Rant: Artistic Accountablity

Hey y'all I know its been a minute. I've still been writing and having random thoughts just haven't really had a chance to get on here and post them....

Today I asked a friend (code name: Kels ) if they had Watch the Throne. Kels response: "Yea but I like the Carter IV better" Me: *gasp* Whaaaat? Of course, to each is own but I simply can not believe that people think Lil Wayne's latest "album" is a good collection of work. Carter IV would be a good album for an artist like Yung Berg or Soulja Boy. While WTT is a fantastically produced compilation that many consider to already be a classic. So you ALREADY KNOW I had to express myself on this topic. Kels went on to say "WTT is for educated people...I don't wanna hear about how smart or rich you are" "I want to hear something real like this" As we listen to the blandest flows and corniest punchlines of one of Weezy's latest tracks. -_-  I can agree that it is refreshing to hear an artist rap about something that relates more to your personal situation but there are far ways better of musically expressing such things.
I brought up the fact that I used to be a die hard Wayne fan and LOVE a lot of his older work. So, I think I have fair reason to disapprove of the sloppiness he's been putting out as of late. Kels says that because Lil Wayne is Lil Wayne, at this point he can say whatever he wants and we'll still listen.

Well let me tell yall that I am NOT a part of that "WE". And this brings me to my main topic of discussion for this post...
At what point in your success as an artist (or whatever your craft, profession or title) is it ok to stop putting forth your best efforts??

1) I'm an artist and I find it offensive for someone else who considers them self an artist to present a work of "art" that lacks vision, thought, effort, preparation and be rewarded for their sub-par presentation. Artists are often viewed as sensitive, I'll take that. But I take pride in what I do because I have a passion for it and whatever I'm working on, I make sure the I do my absolute best with that project.

2) So while still listening the the stupid Carter IV, (I promise this is not supposed to be a Wayne bashing post OR an album review but I need these comparisons to make my point! LOL) I commented that a punchline didn't make any sense. Kels response: "It's Wayne. It doesn't have to make sense." OH WORD?
When did that become OK? If I worked at T-Mobile and gave a customer an answer that didn't make any sense, I would be held accountable to divulging false/confusing information. Right? Right. And if I were the customer, the next time I went to T-Mobile, I would want to speak to someone else who knows what they're talking about!!  Why don't we hold artists accountable for poor production? Why do we feel obligated to support their crappy products because of their "status" or previous successes?

3) Another thing that Kels said in reference to WTT was "If I wanted to hear from somebody educated, I would talk to a teacher" *tires screeeech* o_O Really dawg? Fa real? Since when was an educated artist who incorporated his/her knowledge in his/her music something to sneer at? I can agree that I don't want to hear conscious rap 24/7. I can appreciate the brain cell killing sounds of Waka Flocka every now and then. But seriously, that statement rocked my world. The fact that you educate yourself and its present in your work shows me that you take pride and invest time in to your work. I admire that. Makes me want to work that much harder to improve my skills set and expand my brand.

Welp, I AM an artist and I AM sensitive about my shit so I could very well be reading too far into the fact that one of my friends prefers Carter IV over Watch The Throne. LOL Those are just some thoughts that come to mind for me when I think about today's entertainment industry as a whole and how it lacks so much integrity. Like how reality tv shows are popping up left an right but actors and actresses who have trained all their lives cant find work. But that's another story for another day.

I think this rant is just about finished.For now I'll continue to support artists who are dedicated, hardworking, innovative and inspiring. I'll also remain motivated to do my very best at whatever I attempt despite how successful I may become.

Later days dewds.
Amber Jeanine