someone else light to try & shine bright? Ashanti had nothing to do with her as she (Ashanti) seems to be someone who mind her own business & to my knowledge, never talk down or compare herself to anyone.
I understand why the label told her why her voice was too powerful but we cannot blame the label, Melanie sings to the soul and majority of people aren't as musically incline to receive this kind of soulful music, thats the sad reality of it all, this is why Rnb in general always come second next to Hip hop/Pop
Truth
Why can't we blame the label?! People blame Roc Nation for everything in the industry. People blamed Diddy when his Bad Boy artist couldn't stay successful in their careers! But these old yt labels built off of the money they stole from Black artists since the 50s "can't be blamed for mistreating a overly talented black artists less than white artists who sing soul music like the phenomenon Sam Smith when there are 20 BM who sing just as well if not better....but don't get a look.
Yet they can push out ppl like Ariana when she had a "powderful voice "
@DeeJoyce But it still comes down to the consumers, we live in a racist/colorist society and the Label are here to appeal to the consumers at the end of the day
@@phoenixastral9046 yes I agree with your points! However the label should be the advocate for an artist to overcome societal challenges. Through positive promotion, marketing strategies, radio interviews etc black artist have thrived in their musical genre due to their authentic talents and having genuine support from a label.
Ashanti, TLC, Aaliyah and more..even Destiny’s Child never use to hit strong vocals BACK THEN. So people just wanted to bop and not crazy high vocals. They only accepted it if it’s coming from the Maria, Whitney….
Thanks for sharing Melanie's story. I miss her music.
Two things: I absolutely HATE how the music/entertainment industry doesn’t want to hear soulful POWERFUL voices on everyone BUT Black people and will do everything they can to push them. Secondly, the industry has a history of putting Black women in an overly sexualized box and I hope in today’s age, we can work towards changing this!
This is interesting that Melanie had such a difficult time because of her strong voice, but Fantasia has the strongest voice out them all and she has a good career. But I do love her music give it to me right, and it kills me are still my top favs of hers. It's messed up how the music industry is. I can just imagine all of the talent they had passed off that could have been great today. I'm glad she didn't give up though.
true but fantasia had american idol to help jumpstart her career so she had fans before her first album ever came out.
@@alexandervelez9507 That’s true I didn’t think about that.
You think Fantasia has had a great career? 😂
Unless people like Fantasia, Teedra Moses and many others start singing all of their songs with auto-tune, stripping all of their clothes off and further fitting into today's image of a "ghetto superstar," then they are yesterday's news in the eyes of the industry. How sad when the infuences of before are no more, or almost perceived of as never having existed.
Where I respect Beyoncé and her father, they were smart and patient. You can't expect, as an up-and-coming young and struggling artist, to be signed by a record label which gives in to every and anything you want artistically. The label wants return on investment and you first need to meet their expectations. Keep working and milk the money, as time passes, the record label should get to know you better and will subsequently trust you with your sonic endeavor and exploration but it's not realistic, almost bratty, for some of these young artists to think the record label will say yes to everyrhing you want.
that’s what p!nk did.
But the flip side of that is when the artist wants to switch up their sound, the record label doesn’t want them to mess up a good thing. Beyoncé didn’t get to do what she wanted until she fired her father. 4 did not sell as well as her previous records and people were starting to count her out. The visual album is what really solidified her-but she paid for it herself. She invested in herself. The same with Lemonade.
@@candygirl20048 You switch up your sound was you gained enough commercial/out-of-industry and in-industry credibility. This is first and foremost what surely gave Beyoncé the courage to do so.
4 certainly isn't her strongest commercial album but it still wasn't that huge flop people often like to make it out to be. You'd argue, we're talking about Beyoncé and it was a flop to her standards: Beyoncé isn't a big record seller to begin with...
However, at that time, she had enough fame and star power to still monopolize the audience's attention around her by the time she switches her sound up. That's what I was pointing initially.
@Day I swear. I'm tired of these singers, especially the female ones, crying over the labels being reluctant to invest ton them in case they don't comply. The music industry is a business before anything else: money's invested in case return is at least certain.
@@alexandervelez9507 And she was right! Be humble, be patient, smile to the right persons, work hard, and someday, you'll take control.
Ashanti didn't robbed anyone ". She in her own control" to make her sounds good and she's a professional" the industry is just weird". .. Been her concerts so many times" Ashanti music still selling ".. she came along way ".. under ground r&b is gonna be on RUclips". 💛☯️
The Industry is a nasty place. Kudos to anyone who tries fight against the masses in order to pursue their passion.
I love Melanie Fiona music. Her voice is phenomenal. Thanks for this video, always wondered what happened with her career.
When you hear the entire context of what she says at not time does she say Ashanti can’t sing. She goes onto say the genre of R&B what Ashanti sings is not her genre. She brings across her point quite clearly.
Women just have it so bad. Love Melanie 💕
Especially Black Women 😢
I appreciate her voice and music. Melanie thank you for sharing your voice with the world❤
Thanks for covering Melanie Fiona. I think that the industry definitely has a certain esthetic for R&B singers. That's always been the case, and that's totally unfair. Hopefully, spaces will be created where ALL talented singers can shine in their own lane without conforming to industry standards.
Some singers have found acceptance in the smooth jazz genre of music such as Ledesi, Lalah Hathaway, and Avery Sunshine, just to name a few. Music is more money driven now, and I get that. It would be nice to hear more diversity in music on a regular basis, and I'm talking about all genres. That's a discussion for another time.
First off, I LOVE the Empressive Channel. I watch basically every single video! Secondly, I’m not much of an r&b person but I looovvveeeddd me some Melanie Fiona. She definitely deserved to skyrocket. Her voice is so incredible & unique.
Melanie is not really mainstream material she’s missing the it girl factor. She’s the ledisi Jill Scott type
Right and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Tbh Jill is pretty much mainstream. Ledisi is getting there. Melanie is the Tamia type. She had her moment already.
Melanie Fiona's MF LIfe album was EVERYTHING!!!! 🔥 🔥 I've been waiting for her next album so it's really sad to hear this happened to her.
LITERALLY!!!
Jazmine Sullivan was also on the rise around the time she blossomed ; I think she just wasn’t into the trends , she just wanted to express her music. 💐💜
Her music is dope. I have both Melanie debut and sophomore albums. She is most definitely on my playlist. I hate that she didn’t get her flowers. After her two Grammy wins, her career should’ve took off. Her performance of “Wrong Side of a Love Song” at the BET awards was phenomenal too.
She sings the hell out of wrong side of the love song
4am still slaps to this day 👌🏾
I was just talking about her the other day and how she was so underrated. I love Melanie. She’s beautiful and talented. It’s artist like her that should be highlighted and put in the forefront.
Wow Empressive Ashanti is my favorite artist of all time , so thanks for giving her her props although most don’t when it comes to her vocals ❤❤❤
Wow of all time??? 😅
@@imnojoke1945 yea
@@imnojoke1945 LFMAO
@AngeBiampandou funny isn't it? but that's her opinion
I like Melanie, but I’d take Ashanti’s hits over her’s any day. Respectfully.
Expressive! I really think you pick the best pictures of the celebrities you talk about in the thumbnails. Great job!
If the record labels was holding her back, why couldn't she make it as an independent. She needs to keep Ashanti name out her mouth. She didn't say anything about Beyonce because she was signed to roc Nation. You don't see Jennifer Hudson complaining that her music didn't sell and she can sing. She should have compromised with her record label. And she would have had a career.❤❤
I used to LOVE singing this song. Personally, I think more artist should go independent. More creative power and you don't have to sell yourself in that manner.
It costs a lot of money that most of them do not have lol.
Love Melanie Fiona. Thank you for doing this video 💛
Melanie Fiona’s music has always held a special spot in my heart. Helped me through some hard times.
Her speaking on Ashanti is probably one of the reasons she didn’t make it that far…
What she said, was definitely a dig at Ashanti's voice. Gurl, did Irv send you? 😂🤣😭
🎯
Bri we ❤ you!!! and thank you for your transparency. I must I know exactly what you are going through I am a Capricorn moon and Venus so ughgggh I feel ya! It's our Pluto in Capricorn transit. I promise you, you are strong and will get through this. You have given me so much strength and encouragement in this time that words can't begin to express. We love you 😊
Hands down she is one of the greatest vocalists of our time
People don’t understand how stress can affect EVERY part of your body
Melanie voice is like butter and magical 🪄her album is one I can play without skipping 🙌🏽 I hope she is able to resurface in the industry ❤
Melanie and Jasmine Sullivan were my 2010’s R&B favs! Still bump their music to this day. P.s. never heard her talk. In contrast to her singing voice she speaks so soft.
Another artist I think people over look or don’t give enough credit to is Tink! She has amazing music. Treat Me Like Somebody, Don’t Tell Nobody with Jeremih, Million, Cap, Bottom B****, and recently my favorite song I love off her newest album is called Fake Love and it’s absolutely amazing. She makes soulful R&B music and she hasn’t conformed to the industry’s ideas of her image or how her music should be!
I think the problem with think is that pretty much all her music is super sad - and it’s depressing and heartbreaking and some ppl like it but I think ppl like fun music better - especially for the radio - her only well charted song was the aaliyah sample “million” and its b/c it sounds more fun
You know...we dont need to throw shade at someone else to prove a point Ms. Melanie🤦. I do hope she is able to put out music on the future. Internet has allowed for all kinds of music to exist at once.
Another thing, Canada has a weak music industry if their best feel they have to leave to make it. I was shocked by the level of talent that exists in Toronto and Montreal. But also equally sad by how stuck a lot of them feel there.🙏
As always Empressive, your channel is Top Tier and your info is always well researched.
Who hasn’t heard of Melanie Fiona?! The way her songs were playing 2009-2011….she’s the shit!💯💯❤️❤️🔥
I miss Melanie Fiona and her music I hope she has new songs coming in the future but for the industry to dumb her down on her voice is disheartening I was wondering what happened to her
The fact that she stood her ground and didn't waver from what it is she really wanted to do is truly admirable. I was never a huge fan of her music but I never had an issue with her either.
I can’t wait to see how this turns out 🧐
It’s Melanie’s truth BUT Ashanti was minding her own business.
@Andrea C FACTS…but you know Ashanti was at home like dang not my name lol…you couldn’t have said Ciara lol
@Andrea C The New York Times was anti Beyoncé back then. The Times is racist anyway lol
Hey girl 🙋♀️ thank you for all the time and research you do on these videos. I’ve been watching you from what feels like forever now, and I just appreciate❤ you so much. ❤
I listen to these videos while in my car, every time i do dishes or just for fun. Your very entertaining to me, and I love your soothing voice as well.
Just wanted you to know.
This discussion was so on point! Great job Empress!