Sweeten the Image, Hold the Bling-Bling

From Sweeten the Image, Hold the Bling-Bling, an article on rappers changing their images to become better businessmen:

"They're brand managers now, and they have to think about how their actions are affecting the brand," said Erik Parker, music editor of Vibe magazine.

I guess that in one sense it's cool that, after decades of getting ripped off or having little control over their music and image, more and more Berry Gordy's are popping up, but when you're casually referring to the talent as "brand managers," the music seems decidedly secondary.

Theresa Sanders, a hip-hop publicist, said she was pleasantly surprised when her 16-year-old son recently asked for 'button-ups' and not the oversize $200 throwback jerseys he once favored. 'Jay-Z is in a position of power, so he can affect change,' she said. 'He can make dressing up cool.'

That 16-year-old may be dressing a bit better, but still isn't expressing much individuality. Isn't that a bit more worrying?

Tangentially:

Andre 3000, the avant-garde half of OutKast, now favors seersucker pants, saddle shoes and Brooks Brothers blazers. Big Boi, the hardcore half of the duo, is now partial to 1970's inspired tuxedos and has cut his signature, shoulder-length hair.

Such facile characterisations (avant-garde/hardcore), which I've also found written by people who really should know better, make me wonder if people are really listening. More on that when I get 'round to writing my obligatory Outkast post.