Originally published 7.15.09
In the July ’09 edition of Pride Magazine, which is called the UK’s version of ESSENCE, actress Nia Long graces the cover. But her cover shot isn’t the thing that has created an Internet buzz but her words on the inside.
In the interview, she shares her thoughts about the on-going trend of singers becoming actors and how they do not have the skills.
“If you’re a singer not an actress, you should sing. If you’re a rapper, you should rap”, she said.
When asked about her thoughts on platinum artist Beyonce’ performance in the movie Obsessed she said “I didn’t see ‘Obsessed,’ so I can’t comment, but it’s just not about how talented you are anymore. It’s about, ‘How much box-office revenue will this person generate?’ When you see certain people – we won’t name names – they just don’t have the skill, and no one in their team has said, ‘You need acting classes.”
Questions: Do you agree with Nia Long? Do you think this may have been a tactic on behalf of the interviewer to pit Nia Long against Beyonce, hence the headlines on the Internet?
Do you think without respect for the art, people many times won’t approach it to become a master but give mediocre efforts just to get a check?
Let me know your thoughts.