I’d like to delve into some music talk now. Last Friday, Norman unveiled her debut single from the upcoming album, ‘Dopamine,’ titled ‘159,’ featuring Gunna. It’s becoming evident that Gunna is emerging as a favored collaborator for female artists, having worked with FL Millie and Bailey previously. Notably, he’s also featured on Tyler’s track ‘Jump,’ which I adore. His presence on Norman’s latest track resonates well with me, though I acknowledge it might not for everyone. Personally, I find the song captivating. It exudes a distinct Brandy and Aaliyah-esque vibe, with its smooth, sultry undertones, and impeccable vocal layering. Norman truly shines on this track. While it may not be the high-energy pop anthem some fans were anticipating, akin to her hit ‘Motivation,’ others eagerly awaited tracks like ‘Candy Paint.’ Having caught a glimpse of ‘Candy Paint,’ I believe it will also make waves. Nevertheless, I appreciate ‘159’ for its nostalgic R&B essence, reminiscent of the ’90s and 2000s sound. Some critique its slow tempo as dull, which I find amusing considering the widespread admiration for ballads like Sisqó’s ‘Incomplete’ and ‘Stay’ by Jodeci. Fans consistently gravitate towards slower, emotive pieces from artists like Summer Walker, illustrating diverse tastes within the genre.
There’s a clear audience out there that appreciates slower R&B tunes, and I don’t see any issue with Normani exploring that style. Ultimately, the tempo isn’t the crucial factor; it’s all about delivering great music. Personally, I think “159” hits the mark. However, I understand why some fans might crave something more upbeat, given Normani’s knack for pop music. “Candy Paint” strikes me as a potential chart-topper and a standout track for her album. Releasing it as the lead single could have sparked significant interest, particularly if accompanied by a vibrant dance video showcasing Normani’s exceptional skills. Yet, she opted for a slower direction. Over time, I believe her audience will embrace it, much like they did with “Wildside.” What’s crucial now is effective promotion—live performances, radio airplay, trending online. As a song gains traction, more people tend to take notice and jump on the bandwagon. I’ve witnessed this phenomenon with tracks like “Money Long” and “Made For Me.” Initially overlooked, but once they started trending, they became ubiquitous. Normani and her team just need to devise a strategy to push “159” into the spotlight because it’s already a gem waiting to shine.
Once a trend picks up steam, it’s bound to be on everyone’s lips, trust me. It’s like wildfire; once it catches, everyone’s singing the tune. Personally, I’m really vibing with ‘159’ and eagerly anticipating the drop of her upcoming album. She mentioned it’s hitting shelves on June 14th, so mark your calendars. And if you haven’t given ‘159’ a spin yet, I highly recommend streaming, buying, and supporting it, not just for Norman but also for the talented songwriters behind it. One of them, Darius Coleman, was deeply moved by its release—it marks a major milestone in his nearly six-year journey in the industry, so it’s a monumental moment for the creators.
Speaking of music, let’s shift gears. SZA isn’t too keen on being pigeonholed as solely an R&B artist. In an interview with Dazed, she expressed frustration, saying, “The only reason I’m labeled as an R&B artist is because I’m Black. It’s a bit limiting because it doesn’t leave room to explore other genres. Justin Bieber, for instance, isn’t boxed into one category; he’s a pop artist who dabbles in R&B, folk, and whatever else strikes his fancy. I simply want the same freedom to create without being confined by labels based on my race, affiliations, or musical choices. I want my music to be appreciated for what it is—raw and authentic.”
Simultaneously, it’s not worth getting worked up over because it’s simply how others perceive you. As long as I don’t internalize those perceptions, I’m not confined by them. My focus is on creating music, immersing myself in the vibe, and relishing the journey.’ I completely grasp SZA’s sentiment here. I mean, if you delve into her album ‘Ctrl’, it defies straightforward categorization as pure R&B. It’s highly progressive, blending elements of alternative R&B, rock, pop, and hip-hop. She traverses diverse sonic territories, making it challenging to pigeonhole her. However, it’s worth noting that many of her notable hits fall within the R&B spectrum. Moreover, she’s willingly accepted recognition and awards within the R&B realm. So, perhaps she shouldn’t fret excessively about being labeled as such. When an artist predominantly creates R&B music, it’s natural for people to classify them accordingly.
Shifting gears, let’s touch on the South African artist Tyler. She’s faced allegations of involvement with the Illuminati and accusations of being an industry plant ever since winning a Grammy for her track ‘Water’. Tokyo Toni, Black China’s mother, played a pivotal role in fueling these conspiracy theories during an appearance on ‘Real Life Productions’. She asserted that both Ice Spice and Tyler are Illuminati industry plants, stating, “I’m always right when it comes to this stuff. Every time, she’s an industry plant. It’s coming, you came from nowhere.” Her comments insinuated that Tyler was a manufactured artist with no genuine origin story. However, such assertions seem to stem from baseless speculation rather than concrete evidence.
You have individuals like Angie Stone who have been part of the music scene since I was just 10 years old, yet she never received such accusations. How does that happen? Recently, Tyler addressed the persistent Illuminati rumors in an interview with Cosmopolitan. She clarified, “I’m just being honest because there’s this perception that the music industry is sinister, that success is only attainable if you forsake your beliefs. People even think you must be a member of the Illuminati.” When asked directly if she was involved, Tyler responded, “People already assume I’m in it. But honestly, that’s not the case. Our faith is central to everything we do, and it’s clearly paying off.” So, there you have it, Tyler has finally spoken up about the Illuminati speculation. Personally, I don’t believe Tyler is part of the Illuminati or an industry puppet. She had already gained attention in South Africa before Sony executives took notice and signed her to a major label. However, I do worry about the industry pressures she may face. It’s not uncommon for artists to be lured into compromising situations as they rise to fame. Hopefully, Tyler stays true to herself and avoids falling into those traps. She aspires to be a prominent figure in her generation, but that ambition comes with its challenges. Let’s hope she navigates the industry’s pitfalls with grace. Now, shifting gears, let’s discuss…
Is DaniLeigh’s career on the decline? It appears so, with reports indicating her label’s lack of support and dwindling public interest in her music. She expresses her sadness, citing disappointment in the rollout of her last album and single. Reflecting on the circumstances, she recounts the challenges of dropping her album amidst the COVID pandemic and personal missteps, leading to minimal label promotion. Despite her belief in the quality of her work, such as her single “Tasty,” which evokes strong emotions, setbacks like facing trouble right after its release leave her pondering the reasons behind her career’s stagnation.
DaniLeigh’s situation is truly unfortunate, and it’s evident she’s grappling with the decline in her career. Once boasting hits like ‘Easy’ featuring Chris Brown and ‘My Little Bae Is You’, she held significant presence in the music scene. However, personal drama, particularly with her ex-partner and fellow artist, The Baby, seemed to eclipse her musical talent. Their tumultuous relationship, entangled with messy public disputes and even physical altercations involving her brother, painted a chaotic picture.
Moreover, DaniLeigh faced legal troubles, including a DUI hit-and-run incident resulting in a five-year probation sentence, which significantly impacted her promotional efforts for ‘Tasty’. The controversy surrounding her song ‘Yellow Bone’, accused of promoting colorism and alienating her black female audience, further dented her reputation.
Ultimately, amidst the drama and declining performance, her label’s decision to cease investment in her career was perhaps inevitable. While external factors played a role, DaniLeigh’s own choices also contributed to her downfall.
Maintaining a stable personal life is crucial for artists because it directly impacts how the public perceives them. Take Mariah the Scientist for example. Despite her undeniable talent in music, her frequent involvement in personal turmoil, like her recent arrest for an altercation with someone named Cleopatra, tarnishes her image. It’s concerning to see someone with such potential constantly embroiled in drama, reminiscent of her father, Young Thug. This pattern risks overshadowing her musical prowess, leading her down a path similar to DaniLeigh, who experienced a significant career downturn. While DaniLeigh’s future in the industry remains uncertain, a potential comeback would require substantial rebranding. Share your thoughts on this in the comments section below, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Thanks for watching, and until next time, take care!