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What I would say (45,892) by Gilles from Malta I would say that Mariah is on tour. And it is a good thing. I hate TV appearances because they are dubbed and now with all the technology we do not really when it is live or lyp or when the singer is really singing. I saw Mariah in Sydney, everything was live. Now if we want to see a singer singing live we have to go to their concert. It is what it is. Regarding the album, I love it. It is very sad to realize that it is so easy to get it for free on the internet an illegal copy. Whatever most of my friends who are not big fans love the album and they even bought it. Now as a fan I think every fan should buy it. (Wednesday 6 August 2014; 15:27)

Mariah's lambs turning on her (45,891) by Ty from USA It would seem as though Mariah's lambs did not buy the cd. From horrid record sales to constant complaining. Blaming Jermaine? No Mariah chose to not promote this cd for whatever reason which after I'm told Def Jam pulled the plug. She went over budget. She needs to stop playing games and sit on a stool and sing her butt off. From the ablibs she still has vocals. It's still magic left in that voice. Her lipping is old and it's tarnished her legacy along with that Idol hot mess. In death Whitney's legacy remains iconic but Mariah to the world at large is a joke. The eternally 12 mess has made her seem crazy to normal adults. Maybe it's a wrap for her. This era should have been [...] all the talk shows and Grammys. The cd is worthy. Maybe an unplugged or acoustic night of ballads may save her. (Wednesday 6 August 2014; 12:05)

Thankful for Mariah / underrated acts (45,890) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines I just remembered again that Mariah's approaching her 25th year in the music business. And she didn't just passively wait for time to pass by, the longest gap between any of her albums was over 3 years, and she has released some songs within that period. Like Madonna, she has clocked in a long time of musical contributions, among other endeavors. As much as I criticize her at times, I'm still grateful that she is where she is now. Like what if she decided not to be a singer? What if she didn't work with the right people most of the time when she was starting out? What would music sound like these days if she wasn't around? Sure, she worked her ass off, but she also was very fortunate, and so are we to have her. I mean there are a lot of talented singers out there who sadly can't quite catch a break and still maintain a low profile. Who are other relatively less known artists in R&B whom you think should be bigger right now? I can think of mostly females, namely JoJo (hit it big when she was a teen but now only releases mixtapes which are awesome and available online for free), Chrisette Michele (actually a Grammy winner and her latest album is in some ways just like MIAMTEC, classy and excellent), and my latest obsession King (in all caps, a female trio mentored by Prince himself that has so far only released an EP and a 2 other tracks but are so soulful, like a jazzier Destiny's Child). What underappreciated acts do you listen to? (Wednesday 6 August 2014; 11:11)

JD / management (45,889) by MimiLamb from Germany Everybody is saying Mariah fired JD and bla bla. There is no official statement to that yet. For all we know they parted ways because they both agreed it's better. Hold your horses before you start blaming it all on Mariah until we know for sure how and what. Just because sources say it went a certain way doesn't mean it went down like that. We all know they love to make it sound worse than it actually is. Billboard wrote for instance: "Mariah and I enjoy working together and will continue to make great music together in the future." Doesn't sound like there is bad blood or their friendship is over now does it? But again it's just a source. I never thought it was a good idea to hire JD as her manager mainly because they are friends for so long, but like me a lot of other fans said let's wait and see. Do I blame JD for this era? No because we don't know what went down. But I'm not going to sit here and blame everything on Mariah either. I think there are a lot of things contributing to this. Ofcourse Mariah has a responsibility but I'm not going to burn her at the stake. I will never let go of my positivity and see the big picture instead of looking for a scape goat when I don't know the whole story. (Wednesday 6 August 2014; 7:45)

MC should turn up and turn it up (45,887) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines I also agree that it's gonna take more than a management change to get Mariah's career back on track. I always thought it has been unfair how most people automatically blame the label/manager/team for every failure when it's clear that Mariah also has a part in this. I don't know what her everyday life is like or how she juggles her family duties with her career responsibilities, but it's obvious she hasn't promoted MIAMTEC as persistently as she usually does for an album. If there's anything we've learned from this travesty of an era, it's that when one promotional aspect/strategy is off, it messes up the whole system. If this is true for most artists, the it's even more so for Mariah. She may still be very much capable, but she's also past her prime age-wise. She can't just rely on hype because obviously, hype can be misleading and doesn't necessarily translate to commercial success anymore. If the artists half her age are hustling 24/7 to stay in the game, then she should double that amount if she really intends to be in it because she's older. Firing JD was a sign that she still somehow cares about success, especially since she still prides herself for her commercial achievements and in fact still uses them to promote herself. Yes, we can say it's the music that should matter above everything, but unfortunately that doesn't speak for itself anymore. And you can't be a mainstream artist and not expect any commercial success. If you believe in your art, then the world deserves to hear it, and that very rarely happens on its own. So for this to totally work, everything should come together - the music (no problem there, as she's pretty consistent with quality), the marketing, the performances, and most importantly, her image. She must step up to it, be all in, and make sure everything else that's going on around her is at least on par with her own expectations and efforts. Not to say that she hasn't done anything recently or that having a family isn't a valid excuse to slow down - she has, and it is - but she has to be more observant and realize the the industry isn't what it used to be anymore and adapt accordingly. The unforgiving train has accelerated exponentially, now travelling at the speed of light and won't stop for anyone who won't bother to hurry and catch up. Harsh reality. (Wednesday 6 August 2014; 7:38)

RJJ12 and Abraham (45,886) by Dove from USA Thank you so much for your kind words. You both made my day. (Wednesday 6 August 2014; 4:49)

Too much credit where it's not due (45,885) by nikki from usa People have been talking about Tommy Mottola and Benny Medina a lot lately. Having a manger is going to improve your career than not having one and lately the latter has been the problem. Mariah's the real deal she simply needs to be seen to be selling. If Mariah's career floundered during the 2000's because she wasn't with Mottola, then what's his excuse for complete failure? Praising him would make since if he "created" a new artist of the 2000's, but the exact opposite is true. He got his butt fired. He tried making his new wife a star. Ever heard of her? He even made a magazine nationally syndicated in her name using his own fortune. It bombed. He took over Casablanca Records to resurrect Lindsay Lohan's career. How's that going? The next one should've been easy. Famous Usher fresh off his Confessions success looking for new management to keep his momentum going. He hires Tommy and Benny. They crashed and burned his entire career. In 2007, J.Lo took Benny back and Marc Anthony took Tommy to manage him. Marc fired Tommy in 2009. Benny helped get J.Lo a few hits and endorsements, but these never translated into album sales, her acting career took a dive. By comparison: movies, modeling, perfume empire, nail line, jewelry line, and winery followed by 20 million album sales, 3 #1's, 5 top 10 hits, and 2 of the biggest tours of her career. I think Mariah made out like a bandit. (Wednesday 6 August 2014; 2:55)

Shelly / 2015 (45,884) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines Yeah, I agree. As great as MIAMTEC was, to say it's image has been tainted by a series of unfortunate events and bad decisions is a huge understatement. And sadly, I don't think even solid top 10 hit from it is gonna be enough to bouy it up the charts, let alone shake off its association with failure. However, if a re-release is on the way, it should be done this year before the tour starts. Next year is a special year for her and all her fans. Not only does it end with a "5" again (which as history dictates twice has been a lucky year for her both creatively, commercially and critically), it also marks her silver anniversary as a superstar. If she's gonna celebrate it with any new release, there are a few options in the horizon - all of which are very possible: 1) an album of all new material, which I hope won't feel as rushed as MOAIA; 2) a greatest hits compilation, now to include her post-2001 hits, with some new songs including a single and a few bonuses; and 3) a re-release of her remastered debut album, with maybe demo/alternate versions of the tracks plus some outtakes. Or maybe I'm just getting my hopes up way too much. Whatever she does, I still wish her all the best. (Wednesday 6 August 2014; 2:30)

Manager merry go round (45,883) by nikki from usa This is a good step for MC. Someone who can be a full time manager and hands on. JD is none of those things. He's great at what he does, but it's not managing. He was part time while he did his own producing and promo for other artists. After MC finished her YME promo and secluded herself to finish the album, JD was on social media about his own stuff and things he was working on. He dropped the ball from the get go. That's why MC jumped aboard the beverage idea. JD brought her to Nigeria to sing for the bank and when public outcry claimed she sang for a dictator he didn't do anything. No public commentary or have MC make a statement. He just let the rumors fly. He was out of his depth. However, I don't buy that MC "fired" him nor that she blames him for her LP failure. There's a lot of reasons, not just one. I think Randy did a good job, just look at the success of Beautiful. But, he had AI duty and couldn't be full time either. This is a great move. All Mariah really needs is to be seen. Visibility has been her greatest downfall, the lack thereof. No one hears from her, sees her, and there's no hype man. The reason she did so well in the 90's is because she was available musically and personally. We got videos, specials, magazines, and lots of live performances/interviews. (Wednesday 6 August 2014; 2:21)

Shelly (45,882) by Abraham from USA I completely agree, I think it would benefit and be better for Mariah if she started fresh and released a new album. And if that album were to have good songs and videos. People who don't care for "MIAMTEC" might want to check it out maybe even buy it. I think I've been the main one here on the messageboard who has expressed my love and thoughts on the album. I think when an artist leaves you wanting more. They have done their job. I want another album as soon as possible. Hopefully by next year. I wanted to let you know that I enjoy your posts and love for Mariah. You always give good ideas, suggestions and topics. (Wednesday 6 August 2014; 0:35)

Kevin Liles (45,881) by May from Denmark Carla asked who he is. He was the president of Def Jam previous to step down to vp only because he wanted to pursue other areas in the music bussiness. He made the company double revenues while under his management. Not only he has vast experience as manager, search artists, but also he is an amazing promoter. He is widely known in the rap/hip hop community and one of the most respected men in it as well, because he never let himself be blinded by money and material stuff (as it generally happens in that world) but instead since very young he worked incredibly hard. He has appeared in magazines as Crain's New York as one of the best corporate executives but also in Forbes as one of the most succesful in the music industry in particular an area that it was the hardest to manage. He not also expanded the brand Def Jam to cloths and video games showing wide success with its promotions. He also won the award for "Music Visionary of the year". I think Mariah will do great with him, because he is known for being very disciplined and expects the same from his clients while doing it with the utmost respect. The way he started in the industry is interesting and inspiring. After learning a lot about him I really like him. (Wednesday 6 August 2014; 0:31)

No Way Tired (45,879) by Andy from Germany Just a short shout out to Gilles and May for responding. Thank you so much. Take care. And kisses, André. (Wednesday 6 August 2014; 0:05)

Re: PJW / "Bye Bye" (45,878) by Billy from Greece I loved your post. (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 23:06)

Poor JD (45,877) by Edward from USA Poor JD, he never had a chance. Whether JD is manager material or not, he did his best to promote MIAMTEC. While Mariah was being elusive, he was out there trying to promote the album. Most of the interviews Mariah had, he was there by her side. Parting ways it is the best thing that could've happened to him, since anybody associated with Mariah's career at this point will be crucified by her fans when things don't go right. Mariah is a control freak, and as long as she keeps on hiring people she could easily control, things won't work out. These friendships mingled with business relationships don't work, and they usually end up damaging the friendship part, I hope that is not the case. She should come out and say she didn't fire him, that they decided to part ways amicably, but I doubt Mariah would do that. Many fans have been very unfair with JD, when he was the only one actually keeping us informed about what he could during this horrendous era. Let's see who the next one is going to be, probably her next label. Mariah is really out of control, and those who don't want to see that, should go and consult their eye doctors. (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 23:05)

The same attitude (45,876) by Carol from Spain He left and you still complain. It's ridiculous. Like I always defended, JD was never a manager, I actually never saw im as one. He left but the guy in place is what? The ex-president of IDJ I think. How is that good? Anyway, I couldn't care less about her management team. I just think it's a pity to see some of you with a "I told you so attitude". As usual, you're not helping. (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 22:19)

Bye bye (45,875) by PJW from The U.K. I just listened to Bye Bye for the first time in a couple of years and I find there's something really special about that track. I'm actually not a fan of its production (nor the majority of E=MC2 production) but the melody, her voice, the sentiment, the ad libs (oh, those ad libs). It just gets me. I still get lost in it and if I'm honest, I think that was the last time I really got lost in a Mariah track, and by lost I mean flamingly gay lost, fingers fluttering, heart leaping and all the jazz that comes with it. Admittedly my personal life changed beyond expectation or comprehension after that single was released and I lost my last bit of youthful freedom to indulge in music like I did, but I also feel this was the last time we saw Mariah as she was. By that single her life would also change beyond comprehension and that's since reflected in her art. It may not be her greatest track but for me, artistically, and despite her age, it was the last glimpse I got of that "innocent" playful sweet voiced girl. She was a woman after that and I'd grown into a man. The track title is so apt. (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 22:13)

Joyce (45,874) by THE TRUTH from USA Well said. I think you've hit the nail on the head. (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 22:11)

J.D. (45,873) by B from USA Mariah firing of JD suggest that she knows that she made a mistake hiring him. A mistake she should have learned after the Randy debacle. A tour would be a great way for her to reconnect with her fans. I think she should call the tour Me I Am Mariah... An Intimate Evening With The Elusive Chanteuse. (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 21:11)

Pondering (45,872) by PJW from The U.K. Upon the idea of abandoning the concept of albums. The industry as we've known it doesn't work anymore and really, artists aren't limited by the boundaries the labels create and call standard. It's all nonsense and something Mariah is no longer a part of. If I were in her position, I'd release tracks as and when I saw fit. They could stand alone or as part of a continuing story of where the artist is. I think it would allow more artistic freedom, remove a lot of pressure and allow the chance for more success. You only have to look at the sales of "Beautiful" compared to MIAM to see the benefits of individual tracks. Same with Obsessed or TMB. She ultimately lost the chance to sell great individual tracks or tell individual stories because the rules say everything has to come at once. Personally, I reckon that had there of been no MIAM and she'd have released some of these album tracks one by one without the constant expectation of an album, she'd have shifted far more in 2013-14 than she has done. (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 20:48)

The reason is (45,871) by Joyce from USA I don't think it's the music that's the problem. To all her original fans, she is completely a totally different persona and voice-ona that is completely unrecognizable. To the newer younger fans, her ball gown attire is completely un-relatable and nothing seems new with the vibe from her music. Though, her vocals seem to have improved from the prior non holiday album. Ironically, she should enlist the style management and image consultants she hated that were installed by the record company in the 90's that tightly manages her image branding and vocal maintanance. (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 20:05)

(45,870) by Ken from USA Plays Bye Bye. (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 19:10)

this_is_qhm (45,868) by Dove from USA I think if she can crank out good songs quickly, it would be better to start fresh and release a new album. If there is major promotion, awesome videos, breathtaking performances, and it takes off people will go back and buy MIAM too. I'm hoping 2015 will be another good year for her. (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 17:42)

If Jermaine like's it then I like it (45,867) by Mimi L. from Empower Your Highlighter I hope Mariah and JD parted ways on friendly terms. JD brought out the best in Mariah in many cases. They make really good songs. Yes Mariah can write great songs on her own but Jermaine was responsible for some memorable songs of Mariah that I personally really love. So I do hope that she has not lost him. This is another reason why friends should not be mixed in business. After Randy was fired by Mariah I don't remember seeing them together anymore. I hope we have not heard the last of "if Jermaine likes it then I like it". (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 17:26)

Differences / re-release vs. new album (45,865) by this_is_qhm from the Philippines I guess the thing about this board is that although we're all fans, we're all still different. Some of us are eternal optimists. Some of us are tough-love fans with pessimistic tendencies. That's just the way we are and the way it is. We shouldn't change ourselves or our opinions for anyone, nor should we ask others to do so just because we don't agree with them. We're all gonna react on the same opinion differently. Some of us are gonna be vocal about it, some of us won't. We'll all just have to find a way to coexist as peacefully as possible, because after all, we're all here for the same reason. Anyhow, we all know the rumors of new material that Mariah has finished. Considering the current state of her career, what do you think would be a wiser decision: to re-release MIAMTEC or to use the tracks for her new album? (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 17:02)

Mariah leaving JD and upcoming tour (45,864) by ADAM from USA I think JD did as much as he possibly could have done. He mentioned that he tried to push "Thirsty' as the lead urban single but MC didn't oblige by that and other innuendoes he's alluded to that were shot down by MC or her label. I think it's very clear, MC doesn't want to go out and push her music anymore. We can all speculate on the reasons why (babies, vocal damage, laziness, legendary status) but the end result is the same. JD was in a bad situation where MC once again hires her friends to manage her and then when it's time to manage she becomes unreasonable. I think Mariah needs to address the elephant in the room - her vocal cords, and decide if she's going to have surgery (if this works for her condition, after all she's never confirmed it) or publicly state that she'd like to go into retirement and randomly do one off shows (like Barbra Streisand) because of her aging cords. I think it's disingenuous to keep lip syncing during "live performances" on TV and go on tour to mime the whole show with the exception of a few ad libs and belts to try and throw fans off from the fact she's not singing. I say this as a fan who loves her music and wants her to win, but not like this. She's proven that she makes decisions swayed by the money (American Idol, Virgin records deal, Butterfly drink, perform for dictators) so I fear this latest tour is another notch in her lavish lifestyle at the expensive of her lambs. (Tuesday 5 August 2014; 15:43)

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