Subscribe
Hellobeautiful Featured Video
CLOSE

“Oh Father,” was my immediate response when I received the text:

“Ummm… so who gave Jackie Christie permission to release a single?”

Just to double check, I text back:

“Are you sure?” The one from ‘BBW’ (Basketball Wives: LA)?”

Within 30 seconds, “YES!!!” flashed on my screen along with a link where I could hear the new track “Woman of the Year” for myself. I was partly laughing out of amusement but mostly out of nervousness. I didn’t know what to expect, but from the implications of my message, I knew it probably wasn’t good. And not to prejudge Jackie, but nothing about her from what I’d seen on the show gave off the vibe, “singer.”  I closed my eyes really tight (it’s something random I do when I’m extremely nervous) and clicked the link.

Must Read: Blair Underwood On Getting His Book Made Into A Movie [EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW]

You ever been in a classroom or meeting and someone who you’re not even associated with says something totally stupid or out of line, but despite your disconnection from that person you still get uncomfortable and flushed with embarrassment? That’s exactly how I felt when listening to Jackie’s tune.

Though a nice gesture to salute and serenade “all you strong women out there striving for greatness,” as Mrs. Christie so eloquently says in the beginning of the track, it just wasn’t it. In a very interesting Ciara/Jeremih/Cassie/Trina type of way, Christie goes on to sing:

“Black Gucci shades, six inch heels

If you ain’t come from nothing you don’t know how it feels

I used to dream dreams of the life that I live now

All the things they said I couldn’t do I done did now…”

As happy as I am for Jackie’s come-up from nothing to “Gucci shades and six-inch heels,” I don’t believe song was the best vehicle for her to illustrate that. She’s not a vocalist and it clearly shows on this record. She even samples Jay and ‘Ye’s “N*ggas in Paris,” chanting:

“I don’ worked at this for too long to turn around and go home. Don’t let me get in my zone. You haters know that it’s on…”

It got progressively worse until minute 3:42 when it completely faded out.

I rarely suggest that people stay in their lane. I’m the first to encourage others to take risks and try alternative self-branding techniques. I think, however, when stepping outside of the box, you should still stay within the realms of your natural talents and skills.

Unfortunately, we live in a very unforgiving time. People don’t give you too many chances to screw up before they cut you off for good and take to Twitter to express it. I don’t really follow reality TV enough to know what Jackie Christie’s brand is. I do know that whatever it is, publicly releasing a product like “Woman of the Year” can be very damaging and significantly hinder her professional growth.

LIKE HelloBeautiful On Facebook To Keep Up With Your Fave Black Celebs!

 

Last year, former RHOA star Sheree Whitfield made a similar move with her NeNe Leakes diss track, “Who Gon Check Me Boo?” Earlier this year tennis extraordinaire Serena Williams caught the melodic bug too and spit a verse on the mic. The result? Public ridicule! Fortunately, for Serena, she’s so talented in tennis and was already an international icon prior to the song, therefore she was able to live it down. This is not the norm though.

Hone in on your craft and perfect it. Feel free to experiment, but do so with things that make sense. Certain crafts, like singing, dancing and acting, are usually born talents. Though enhanced with time and practice, they’re gifts people are blessed with at birth. You don’t want to lessen your credibility before you even have a chance to show and prove what you’re really made of. If you have an idea, it’s wise to first share it with a few close and honest loved ones who have your best interest at heart.

What do you think of “Woman of the Year?” Should Jackie Christie just stay in her lane?

More Voices Below:

Why Nina Simone Wouldn’t Want Zoe Saldana To Play Her

CHICK CHAT: A Black Man’s Dating Preference Has Nothing To Do With You!

Listen To This Playlist To Hear Other Reality Show Stars Stab At Music!

For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.