momentsgolden wrote:What is a sell-out? From this site it seems to be-
Changing your style of music
to make radio friendly music
so that you create sales and fans.
If that is the one, then My Name Is was a sell-out track. If its not the definition then whatever, its not.
Thing that bothers me though is it seems people act as if Eminem started making radio-friendly music with Recovery. Its been his mojo from the very start... all the way back to the infinite days! (stylistically, not content wise). I dont mind it, but for those who do its fucking stupid.
No, "My Name Is" is not comparable to "Lighters".
Selling-out is compromising your style or views for the sake of money or fame.
"My Name Is" wasn't that. None of his leading singles were, as they're still totally him, they're still hip-hop and he's still saying what he wants. He watered himself down a bit in order to get played on radio but wanting to be heard isn't the same as selling out.
He's just aware you need a hit and to be heard, to drive the album sales. And why would you make an album to release to the public unless you wanted others to hear it too.
But, "Lighters" isn't just watered down, the chorus is written within a cliche context, with cliche lyrics made to be sung in a stadium and translate the Atlantic and sung by a cheesy pop singer that has no reason to be on the EP other than to make that song big.
That's a big difference. If it doesn't compromise the style or aim of the art / music fair enough. But the fact they couldn't hear how ridiculous that song sounds on the EP, just as all the fans and critics could is beyond me. Or maybe they did and didn't care. Which is a shame.
