Prince ‘BlkMagic’ Damons

There are a lot of pressures to be faced in the music industry and two of the most crucial are the pressure to be thin and beautiful. This trend is forced throughout various genres from rock and pop to R&B and even the country realm. While you don’t see too many artists suffering from eating disorders with their ribs sticking out and what not, image is everything in this business and beauty appeals. Despite industry pressures and media hype, one area that has virtually remained untouched over the years is soul music.

Big Talent and Beauty

Often referred to as one of the leaders of the Nu Soul movement, the soulful Jill Scott is a gal who has always been on the thicker side. Even after being told that she wouldn’t sale a single record if she didn’t lose weight, Jill persevered and became one of the most treasured jewels on the scene. Throughout the years, Jill’s weight has gone up and down, her size changing for movie roles and simply trying to meet personal goals. Though admitting to weight issues in the past, Jill Scott has been widely accepted by her soul brethren and legions of fans - big or small, puffy hair and all.

Angie Stone has come a long way since hitting the soul scene, in terms of both her music career and personal life. This strong woman has been through it all, feeling the cold shoulder of Hollywood and everything it has to offer. With a successful music career under way, Angie delved into the film business, only to claim that she had been turned down for roles because of her weight and trademark silky-smooth black skin. Throughout the weight problems and a serious health scare, Stone has stayed true to herself and is still easily one of the most gorgeous women in showbiz.

Women aren’t the only ones to feel the pressure of the music industry. Because sex and its appeal sells, male celebrities and artists are just as marketable as their female counterparts. Every now and then, an artist comes through and breaks the mold, their star burning just as bright regardless of the outer shell. Take Ruben Studdard for example. Charmingly handsome but obviously overweight, Studdard shined on the brightest stage of them all, the commercialized spotlight of American Idol. After winning America’s vote, he went on to become a successful solo artist and one of the emerging new voices of soul. Studdard is often compared to the legendary great Luther Vandross, who also battled weight problems. Ironically enough, Luther was loved even more by his fans with the extra set of love handles for the simple fact that the pipes remained intact.

All that Chatter Don’t Matter

So is soul music immune to the demands of public perception? Not likely. The pressures still exist. The observers have taken notice and the critics are chattering. Unlike other genres however, soul is all about the music and its culture is one that forms the comfort zone. Lauryn Hills feels no pressure to perform when she hits the stage with her thin frame and short curly locks. India Arie has always been completely in-tune with her lovely dark skin. Hell, she even shaved her head bald to prove that beauty comes from within. The overwhelming acceptance of this movement can be characterized by confident brothers and sisters who are simply content in all their naturalness.