Mute R Kelly. Play Aretha Instead.
Like many people, I have been shocked, repulsed and infuriated by the claims of physical and sexual abuse lodged against recording star R Kelly in the Lifetime show Surviving R Kelly. And these feelings intensified when I learned that, in the wake of the show’s broadcast, sales of his recordings have actually skyrocketed.
The only reason that I’ve heard to justify this madness — well, aside from the common knowledge fact that women, particularly women of color, are vastly undervalued and underappreciated in our society — can apparently be attributed to Kelly’s ‘musical genius’. What musical genius would this be, I wonder? A few of his tunes are catchy enough, but how much creative mastery does it actually require to conjure lyrics like, “Can I get a beep beep?”, “So what I’m drunk,” and “You remind me of my jeep.” Really.
Do you want to know the name of a true musical genius? Try Aretha Franklin. The first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the winner of the Grammy Legend Award and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The artist that Rolling Stone once named the greatest singer of all time.
I suggest that, the next time someone feels tempted to download or request an R Kelly song, opt instead for the work of a real musical genius — one who, as an added bonus, was also a real humanitarian, civil rights activist, feminist and overall decent human being. Bonus! Choose Aretha instead.
In a party mood? Choose “Freeway of Love” over “Ignition.” Need a little inspiration? Choose “RESPECT” or “Think” over “I Believe I Can Fly.” Feeling romantic? Choose “Natural Woman” over “Step in the Name of Love.”
Now personally speaking, my favorite Aretha Franklin tunes are “Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves” (shocker, right?), her incredible feminist anthem duet with Annie Lennox, and the defiant, rebellious “Another Night.” Yet whether you prefer anthems or ballads, party tunes or soulful classics, Aretha has got you covered.
So let’s do it! Mute R Kelly, and by all means join the fantastic Mute R Kelly effort online; and spread the hashtag #arethainstead.
Always have wanted to start my own hashtag. It feels good.
