Alright, brace yourselves, folks, because the word on the street is that Rihanna just issued a stern warning to Tyler about ceasing to emulate her and pilfer her style. This all kicked off when some began drawing parallels between Tyler and Rihanna, suggesting that Tyler was being groomed by influential industry figures to supplant Rihanna. Tyler herself audaciously declared her intent to surpass Rihanna and achieve even greater success. Reports indicate that Rihanna vehemently rejects these comparisons, doubting Tyler’s capability to share the same spotlight.
Adding to the drama, accusations have long swirled about Tyler being an industry puppet, but it wasn’t until she openly declared her ambition to outshine Rihanna that many started taking these rumors seriously. However, before delving into the messy intricacies of this saga, let’s first set the scene and understand why the comparisons between Tyler and Rihanna arose in the first place.
Tyler’s breakthrough came last year when her track “Water” went viral on TikTok, propelling her from a local South African artist to an international sensation. Though she had some previous hits in her home country, “Water” truly transformed her career, granting her the widespread recognition she craved. Initially entering the Billboard Hot 100 at number 64, the song soared to number seven, marking a monumental achievement. Surprisingly, Tyler secured Travis Scott and Marshmello for the remix, a feat unheard of for a newcomer. This rapid industry support raised eyebrows, especially when she clinched a Grammy shortly after.
However, suspicions arose as it seemed Tyler was being groomed to replace Rihanna, whom she openly admires and cites as a major influence.
“In terms of musical influences and career inspiration, I have to mention Aaliyah and Rihanna. Both of these incredible artists have deeply inspired my music journey. I mean, who doesn’t love Rihanna, right? Early on, Aaliyah and Rihanna were huge influences for me; I practically idolized Rihanna, wanting to emulate her style and presence. As for a favorite Rihanna song, I’d have to go with “California King Bed.” It holds a special memory for me; I remember being young, asking my parents to watch me perform the song, dressing up and putting on a whole show for my family.”
Tyler’s team has been strategically positioning her in a way reminiscent of Rihanna’s early career promotion tactics. Like Tyler, Rihanna also hails from a third-world country and rose to become an icon, a narrative that resonated deeply with audiences. It seems the industry is on the lookout for another charismatic performer with Rihanna’s ethnic background, ready to invest in and potentially succeed her, especially given Rihanna’s current hiatus from music releases.
I have a theory that they’re positioning Tyler as the next Rihanna. With Rihanna transitioning into her Fenty ventures, there’s a vacant spot in the music scene reminiscent of Rihanna’s early days, circa 2006 to 2009, before the “Rated R” era. Our era should have been filled with hits like “Drive” and “Disturbia,” capturing that vibrant Pop R&B essence.
Both Rihanna and Tyler embody this youthful, charismatic persona, effortlessly commanding the stage. While Rihanna leaned into dancehall vibes, Tyler’s style leans more towards soulful piano melodies. Rihanna’s career trajectory, from “Pon de Replay” to her diverse pop and R&B repertoire, mirrors what I foresee for Tyler. Already, Tyler’s collaborations with artists like Summer Walker show a shift towards R&B, departing from her piano-driven beginnings.
With Tyler’s debut album on the horizon, it wouldn’t be surprising if her sound evolves towards a more R&B-pop fusion, following a similar trajectory to Rihanna’s early career.
Ty’s upcoming musical direction seems to lean more towards R&B than pop. It’s difficult for me to admit, especially being a fan of Ty’s earlier works, particularly her song in Zulu pre-“Water”. But I foresee her moving away from Amapiano in a couple of years, perhaps reserving it for occasional releases akin to Rihanna’s approach. Interestingly, Ty’s been dubbed the Gen Z Rihanna, a title she hasn’t refuted, fueling speculations that she aims even higher than Rihanna in her career aspirations. In a recent viral interview, Ty boldly expressed her desire to surpass Rihanna’s level of success, triggering mixed reactions. While some admire her ambition, others criticize her for perceived arrogance, accusing her of allowing fame to get to her head post-“Water”. Amidst this controversy, voices in the industry raise concerns about equitable opportunities, suggesting that Ty’s rise may overshadow other talented black artists like Khloe Bailey and Normani, particularly those not of mixed race.
Even more intriguing is Tyler’s perspective on her identity. She doesn’t perceive herself as a black girl, sparking controversy when she stated she identifies as “colored” rather than black. It’s puzzling how she can distance herself from being black while simultaneously leveraging Black Culture to propel her career forward.
In terms of her musical endeavors, Tyler recently unveiled her debut album, which managed to reach number 24 on the Billboard Top 200 charts. Not a shabby start for a newcomer. Whether she possesses the potential to rival Rihanna remains uncertain, only time can unravel that mystery. Rihanna typically avoids public discussions on such matters, but insiders suggest she’s not pleased with the comparisons. Rihanna prefers Tyler to carve her own path to stardom instead of using her as a blueprint for success. While Rihanna harbors no ill will towards Tyler, she believes Tyler has the potential to shine independently, sans comparisons or references to her career trajectory.
Many individuals echoed Rihanna’s sentiments, taking to social media to heavily criticize Tyler’s aspirations of surpassing her. One commenter expressed skepticism about Tyler’s potential longevity, citing her current success with the hit song “Water” and questioning the legitimacy of her Grammy win. They speculated that Tyler’s ego might be inflating, but time would ultimately reveal her true staying power. Another commenter respectfully acknowledged Tyler’s talent but emphasized Rihanna’s irreplaceable qualities, including her unique persona, boundless creativity, and magnetic presence.
Now, I’m curious about your take. What are your thoughts on Tyler’s ambition to rival Rihanna, and how do you feel about Rihanna’s desire for Tyler to refrain from mentioning her? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out the accompanying video for more intriguing discussion.”