First off, let me say that I'm not trying to start a fight...just an intelligent discussion...<P>I've been a devoted Maxwell fan for a while now and I'm continually impressed by his musical talent, his vocal prowess, his songwriting skills,his sexiness, the way he moves onstage, his humility and sheer goodness.<P>Now I'm fairly new to D'Angelo but I'm slowly but surely finding out that he is a force to be reckoned with as well. I haven't bought any of his stuff yet but trust me, I will. (Just let me get some money, damn...)<P>There seem to be a lot of similarities between the two of them...they both were incredibly gifted at a young age, they both have very original and distinct vocal and musical talents and they have both shown what R&B is supposed to be! (Not to mention they both use their middle name as their stage name)<P>If there are other people on here who would like to add to this similarity/differences discussion, I would love to hear your thoughts on this.<P>I'm also wondering if they've ever met, what they think of each other, whether you all think Maxwell is worthy of okayplayer status, etc.<P>Thanks all,<P>Damali<P><P><BR>Nam-myoho-renge-kyo<P>Tell me what you thought I thought you thought I thought. - Maxwell
I've been having this same discussion with a lot of my collegues,and I've pretty much come to this conclusion. Max is more fantasy, and D is more reality. Maxwell is "I'll lay you on a bed of roses and make love to you", while on the other hand, when I think of D, he's more of the "walking-up-behind-you-while-you're-frying-chicken-kiss-you-on-the-neck-lay-you-on-the-kitchen-table-and-lick-you-all-over-until-you-explode" kind--at least that's my take. D is the mouth-piece that the regular n*gga uses to get his point across to that certain prey that he's stalking. D says a lot of the things they want to say, but are too afraid, or don't know the words to say to say it. I have D's CD's; and I've listened to Maxwell, and he's cool. But, I feel D much more. I feel his energy. But, that's my own humble opinion.
<BR>>when I think of D, <BR>>he's more of the "walking-up-behind-you-while-you're-frying-chicken-kiss-you-on-the-neck-lay-you-on-the-kitchen-table-and-lick-you-all-over-until-you-explode" kind--at <BR>>least that's my take.<P>That ish had me rolling!!! That's a classic...I might have to put that one in my famous quote book.<P>thanks for your input...<P>Damali<P>Nam-myoho-renge-kyo<P>Tell me what you thought I thought you thought I thought. - Maxwell
36. "Get out of my head!!." In response to Reply # 2
You took the words I was trying to say and put them down better than I could. I feel you on that one. Maxwell is a very talented artist, and I am a fan of his, but you can also tell that D'angelo is more serious about his craft. It comes through in the music somehow. His lyrics are on a whole other level.
and it's hard to compare.they have two different sounds, from different backgrounds, and different personalities. <BR>I wouldn't underestimate Maxwell though. I remember his first video...for til the cops come knockin..a split in the bed *IS* a force to be reckoned with...<BR>he also puts on a great show (haven't seen D'Angelo in concert)...but I remember when Maxwell was in atl at the Fox Theatre and i was like, 16, he put on a good two hours or so concert when he only had one album out. sang wonderfully. was very entertaining. had all the men in the house VERY jealous. All these women dressed up and not payin attention to their poor lil selves. and he can dance, too! <P>"I am the FLY"- Car Wash<P>"a child is born/ with a heart of gold/ way of the world/ makes his heart turn cold" Earth, Wind, and Fire "That's the Way of the World" Thanks qtpi
14. "He's a California Dreamer......" In response to Reply # 4
maxwell has this "california-dreaming" shit going with him....if i didn't know better, i'd think he was from l.a....<BR>i like that "dirty country, hash-n-eggs" stuff that d is on...to me - d also paints more vivid colors with his voice and instrumentation<P>am i the only person on earth that thought embrya was trash ?;<P>it was like, "all these damn songs and 1-2 good ones ??"....and maxwell's instrumentation is so washy and orchestrated that it comes off white-bread and diffused, like he's trying to get emptiness out of fullness... (?)<P>well, i'll give maxwell another chance, but if #3 is trash - i won't blame him - i'll blame columbia's b**ch azz !!!<P>damn, after urban hang suite's stellar reviews, people didn't talk too much about embrya....to this day, i haven't read a review on it<P>d has struck my soul with every one of his joints...every one is a dime, they STAYYSS in my cd player...<P>----billy <P><BR>"you gaze confused/ at me from the stage while my camera rewinds/ yes - flashed a contraband memoir of an obsession divine/ in this life i want just a mere fraction of your prescious time/ when i relinquish to you all of mine" - <P>Psycho-Script Entertainment<BR><a href="http://www.geocities.com/gabbana36" target="_blank">http://www.geocities.com/gabbana36<;/a>
I didn't like Embrya as much, but it definitely grew on me. definitely more cryptic, though. <P>"I am the FLY"- Car Wash<P>"a child is born/ with a heart of gold/ way of the world/ makes his heart turn cold" Earth, Wind, and Fire "That's the Way of the World" Thanks qtpi
>maxwell has this "california-dreaming" shit going with <BR>>him....if i didn't know better, i'd <BR>>think he was from l.a.... <P>HUh? I believe Maxwell is a BK native. I remember biggie giving him props. <P>But, yeah, he's definitely on some smooth mellow vibe -- he's got great stage presence, but I gotta warn you his show is strictly for the ladies..<P>I wonder, if Maxwell, Benet, et al didn't exist, would D'Angelo try to do their sensitive Mr. Loverman shtick instead, instead of positioning himself as the around-the-way cat, down-with-my-dogs-down-the-block-but-still-keeping-it-hot-for-my-ladies thing? You know, D' had to separate himself from the pack somehow...<P><BR>oh, yeah, I thought embrya was a big brick too. *CLANK*!! (sorry too much basketball right now, that's all i see)<P>
29. "ha ha... you craced the ha ha's..." In response to Reply # 14
Hey that is so true about maxwell... I loved urban Hang Suite... but embrya... that just plain sucked... and nice statement about the columbia thing....that ish was funny... I'll be right there with you when you do kick their azz... LOL...<P>Keep it Real and Flow From the Soul ¿ ?<P>untitled
33. "criticism of embrya" In response to Reply # 29
I hear a lot of "Urban Hang Suite" fans dissing "Embrya". Why? What made "Embrya" so much worse? I think both albums had different vibes, but I didn't think that "Embrya" was horrible in comparison.
Could some of you explain a little more why you don't like "Embrya" as compared to "Urban Hang Suite"?
35. "RE: criticism of embrya" In response to Reply # 33
>I hear a lot of "Urban >Hang Suite" fans dissing "Embrya". >Why? What made "Embrya" so >much worse? I think both >albums had different vibes, but >I didn't think that "Embrya" >was horrible in comparison. > >Could some of you explain a >little more why you don't >like "Embrya" as compared to >"Urban Hang Suite"? I felt like urban hang suite had so much more direction. embrya was good alblum but a little harder to understand, I couldn't catch a consistent vibe, plus stuart mattewman wasn't as involved in the production of embrya-Maxwell himself stated that he didn't have a standard to the songs that he recorded he kinda worked several songs at once-something he didn't do on urban hang suite. still I don't agree with the opinion the Embrya was trash but it was not what Maxwell fans expected, but still better than the homogenized r&b that you hear on the radio > >Spread love, > >Spirit >www.theamphibians.com >SUPPORT DEAD PREZ, ALBUM IN STORES >NOW!! > >www.soul-sessions.com >Hip-hop forever...power to the people > >R.I.P. Filli (Amphibians) > >"There will be no peace until >God sits at the conference >table" - Chi-Lites
I think their music is completely different. The only comparison i can make is that they are both extrememely talented and blessed men. They write beautiful, deep, haunting, intelligent, sensual, raw music. It seems that both men write and sing from their heart ...but their style and approach to these similar themes is different. I think Maxwell messes more with non-traditional downtempo and upbeat beats as oppossed to D'Angelo who is more about going back to classical/traditional hip-hop/R&B/soul beats and updating them. I dunno... i can't compare the two.. i get into both of them ...just depends who i'm kickin' it wit... They both are good to get freaky wit too..<BR>although i had thought i read once that D talked shit about Maxwell ...saying his music was too soft/pop or something like that ... who knows if its true but it didn't move me enough to verify whether he said that or not. i dunno.<BR>G
dangelo and maxwell are totally to different types of styles<BR>at first i was kinda fould into thinking maxwell was trying to be another deangelo but then as i began to listen to the different artist i personally came to the conclusion that you can put them in the same category<BR>deangelo is a Curtis Mayfield <BR>and maxwell is a Marvin Gaye artist
don't let D hear you calling Maxwell no Marvin Gaye <BR>You'll hurt his feelings and possibly upset him. I'm sure he'll take the Curtis Mayfield shout to heart though... but ten cuidado wit what you say about Marvin G
8. "had this discussion many times" In response to Reply # 7
my ex girl is a die hard maxwell fan.and she thinks i'm a die hard d'angelo fan.she thinks d'angelo is too ghetto/crass at times.<P>her:"i read an interview and they said he was smokin weed in the interview.that's just too ghetto,sets a bad influence."<BR>me:"well you have a point but smokin weed is no worse than drinking alcohol."<P>her:"he biting prince too hard."<BR>me:"oh you cant tell me that you dont see a lil prince in maxwell too."<P>me:"i like maxwell too.i have all his shit as well as d'angelo's.maxwell is the male SADE."<P>her:"his lyrics are so beautiful,it's like <BR>poetry."<BR>me:" there's a place for that, i like that shit too,but not everyday.sometimes i dont feel like solving a riddle when i'm listenin to music."<P>her:"d'angelo is talented but he's a lil too edgy for me sometimes.like that "shit,damn.."(by the way,that song made me laugh)<BR>me:"well i'm goin to the d'angelo concert,april 30th, here in charlotte.i bought two tickets but i dont know who i'm takin yet."<P>her:"I'LL GO"<P>"my rhymebook will be the next bible"-rakim
11. "CONVERSATION CONTINUED" In response to Reply # 9
her:"d'angelo too dirty,he all naked in that video"<BR>me:"remember maxwell in the tub,supposedly naked for that one video."<P>her:"listen to the song,he talkin bout how does it feel,that's not appropiate."<BR>me:"remember maxwell's first single?"<P>her:"Til the cops come knockin wasn't that sexual,he said in an interview that it had spiritual meaning"<BR>me:"oh so he meant that they was prayin so lound that the cops had to come knock on the door?"<P>"my rhymebook will be the next bible"-rakim
D's music is poetry--some call it "ghetto poetry". D can say the same things as Maxwell, but then wouldn't he have to change his name? Maxwell is air, D is Earth. Max stirs your fantasies, D's reaches in the soul and brings out your "realities". I think the main thing is that D is almost like the "representative" of the average n*g. When he doesn't know how to say what he wants to say to his lady, D can talk for him--almost like Cireno...
10. "This should be in the Lesson" In response to Reply # 0
but I love them both. For different reasons, but I must say that they are both incredible. <P>D'Angelo is dirty and greasy and funky<P>Maxwell is smooth and easy and breezy<P>GET CRUNK!<P>I AM BLACK MUSIC <P>"In the name of love and war<BR>took my shield and sword<BR>from the pit of the bottom<BR>that knows no floor<BR>Like the rain to the dirt<BR>Like the vine to the wine<BR>From the alpha creation<BR>Till the end of time......." - D'Angelo<P>"FIRE!" - Ohio Players<P>"I'm the shit, smell me, I don't stink" - me<P>"Got to keep my irons in the fire" - Teena Marie<P>
________________________________________ who gonna check me boo?!
Big-up, fire!<P>I was under the impression that The Lesson was for in depth MUSIC discussions...I guess I didn't really see my post as such. But, I could be wrong...it happens (sometimes) <img src="http://www.okayplayer.com/dcforum/Images/happy.gif"><P>Much luv<BR>Damali<P>Nam-myoho-renge-kyo<P>Tell me what you thought I thought you thought I thought. - Maxwell
23. "If this were in the Lesson......" In response to Reply # 21
you would have 100 responses and Koala fighting some other mammal to the ends of the universe..<P>GET CRUNK!<P>I AM BLACK MUSIC <P>"In the name of love and war<BR>took my shield and sword<BR>from the pit of the bottom<BR>that knows no floor<BR>Like the rain to the dirt<BR>Like the vine to the wine<BR>From the alpha creation<BR>Till the end of time......." - D'Angelo<P>"FIRE!" - Ohio Players<P>"Step into my office. Why? Cause you're fired!!!!!" - Something about Mary<P>"Got to keep my irons in the fire" - Teena Marie<P>"When you are oppressed the only thing you understand is your oppressor." - fire<P>LIKE FIRE IS CHOCOLATE<BR>LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE - MARCH 28<P>
________________________________________ who gonna check me boo?!
Maxwell is mo' of a singer .<BR>D is mo'' of a musician .<BR>Maxwell's sound is Musze - basically the SADE crew without sade herself .<BR>D's sound is D .<BR>I think D's music si less melodic , but more rythmic . Much more hiphop then Maxwell .<P>Just my 2dimes .<BR>s.
Hmmm! D's on some serious pocket ish, but wait Max's on some same groove. Vocally Max is more seductive, while D is more gritty (Like on some Funkadelic ish). I'd go see D before I'll go see Max, so sue me. <P><P><BR>I'm for truth, No matter who tells .. Malcolm X<BR> I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it..??<BR>Money make the world go round, Make the price of living go up, chances of living go down.. Scarface<P>GET THE FORTUNE-F**K THE FAME.. ?
>Maxwell is mo' of a singer . <BR>>D is mo'' of a musician <P>True. D' can play keys well, at least at the show I saw him. Maxwell, to my knowledge, can't play shit.<P>Actually, i remember someone saying that Maxwell was originally an alternative artist?!? That his demo had some "alternative" music on it. If he reveals this side of him, should be interesting...<P><BR>>. Maxwell's sound is Musze - <BR>>basically the SADE crew without sade <BR>>herself . <P>True. He needs to get away from that. It's good, but he's trapped by that sound.<P>>D's sound is D <P>Brown sugar was D's sound. voodoo sounds very ?uest-ish or soulquarian-ish. <P>>. I think D's music si <BR>>less melodic , but more rythmic <BR>>. Much more hiphop then Maxwell <P>Yeah, but when I think of rhythm, I think James Brown. dunno, voodoo's rhythmic-based, but its sloooow rhythm. <P>
Damn, yo, does this comparison start up every other month? D and Maxwell, D and Maxwell. <P>Maxwell's next album will probably be a nice, turn -on-the-red-light-and-slow-dance-wit-yo-woman joint, but Maxwell's music is nowhere near as ambitious as D's. <P>One Love,<BR>BigPerm
19. "No comparison possible!!!" In response to Reply # 0
Ya'll crazy. What's up with all you folks dissing Maxwell. Truthfully, on the music tip, I'm a have to give it up to D. But on the lyrical side, Maxwell has it by three furlongs. No disrespect to D, but Maxwell is like 20 years ahead of almost any R&B singer out here today. Problem is, I think that the Musze be trying too hard sometimes. Maxwell needs to try dealing with some different producers. That "Fortunate" joint he did with R. Kelly was phat. CAN'T NOBODY SLEEP ON THAT!!! And what's up with all the darts being fired at Embrya. I'm not going to say that it was the greatest, but it had it's gems in there. Also, if you want to here some ish, pick up Max's live joint and check out how he freaked that K.D. Lang joint called "This Woman's Work". All in all, you cannot compare D and Max, which is like comparing Funkadelic to Frankie Beverly and Maze. It just won't work.
Come to grips with the fact that most OKP's are of the Nut Hugger lineage, so, if you' re not part of the little cliques that exist 'round here, your posts will probably tank like Souljaboy's album sales.
24. "i thinks..........." In response to Reply # 20
that d'angelo is a better singer, hands down, but maxwell is more passionate about his craft, just my opinion, like his cut whenever, whatever, wherever......man, that's music to fall over. but, like d'angelo's higher, maxwell couldn't TOUCH that.
on my baby now...I think Max could handle himself just fine. And I'm sure that by now Maxwell is very used to people underestimating his talents. Have you seen Max in concert? cuz if you haven't, then I can understand your comment..<P>Much love<BR>Damali<P>Veronica801 - AIM screen name<P>Tell me what you thought I thought you thought I thought. - Maxwell
26. "maxwell in concert" In response to Reply # 25
my ex has seen max in concert(twice).i know 3 people who have witnessed his concerts and everyone seems to be in amazement.my old roommate went with his girl and then came back to the crib ,this is no joke.she walked into the living room where i was sittin."how was the show yall?"<BR>she(wearing a long tight black dress)reached under her dress pulled off her black thong and said, "i gotta go dry these off!"<P><BR>"my rhymebook will be the next bible"-rakim
I have seen Maxwell in concert 4 times. There is no comparison. Maxwell knows how to put on a SHOW. And I disagree with the folks that say that Maxwells's show is just for the ladies. Having attended D's concert on 3/21 I must say that there were definitely more men at Maxwell's venues. Now, I'm not even saying D didn't put on a show cause I had to go home and wring my panties out too. Shit as I think about the shows in general i can't even think straight. They were both da bomb! In summation, I'll compare the two to sex. Sometimes me and my baby f***, and sometimes we make love. When we're f***ing, D is on, and when we're making love, Maxwell is what's heard. The two are a perfect yin-yang comparison. Great music for whatever mood you find yourself!
Now, Im also an admirer of Maxwell ( ask Questlove)....but I feel that their styles are different..<P>Maxwell- has a certain mystique about him, his aura is on point. His lyrics are a tad bit more complex, more on the spiritual tip. It's interesting to see how he (Maxwell) intermingles god and the essence of a woman together in a song.<P>D'Angelo - oozes with raw sexual power, its like he's the round the way man, who all the chicks dig. Now D is spiritual also..but the delivery is different than that of Maxwell ( do ya dig?)<P>oh I don't know..that just my opinion on the subject.<P>-grav-<P>"If you're not suitable for the future, you probably won't make it in the present either."- Sun Ra<P>"Let all the people of the world say what they please, I alone know what I do"-author unknown<P>"I never let myself go, myself never lets me go, self is where truth is, and where truth is, there is love"-Shinagawa Tetsuzan<P><BR>
28. "D'Angelo vs. Maxwell?? It ain't even a question! (j/k)" In response to Reply # 27
I like em both but if I had to choose one I would go with D'Angelo. Maxwell is cool but his music is too smooth, too clean for me at times. It's wonderful but it's just too.....made for radio. D'Angelo's different. His music is really raw. Really funky. Really edgy.
I concur with PrettymamaT, D is reality. He makes you feel like it's just you and him alone, waiting to see who will give in first. I've attended Maxwell's concert last year...it was cool but the energy I got from D was so unexpected. I guess I slept on the brother capabilities because I must say when towards the end of the concert when he sung the long awaited live performance of "Untitled" and he said "We're alone now", I really felt it, therefore, there is no comparison. Two entirely different artist and styles.
I am a big fan of both D'angelo and Maxwell. I've met Max, hopefully when the D'Tour hits Houston I will have the opportunity to meet him as well. Why is D a better artist? Collectively D is a better versed and a more well-rounded artist. I commend Maxwell on the diversity involved in the making of his music, However, D' puts it down for all the real soul lovers who would much rather listen to the good old Claudine soundtrack on vinyl than the new Ginuine CD. D's Voodoo Cd is a musical phenomenon especially in what we have become as music lovers. I could just feel the energy, both positive and negative involved in the making of each song on the album. It reminded me of listening to Marvin Gaye's "I Want You" CD. Remember the part in "Soon I'll Be Loving You" when Marvin gently moans that he's going to give Janice (his second wife, and mother of Nona) some head. I get that same tingle between my thighs g when I listen to D's "Send It On". The song "Africa" with it's spiritual message could be interpreted to voice some Rastafari beliefs and can be compared to some of Bob Marley's finest work. On the other hand Maxwell has Stuart Matthewman (of Sweetback and Sade fame) to back up his beautiful harmonious chords. Then again D has ?uest on the drums giving too much rythym and Roy Hargrove bringing me to tears with his trumpet. Plus, D' is more versatile. There are other subjects that soul artist can reference other than love. Marvin and Curtis taught us that long ago. Anyway, it's D all the way here, baby. Anybody got something real to add to this, I look foward to it. Peace.
Sorry...I disagree that D' is more versatile than Max. Maxwell has proven his versatility time and time again and his old-school funkiness...
The Urban Theme was an awesome funk/jazz instrumental..Suitelady (The Proposal Jam) showed off the grittiness of his vocals..Get Closer was on some old gospel shit...and on I'm You: You Are Me, he even sang in Spanish! If that's not versatility, I don't know what is...their styles may be slightly different but D' and Max are both on point...
Damali
Veronica801 - AIM screen name
Tell me what you thought I thought you thought I thought. - Maxwell
37. "RE: D'Angelo vs. Maxwell" In response to Reply # 0
This is a question that has been posed many times. I am fans of both of their music. I feel they are both talented in their own right. We must understand that they have different approaches but ultimately similar messages. Maxwell has a more timeless and sensual element to his music. He captures a deeper and more complex sense of reality in his music. While D'Angelo is more direct and straightforward. Maxwell's music contains a more jazzy and mellow feel. While D'Angelo's music is more soulful and gritty. I have learned to appreciate both of their unique styles and moods of their music. I believe that Maxwell's music is the type of music you would play when your trying to get romantic, and D'Angelo's music is more for when you are trying to get freaky. Overall, I would have to say Maxwell's music is probably more appreciated by an older audience searching for music that captures the pure emotion and honesty of a true relationship. Maxwell has a Marvin Gaye quality. While D'Angelo has a Curtis Mayfield and Prince quality. Again different in approach but similar in the message. Overall, I would say Maxwell is a better singer and songer, and his music is more classic and timeless. He focuses more on "the definitive work that can not be surpassed."
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