Stephanie recently appeared in a Vlad TV interview. However, the highlight of her conversation was one bold comment that had the entire world talking. According to TMZ, the veteran songstress labeled Beyonce a Hip-hop artist while contending Diana Ross was the “epitome of glamour.” The prevailing question that lingered in the air did she really mean what she said in her comments, comparing Diana Ross and Beyonce. As most of the world found out today, she meant every word.
Stephanie Mills Makes it Plain.
Today Stephanie Mills appeared on the Breakfast Club, and one of the discussion topics was clarifying what she said in the earlier interview. According to Mills,Mills,Mills,Mills,Mills, “She felt Beyonce’s last few albums were more “hip hop, but Diana Ross is glamorous, and to her, no one can be compared to Diana, Beyonce included.
While this view may seem skewed to some, she has a point. Given her last few projects, defining Beyonce as a hip-hop artist is debatable. To adequately make such an assessment requires a bit of examination.
Examining the Argument
Let’s look at Mill’s argument. Stephanie Mills claims that Beyonce’s last few albums had a hip-hop feel. The question is, did they? To answer that, first, one must define what hip-hop music is and what elements comprise it. According to Masterclass, hip-hop music has some fundamental aspects. Those elements include a strong rhythmic beat, breaks, “long percussive periods,” and a specific vocal attribution. Masterclass defines the nuanced vocal as
“a rhythmic, usually rhythmic chant that interplays with the beat. Other vocal styles include singing, spoken word, auto-tune, and ad-libs.”
The Essential Question
So if Beyonce’s music contains those elements, it could indeed be labeled hip-hop or as having a hip-hop flavor. But this raises another question entirely. Does putting out albums with a hip-hop flavor remove one from the categorization of a Pop or R&B artist? This is an especially poignant question, given that many artists with purer classifications regarding genres have sometimes crossed over.
Mills Not Only Knows R&B. She is R&B
Mills herself bears the classification of a music icon. Her history in the industry dates back to 1977. She is a legend and has collaborated with other legends such as Michael Jackson, Teddy Pendergrass, and Whitney Houston. And her list of accomplishments speaks for itself. She has two Grammy awards, two NAACP image awards, and six AMA (American Music Awards. Mills has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and she is a Rock and roll Hall of Fame inductee. So, if anyone knows about R&B and the industry, she does.
Keeping Mills Statements in Context
Many can agree to disagree with her comparison, but it’s her opinion. And she has a valid right to it. Mills does admit that she is partial to Ross as she should be.
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But given the era which gave rise to Mills, it is easy to see why. While Mills didn’t apologize for her perspective, she clarified that her comparison statement did not compare two genres. According to TMZ,
” She denied the implication that her comments made it sound like hip hop and rap are beneath old-school R&B.”
And those who got it needed no explanation.
Conclusion
What is so great about life is the diversity of opinion. Everyone is allowed a perspective and their favorite, despite the popularity of that opinion. While debates over the greatest are subjective, no one can deny all the contributions of these amazing women to music. At the end of the day, each is a talented queen with something unique to offer the world.
Written by: Renae Richardson
