Kelis has always been the kind of artist who speaks her mind and in the latest issue of Dazed & Confused, this is definitely evident. In the December installment for the magazine’s 20th anniversary celebration, Kelis gave her feeling on who the best artists are, insisting it’s “Not the pop stars.”
“To me the best artists are the people we believe, and so I think those are not the pop stars,” Kelis told the mag. “Those are usually the ones that, you know, are not always perfect. That’s the difference between being a pop star and being an artist.”
Kelis goes on to describe her meaning of the word “artist,” saying it’s got to be about “believing.”
“I think the word artist – I say this all the time – gets thrown around so lightly,” she adds. “It’s like the word love. You can’t put the two [together], they’re not the same. I think neither one is right or wrong, but I want to be in a group of believers. I want people to believe me because that’s what art’s about. It’s about someone finding a connection in who you are. Seeing [themselves] in it. Or wanting to see [themselves] in it.”
Do you agree with Kelis?
What do you think of when you hear the words ‘pop artist’? Do you immediately associate them with talent or does another word come to mind? Many people see pop artists as simply being catchy and having little substance, but that might not always be the case. In a recent interview, singer-songwriter Kelis put her own spin on this debate by claiming that popular music isn’t necessarily made up of the best musicians. Let’s explore what she had to say about believers in true artistry and why she believes some pop stars aren’t actually talented.
Kelis has been an influential figure in both mainstream and alternative music since 1998, when her debut album Kaleidoscope was released. Throughout her career, she has focused more on creative expression than commercial success – something that is evident in her latest single “Till The Wheels Fall Off”. Now, during a conversation at Billboard Live At Home Series, she spoke out against those who value fame over skillful composition.
The 41-year old musician argued that there are plenty of non-pop performers who can create powerful songs without relying on gimmicks or trends. She believes these artists should be given recognition for their hard work and dedication instead of writing off all popular figures as lacking real talent or artistic vision. So how did Kelis make her point? Read on to find out!
Background On Kelis
Kelis is an R&B singer-songwriter and musician who has been active in the music industry for over two decades. From her debut album Kaleidoscope to recent hits such as “Caught Out There” and “Milkshake,” she’s made a name for herself with her powerful vocals and unique style. Recently, she stirred up controversy when she publicly declared that pop artists aren’t necessarily the best musicians or songwriters.
In an interview with NME magazine, Kelis stated that while there are certainly talented pop artists out there, they’re not always the most creative or musically inclined people in the business. She argued that it’s often believers—the unsung heroes of music—who really make something great out of nothing. Believers are those individuals who take risks and push boundaries despite having limited resources; these are typically independent creators who don’t have major labels backing them.
Kelis’ comments sparked debate among fans, critics, and even other celebrities alike. While some applauded her statement, others saw it as a dig at successful mainstream acts like Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran. Regardless of what side one takes on this issue, it’s clear that Kelis believes strongly in giving credit where credit is due: to those brave enough to create outside of society’s norms.
Themes Of The Conversation
The conversation surrounding Kelis’ comments highlights several key themes. First, there is the idea that true artistry comes from believing in yourself and taking risks. This could refer to any type of creative endeavor, not just music. It also speaks to the importance of having faith in your own abilities and trusting your instincts when making decisions about your career or other projects. Second, it emphasizes the need for recognition for those who create outside of mainstream culture—those whose voices are often unheard due to lack of resources or support from larger outlets. Finally, this discussion points out how subjective beauty and creativity can be; what one person may find boring or uninspired might be a work of genius to someone else. In short, art should never be judged on its popularity but rather on its ability to inspire others and make an impact.
Conclusion
Kelis is a notable voice in the music industry and her words carry weight. In this conversation, she made it clear that pop artists aren’t always the best artists – they just have more exposure. Her message can be distilled to one of believing in yourself: use your own unique talent and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
This type of thinking should be encouraged among aspiring musicians and creatives alike. We all have something special to offer, so don’t give up on what makes us different. It may take longer than some people think but eventually our work will get noticed if we keep at it with faith and determination.
At the end of the day, Kelis reminded us that even though life can be tough, there are believers out there who will support us along our journey – as long as we believe in ourselves first. So find your passion and go for it! Who knows where your dreams could take you?
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