I've never quite understood how some famous folks get themselves in deep debt. Sure, many of them probably put too much trust into accountants who may be shady or not experienced with dealing with huge sums of money, but still. Common sense would dictate that you pay Uncle Sam first, then pay yourself a reasonable amount and live within your means.
Somebody needs to remind R&B singer Toni Braxton about this:
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50 Female Empowerment Anthems
Female-Friendly Songs
March may have been widely celebrated as Women's History Month but music doesn't have a timestamp. For that reason, we at BlackVoices.com decided to take a look at some of the songs that speak directly to women from women – and the stories behind the songs. From Aretha Franklin's renowned '60's anthem and Janet Jackson's rally for independence to Mary J. Blige's self-motivating anthem and Alicia Keys' tribute to sisters, music has been a driving force for female empowerment.We have an array of artists, from Queen Latifah and Jody Watley to Whitney Houston and Madonna. Check out our list of female empowerment anthems.
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BlackVoices.com
50 Female Empowerment Anthems
Female-Friendly Songs
March may have been widely celebrated as Women's History Month but music doesn't have a timestamp. For that reason, we at BlackVoices.com decided to take a look at some of the songs that speak directly to women from women – and the stories behind the songs. From Aretha Franklin's renowned '60's anthem and Janet Jackson's rally for independence to Mary J. Blige's self-motivating anthem and Alicia Keys' tribute to sisters, music has been a driving force for female empowerment.We have an array of artists, from Queen Latifah and Jody Watley to Whitney Houston and Madonna. Check out our list of female empowerment anthems.
50 Female Empowerment Anthems
Song: 'Superwoman'
Performer: Alicia Keys
Sheer Lyricism: "I am superwoman. Yes, I am. Yes, she is. Even when I'm a mess, I still put on a vest with an S on my chest. Oh, yes. I'm a superwoman. Yes, she is."
Factoid: Keys sang this song to legendary actress Ruby Dee on the television series called 'Iconoclasts.' Her music can also be heard on is Jada Pinkett Smith's new medical drama, 'Hawthorne.' The track 'Lessons Learned' -- from her 2008 opus, 'As I Am' -- is heard throughout the final scenes of the pilot episode of the TNT series.
50 Female Empowerment Anthems
Song: 'Respect'
Performer: Aretha Franklin
Sheer Lyricism: "All I'm asking for is a little respect when you get home."
Factoid: Though the lyrics in this song intimate that a woman is paying a man for his love and sexual favors, soul crooner Otis Redding wrote and originally recorded the song for his third album 'Otis Blue.'
BUY IT, TRY IT: Aretha Franklin's 'Greatest Hits'
50 Female Empowerment Anthems
Song: 'Respect'
Performer: Adeva
Sheer Lyricism: "Come on, respect me when I'm cookin'. Come on, respect me when I'm cleanin', Come on, respect me whem I'm workin'"
Factoid: This house music cover of the hit song 'Respect' was a crossover success in 1989. The Capitol Records dance-music artist brought new life to the song, which became an anthem for "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin, 22 years earlier.
BUY IT, TRY IT: Adeva's 'Adeva'
50 Female Empowerment Anthems
Song: 'Sisters Are Doing it for Themselves'
Performer: Annie Lennox and Aretha Franklin
Sheer Lyricism: "We say, sisters are doin' it for themselves. Standin' on their own two feet and ringin'on their own bells.'
Factoid: Talk about a heavy-hitting duet. This soulful offering was featured on an episode of the long-running animated television series 'The Simpsons' in a scene where Bart Simpson is dressed in drag.
Annie Lennox's 'Sisters Are Doing it for Themselves'
50 Female Empowerment Anthems
Song: 'Me, Myself & I'
Performer: Beyonce
Sheer Lyricism: "I got me, myself and I. I know that I will never disappoint myself."
Factoid: Beyonce might have been known to write female empowerment songs as part of Destiny's Child, but this marked the Houston native's first solo try at letting the ladies know that they don't have to deal with a cheating boyfriend. 'Me, Myself & I' also earned the hit-maker and co-writers Scott Storch and Robert Waller ASCAP honors.
BUY IT, TRY IT: Beyonce's 'I Am Sasha Fierce'
50 Female Empowerment Anthems
Song: 'You're So Vain'
Performer: Carly Simon
Sheer Lyricism: "I bet you think this song is about you."
Factoid: Over the years, lots of guesses have been made about the famous subject of this song. Mick Jagger, Warren Beatty, Cat Stevens and James Taylor are some of the names that have been dropped. The song essentially talks about a rich man, a possible lover, who is unfaithful.
Carly Simon's 'You're So Vain'
50 Female Empowerment Anthems
Song: 'Before He Cheats'
Performer: Carrie Underwood
Sheer Lyricism: "'Cause I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seats..."
Factoid: Sure, this 'American Idol' winner might have been syrupy sweet on the competition series, but with her debut album, she stood firm on how she doesn't go for cheating. It certainly paid off. It remains the country star's most successful single to date with over 2 million digital downloads sold.
BUY IT, TRY IT: Carrie Underwood's 'Carnival Ride'
50 Female Empowerment Anthems
Song: 'I'm Every Woman'
Performer: Chaka Khan
Sheer Lyricism: "Anything you want done, baby, I do it naturally."
Factoid: Singer/songwriter couple Ashford and Simpson penned 'I'm Every Woman' for the Rufus front woman. Whitney Houston, who reportedly sang background vocals on the original track, eventually covered the song in 1992 on 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack -- giving props to Chaka in her rendition. 'American Idol' season five finalist Mandisa also covered the song and brought it new life.
BUY IT, TRY IT: Chaka Khan's 'Greatest Hits'
50 Female Empowerment Anthems
Song: 'Believe'
Performer: Cher
Sheer Lyricism: "But I know that I'll get through this 'cause I know that I am strong."
Factoid: Though it sounds like Cher used a vocoder machine, which T-Pain and Kanye West have most recently made popular, Cher's voice is actually sped up by a software called Antares Auto-Tune.
Cher's 'Believe'
50 Female Empowerment Anthems
More than 10 years after a dispute over her recording contract led Toni Braxton to file for bankruptcy, the singer has returned to bankruptcy court.
In her Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition, filed in Los Angeles on Sept. 30, Braxton reported assets in the range of $1 million to $10 million and debts in the range of $10 million to $50 million. Under Chapter 7, an independent official will be appointed to round up Braxton's assets, sell them off and distribute the proceeds to her creditors.
Braxton has quite a few creditors, court papers show. Among them are the Flamingo Las Vegas hotel and casino, the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C., Neiman Marcus, the Screen Actors Guild, RCA Music Group and various other entertainment-related companies. Tiffany & Co. was also on the list. (The Wall Street Journal)
Jimminy Christmas, how exactly do you get yourself $50 million dollars in the hole? I suspect that there are far more details than those listed in this story, but the creditors noted show a not-so-wise pattern of spending. I can see falling behind on a mortgage, or second mortgage, or medical bills, or maybe, just maybe a car. But some of the items being reported just don't make sense. Cell phones? Satellite TV? I'd think small potatoes items like that would be the first things to go if you were strapped for cash. How much pay per view was Miss Braxton ordering? I liked 'McGruber' myself, but not $50 million worth. Come on, Toni. Was it worth it? Or maybe she did not know the risks today of not paying even small amounts of debt. Contrary to popular belief, yes, you can indeed be sent to jail for outstanding personal debt.
Yes. It is true. The trend of sending people to prison for debt is on the rise. Here at BV on Money
Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach, covered the return of debtors' prison in June, and the trend continues to grow. Recently an Illinois man was sentenced to "indefinite incarceration"
until he paid $300 toward a debt he owed to a lumber yard. (How he will pay if he can't earn money in jail is a good question.) According to Newser.com, the collection industry is now turning to civil courts, using taxpayer money and government resources to pursue "low level deadbeats." What does this mean for regular people and stars like Ms. Braxton?
We all know that the rich and famous are subjected to different types of justice, and that Ms. Braxton has filed for bankruptcy protection which should ease her repayments of her debts. At the same time,
The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 makes it more difficult than ever for people to erase consumer debt. Her lawyers might have to work extra hard to get her out of debts for things like cell phones and satellite TV.
Related:
+Deep in
Debt? You Could Get Locked Up
+Toni Braxton Files
for 2nd Bankruptcy
Without enough money, Braxton might not be able to fight that fight. Reports state that she still has $1 million to $10 million dollars -- but that's a big range. If it's closer to $1 million, Braxton could have a problem.
TMZ just reported that lawyers working on Michael Jackson's estate have racked up bills totaling $5,185,757. One bill alone is $1,259,289. So dealing with this bankruptcy issue could actually do even further damage to Ms. Braxton's wealth through lawyers' fees -- and BAPCPA might prevent her from being protected from
all of her creditors. If she can't pay enough for good lawyers, might Toni face the same fate as the man thrown in the clink over a mere $300? God forbid it, but this is something that she and many other Americans may be facing.
The Money Coach has outlined these options for fighting the return of debtors' prison:
Concerned citizens everywhere should spring into action over this gross injustice. Here's what can be done:
- Call or write your senator or congressman and voice your displeasure.
- Check out the laws in your own state and inquire about whether "debtor warrants" can be issued where you live.
- Ask your local representatives to enact or change relevant laws concerning this area.
- Spread the word to those you know who might be impacted by this unfair phenomenon.
Unfortunately, in many cases, this new era of debtors' prisons is disproportionately affecting minorities and the poor. In fact, the New York Times last year ran an op-ed piece noting that, in Gulfport, Miss., judges would routinely throw debtors -- most of whom were African Americans -- in jail when they couldn't pay their debts.
Ouch! Here's to hoping Miss Braxton gets herself out of this one and avoids jail time. Let's also hope that the millions of regular people having difficulty struggling with debt also escape this fate. Still, these issues do raise a few interesting points.
Questions:
-Should you be able to simply file for Chapter 7 and limit your liability for frivolous personal expenses like jewelry and hotel stays?
-Is "debtors jail" an appropriate way to penalize those who don't repay those they owe?
-How about a lifetime limit on the number of personal bankruptcies?
Jay Anderson is a freelance writer from Washington, DC, whose work has been featured in the Washington Post and on NPR. When he's not busy talking smack here, he runs the award-winning blog AverageBro.com. Follow him via Twitter @AverageBro.
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Comments: (23)
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By: Charles on 10/15/2010 8:14AM
What an irresponsible article. Debtors prisons are illegal in the US. Tony Braxton is in no danger of going to prison for her debts unless she owes the IRS. Citing sources like newser is irresponsible journalism on the part of this author and Black Voices; though lately BV has been wallowing in the sewer. It amazes me how the foibles of celebrities get exploited by the media.
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By: ARNEADER on 10/15/2010 11:37AM
Leave Toni alooooooonnnnnnnneeeeeee
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By: mc on 10/15/2010 1:38PM
Never happen. I do collections. People file BK all the time. It just ruins their credit.
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By: jan on 10/15/2010 8:26AM
I really at some point feel sorry for ms. Braxton , but at another don't because these stars know they go off the deep end in spending on stuff they don't need half the time . they just want to be out there as a celebrity showing what they got trying to out do each other ect. doesn't she have a austic kid what's up with that how's he to be taken care of not to mention her other child you win some you lose some and it is what it is GOOD LUCK MS. BRAXTON JAIL TIME DOESN'T SUIT YOU NEXT TIME FIND SOME PEOPLE WHO WILL WORK WITH YOU AND FOR YOU AND DON'T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOU PEACE !
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By: lynne on 10/15/2010 8:59AM
I agree with you 100%, because if you know that you are in financial trouble why would a person keep on making bills? I believe that she had no intent to pay her bills and that she lived above her means completely and that she should be held liable for her actions. She should be made a example of and maybe next time she along with others would think before creating unnecessary debt. I saw in a article she was shopping at the gucci shop and tiffany on last week and knowing that she has bills....Lord, have mercy
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By: poetrysez on 10/15/2010 9:19AM
If a person became sick and was unable to work-then they should be given time to pay those frivolous bills but they shouldn't be expunged or lessened :{
A person should be afforded the opportunity to pay…how long the government should wait for someone to pay their debt should be on a case by case bases. Back in the day people who couldn’t pay their debt did go to jail and what it did was make people more mindful of their spending. Would Tony Braxton had racked up all those frivolous bills had she known that she would be sent to prison for not paying them?
If the government is going to put a lifetime limit on bankruptcy claims then they should also mandate people to complete a money management course because you know even after the limit here will still be some folks getting into this predicament again ;{
Do taxpayers foot the bill when someone claims bankruptcy because there are neighborhoods that need afterschool programs. Better senior citizen centers and summer youth jobs could use some financial help and so on.
I'm quite certain that taxpayer’s dollars (if this is the case) can be used towards something much better than constantly expunging or lessening ludicrous debts like this!!!!
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By: patti777 on 10/15/2010 12:11PM
Spending money that you don't have is just stupid. I hate to see someone go to jail for being stupid, but it won't be the first time. Bye bye, Toni. When you get out, call me & I will show you how to live witin your means by making a budget. Forrest Gump could do it!
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By: Stacey on 10/15/2010 6:05PM
Wow, I don't know what the answer is, but I do know that super stars like Toni Braxton etc, have an image to uphold and pressures etc. Not saying to go spend what they want and then file bankruptcy but at the same time I can see why people in the music business/Acting etc. can have this happen. Maybe instead of jail time (which I doubt will happen since she has lawyers) She can make a small payment. Or have people work to pay it back? I don't know this is the first time I ever heard of going to jail for crazy dead. But our taxayers should not have to keep paying for this. This country is in such a mess right now, why make it worse? I wish Ms. Braxton the best I just wish there was an easy answer.
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By: Stacey on 10/15/2010 6:14PM
Yes, I know 50 million dollars is a lot of money! More than I would have in my lifetime, my husband is making little to no money after being laid off twice because of closures of two businesses and now they cut his hours in half only making 10 dollars an hour, I was never late with my rent for 20 years etc, and I get disability, and my husbands parents were in show business his uncle was a famous sax player etc, If I ever had the opportunity to make that kind of money that she owes I would so much saved up for my daughter when she gets older and more important things. But not everyone can do this. right now, we are taking a turn for the worse, might lose our car, after all these years of being careful only because his hours are cut. but I still have my apartment.
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By: L.T. on 10/15/2010 7:40PM
My husband and I filed a chapter 13 bankruptcy back in "02" and we completed it in "05". I WOULDN'T wish that on anyone. I can't imagine her wanting to go through that again. As I've said before Toni just doesn't like paying bills.
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