I like Hikki and Ayu WAAAY more than Kumi, but I have my reasons.

I was first introduced to Kuu a few years ago via my former best friend Hannah (she moved away ), and she was crazy for Koda Kumi. I decided 'what the heck?' and listened to her, too. I liked her music, especially 'hands' and '1000 no Kotoba'.

But no. I don't like her any now.

Why? Because Avex is milking this girl for all she's worth. I think she's blissfully unaware of the fact that she's really not that great... I understand that she wanted popularity (she was depressed that her two first singles didn't sell well--at all--and when she was rejected from Morning Musume or whatever, she was also depressed), but this is ridiculous. Her songs really just aren't cutting it anymore, and the fact that people are buying the crap she's producing makes it worse. They're telling her--and Avex, especially--that this stuff is great, when in all reality, it's not. I have this feeling that they lie to her all day about how great she is. I mean, she's a good singer, don't get me wrong, and her songs are pretty good--but they're just not great. They were, back during grow into one and affection, but now... neh. Whatever.

AND she's coming out with a third BEST album and a single... ON THE SAME DAY. And guess what? Avex's other two cash cows--Ayu and Ai Otsuka--have BEST albums scheduled for release around the SAME TIME. This is stupid. Avex is stupid. I hate them to death.

At least Hikki gives you time to let her singles and albums and such sink in before she releases something else. And I think doing most of the work on her songs has something to do with it, too.

I don't hate Kumi herself. I just hate all the crap Avex pulls.

(/suppressed-rage-filled rant)