Messageboard

Bob/Nikki (36,759) by Neri from USA Oh save it for someone without a brain. You need to read your posts before you send them in. Maybe you weren't paying attention in your classes during primary school, when this was taught, but there are words that indicate that you're stating an opinion. Here are some to name just a few: may, ought, sometimes, I think, usually, probably, seems, it is believed, etc. I see no words in your post that indicate such. Everything you said was stated as if you yourself know what happened behind their doors for a fact. So like I said you were out line. As for the Greg Brady thing, sorry but some of us had to experience the greatness that was being a 90's kid. Nikki I agree with both you posts, nicely stated. (Friday 16 November 2012; 22:53)

If anything (36,758) by Geezy from USA by way of NYC If anything in my honest opinion I feel Mariah and Tommy benefitted from one another in terms of their professional relationship. As she got the big break she always craved, also she found a form of stability and love. As for Tommy, he was still practically new in his CEO position at Sony, most of the acts on the label at the time where much older artists and Tommy had pressure on him to find an act or acts that he could guide and bring to superstar status and then walks MC with the help of BKS and the rest is history. (Friday 16 November 2012; 19:19)

Re: Bob (36,757) by nikki from usa That's a little creepy. Is this a father-daughter relationship or husband/wife? Being married to your boss is quite the dynamic, but you can't be in a marriage ordering around your wife. Dictating to someone isn't "maturity". Listening to each other and compromising is. Statistically speaking, older men are known for caging their younger brides. Not all, but it is a common problem. Especially where paranoia of fidelity is concerned. They know their wives are young and attractive. Mariah's been on interviews and mags stating that she needed to be home at a specific time every night. That Tommy had what he called "bodyguards" that had to follow Mariah around wherever she went. Even a few producers from the mid 90's said Mottola would call them to make sure Mariah was there and would tell them how much time they'd have left because he expected her home soon. Being controlled at work and at home is what Mariah referred to as "suffocating", "controlling", and she had no time to be herself. Luckily for Thalia, Tommy couldn't be this controlling if he wanted to, he's no longer the boss. No one's on his payroll. (Friday 16 November 2012; 18:00)

Mottola's over hyped, it's a two way street (36,756) by nikki from usa Mottola signed Celine Dion and Shakira. Clive Davis signed Whitne, yet I don't hear anyone thanking the signers for the girls' success. That strange phenomenon seems to be reserved for Mariah. After Mottola backstabbed a friend to get his position, he found out what trouble CBS records was in. They had legends on their roster who hadn't made music in years and all the acts currently out weren't that successful. With Madonna and Whitney, the new success trend was solo female singers and they had none. Mariah is what Mottola was looking for. CBS became Columbia and their survival depended on how well Mariah succeeded. That's the reason Mottola was so controlling. Many artists, including Brenda, were kicked off the label to focus on Mariah. Columbia even went on record stating they didn't see MC as an artist, but a pop franchise. "Sing, sing" indeed, her success saved jobs and she became the new prototype. Columbia is well known for being rigid, they lost both Katy Perry and Alicia Keys for it. Both Celine and Shakira had sold millions and had fanbases on 2 continents before Mottola "signed them". Mottola can take credit for opening up exposure for their talent to be heard, but the only artist that can thank Mottola for making them a star is J.Lo. He modeled her after Mariah. He thinks he's responsible for MC's success as well, which is why he went to such lengths to destroy her career and give it to J.Lo. That's why he got fired. (Friday 16 November 2012; 17:32)

Crazy lamb attacked (yawn) (36,755) by Anonymous from Neri, It sounds like you didn't like my opinions (which were based upon my personal observance of the news and events of the Tommy era in Mariah's life, mixed with my own life experiences). I'm sorry about that. And did I read this correctly? You want me to follow your rules of how I write my posts ("don't make it seem as though...")? Ok, I'll try and clear everything with you before I shoot it over to Eric. I also had to chuckle after reading the part "we don't know a thing about what goes on behind anyone's door when it closes". True. So how could you tell me that I'm "out of line" for my opinions when you don't know what went on behind their door either? Truth is you can't because you don't know and neither do I - so lay off. Thank you. Will, you got me smiling too. Accused of a crime I didn't commit , saying I said Mariah used Tommy to climb the ladder. I said he held it while she climbed it. Big difference. Please re-read. I have a feeling most of you have no idea what my "Adios Johnny Bravo" comment meant because if you did, you'd know that was not an insinuation of Mariah using Tommy. It was the Emancipation of Mimi (just as it was for Greg Brady when he tore up the recording contract on "The Brady Bunch" all those years ago, Google it). Anyone have anything else for me? Good. I'm outta here. Enjoy the day fellow lambs. (Friday 16 November 2012; 6:56)

Mariah and Tommy (36,754) by Stacey from USA I have a hard time believing MC would have enjoyed the same success at another label. I don't doubt her talent. I've celebrated her as a fan for over 20 years. However, none of us know what her path would have looked like had she signed with Warner or any other label. Would she have 18 #1 hits? Who knows. None of us can say for sure she would have done as well or better at another label. I'm not going to speculate on the unknown. As far as their relationship, I believe they were in love. Look no further than the sugary Music Box album. In time, though, the relationship deteriorated quickly. Looking In is a cry for help if I've ever heard (and a sort of anthem for myself too). The song Butterfly was what MC hoped Tommy would have said to her. He didn't and the rest is history. I can't say anything more. (Friday 16 November 2012; 5:02)

Berry Gordy built careers (36,753) by RibbonB from USA Now there's a man who built a record label, changed music in so many ways and built the foundations of countless careers from Michael Jackson to Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Temptations etc. And Gordy wrote music himself, which many don't know or seem to forget. Love him or hate him, and many of his artists did both, he has built a legacy in the music industry and culture in general. Mariah wrote her songs and sang them like no other. She started on a good established label and yes the co. exec had a vested interest, but he did what any good business man would have done, he signed a fantastic star, Mariah did the rest. (Friday 16 November 2012; 4:23)

Music Box K2HD (36,752) by ian Lim from Malaysia Hi there, may I know if this item is a real or fake item? This CD is said manufactured in Hong Kong, but also mentioned it made in Japan. I try to search the said Japanese engineer discography and no Music Box on his list, not even on Sony Japan official website. Please advise, thank you. (Friday 16 November 2012; 3:50)

Dem babies bathe in bottled water (36,751) by RibbonB from USA Lol. These tabloid stories are so hilariously ridiculous. But dem babies do have beautiful skin. Lol. (Friday 16 November 2012; 3:34)

Sony owes Mariah (36,750) by RibbonB from USA Period. (Friday 16 November 2012; 3:30)

Mariah, Tommy and career (36,749) by Carol from Spain Regarding this whole Tommy/Mariah thing: Yes Mariah does not owe her career to Sony, what she owes Sony is the initial chance for a career. If Mariah wasn't in Sony first, she would be with Warner and the story would be the same, because Mariah had (and has) the talent to make it everywhere. No, we can't discard Tommy's influence on her initial years. Now, just because Tommy is responsible for her initial success, that doesn't mean Mariah would have to bow down to him everytime and accept all the bad things he threw at her. I do believe her marriage to Tommy was awful and she had to endure alot of pressure. Her age, at the time, had nothing to do with it, because a 23 years old is old enough to make a conscious marriage. Mariah's career in the last few years has been very calm, but honestly? Her music is better then many out there and she is always a pleasant artist to watch, because we never know what she's up to. (Friday 16 November 2012; 1:18)

Mariah, Tommy, and Butterfly (song) (36,748) by Stacey from USA Folks, listen to Butterfly. Mariah wrote that song to tell the story of what she hoped Tommy would have said to her. IMO, it's the most personally revealing song she's ever written, ever. After listening to that song, you guys honestly can't tell me she didn't at some point have deep feelings for the man and wished at that time it would have worked out. Butterfly is all about her trying to save the relationship. Listen to Now That I Know from MB. That is all about Tommy. However, things happened and she felt it best to leave the relationship. But for a time, she was in love. I look back to my past relationships and know they didn't work out for a reason. I'm with my husband and have two beautiful children. MC is happy with Nick and that's all that matters. Tommy is a part of her past. He helped make her a star. It's ok to talk about that. If that topic bothers some of you, ignore it and post about something else. (Friday 16 November 2012; 1:13)

On Tommy Mottola (36,747) by CDC from CA Tommy Mottola didn't make Mariah a superstar. The world did. Tommy is absolutely entitled to credit for being an integral factor in Mariah's success. Had she signed with Warner, however, it is likely we would not have the songs we are enjoying today. When she moved to the city, she was just as talented, ambitious and hungry as the rest of them. (She often recalled sharing an apartment with a group of other aspiring entertainers.) She knew she wanted to be number one regardless of the people operating the machine or the facilities she was using. If she walked into Warner studios with the same attitude she did at Columbia, then this website would still be what it is. PS. I was cruising Amazon and discovered that Tommy is releasing his autobiography early next year. The abstract clearly states that Mariah, naturally, will be heavily featured in the book. (Friday 16 November 2012; 0:57)

Bob (36,746) by Will from England Before I say anything, take another listen to the final few lines of "Petals" before you say that she just used him to climb the ladder. She did have some feelings for the man, as I said, regardless of what happened behind the scenes. We will never know what really happened, unless Mariah decides to write a book, but we can speculate it was bad enough from Mariah's point-of-view to still talk about it years later. I still stand by my original post saying that Mariah does owe Tommy and Sony for her career. (Friday 16 November 2012; 0:29)

Bob (36,745) by Neri from USA Not giving approval of people hating Tommy and I completely wish people would relegate him to the past, but at the same time your downplaying how Mariah felt when she was married to the man by brushing it off as her being young is completely out of line. "Adios Johnny Bravo"? From what Mariah has said she would've stayed if he went to marriage counseling and stopped breathing down her neck, but he didn't so she left. Don't make it seem as though she used him and then threw him to the wayside, as you have no proof of any such thing. And I'm not trying to insinuate that there's anything wrong with Thalia and Tommy's marriage, but the truth about all people is that we don't know a thing about what happens behind anyone's door once it closes. Their marriage could be absolutely fine or he could be controlling to her and she chooses to stay, or today or tomorrow they could divorce and she too could publicly state that their marriage was terrible and that he was controlling or she could not. You never know. (Thursday 15 November 2012; 23:26)

Hello lambs (36,744) by Anthony from London, UK Just thought I'd introduce myself, I have been coming to this site for many years to keep updated on Mariah as I have been a fan right from the start. I really enjoy reading all the post on here and thought it was about time I joined so that I can post and share my thoughts on Mimi with you all. Thats all for now lambs, I look forward to posting soon, have a good day. (Thursday 15 November 2012; 21:53)

Tommy, If I hear that name one more time... (36,743) by Anonymous from Is it me or does it seem many fans and lambs are still hung up on talking about Tommy Mottola? Even Mariah still tends to either write or talk about her time with him and it's always negative (and for the most part meaningless). The '90's ended long ago and whatever went on back then has no bearing on 2012. So many people hate the guy and I could never understand why. He was "controlling". What? Most young people who marry older people say that. It's not controlling so much as it is maturity. Mariah was 23, and everytime Tommy said "no" to her, it was for a reason, yet in her young mind that was probably considered "controlling". I bet she looks back now and truly understands most of what he did and why. Whether fans or lambs like it or not, he was the one who held the ladder while Mariah climbed it. Once she got there, it was "Adios Johnny Bravo". Now I'm not saying the guy was a saint. No one's perfect. All I'm saying is he thought with his whatzit, not his brain. He married too young of a girl, that's all. So in conclusion, please relegate Tommy to Mariah's and our past, where he belongs. The guy's been married to Thalia for years and she never said he was controlling. That's because she was already older when they married and she understood what maturity was all about. So to does Mariah... now. Let's look forward to what Mariah has in store as there is no future in the past. Enjoy the day everyone. (Thursday 15 November 2012; 6:36)

No Mottola? What a fun game (36,742) by nikki from usa You're a record producer. A young goddess walks up to you with a voice that touches the angels yet can go low enough to make the devil cream himself. Exactly how hard is that to promote? If it weren't for Mottola, Everything Fades Away and Slipping Away would be on an album and be singles. I don't know if they'd reach #1, but I think they're top 10's. If Mariah had more creative control and wasn't put into a "love song only or bust" box, I'd really like to hear what she'd put out. I love the grittiness of songs like Prisoner and You Need Me, There's Got To Be A Way - I think she was far more well rounded in the beginning before she was put into a 1 dimensional box. If TM wasn't there telling her she had a big forehead and only half her face was good, how would she have been received differently by the media? I don't think she'd have as many #1's here, but I think she'd have more worldwide. It doesn't matter what label put out VOL or Someday, those would've done what they were gonna do. Being the Christmas queen she is, I think AIWFCIY would still have come to being. Honestly, if Mottola weren't in the picture and she'd signed to Warner Bros. as intended, I think she'd still be successful (perhaps not quite to this degree), but be a more versatile artist, and more respected by the public at large. (Thursday 15 November 2012; 5:56)

Mariah's new project (36,741) by Nick from Canada I like Triumphant's message, but I'm hoping it isn't a sign of things to come. I am mostly hoping Mariah turns introspective on this album. With marriage, a difficult pregnancy and the birth of beautiful twins, she has more than enough inspiration to write some beautiful songs about love, triumph through adversity, and motherhood. Trying to cater to a younger crowd should not be her objective anymore. (Thursday 15 November 2012; 4:50)

Will, I couldn't agree with you more (36,740) by Edward from USA There’s a huge engine behind an artist success and Mariah is not the exception here. Mariah is not being successful these days because she's not being played on the radio. Tommy made sure her music got played, just the same way he sabotaged the Glitter album by allowing JLo use that sample when he clearly knew Mariah was already using it, and using his connections to make sure her music wasn’t played. Record labels and management companies with their guidance, programming and strategies are responsible for a great part of an artist success. For TEOM there was heavy promotion and a sense of wanting to make things work. LA Read had meetings with important stations, DJ’s and Mariah to make sure she had a chance. If LA hadn’t told Mariah to go back and work with JD more, the standout tracks on TEOM wouldn’t have been there, so his guidance was important. I don’t like Tommy, but I don’t underestimate what he and Sony did for Mariah. Thanks to them, her music was available to us, and her voice was well taken care of. It's true Mariah had a great voice and talent, but it's not less true that Tommy made sure that talent was heard. Look at Obama crying with gratitude while addressing his campaign team. Like when Cindy Burger snatched the microphone off Mariah's hand when she had the breakdown and was talking senselessly, there's a lot going on behind an artist pretty face and talent. (Thursday 15 November 2012; 4:18)

Here's the thing (36,739) by RibbonB from USA Many people achieved their greatest successes working with or for Mariah, but none of them have achieved that with other acts. Mariah is a force unto herself. And I believe she achieved it despite some of these characters, TM especially. She keeps shining, despite the fact that many of her so called supporters, helpers etc want to claim credit for this and that. Many were just along for the ride and some were dragging on her coat tails. It is what it is and it aint what it aint and she is still standing. (Thursday 15 November 2012; 2:12)

Geraldine (36,738) by Will from England No, I don't think she would have made it with another company. Tommy ran the show during the 90s, Tommy was the one who invested in her, Tommy was the one who made sure her first album was a smash. So she does owe her success to Tommy and Sony, despite what went on behind the scenes and all that. If Mariah wanted to go down the thick RnB route that she really wanted, I doubt she would be the legend she is today, and known all over for her voice. (Wednesday 14 November 2012; 23:00)

Mariah's success belongs to Mariah (36,737) by RibbonB from USA Everybody else is a footnote to her success, lol. Every artist has a moment, or apex of their career. Mariah's just happened to be in the beginning of hers. Her voice and talent started in an era where the timing was right, her age was right etc etc. TEOM was another milestone, but every career has peaks and valleys, otherwise it's just one plateau. Mariah is blessed and is a legend no matter what else she does. The great thing about her is she is not trying to replicate anything, she keeps moving forward. Bring it on home. (Wednesday 14 November 2012; 21:29)

Re: Paul/BIOH (36,736) by Joanna from Poland Paul I totally respect your opinion, but I have to disagree with you when it comes to BIOH. I've been listening to this song for the last couple of days, and I really enjoy it. It makes me feel good and the vocal is great. (Wednesday 14 November 2012; 21:01)

Paul (36,735) by Sasha from Nomansland As you said, Mariah had the recipe for the success, but I think it's mainly because she had at the time one of the most powerful music company working for her and was married as well with a powerful business man who focused all his attention on her and her success and knew exactly what to do to put her at the top of the charts. Of course she's talented, but without the "right" crew at her sides she can't make miracles. It seems now that she's working only with friends and people she trusts, which I can understand after what she went through with TM. There are a lot of talented poeple on earth who will never be known or famous and other so-called artists who make a lot of money only because they are around smart people. I'm not saying that she owns her success in the 90s to TM and Sony Music, but I wonder if she would have had the same career if she had signed a deal with another record company. What do you think? (Wednesday 14 November 2012; 17:59)

MORE MESSAGES