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BLING is a literal page 3 take on the dynamic culture of hip-hop and dependence on social dexterity to stay afloat. In a world of manic competition, ruthless competitors, motivated promoters and unsparing critics to boot, originality is compromised and much else. Survival is at the very core and the ability to seize every opportunity is a virtue. Such is the world of Lamont Jackson, rap mogul and CEO of a music industry that promotes black rappers. He bends rules to secure his position at the top, as also his pound of flesh. This is also the world of artistes and all others associated with the music business. The vacuum of this sterile world is eager to take over the innocence of Mimi, a half-Haitian, half-Italian who dreams to make it big as a crossover singer. The transformation of this small-town girl begins with repetitive sessions of skin peeling and a strict beauty and personality regimen supervised by improvement specialists. Her media coach engineers her publicity and she becomes the new face of hip-hop. Her relentless pleas for "soul" songs are turned down each time, making her lose direction and her sense of self-worth. Her affair with licentious Lamont grows enough for a marriage to follow, but his indiscretions make her rethink on commitment. The murder of a teen rapper, superficial emotions and the futility of such dolled-up existence get the better of her and she leaves Lamont’s circle to go to a non-conformist producer. For once, she does her own kind of music and her albums are a hit. Lamont soon recovers from the shock of being left at the altar and gets on with his way of life. Bling
is entertaining and has several references to singers like J. Lo and
Destiny’s Child. It offers a peek into the life of international
artistes and what it takes to balance the grind with glamour and fame.
The money that rolls in is enviable, but without an even head, it can
only be a lonely, dreary world. |
