The next big star?

I think it is in poor taste to announce/claim your status. Like JLo claiming she's "real." There is a reason one feels the need to claim it. It is because he/she is not quite what they claim.

Ryan Leslie claiming to be the next big star (watch his video bio) leaves a bad taste in my mouth but whether it is due to ego, marketing, or both Ryan is crazy talented (see his studio session vids). His on-line campaign is pretty smart as well. And I do admire that he made sure he got his education first and that he fights for his artistic vision.