Discussion: If ADELE was Black... - Page 6

JClarkSTAN

Quote:

Originally posted by Nii.

If she was black she would be "Aretha Franklin reborn" rather than "the white Aretha Franklin."

Do you know how many black people were given that title and still flopped?

Rentboy

If she were black she may even have more black people buy her records and be even bigger!

who the hell knows.

Anyways, I think my Tracy chapman post answered the question. She sold what Adele is selling and wasnt slim or overly pretty or overly poppy. She was pretty much in the same category as Adele.

Cz!

My mom thought she was black and still loved her to bits. She's like her favorite artist in years.

Older people don't care too much about physical appearance, I guess.

Beatfreak

I just listened to Ledisi and she is not the black Adele.

Quiqui4eva

I doubt it. There hasn't really been a successful black female vocalist for a while now (besides Beyonce).

BLaCKPoWeR

Quote:

Originally posted by Quiqui4eva

I doubt it. There hasn't really been a successful black female vocalist for a while now (besides Beyonce).

&Rihrih.

Boomer

Quote:

Originally posted by DeathRevisited

We [Black people] have always had to work twice as hard and twice as long,
to be considered just as good or even successful. It is what it is.
The majority of this country is White and artists who are white will always be more successful.

Pretty much.

Moonage Daydream

Quote:

Originally posted by Anti.Emotional

What do you mean why? That's just the way it is. That's life in general. It goes all the way back to slavery where the lighter skin blacks got to live inside with the slave owners while the darker skinned blacks weren't able to. They were both slaves, but the lighter skinned blacks got treated better.

Anyway you don't seem to understand the point I'm trying to make. When it comes to the industry

Lighter skin = more success

That is usually how the industry is and has always been. Pretty much every example of a black artist that has been named in here has fair skin. All blacks don't look like Beyoncé and Rihanna or Chris & Drake. If Adele were black and their color she would probably have the same amount of success If she were darker she most likely wouldn't. Sad, but true.

QFT.

And in order for Adele to have the same success she's currently having as black artist, her music would have to be more pop-sounding in order to increase the possiblity for broad appeal.

This is not to say that Adele isn't where she is now because of talent and hard work, but we can't ignore the obvious thing that is white privilege. Only 20 years ago or more would it have not made a difference either way.

ifyouseekLEM

This is a really good topic -- and no, Adele wouldn't be.

Part of her appeal is the fact that she's a British white girl that can ~sang~.

FreeXone

People like Lauryn Hill sold millions without seling into a look or sound. It was simply because of the music. Lauryn Hill won awards, sold millions, got so much acclaim and everything.

AND YES, Tracy Chapman is a huge example.

In the end talent overlooks the looks.

FreeXone

Also I'm black and didn't know who Adele was and when I first heard her thought she was black..LOL!

Same thing when I first heard X-tina Aguilera. I really don't see race being issue with her though. I just don't. Yeah she's white but she's not the prettiest, and she's fat. Two factors against her, people are here for her simply for the music.

SLAYANNA NAVY

No, and thats the sad honest truth.

B2R4D

She's a white girl, who's not as glamorous compared to someone like.. Katy Perry maybe? That's her selling point though. She goes against the grain and expectations of what a typical pop star should be. That's why people love her in addition to her obvious talents. I don't know whether race would effect her or not.