Petition Against Ashanti
 

This just in on the Russ and Olivia show, there is a petition against ASHANTI receiving the ARETHA FRANKLIN Entertainer of the YEar from Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.

Arguably her album is selling but it is not a stellar CD. Remember back in 2000, everyone and I do mean everyone was plugging Jill Scott's CD amd deservably so because girlfriend is NOT a studio artist; she puts on a heck of a concert; in other words she is an entertainer.

At any rate, there is a petition where you can sign your name to if you are so inclined to have them rethink the Ashanti nomination.

http://www.petitiononline.com/junjun/petition.html

When they first said petition on Russ and Olivia show, there were 800 signatures. . . now 20 minutes later close to 1300.

I just signed the petition, and now there's close to 1700 signatures!

Oh my gosh...there are now over 1900 signatures. She shouldn't be nominated for any awards, especially not one with Aretha Franklin's names attatched to it. Since when do no talents like Ashanti win recognition in less then a year of launching their first (weak) album.

I just signed it myself, and it's now up to 1969 signatures!! I'm sending this to everyone I know!!! I don't like Ashanti!!!

There are now 2145 signatures. I am sending this out to everyone that I can think of. She just doesn't deserve it.

Even if they get 5000 sigs (which they probably will by the end of the day at the rate they are being posted) , do you think Soul Train will actually change their minds and give it to someone who is definately more deserving? How many sigs do you think they would have to get in order to change it?

I just signed...she is alright but not worthy of that award.........

I voted... my number was 2266!

I heard the topic on Russ and Olivia as well... I don't know what is becoming of Soul Train - they seem to honor fly by night artists these days instead of the long standing divas.

I just signed too! AND I'm listening to Down Ass Chick wondering who in their right mind nominated Ashanti?

Just my $19.13 worth
 

IMHO, Aretha doesn't even deserve to receive such an award much less have it named after her. She models what NOT to do as an entertainer. So maybe it is appropriate for Ashanti to receive it. ;)

Good evening ladies,

I am #4169 to sign the petition.


sincerely,
blacknproud

Re: Just my $19.13 worth
 

I can agree with you about Aretha, but I guess it's the "Entertainer of the Year" part that has me puzzled. I don't think an artist that just released their freshman album that hasn't exactly blown away the charts can hardly be considered for such an award.

I just singned myself and I agree that, although Ashanti has SOME talent, she does not deserve to win such an award. If she does, then I feel that people like JILL SCOTT were definitely cheated (because Jill can write AND she can blow). Heck, I'd give the award to Alicia Keys first (and I'm not really into her). I'll also ask, what's going to happen once 5000 or more signatures are on that petition? Does this mean that they WON'T give her the award? Oh yeah, and WHO nominated and voted anyway, because I surely don't recall getting any emails, letters, or calls asking me what my vote would be?

I have to play devil's advocate here.

Ashanti's not the best artist in the world--but this award is going to Entertainer of the year, not Artist of the year. I really don't believe that a simple nomination warrants a petition. Ashanti has had 4 top 10 singles in a 4 month period. She's obviously doing something right that people are enjoying. This uproar reminds me of the Alicia Keys backlash after she (undeservedly IMO) won 5 grammy awards. All of a sudden, she was nothing more than a 1 (or 2) hit wonder when before, she was receiving nothing but praise.

Hmm...

Well, sisterfriends, to stir it up a bit more... think over the last 12 months and come up with who you think would be worthy of the nomination....

My thoughts off top:
1. Angie Stone
2. Brandy

Anybody else?

Well, I'm not that fond of Ashanti. She's a very pretty girl, but I don't think she sings all that well and I would rate her album generic at best.

HOWEVER...

When you really think about it, what female solo artists have been making moves this year? As far as SOLO artists, there have really just been a lot of new faces... vets like Brandy, Monica, Jill, etc. were kinda quiet until very recently so that left room for the newcomers (Ashanti, Amerie, Sharissa...). When you really think about it, the biz is male-dominated, and most females seem to be associated with groups. I agree that Angie Stone or Alicia Keys would be more worthy - but you have to consider that the pool of nominees isn't really all that big if you're just talking about THIS YEAR.

All that said, I did sign the petition. ;)

I just signed and I was #4781. I agree with all of my SistaFriends regarding this Ashanti issue. She hasn't proven that she has longevity in the business.

A co-worker of mine believes that they are trying to make her the next Aliyah. I think that could be it, but Soul Train needs to check themselves. Every year they go with the new kid on the block whether they have true talent or not. They igged Jill Scott (she only received one award I believe) they igged India.Aire (I think due to her beauty or for them lack there of).

Ashanti Petition
 

I am # 4898...

next....

I'M SHAKING MY HEAD AT THE MUSIC BIZ
 

I was 4899...Ashanti is not that great to get that award. Plain and simple!

Total ArRHOgance #4
Iota Psi
WIN '01, 4SEEN D.E.S.T.I.N.Y.

Last Saturday I was in Jamaica and saw Ashanti perform.

There is no way in hell she deserves that award. Her performance was the worst I’ve ever seen. The crowd was dead silent. Everyone was looking around like WTF!

She can sing a hook, but that’s about it! She has no agility and no stage presence.

If I were to nominate someone, it would definitely be Angie Stone. No explanation needed.

I am number 5149.

Having seen Alicia Keys, Angie Stone, and Ashanti live, I am inclined to go with Alicia or Angie.

Ashanti may have 4 hit songs, but live she is inadequate. She is not even that talented, she is just blessed with looks and catchy production.

Alicia and Angie however, are ENTERTAINERS. They are better live than on wax.

Since the award is for "entertainers", and not "cute chicks who can sing with Ja Rule to make an instant hit," then I don't think she is worthy.

I'm vote 5162.
 

I've never thought highly of Ashanti. She's pretty, and she seems to have a sweet personality, but where's the talent? I'll admit that she had a huge year singing hooks, but she's your average singer that you may not see making the same noise 2 years from now. She does not deserve the award.

I was number 5776.

Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott or Alicia keys would by far be better candidates if you are goig for those who have made an impact over the past year.

I signed it too, and I would nominate Jill Scott, Aaliyah, or India.Arie.

#6049
 

I think India.arie is one of the best ive heard lately, as for longevity hello!! MARY J.
Ashanti has a lot of hits, and works well with my man (ja rule *sighs*) but alone... lets just say id like to see what she has in store for the future before giving a short time pop machine this award.
but there are a ton of votes against it.. maybe they will get the idea... ashes

I'm 6223! Ashanti is the worst!

This is what I had to say:

6363.
I feel that the award should go to someone who has more of a background in the music business. Just because you have a few hot months does not account for a entertainer of the year award. You should have a full year of sucess before you can be considered. Singing the hook on a few songs does not count, period.

#6501 ...she doesn't desrve it...Jill definitely does...

Jill Scott won the award last year. If anyone should win this award, it should be Alicia Keys or Mary J. Blige; even the late Aaliyah was more talented than Ashanti.

I am number 6,641. She is definitely not worthy of such an award! Let's see - Ashanti on the same level as Aretha - I THINK NOT!!! Does anyone know if her or her record label knows about the petition? And if so, have they responded to the petition?

Soror, unless, Murder, INC. is illiterate and cut off from all forms of communication -- she knows. Plus when they reported this on Russ and Olivia, Steve called. Steve is Ashanti's cousin. I am sure Ja is in the studio now writing a song about it called Petition or something. :p :o :rolleyes:

I have not signed but I do hope something comes out of it. If only that award shows will stop awarding mediocrity. There were so many artists who came out this year or who had good CDs that came out this year-- Glenn Lewis, India Arie, ANGIE STONE, Alicia Keys (as much as we are tired of her in terms of exposure -- girlfriend definitely made her mark this past year).

DANG
 

I agree with some of the comments, but dang you know that must hurt hearing that all these folks don't like your music. I think it would of been better if they had left the "princess of hip hop and r &b" title off of her name. That was what really set folks off.



QTE

I just signed it and I was 10609 and there were 10613 signatures.

Re: DANG
 

You know what? After some thought I kinda agree with you. I signed the petition, but didn't post any comments. Some of the comments were HARSH! I don't think that Ashanti deserves this award at all, yet I do not think it is THAAAAT serious, like people are seriously going off on that petition!

Yeah, the princess of hip hop and R&B is a bit much. I am with some of the other posters who think there have been some major payoffs going around.

I don't think Ashant deserves the award, but I'm not gonna sign a petition against her. To me, that is just mean, not to mention a waste of my time because if Soul Train cared about my opinion there would have been voting a la 106 and Park or a Viewers' Choice Award.

Also, in stirring up all this raucous (sp?) you might just be awarding Soul Train for making a dumb choice because they are receiving publicity and people will probably watch the show just to see if she gets it or if anyone protests. I think, if we really want to affect change we should not watch the awards show. Hitting the pocket book may be the only way to make the powers that be wake up.

QTE,
I do not think (personally) it is TOTALLY about "not liking her music". I think many are appauled at the fact that this chick has only been out "15 minutes" and can get a "MAJOR" :rolleyes: award like this. I mean dayum, can she get awards in certain CATEGORIES FIRST? This is like putting the cart before the horse.

I bought her CD, I feel her songs, for what they are worth. However, I do not feel that she should be given this award. Yeah, maybe one of those other awards for category XYZ, but not that one.

If this was "payola", then her record company set her up. Pimped her. I guess the powers that be have taken the hip/hop/soul/r&b consumers for granted and think they are idiotic or something.
She SHOULD come out and say, "THANKS, BUT NO THANKS... I really don't deserve this." If she says that then tomorrow is Friday. :rolleyes:

YEAH
 

Yeah I see her as a train wreck that hasn't crashed yet. I mean damn, a book out already? Next it's gonna be movies.


I like the call Ashanti the "Black Britney Spears". Both are pretty, both only have a one octave voice, and both have DAMN good PR.


Must be nice!:rolleyes:



QTE

I *think* I signed it, I got some error when I tried to submit my signature. Ashanti's success is the result of good PR, and back to back appearances on four singles (or more, I tend to turn the station when she comes on now). She made a big mistake when she did all those songs in a row, in my opinion. She does not show any creativity (how hard is it to sing off of a previously released song?). And whoever at Murder Inc. named her the princess of R&B needs to be relieved of their duties. How can you be called that with only one mediocre record?? :rolleyes:

I agree that she is trying to be made into my girl Aaliyah. But that is not possible. One, Aaliyah was original and creative. Ashanti is NOT. Two, Aaliyah had stage presence. Ashanti does not.

But I also agree that this is just publicity for Ashanti And the Soul Train Awards. Long live the music business where its all about presentation and not talent.... :mad: :rolleyes: :confused:

This has got to be the least important issue that I can imagine - it's not like a Soul Train award is a career maker or breaker - let the child be nominated - who really cares - it's not the Entertainer of all time award, but Entertainer of the Year - and she's had quite a year. Someone is buying her records!! As for comparing her to Aaliyah, I hadn't really thought about it but they were both very pretty, moderately talented, and over produced young ladies. As far as stage presence is concerned, Aaliyah didn't have any until she matured in the business so as far as comparing Project 1 to Project 1, they are definitely in the same range.

Speaking of Murder Inc.
 

How can Murder Inc. be THE WORLD'S MOST TALENTED RECORD LABEL with two artists? :confused: :confused: :confused:

Re: YEAH
 

Well, at least Britney CAN dance, lol.