Jojo, Which Way?

I have been a fan of Jojo's ever since her debut self-titled album in 2004. (Her twitter name is @jojoistheway.) She proceeded to release a second album, "The High Road," in 2006. Ever since then, she has been struggling with her third album, originally called "All I Want is Everything" and now promoted as "Jumping Trains". Although the exact nature of the conflict isn't explained in great detail, it appears she has had legal troubles with her record company, who somehow, won't let her release this album, for some unknown reason. Many of her recorded songs have been leaked and she herself even released a mixtape in 2010 (meaning the songs are free). Then, a few days before the release of her single "The Other Chick," in 2011, it was leaked. This was supposed to be the lead single off her third album, but became a buzz single instead (again, publicity only, so no earnings from it). Afterwards, a less clean version of "The Other Chick" was leaked, which seemed to cause some embarrassment. She even shot a music video for this song, which hasn't been released yet. Later in the year, she finally released a single, "Disaster," for this new album. She also released a music video later on. I remember her gushing over it, so I expected a masterpiece. The video makes very little sense though (I could write a whole post on that) but it seems mostly that there was a story line that was cut and that the video only shows fragmented scenes of the original concept.

During this lengthy process, however, Jojo, the child with the powerful voice, has matured into a young lady. She is no longer at her Sweet 16, but approaching 22 years old. This wonderfully well-spoken woman has even abstained from attending University to focus on her career, even though she was accepted in 2009. Although she stated her intention of eventually returning to University, she is at present but a high school graduate chasing the Hollywood dream.

I have heard her explain on several occasions how it has been her dream to become a real singer ever since she was a little girl. She wanted to get to the top thanks to her amazing voice and nothing else. She even turned down the role of Hannah Montana. Yes, she was originally offered the role that made Miley Cyrus an international superstar. This persevering integrity that she had only saddens me more. Yes, she had integrity. She even had success at the beginning of her career. However, she won't let go.

I understand that we have to fight for the things we want in life, but we also have to choose our battles. When does perseverance become sheer stubbornness? She sacrificed her teen years for this dream, how much more is she going to sacrifice? What she doesn't seem to realize is that even if she does become the most successful person tomorrow, she wouldn't be fulfilling her original dream anyway. Because she agreed to sell out. Understandably, the long process may have made her somewhat desperate, but I doubt that little Jojo ever envisioned becoming a singer the way she has been doing for the past few years. Her outfits are plain trashy, she displays her body, she takes on the most degrading roles that are sent her way (In Clinton Sparks' music video "Suck To Be You," she plays the desperate ex-girlfriend; In Keri Hilson's music video "The Way You Love Me", she plays the stupid white girl in one of most tasteless music videos of all time).

I know Jojo is worth so much more than this. I also understand that opportunities diminish the longer you stay out of the spotlight. I just wish she would walk away. Live a normal life. Sometimes, you have to know when to give up. I can see how quitting would seem like letting "them" win. But wasting your precious youth on a childhood dream seems like a much greater loss.