If you don’t quite agree with the title of this post, it’s quite likely that perhaps, you may not disagree either. This may all depend on what your criteria is for labeling an artist a legend. Toni embarked on a musical career that so many could only dream of. Toni’s self titled debut album was released on July 13th, 1993. Ms. Braxton ending up making her way in the industry during a time where so many established divas where at their most grandest - Whitney was making hits from the enormous Bodyguard soundtrack; Janet was exploring her sexual peak with her biggest album to date, the “Janet” album; Mariah Carey was going for her fourth multi platinum effort with “Music Box” (which was again, another divas biggest selling album); Celine Dion would later that year manage to snag a #1 for one of her most memorable ballads “The power of Love”, which was off the album “The Colour of My Love”, which went on to sell over 20 million albums worldwide. Then oh, yeah… EnVogue was wrapping up their “Funky Divas” era (the group’s biggest), Sheryl Crow released the album “Tuesday Night Music Club” (her biggest), Melissa Etheridge also, with “Yes I Am” (her biggest) and Salt and Pepa as well gave us “Very Necessary” (their biggest)… all of these musical acts had a stellar ’93 - ‘94.
Matter fact, if there wasn’t enough steep competition for her during that time - she was sure to find it with her sophomore and junior projects bumping into those divas she missed the first time around like Alanis Morisette, Brandy , TLC, No Doubt, Shania Twain and Madonna.
So what was it that would set Toni apart from so many divine, larger than life divas back then? Well, I think Toni had the best qualities of most of them. She had Whitney’s class and refinement. She had Janet’s beauty and allure. She had Anita Baker’s soul and earthiness. She had that unique quality Sade possessed, which was a distinctive voice. Toni was quite a package – mysterious, elegant, sultry and that smoky voice was packed with emotion. It was no wonder as to why her first 2 albums were worldwide smashes selling over 10 million each. Our fascination with Toni was insatiable. She was a welcomed addition to the list of mighty divas that was treasured by millions of adoring fans.
What stopped this train ride short? Where did all the trouble begin? Some people think that it was due to parting ways (with who many considered to be her musical soul mate) Baby face. Others that may have formed an opinion on this matter think that it has something to do with losing L.A. Reid as a label head. After filing bankruptcy (along with the band TLC- another act managed by Reid), Toni sued her record label, claiming to have generated over 180 million from her music while not being adequately compensated for her contributions. It was a matter that saw an aggravated Toni come out of it satisfied with the financial gain that did come as a result of her seeking justice, but also a freedom that severed her ties with Reid. What she did gain was never disclosed, but Toni was more than content at that time. Toni did have some success afterwards, her album “The Heat” still managed to produce hit songs and sell decently. Still, Toni saw a decline in sales and it only sold a fraction of what her first 2 albums did.
Toni would eventually continue unfortunately in a downward spiral. What was so bizarre was that she was pretty marketable throughout this entire time period. She was always the same easy on the eyes, songstress that belted out anything masterfully and with great passion, oozing sensuality. What I would ultimately pinpoint to be the blame for Braxton’s disappointments is her lack of promotion. She still embodied everything that all of her fans fell in love with her for. She had the big name producers and hottest music you can create that fell in line with what was out during those times. Still hits like “Hit the Freeway”, “Please” and “Take this Ring” would go unnoticed and become underrated.
Through it all Toni has come out of it a survivor. She is a well respected vocalist, accomplished musician (selling over 40 million records and earning 6 Grammy’s), a mother of two children, one being a healthy mentally challenged son with autism and a survivor of breast cancer. As well as a former show stopper that headlined a spot in Las Vegas that sold out shows continuously during her stint there. If anything, through the ups and down’s Toni will be remembered for being a charismatic, ultra talented diva that has made classic music the world will always appreciate. She is in a class all by herself.
*Be sure to catch Toni Braxton and her sisters on “The Braxtons Family Values” on We TV at 9pm next Tuesday.
