MAD ABOUT ASHANTI: Music aficionados are PO'd with Lady of Soul award decision; online petition started.
by Jawn Murray
Ashanti
(Aug. 2, 2002) Some disgruntled fans are completely furious that Soul Train is honoring Murder Inc. recording artist Ashanti with the Aretha Franklin Award for Entertainer of the Year. In addition to the Franklin Award, Ashanti was also nominated for five other Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, including Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist Solo and Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video. The JaRule protégé’s debut self-titled album was released on April 2, 2002 and has sold nearly 1.5 million copies.
A campaign spearheaded by a Rommel Zamora was begun Wednesday July 31st at PetitionOnline.com and is called Better Candidate For Aretha Franklin Award.
Rommel writes, “We, the undersigned, feel that there are many superior entertainers that are more worthy of this award than Ashanti. It is an insult to other entertainers who are more deserving of this award and Aretha Franklin. Ashanti simply lacks singing ability and stage presence. She doesn't demonstrate the qualities of an entertainer and hasn't been out in the public for a full year.”
So far, nearly 3,000 people have signed their name and comments for the cause, which apparently is only a few days old. Here are some of the things people are saying. Angry #744 Natasha wrote, “This award has to be a joke. When will Don Cornelius get on TV and say "SIKE!!!" I guess the key here is that the award is called the Aretha Franklin Award which means an artist should be able to 1. SING 2. Perform live 3. Be able to sing so that you can perform live!!! Yes, there are more than enough qualified entertainers who should have received this award and if Don Cornelius needs a little help, try: Angie Stone, Yolanda Adams, Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, or India.Arie to name a few. They could have given the Lady of Soul Award to Luther Vandross and I wouldn't have complained! This Ashanti situation does not reflect well on the integrity of this Award Show.”
If that wasn’t enough, #747 Chiantish added, “In the words of Ashanti's record label, listening to this long-sideburns-having fake Aaliyah is like----MURDER!!! She's a professional hook singer and not damn good one I might add. If awards are being given for dumb looking broads who sing hooks for rappers, let's at least give it to one that can sing like Lil' Mo or Faith Evans!”
Throwing fuel on the fire was #670 Barbria who wrote, “Mary J. Blige, Yolanda Adams, Missy Elliott...I could go on and on naming entertainers who deserve this award more than Ashanti. To give her the Aretha Franklin award, an award that SHOULD symbolize longevity, immense talent, and dedication to one's craft, should not be handed out to a GIRL who has only ONE hit album, and a bunch of "hooks" on other artist's songs. Imagine looking back in 5-10 years at her music and whether it has stood the test of time, and would you still want to give her this award?”
But it was #678 Maz who summed up everyone’s sentiments with, “The only award she deserves is for best marketing!”
No matter what happens – and don’t expect Soul Train to renege on her award – the Lady of Soul Awards will air live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA on Saturday, August 24.
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