JoJo - "Porcelain" + Over the Influence: A Memoir

I see your point for sure, but the accusations that Jo is dramatizing the encounter for book sales, when she doesn't even name Christina, is interesting.
Well I only heard about this book because I was reading discourse on Twitter about this encounter where an interviewer also deduced who it was based on her very obvious hints. And Jojo ended the statement with “but we know this about this person so it’s not surprising.” That is why I believe it to be a marketing ploy, because as I mentioned earlier she has had nothing but glowing, positive things to say over the last 20 years. An easy target to speak negatively of for a quick headline.
 
Well I only heard about this book because I was reading discourse on Twitter about this encounter where an interviewer also deduced who it was based on her very obvious hints. And Jojo ended the statement with “but we know this about this person so it’s not surprising.” That is why I believe it to be a marketing ploy, because as I mentioned earlier she has had nothing but glowing, positive things to say over the last 20 years. An easy target to speak negatively of for a quick headline.
I mean, she’s right… we’ve heard about far worse encounters from people with this person. JoJo also made clear that she’s writing about it because it was a good check for her own ego and taught her teenage self how she would definitely not want to treat others in the future. And honestly, Xtina is not really a name that you would use (or in this case not even use) to sell something…?
 
I mean, she’s right… we’ve heard about far worse encounters from people with this person. JoJo also made clear that she’s writing about it because it was a good check for her own ego and taught her teenage self how she would definitely not want to treat others in the future. And honestly, Xtina is not really a name that you would use (or in this case not even use) to sell something…?
As I've said, Jojo is entitled to her experience and she is free to say what she wishes. And I can say that it is opportunistic to be in Xtina's comments on Instagram begging for her attention, DMing fan accounts thinking they're her, posting Instagram stories of her, wearing shirts with her face on it, touting her as one of your biggest inspirations, attending her concerts & album release parties and then write negative things about her from 20 years ago when you have a book to sell.
And mind you, that is the P!nkprint. Got something to sell? Drag Xtina for a misunderstanding from two decades ago! It works for her!
 
As I've said, Jojo is entitled to her experience and she is free to say what she wishes. And I can say that it is opportunistic to be in Xtina's comments on Instagram begging for her attention, DMing fan accounts thinking they're her, posting Instagram stories of her, wearing shirts with her face on it, touting her as one of your biggest inspirations, attending her concerts & album release parties and then write negative things about her from 20 years ago when you have a book to sell.
And mind you, that is the P!nkprint. Got something to sell? Drag Xtina for a misunderstanding from two decades ago! It works for her!
Fact is, she’s not even naming her in the book…
 
When people refer to Christina as “that woman” “this person” it always sends me to outer space. The terror!

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I don't really get the outrage directed at JoJo here when she's only talking about her own lived experience. You can appreciate one's artistry and also talk about the experiences you had with them. Many celebrities have released memoirs detailing interactions they've had with other celebrities, often times in a much negative light than what's been written about Christina. And this is just a little section of the memoir, not a whole entire book bashing her or using her name for clout. JoJo probably wouldn't even have commented had the interviewer not brought it up.
 

RainOnFire

Staff member
The book is actually much heavier than I was expecting, I just finished reading it and while I'm glad that she's on the path toward healing, I feel a bit unsettled and sad for her. As a fan from the beginning, I felt like I knew how bad things had gotten with Blackground, but I didn't realize the extent of just how tumultuous her life had become even years after she was free from them. Especially in regards to her mother, her former manager, and Atlantic.

I sort of had the impression that things were fine after Mad Love, but the fact that there were still personal/label struggles up until last year is throwing me for a loop. I feel sorry for doubting her because I was low-key ready to drag her about the lack of new music, but she's clearly had a ton to process over the past twenty years and it seems like she's only just started to properly take care of herself. I know she made it clear that she doesn't want to be seen as just a victim, but my heart still feels heavy for her.

I will say that the pop music nerd in me really appreciated that she included lots of details about all of the singles and albums/mixtapes/EPs and all of the label fuckery that came along with it. Sometimes it can feel like popstar memoirs and documentaries make the music a mere sidenote, but she did a great job of intertwining stories about her popstar life with her personal life.
 
Reading your reviews got me really perched, sadly my book will arrive somewhere around 3 weeks from now, so I have to avoid major spoilers. Porcelain could even be out already at that time ddd.
 


Ever since she brought this up in the memoir I've become re-obsessed with this gem. The way she came out with this in 2010 and it sounds perfectly current now and like something Twigs/Kelela/Tinashe would kill for right now. She really was ahead of her time in so many ways. Such a ballsy move for a re-introduction single.
 
I don't really get the outrage directed at JoJo here when she's only talking about her own lived experience
Some people can't handle any criticism of their faves, even when we all know full well it's overwhelmingly likely to be valid, and JoJo is just one of countless people over the years to be terrorised by this person!
 
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So I have heard Porcelain and it’s okay.

It suffers from being far too short so it doesn’t get chance to build to anything. The backing track is very Miami Bass which I usually like but it feels a bit jarring to this song.

It is the song she teased the other month with the “now I’m stronger than I’ve ever been “ clip which I expected to be some big anthemic ballad as she was crying in that video.

So, I am a little underwhelmed if I’m honest.

Edit: there’s a snippet of the song on TikTok https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGeosNXyd/
 
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Ever since she brought this up in the memoir I've become re-obsessed with this gem. The way she came out with this in 2010 and it sounds perfectly current now and like something Twigs/Kelela/Tinashe would kill for right now. She really was ahead of her time in so many ways. Such a ballsy move for a re-introduction single.


It not being available on Spotify pains me.
 
I don’t really feel the snippet at the moment.

Also apparently it’s for an EP? If it’s true then I have to laugh, really.
 
She classified Trying Not To Think About It as EP too and that was her best project to date, so I wouldn't worry. It'll most likely be 6-8 new songs with a bunch of interludes. I'm just happy to be getting new music!!

I haven't posted in here in a bit but I loved the book, obviously, and I'm already ready to reread it, so going to listen to the audiobook next. I also got to go to her book event at the Strand and it was so lovely to meet her again and get another photo with her.

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I've been fully immersed in all things JoJo since then and have been listening to her nonstop (leaks and mixtapes included, of course).
 
The book was super insightful as a longtime fan. I definitely recommend the audiobook, because the writing is personal and conversational and just works really nicely for a singer/actor with a strong speaking voice.

Echoing what others said, it's wild to hear about all the record label and management drama, alongside her personal life. I am hopeful for this new chapter, because it feels like in the past she would have these moments of resilience where she would tap into her vision and not compromise that vision which would lead to some of her best work (Agape mixtape and Trying not to think about it).

She just seems like she's in a good place, where she's processed alot, broken some patterns, and I have faith that all the music will be strong/interesting/authentic to her vision. And honestly that's all I can ask for as a fan.
 

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