Normani’s "Dopamine" Flopped Or Was Sabotaged?

Full VIDEO HERE: www.patreon.co...
STREAM "High" HERE: vyd.co/ZachCam...
Contact: [e-mail]
Follow Zachary Campbell:
Instagram: bit.ly/34H5YvZ
Tik Tok: bit.ly/2DFgyYc
New Twitter Account: bit.ly/tweetZac...
Facebook: bit.ly/ZachCamp...
SnapChat: bit.ly/SnapZach...
Watch More Zachary Campbell:
Popular Uploads: • Popular Videos | Zacha...
Reactions: kzbin.info....
Storytime: kzbin.info....
About Zachary Campbell:
Zach is a sought after Pop-Culture/Music Commentator who shares his keep it real, straight no chaser view, on all things Pop Culture. Zach has been featured and has worked on multiple platforms including Netflix, Tinder, Hello Ross, Gram Norton with Lady Gaga, Beyonce’s Formation Tour, MTV Awards, PRIDE, and VH1 Honors. Zach is currently developing his show “That’s a Bop!,” where the first episodes were released this year featuring rising artist Lizzo, MNEK, Little Mix, and Iggy Azalea. He was also cast for the newest season of "Dear White People." Zach has over 75 million total views on KZbin, and over 2 million impressions weekly on Instagram, and expanding his influence fast!
On Zach’s KZbin Channel, you will find the latest and greatest in Pop Culture from around the world! Reaction videos of Music Artists including Nicki Minaj, Kash Doll, Dua Lipa, Little Mix, Lizzo, Iggy Azalea, Billie Eilish, Beyonce, Normani, Ludmilla, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Doja Cat, Anitta, Megan Thee Stallion, Camila Cabello, Ariana Grande, Becky G, Lady Gaga, and Many More!
Contact: [e-mail]

[@rockyking4486]

I think the best thing she could do at this point is establish herself as a touring act and a visual artist. We know she can fuck a stage up and give you visuals. The fact she announced her album 3 or 4 months ago and didn’t give us a video or live performance is wild.

[@Alwaysgotsum102say]

They’re all Beyoncé cosplayers

[@DonovanRobinson420]

@@Alwaysgotsum102say not necessarily

[@kordei-7839]

@@Alwaysgotsum102say No it’s not that she has been trying but rca is a rubbish label

[@User-gftfbiu3454]

Considering she had to pay for the wild side mv, I’m assuming her label has no faith in her vision. Thus she doesn’t have the budget to do what she wants. She needs to complete her contract and not just tour but go on the festival circuit which is good money. Build her money up and simply go independent.

[@jestiny]

@@DonovanRobinson420a lil bit tho..

[@mscopycat5137]

Unfortunately the wait was too long. The album is fantastic. Seriously it's so good but I think the wait was too long and the public have moved on. Hopefully her career will get a boost because she's so talented and she's clearly found her sound now.

[@janusconner3710]

AGREED 💯

[@marvinhorsley9735]

Perfectly stated ‼️🔥

[@quintennorman8023]

Plus she don't have a big fanbase. She may had one when she was featured on the pop records but she's literally just starting. Now I do think there should have been a music video and performances. And everyone is hard on her but the other members of the girl group aren't charting high either. This landscape of charting is different today. Even big names are having a hard time getting 50k in a week

[@ajandrewsmusic]

Yup. However, I think as long as she stays consistent from now on she'll be fine in the near future. But if her and her team do this long wait thing again it's a wrap

[@deloneymompremier2326]

Agreed. We know Normani has talent but because the album was pushed back so much it's like we were expecting A+ content but the album didn't do it for me.

[@JustEmeraldStar55]

“If the charts dictate what you’re listening to, you’re already wrong about enjoying music” SPEAK ON IT👏🏿👏🏿

[@PSdaughter]

Tyla blew up with water, her team ran with the wave, she was performing almost daily, giving out interviews, tiktok and Instagram lives,music videos and soon released her album, all based on that Water wave. Now Normani and her team could've done the same with wild side or even motivation. Unfortunately her hype died down, and people just moved on. Unfortunately the wait was too long.

[@TheJayWashExperience]

I think also RCA wanted the “Motivation” sound, and when she switched it they didn’t put the funding behind it anymore. Maybe she should have played the game longer to be able to do the sound she wanted later.

[@flighter7713]

Now this is some constructive criticism.

[@zanetapenny8388]

Yup. And if she had released an album with that sound back then, she would now be making the music she wanted with her labels backing and a more solid fan base. But who knows? It's all speculation at the end of the day. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@Talia778]

I truly think this is the problem. I love her new sound, but it’s just not what the general public was excited to hear from her, plus there aren’t any visuals. 😭

[@jacobsmith2121]

@@zanetapenny8388I agree 100%

[@ccvv1119]

Exactly Beyoncé played the game and changed her sound Normani refused to didn’t even like her most liked song and she messed up. This isn’t for her

[@1sava]

Can we also talk about how the Dopamine concept doesn’t make any sense for such a mellow sounding album? I think she should have named the album “Insomnia”. It actually fits the dark RnB mood of it better. And given how good Insomnia is I think it would have carried the concept and vision of the album better as a lead single. It even ties perfectly with her journey so far as an artist “who hasn’t been able to get any sleep till she could finally deliver her vision as an artist”. An album needs a strong concept and vision. Dopamine clearly lacks that.

[@randoomly39484]

indeed !! i agree !!

[@TheWomanAthlete]

This album is far from safe… y’all just lack imagination, I bet if she dropped visual/videos y’all wouldn’t be saying this

[@mimia.4810]

@@TheWomanAthleteThe album doesn’t allow for imagination. There’s so world building or storyline in the album.

[@SideEyeee_]

@@TheWomanAthleteWho’s y’all? Just say you don’t know music.

[@dejahturner16]

You dont need a label to sing on tiktok, or give BTS about your project. She does nothing for ages, management rushes the rollout and this ends up happening. Its disappointing to see because Normani has talent fr. Its just far too inconsistent.

[@FirestarOfficialTV]

Normani also had some personal stuff that really affected her rollout, in addition to her label's inaction. You are right, it was inconsistent.

[@MindlessGirl323319]

This is what I said! She doesn’t need her management to post on IG & TikTok. She can take promo into her own hands … if she wanted to.

[@itsjustus.itsjustlove]

Her mother was also sick for quite a while, I think it was probably hard to balance both during that time. But I see what you mean

[@GhislaineMutombo]

The down side of a perfectionist...couple with Americans love drama so unless she feuds or consistently posts.🤷🏾

[@ValenciaRose.]

@@itsjustus.itsjustlove Megan's parents died and she still released music and promoted herself online. Many people have faced hardships and still went to work. That is no excuse, honestly.

[@jesskween]

No promo, no music videos ready, no marketing, no live performances, no interviews... "Why is no one ready ... " - Miranda Priestly

[@andresmolina8913]

She has a 20 min zane lowe interview 😂 and i only laugh because most artists get an hour for an album. Its sad.

[@johnygi1553]

@@andresmolina8913that’s so true 😭

[@jesskween]

@@andresmolina8913 The Zach Sang Show interviewed her for about an hour on the new album, I watched 90% of it. Then I went back to KZbin to continue watching and they deleted it. Idk what happened there ...

[@melinatedthinka8210]

@@jesskween ye no it’s giving sabotage now

[@jasonk9419]

The label gave her so much money for Motivation and Wild Side but they didn't get any return on investment, why would they keep funding her flop career? it's a business but all normani has is sympathy and twitter love

[@KairoK]

PREACH! Beyoncé can only go ghost now because she haunted us relentlessly for YEARS! That work ethic was insane

[@rayeeiffel480]

Matthew was not playing with her. She said it herself she was tired and she needed her father but he was being more of a manager and not taking in how she felt BUT it’s the reason why she can release and rest now.

[@KairoK]

@@rayeeiffel480 Tina and Mathew had some next level commitment for sure. That's why, even though he has dusty tendencies, Beyoncé always shows him respect and appreciation. But you raise a good point about mentoring and guidance though....I wonder who in the industry is REALLY guiding Normani

[@rayeeiffel480]

@@KairoK Yup as much as people say don’t mix business with family some of the most successful artists were with their parents/family when they got success and sometimes even their most success. The industry can have people who don’t really have your best interest but if you have family (especially a parent) on your team you’ll always have someone looking out for you behind the scenes so you don’t have to worry about it while working. Beyonce was at her peak mainstream with Matthew. She kinda pushed herself in a corner that’s been hard to get herself out of when she released Lemonade. It was great & beautiful but the whole formation thing & superbowl is when we saw a lot of mainstream consumers stop supporting her and I don’t believe matthew would’ve let her done that. What kept beyonce from falling all the way off after that is cause she can perform like crazy which was also thanks to matthew for training her & her being married to Jay who’s her family & has a lot of control and power. Usher was most successful under his mothers management. Taylor swift is the biggest star in the world right now and her parents are heavily involved in the business with her and even created her own management company for her called 13 management and I believe Taylor’s brother also is involved in working with her behind the scenes. Michael Jackson (although his father was wrong for how he went about it) was also extremely successful and a lot of it had to do with Joe instilling that perfectionism into him. Chloe & Halle had a much better image and were respected more as artists when their dad was managing them but something happened and they became distant from their parents and now people dont take them as seriously anymore (especially not as solo artists). Billie Eilish has her brother making music with her & is always around her parents when working and she’s one of the if not the biggest younger gen z artist. Having family guidance can for real be a blessing in that industry. Even Diana Ross had said in an old interview that she knew Beyonce was gonna be great cause of the fact that she had her family so involved in the behind the scenes stuff. No one’s gonna look out for you more than a blood relative ESPECIALLY if it’s a parent/extremely close sibling.

[@talitam.8414]

Oh Beyonce was EVERYWHERE! The woman was singing and dancing her ass of from 8am on all the morning shows.

[@DaniellaLumpkin]

@@rayeeiffel480 Do you still think B is in that corner, released Lemonade was the begging to the lovely albums. So if people stop support her for that its there loss I'm happy she took the risk

[@moonlightbae_]

all i seen was her tweeting, where was all the promo? the mvs? the visuals? the spotify deals? for a long awaited album i thought more would’ve been done to promote it

[@JoyEmpress]

She's done a lot of interviews

[@Shantellywashington]

​@JoyEmpress who watching that 😂 nobody watching podcast interviews anymore she need to get OUT. Be active on social media. Connect with more new fans. The effort she puts out is the results she is getting now lol if she does interviews it needs to be Jimmy fallon WITH a ground breaking performance to be talked about all together. She can also go to hotones and try some spicy wings and get more of her personality and new eyeballs centered on her again. So many things she could do than tweet and do a podcast type interview. This is a 6 year album wait all the cards were suposoe to be thrown on the table! I blame her raggedy team

[@juarez94as]

And what has that done for her, ​@@JoyEmpress? Normani is NOT an artist of a caliber that can only do interviews and hope for the best.

[@kordei-7839]

I think her ex manager is blocking her from getting things because he had a lot of contacts

[@kordei-7839]

@@juarez94as No artist can get away with that except Beyoncé

[@tylerhackner9731]

The wait was so long that people would be disappointed no matter how it turned out

[@LBloggie]

This is a Singles Market No one gives a flying Phuq about an album and no longer have the attention span to enjoy it .... she needs a 5 single push from this album with visuals and performances and spread the single releases over the next 2 years --- and the disapointment is partially because they are used to the baked in machine push and success to socially pressure others into buying the hype

[@OGseoulite]

@@LBloggiepeople still listen to albums hun otherwise NOBODY would be complaining about the qualities of them. Stop the cap.

[@LBloggie]

@@OGseoulite They Listen because its there beyonce said it best they do singles and burn out unless here is a viral something behind an album release and or payola machine its not like it was

[@OGseoulite]

@@LBloggie we’re not talking about what Beyoncé said nor am I discounting the attention span part of what you’d said. What I don’t agree with the notion that people don’t listen to albums anymore when there’s whole ass sub genre on this very platform that literally contradicts your very argument there.

[@LBloggie]

@@OGseoulite its Become a niche category doesn't reflect mainstreams consumer base of support and with platforms like apple play and spotify there is a nostalgia group of people that retroactively listen to albums to catch up on certain artists but in real time its a singles market so when we get into first week sales for an album even with millions of followers its not translating lol youtubers get more out of album listening because of other ppul not wanting to consume the whole thing yknow

[@ScrubTheNub]

This album should’ve been on its way after Wild Side blew up. That was the perfect time 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@marzblaq7267]

Drop the Wild Side single and the video, let it marinate, then peform at the VMAs, immediately after the performance, DROP THE ALBUM! That should’ve been the order, especially after Normani practically stole the show that year.

[@daddyaf2159]

You mean after Motivation

[@jadenphillips6758]

@@marzblaq7267exactly!!!

[@jayymorris5285]

The wild side ear should have been the second album. Motivation should have been followed by 2-3 more singles and then the debut lol

[@BatangInosente]

Same thoughts. But, well the management didn't promote her and her debut album doesn't have a physical copies. So, maybe Normani knew this was gonna happen.

[@nb0009]

The issue is Normani herself. I’m not sure why she feels exempt from putting out work at the same pace and level of her peers, but she isn’t lol, and her numbers show it. I was so excited for Normani initially, but she hasn’t done hardly anything for like 5 years. I haven’t listened to the album bc I’m no longer excited, and it’s just something I’ll get around to eventually. These other girls are playing the game it takes in today’s age. The last performance I remember from her is that purple jumpsuit from MTV and that’s INSANE. They eat Chloe up sometimes but we see her WORKING!

[@BB-sq1vm]

Right! She released motivation right around the time Meg was becoming more Mainstream. Megs on what her 3rd album and a world tour...

[@RacleandRaHill]

“Flopped or was sabotaged?” i think two things can be true at once lol

[@hollywoodbound912]

Very

[@TrinityRamsayyy]

100% agree

[@jonathanm5894]

I think she could have done KZbin rehearsal videos, or lofi music video with an iPhone dancing, or her own live performance upload, or an acapella set, or club appearances or ANYTHING. girl book yourself on podcasts - send the booking emails yourself. She just seems happy to chill and her fans blame everyone else

[@lookatyou5809]

That last line is facts!

[@dre882]

Yeah everything can't be sabotaged. For years we said she needs a new team bc she was being sabotagd. She got one. And that didn't help either. She rarely uses social media. She's not doing meet n greets popups. She didn't open for nobody's tour last year or this year. No music videos. Not even any visualizers. And the songs aren't as strong as they could've been -- def a few skips. Very safe. I think a lot of the bullying is really just ppl who WANT her to win but like...nothing is happening to help her win.

[@MubinNoor]

Watching Normani in interviews you can clearly tell she has a lot of trauma from social media and criticism in general and that mixed with her perfectionism really holds her back. Just watch her self-criticism on her VMAs performance. Even though she ate that up, she still looks back on it as not being good enough. And because she's performed so well in the past, we as an audience have such high expectations, which again add to the existing chaos in her head, alongside almost losing her parents and everything. It is a lot of pressure, I just hope she rides it out. Even if Dopamine was a flop, which IT IS NOT, I hope she moves on, like fck it girl, keep doing you, you are the epitome of excellence regardless of the numbers and accolades.

[@eqsael]

she needs to learn how to have fun for herself. or she needs to have the self awareness that beyonce has and make the detail and perfectionism the Fun for herself. beyonce dont gaf about what nobody think and its because she hold herself to the highest standard without shame

[@SideEyeee_]

You are right but the album IS a flop.

[@suoutubez19]

@@eqsaelNormani is not beyonce. She is her own independent human being with her own thoughts.

[@benfarofficial]

Let's be real, Normani is talented, but I don't find her to have that energy, eagerness, and passion for her career

[@ladygrayteas6831]

Just because an artist is in the major label system, doesn’t mean the artist puts their feet up and waits for the label to do all the promotion. The artist should still be hustling as if they’re independent ESPECIALLY on socials. With Normani being such a strong dancer, you’d think she’d be dancing up a storm on TikTok or going live thinking of fun creative ways to connect with her fans that don’t cost millions of dollars. Charli XCX’s promo for BRAT showed how effective guerrilla marketing can be!

[@singstreetcar5881]

Charli xcx is a talented songwriter and artist with a real genuine fanbase. Normani doesn't have any of this

[@lb794]

Normani could run these tiktok dance challenges if she wanted to. It's so frustrating

[@mimia.4810]

Yup! Artist who are passionate about their music promote it themselves. I don’t think she’s passionate about her music.

[@babygirl4949]

@@singstreetcar5881well she’s not going to build it either by doing nothing.

[@Roma-SRyan]

exactly, Normani with no real album was opening for Ariana Grande at her peak, she did feature with Sam Smith, massive star. She did two solo MTV VMA performances and was she even nominated? Like I can understand if a label is apprehensive about given u anymore resources if you cant make something out of that

[@phakamilemyeza7362]

No promo, no videos and Normani self sabotaging in interviews, talking about all the songs on the album she doesn't like.

[@thedevilhelp]

Literally like she doesn’t even like half the songs on her own album. It was destined to fail from the start honestly.

[@KayBassie]

23:10 So true Beyoncé did EVERY appearance when she was doing her solo thing. I'm seeing old MTV clips of her hosting the VMA red carpet etc It's a different time obviously but it is still the music industry. And Normani has a lot of competitors in her field. She has to do even more to standout and be relevant. Yes she paid her dues in 5th Harmony, but her solo journey is different. I want the best for her. And I hope she doesn't stop and come back bigger and better on her second album. I mean look at Sabrina Carpenter on her 6th album. So its never too late.

[@PlvtinumPrincess]

We have to remember that the music industry back then was much different. The internet and social media wasnt as prominent as it is today. So music artists had no choice but to go out and make these appearances. It wasn't as simple as going online and making posts and doing zoom interviews. These people had to literally SELL their music to the general public. Not only that daytime tv and talk shows arent as widely used today to do these things either. I genuinely believe this is out of her control her label is notoriously known for shelving acts and pushing poor roll outs. Even Britney who I adore is under RCA and I HATED every single one of her rollouts after Circus.

[@babygirl4949]

A lot of people keep bringing up Beyonce and I get why but Beyonce was and is an anomaly. That girl/woman wanted this BAD. More than anyone else. And she had the label backing and management to help her get to where SHE wanted to go. She had direction. A lot of these girls don’t have that. They don’t want it THAT badly. They just want to make their music and go. Which is fine but I guess we have to adjust our expectations. We will never get a big black pop star like Beyonce bc artists these days don’t want that level of fame, success, notoriety or don’t know how to handle it all.

[@Scorpion-dn8ju]

​@@babygirl4949what label was backing beyoncé yall be talking and don't know shit in 03 the label wanted to not put her first album out she had to get a legal representation involved to fight for her album beyoncé worked and fought for her spot.

[@babygirl4949]

@@Scorpion-dn8ju Columbia. The one that gave her big budget video approvals, had her on every talk show, movies (before 2003) etc etc. I never said it was easy for her or that there weren’t challenges. I literally said she wanted this BAD and knew where she wanted to go, had direction and a lot of these girls don’t want it bad enough did you not READ all of that before you decided to leave that comment??

[@Scorpion-dn8ju]

@@babygirl4949 The same Columbia that tried to shelf her and told her she had no hits on dangerously in love it? It wasn't until after she fought for it and proved herself pushing the album on her own performing it & also getting legal action involved , that they gave her the budget they did. which is exactly what he is talking about normoni needs to push herself and believe in her art imagine if beyonce listened to Columbia about her debut she wouldn't be where she is now. And it was her and mathew that had her booked and busy not Colombia.

[@crustydiva]

Zach I just wanted to say, it really shows how much you’ve been working. On your health, on your music, on everything. As a fan of you I am so proud of everything you’ve done! Keep going girl! ❤

[@yourrebornbabymamaa]

Yesss! I second this emotion❤

[@SideEyeee_]

*boy

[@francesco3089]

She’s just a Twitter vibes artist. Twitter likes will always be inversely proportional to real life success.

[@LoveMera_x]

That’s the tea sisssss

[@sillywabbit898]

Raye is a perfect example of what can happen when you go independent and leave the label that’s holding you back!

[@Emmere]

I honestly don’t think she has the drive to be independent.

[@2fishaleyna]

Love raye.

[@LeaEspinoza12345]

@@Emmereexactly. Because there’s a lot of stuff that Normani could do outside her label that she simply is NOT doing. She doesn’t have the drive or the hustle to be an independent artist

[@mtjproducer2008]

Honestly it’s Normani not the label. My girl Dawn Richard from danity Kane made the entire blackheart era off 75k of her own money. She recorded and produced the album, had damn near 8 videos, merchandise, performances, tour, and did a vr performance and vr album visual by her damn self. And you tell me Normani did NOTHING with on a major label even with a tiny budget. Jojo toured and did mixtapes while being hostage to her label. Tinashe while having label drama with rca gave her fans 2 mixtapes, multiple videos. Hell even went to the radio and leaked her own music to get rca to fund joyride. Normani at the end of the day has label drama but is also lazy

[@hawazennnnn]

dawn is a star. i love her style and image

[@BB-sq1vm]

Honestly I've been saying this...I think for a while, she wanted to be an influencer. Never put out any music but was at every celebrity birthday party, every red carpet event...like girl🙄

[@jacobquinn1383]

I just don't like how people are practically bullying the damn girl because she didn't go number one on billboards

[@shaktra1563]

Yeah the energy is weird! I like how Zach approached it bc he aint hating more just stating his observations, but a lot of these “fans” are acting like they know exactly how everything went down and they are coming at her as an artist. Calling her “boring, lazy, etc.” All bc of the views rather than the music. It just seems superficial. People simply mistreat artists and for her I’ve seen that on full display even since fifth harmony.

[@TheHeatInColorPodcast]

Or that she didn't rush to put out her album

[@jhnbbbb7587]

@@shaktra1563 unfortunately our Society is F***ing Shallow! Ong! 💯

[@ValenciaRose.]

Her stans are insufferable, that is why. Her stans bashed everyone from Janet, Tinashe, Beyonce, Chloe plus more to prop her up. Normani also claimed that she "reset the culture" and is "the one". She also called black people "crabs in a barrel" and agreed that we need to "recognize she's a star". She and her family threw a tantrum on twitter when Chloe was picked to perform on the VMA when Normani had her chance already and hadn't even released any charting music that year. Chloe was trending and charting. That is why folks are throwing it in her stans face.

[@EOrainbowlove1]

Those are the nicki fans doing the most. Ever since she did wildside with cardi the barbs do the most

[@lilibethadon1589]

She was both, but she sabotaged herself by waiting so long to release her first album, when she didn't even have a well-established fan base. The boom was when Motivation was released, everyone was talking about it. But look at Tate, how it went viral after Greedy once released the album because it was at the time and it did super well.

[@manni1148]

she had no control over when the album was to be released

[@snapgrouch702]

She said that she wasn’t ready to release an album during motivation. Plus she didn’t want to do pop. When she was ready, her record label wouldn’t let her release it.

[@jalensoamazin]

Honestly haven’t heard about her since that song dropped.

[@babygirl4949]

I think her mom was diagnosed with cancer around that time so I think she took a break bc of that.

[@landrygibson2572]

Zach, you hit the nail on the head. I kept waiting for a a big note or wow factor vocally. I feel like she picked songs that she can perform without getting vocally exhausted. I need a video and live performance for sure!! We love Normani and want to win!!!!

[@C.Francisque27]

Not everyone is meant to be a star. Normani is one of those people who just doesn’t have it, and that’s ok.

[@CraigAlfred-v5i]

The album debuting at no.91 on the Billboard Hot 100,shows how mch the anticipation for her album waned drastically

[@jay-lz6dz]

it performed better than pf2 so

[@theeupcoming89]

​@@jay-lz6dzhow did it do better if I may ask huh

[@Daffanie.]

@@jay-lz6dzthat’s a lie, pf2 sold around 300k first week

[@KyeyuneBatuma]

Let's not compare rappers with singers please ​@@jay-lz6dz

[@gavfish8373]

@@jay-lz6dz yall love to lie on social media.

[@erikaamwaama551]

Candy paint is not coming at all....she said the visuals are coming , then she deleted it....that action spoke loud

[@KyeyuneBatuma]

Breathe

[@07celebrity]

Candy Paint music video is on her phone.

[@kwadwothestan]

She just said on the Terrell show yesterday it’s coming, the video is on her phone 😭😭 just wait

[@fairielikescake]

@@kwadwothestana month later and still no video 😂

[@erikaamwaama551]

@@07celebrity ...lol, where is it?

[@TwinMomKrystal]

Back after a month and Normani FLOPPED. She did NOTHING for this album and it’s a shame. Her fans are tired. Normani is TIRED. Her last IG post was in July and we are almost in September. Normani doesn’t want it like she claims she does. I think Zach wants it for her more than she does… You are keeping hope alive for real

[@kevinortegarojas]

Normani did an entire interview with The Zach Sang Show where she called out her label and her management holding her back and sabotaging her …. That interview was pulled from interview within 20 mins of being uploaded and Zach confirmed it won’t be reposted … she’s being sabotaged. We all see it.

[@joshuajones7900]

See! We knew thus from the beginning. RCA. (I call it Raca or the racist colorist association) Has been doing this but to be fair they haven’t only been doing this to black, female artist. They’ve been doing this to a lot of artists. It’s horrible, it’s sad, and evil.

[@BellesView]

Thank you for saying this! The video popped up in my YT feed and disappeared.

[@blu_ranger71]

It's still up... What are you talking about?

[@lynnpear20]

So did the same thing happen to Coi Leray and Chloe? Or does the label sabotage theory only works for Normani? She was never gonna sell 100k

[@BellesView]

@@blu_ranger71 They took it down and then put it back up days later.

[@AXFN_]

The elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about is that both Normani’s album and public persona are too safe/boring. The album lacked the identity that would make her music distinguishable from her peers. It’s hard to know who Normani is when she’s so devoid of personality. 🤷🏾‍♂️ I don’t say that to be mean, it’s just I’ve been casually following her for a decade and still feel I barely know her…that’s a bad thing. If I’m being harsh, the music lacks creativity, it doesn’t take enough risk, it’s lyrically generic, sonically pedestrian, and her vocal performances are unremarkable. In interviews Normani seems passionless..I get bored. It’s not just the album, “brand Normani” is uninteresting.

[@sedi2066]

Also i think to be making that kinda music you have to be alot more established. As generic as it may sound i think she needs an alter ego or something to shake the table ...

[@babygirl4949]

Whew. You said a word. I felt this way about her for a long time. It’s like there’s no personality. She looks dead behind the eyes. It sounds mean to say but like damn maybe she doesn’t really show a lot of her personality bc there’s not much there to show, idk. Sad bc she is talented. I wish there were more vocal moments of her showcasing her voice. There was none of that.

[@marianar2948]

Unfortunately I agree with this, I think that Normani is far too shy for her own good... which is ok, being discrete and distant as an person can be a good a thing! As long as the music is interesting you can suceed in your way - but in the case of Dopamine, the art is far too generic and safe. I think Normani still needs time (yes, more time!!! lol) to establish her personality without compromising her stances. But, on the other hand, it's normal that people still don't care to get to know her...

[@jtwinny4105]

100% agree. no personality. She remind me of ice spice just very bland

[@bastetowl3258]

I think she’s passionate about the music but she is not a showy big personality kind of person. in this day and age with how celebs use social media to promote themselves it’s required to have a big personality and not just talent. Beyoncé , for example, could not make it if she were a rookie nowadays. Maybe if Normani released performance videos, dance tiktoks, and did more performances in all kinds of venues people would be impressed by her talent and not notice that she’s a more withdrawn highly rehearsed person. She has the same thing going on that Beyoncé does due to their beauty pageant days

[@squirefelder6020]

not only we don't have enough promo, we also don't have physicals and vinyls...

[@lamikiminach9503]

Taylor probably clogged up all the vinyl factories to snub normani

[@mrhampton913]

I googled "Dopamine Vinyl" after my first listen to the album and all I saw were fan-made edits of what they hoped the vinyl would like. No actual vinyls in sight smh.

[@58kenstyle]

Physical and vinyls cost money to make. What label is going to invest them if the 2 lead single flopped so hard hey never even charted? Especially int he age when barely anyone buys physical. This a business not a charity.

[@marriejames01]

Where are the videos, social media post, and performances? Tyla claimed to injure herself but I’m still seeing her. She also promoted her own music. Tinashe has done well since leaving RCA. Even before she left, she was still keeping herself in the spotlight. Artist today have it easier thanks to social media. There’s no excuse that we’re not seeing Normani. Idk if it’s laziness, being discouraged, or a combination of the two.

[@officialjerel]

Her record deal needs to be reviewed. She is under something i’ve never seem before. When has a major label kept someone on their roster for 6-7 years and never released an album until now, and never opened up a budget. Remember, she paid for her wild side video out of her pocket. That was 3 years ago..

[@rhas20]

The biggest problem was not focusing on her strongest suit: visuals. Why were Motivation and Wild Side hits? Because of their videos. The songs are fantastic (Wild Side is actually one of my favorite songs EVER) but when you accompany them with their videos, you can just see that she is an undeniable star. Releasing an album with no videos was a huge fumble. I know they filmed a Candy Paint video weeks ago but why is it still not out?? Also no performances either like what is going on??

[@TW4165]

No matter what, she will prevail. This woman is too talented. There will be more work to come from her.

[@jahid5080]

With the way she's releasing her songs she's going no where

[@jhnbbbb7587]

@@jahid5080you ain’t nobody to tell somebody where they’re gonna go!

[@KyeyuneBatuma]

Yessss thank you I'm obsessed ❤❤ with the album I believe in it ❤

[@TW4165]

When you are this talented, they try to block you. We witness Tinashe break through it. It's very possible to any haters out there.

[@mimia.4810]

She’s a talented dancer, but I don’t see spectacular talent in regards to her voice or music. I don’t see her being an artist in which people want to hear, mostly see.

[@nameisamine]

It’s not enough to make good music, many artists have good music and their careers go nowhere. What separates the ‘haves’ from the ‘have nots’ is branding/marketing. Releasing an album with no hit single in the market after having lost all commercial momentum was always a strategy for *failure.* Music is a momentum based business. Normani said she wasn’t ready to release an album following motivation or wild side but the reality is Normani could have released a far weaker album in 2019, put “Love Lies”, “DWAS” & “Motivation” on the track list and even if the album was terrible it still would’ve outperformed ‘Dopamine’. Our only hope for this album cycle is that they continue a slow burn marketing campaign, Normani starts performing the material anywhere she can, and one of these songs can snowball this album into becoming a sleeper hit. Wishing Normani the best of luck! 🤞

[@jourdonpatron212]

I think it was a culmination of multiple negative factors. Most people moved on from Normani after 2021, her label was ass, and Dopamine barely had any promotion. Many fans didn't know it dropped.

[@thebuttermilkgirlisback]

Real fans knew it dropped. She said so on instagram. It wast like she dropped it without telling anyone.

[@brandont.2293]

I couldn’t agree more, especially about the fact that most people have moved on. The only person who can go missing for this long, and still be HIGHLY anticipated upon their return in Rihanna (still waiting 😭). I know the circumstances aren’t entirely her fault, but unfortunately that’s just the name of the game.

[@nb0009]

@@thebuttermilkgirlisbackunfortunately, Normani needed to reach more than just her most loyal fan base. Most artists do. So promo is important.

[@thebuttermilkgirlisback]

@@nb0009 well it’s out now, now what? Are people not going to buy because they’re salty they didn’t know about it 2 weeks ago?

[@nb0009]

@@thebuttermilkgirlisback no need to be on the defense. My point is simply that people cannot buy or support what they don’t know is available. She needs better promo to expand her reach so that people can support.

[@cvmcak3s]

Her label can’t keep waiting for her to do vmas performances get her on good morning america or something

[@kamire6559]

Exactly or Jimmy Fallon !

[@phillinsogood]

It felt very “ugh here’s my album yall happy?”

[@kennethiavail1719]

Thank you for pointing out time. People are so impatient and quick to throw away talented artists. A lot of people don’t realize that Janet Jackson’s first few albums were not commercial hits. Music is a journey with ups and downs. I really hope she leaves RCA and remember that she has fans who love her. She focus on the supporters.

[@AnAdorableWombat1]

So many excuses for this chick it’s ridiculous! She sabotaged herself

[@SideEyeee_]

It’s not her fault entirely. Just say you don’t like her.

[@AnAdorableWombat1]

@@SideEyeee_ I don’t like her music. I like her as a person. She seems way too good for the music industry.

[@troyhughes2873]

One thing I think enough people aren't talking about is the fact that both of her parents were going through battles with cancer. She's mentioned in a few interviews that even when it was just one of her parents it was a lot mentally, to the point she was questioning why she was pursuing music. I could only imagine how that would effect my drive to do anything.

[@BellesView]

This! The real fans will support the album and the tour. Some of the “critics” were just waiting to talk shit.

[@MorganRimming]

Honestly, I've seen several people mention this. Normani just does not have Star power unfortunately and her solo work has never been unique or outstanding. She just makes very lackluster music which I think is part of the reason her career is where it is. Plain and simple.

[@erikaamwaama551]

At this point its her team + Normani herself....she doesn't do anything to help herself ...and as fans we are always begging with Normani and we tired because she doesn't meet us halfway and it's annoying. .......She also lied about visuals coming as usual 😢

[@weare9770]

It was always been that case. Plus, a lot of y'all put high expectation on this flop lady.

[@hellobye7697]

It’s 100% Normani. I don’t blame Her team anymore. She has no artistic vision what so ever

[@lethamash7784]

flop? she can run laps all over your floppy faves. she just doesn't market well​@@weare9770

[@DonovanRobinson420]

Y’all just know so much 😮wow you guys are so smart you know everything!

[@lethamash7784]

@@weare9770 flop? you definitely take the special bus, go listen to talentless swift

[@bensxbd]

Zachhhhh the new body is GIVINGGGGG

[@Blaquebarbgamer]

I was about to say, it’s been a while since I’ve seen him. He looks great! ❤

[@NateSullivan813]

the rollout and marketing was absolutely HORRID i bet gp prob doesnt even know she made her debut album which i sad bc its rlly good

[@RadikoolS]

Here’s the thing, she hasn’t had enough musical experience solo to grow, we as an audience are eating on SZA, Muni Long, Beyonce, Tems, Summer Walker, Lucky Daye, Khalid, Giveon etc. She hasn’t done the mixtape, EP projects that help her audience know her, and fall in love with her. Does she write music? Does she live in the studio? Does she sit with producers and engineers? She loves to dance, does she choreograph? like Teyanna Taylor. We have high hopes for her, but the first step is being a student of music, a year sitting with those girlies who get paid to write and produce would do wanders. She could really do all these things, but it will take hardwork and actual dedication. She needs to create music and work like she isn’t being funded.

[@ZyFox]

Normani ended herself. She should've taken your advice

[@Eimaj1991]

Normani should've released the debut album at least in 2020 and self-titled it as an introduction to her journey as solo artist and a grown adult with 3 to 4 singles released and a success tour. Then, by 2021 or 2022, work on her sophomore album, keep the album title she used this year but with stronger Pop and R&B songs with a world tour.

[@JORDANLEWISFILM]

This. She should be on album 2 or 3 by now.

[@Kayw2188]

After the 8th listen, I am still underwhelmed by this album considering Normani’s talent. It feels like a combined album of all her singles from the past 5 years would excite me more than Dopamine. With that being said, the album sales harassment she is receiving is terrible. Putting out art is scary and she doesn’t deserve that level of bullying.

[@KyeyuneBatuma]

Lol well thank you for the streams I guess

[@mimia.4810]

I agree. The album wasn’t bad, just mediocre, generic and overall forgettable. I can see why it isn’t connecting with the general public.

[@elijahtheprophet8042]

@@mimia.4810Exactly. I *like* the songs but that’s it. I’m only listening to Big Boy, All Yours, and Lights On, mainly for the danceability.

[@indi3dude]

I am HERE for the Tinashe apology, and the Normani/RCA comparisons are sadly on point.

[@1991Meka]

One thing about Tinashe. Her music was flopping for years....but she kept dropping. Now...she finally got one.

[@hawazennnnn]

excuse me? she never flopped, but she wasn't mainstream. Everyone knew who she was and hyped her up.

[@quesoqueso7598]

@@hawazennnnn opinions opinions

[@tariq7408]

Let us remember that signed artists typically do not have enough money to support their own visuals, tours, etc. It’s their label’s money, this their label determines what gets paid for, what gets pushed, and so on. Also, RCA owns her brand, so if they wanted to shelf her, she wouldn’t have a say in the matter.

[@bib2045]

Exactly, and I honestly wouldn’t word it as sabotage like some would because at the end of the day it’s RCA’s money, if they don’t think they are gonna profit from it then obviously they won’t invest in it. It’s business not sabotage. I do agree this label is ass. Normani has the talent and vision, I hope she will make good career choices for herself, leaving rca would be a good first step

[@MiilanoStukes]

Fact of the matter is: Normani is HELLA TALENTED, esp performance wise… she just doesn’t have the IT FACTOR which is why everything she does seems boring and forgettable.

[@BoyIsAMonster]

Dopaamine literally just came out ....Chappell Roan is having huge moment right now for an album that came out last year. There is no rush. Normani has said before that she had to pay for most of her Wild Side video. Obviously her label is not supporting her fully. So can we rest all the think pieces and just support this black woman damn!

[@averae]

Normani needs to go on tour, I feel like people will go and see her especially she have a lot of hits & the Dopamine Album to perform, so she can pay the label recoup loan or whatever

[@mimia.4810]

Chappell album is better than Dopamine tho. I don’t see Dopamine having a moment ever.

[@jablackdiamond]

Yes, these think pieces are self-fulfilling at this point. It’s too much!!

[@SideEyeee_]

Nobody cares about her. Chappell Weirdo is a crazy woman who has the NERVE to disrespect religions.

[@ZenobiaCostadelMar]

Her music is just UNSATISFYING. it all feels like the songs build to nothing. like listening to a nothing burger.

[@singstreetcar5881]

They don't wanna hear it. It's her voice. It's very bland. Very monotonous

[@mimia.4810]

This! Her music is lacking. Her voice sounds lifeless and the music itself feels like unfinished demo tracks for any random artist. The musical talent and artistry is just not there.

[@ZureidaBopape]

U crazy

[@reginarobinson-1985]

It's a solid peace of work. The problem is nobody cared.. I live the album I've been listening to it since it came out but nobody cared

[@ASprinkleofAnime]

It's solid but not outstanding, and that's the problem. In this day and age, you gotta be outstanding and unique in some way, especially as a new or lesser known artist. She just doesn't stand out

[@KyeyuneBatuma]

The album is outstanding and we are not done She is coming I believe in her

[@mimia.4810]

@@KyeyuneBatumaIt’s objectively NOT outstanding, it’s pretty mid and generic.

[@keojiabrown6807]

​@@ASprinkleofAnimeand consistent/relevant🤷🏾‍♀️

[@jordannow13]

For me. Considering how long it took and how much she went through to get here, I wanted to get to know her more. I wanted more depth. Although I like the album.

[@iCoily]

Yesss I remember Victoria Monét said that’s not what her vision was when people expected JII to be more about Motherhood and being the underdog. Howeverrrrrr, it kinda feels like an easy win for Normani to spill a lil tea, be vulnerable, and give us some of the sensual R&B bops she gave us. Zach is right, we don’t really know her. It needed to be a much more well-rounded project considering the amount of time that it took to release and how much she went thru. That not being part of this project just doesn’t make sense to me. I literally cried when she released Fair bc it felt so vulnerable and seeing her tear up trying to talk about it or perform it sold me. Also, I may have rose colored glasses, but I think even with a budget of $2M an artist could have a solid rollout for a project. If she wants to stay with a major label at this point it’s gonna take her getting creative, being innovative, and PROVING to them why she’s worth the investment. Bc right now it seems like she finally finished her big class project and is laying in the bed staring at the ceiling just happy to be done regardless of the grade she gets. Normani, get up and TURN THAT CAMERA ONNNN!!!

[@jordannow13]

@@iCoily yeah facts. She’s gone through a lot in the past few years alone, I expected more depth. And I agree, Fair is a statement song of her career so far, and easily her most vulnerable. We needed more of that. And better yet, why was Fair excluded. She said in an interview on Zach Sang years ago that there was gonna be a few ballads… there isn’t any. I bet she has the perfect album already, but in the vault, and just released what the label said / she thought would do the best on charts, instead of letting us see the real her. I wanted to hear more emotional, heart wrenching lyrics that’d make me cry, and bring me back. I would’ve liked her to talk about her Fifth Harmony experience on a song, she could’ve made a song about the label, or her insecurities, or the pressure she has put on her, how it feels to be compared to Beyoncé 24/7, songs about womanhood, about her parents, etc. so many opportunities to let us in and see her as a more vulnerable individual. Also 2M is definitely enough for her to show us what she wants to show, and serve what she needs to. I also think adding more pop elements would benefit her greatly

[@iCoily]

@@jordannow13 okay! As far as pop elements, I feel validated now knowing she’s also not a fan of Take My Time lol. I do agree that she should’ve given us more pop/up tempo. There’s ways to dip into that genre that feel authentic to her sound. House music was right there!

[@rayonjohnson2399]

Vocally she didn’t challenge herself. The only song on this album that i listen to is Insomnia. But it was very monotone

[@kevinwilson124]

I meaannnn she's not the strongest singer.

[@yellowgal06]

This is why she should be doing more pop records. I’m not saying you have to be a great singer to do r&b but you need to atleast bring some unique vocal arrangements and production.

[@mimia.4810]

I was so underwhelmed. Not a single impressive or memorable vocal moment on this album, like at all.

[@mimia.4810]

@@yellowgal06This! R&B is not for her. Fans of R&B won’t listen to her because her voice not only lacks ability to hit notes, but also lacks emotion and texture. Normani can’t compete with current R&B singers like Sza or summer walker. I feel like R&B is a genre that relies on vocals and emotion. Normani could have hid her vocals more on pop tracks, but this R&B album just shows her weaknesses.

[@SideEyeee_]

I mean she doesn’t really have range. She’s a singer not a vocalist.

[@KaiTy1006]

10 years in and I still tap the screen too fast when I see your name😂😂

[@antoniodominique955]

This album is good. I just wish she added visuals

[@weare9770]

LOL. The bar is low

[@rayshawnphoenix2135]

@@weare9770you’ve commented more than times about her…are you done? Also you’re clearly racist, “you knew blacks sound dumb”… what Neanderthal actually talks like that. Camila fans never beating the racist P O S allegations 🙄. Everytime I see you pop up from now on I’ll be reporting

[@antwuanhall7]

THANK YOU! Rca should feel some type of way about how they handled her. But like I said, I'm looking forward to what's to come from her because I am a genuine fan of hers.

[@jesskween]

You're right bout the social media promo. She does nothing to promote her album on IG stories or reel. The album is all about sex and nothing about her as a person. We don't know her. She said she deeply cares about music and solo endeavors but I don't see she work hard enough in that department. It's giving lazy and no efforts. I'm giving up on her career honestly.

[@bastetowl3258]

I have to agree. Just because it’s an r&b album doesn’t mean she only has to sing about sex

[@jesskween]

@@bastetowl3258 exactly and we don't know her. She's too private and too out of touch with her fans and we just can't relate to her as a person.

[@zainakyaire]

You are so honest, that’s why I love you and respect your pov

[@Buzz0Killington]

Pop stardom is not a right, it’s a privilege. You have to work hard, get lucky and do everything right. The look, the songs, the performances etc. Normani had her window, a privilege very Very VERY few acts get, and she sat on it. It was squandered. Everyone is on to the next.

[@rayshawnphoenix2135]

Lol “privilege” what tf are you stans on??? Despite her being dragged on socials I’m proud of her for choosing her family over this fickle industry. You all act like you can only release ONE album. Like Tinashe and others who have been pushing for years it’ll come

[@Buzz0Killington]

@@rayshawnphoenix2135 Why are you acting like this is a dragging or personal attack? If anything, you’re the stan acting like Normani is being victimized. Thats the exact point I’m making. Being a superstar is not a right and talent doesn’t guarantee success. A lot of things have to go right. When they go right it feels like the person came out of nowhere. Like they were born a star. When someone is bubbling under or reaching for stardom for years, something is amiss. Who’s to blame? Idk

[@rayshawnphoenix2135]

@@Buzz0Killington your words verbatim: “Normani had her window, a privilege very Very VERY few acts get, and she sat on it. It was squandered.” As if dealing with not one but both parents battling cancer isn’t a lot to deal with. She has her reasons and doesn’t need to explain anything. Squandered? No. Prevailed is the better word. Also you contradicted yourself once again = “When someone is bubbling under or reaching for stardom for years something is amiss” Are we not experiencing the rising success of Tinashe’s new song after years of not charting. Did we not just see Sabrina Carpenter who’s been making music for years and was a Disney actress get her first number one? Enough already. No stan here just tired of the ingenuity.

[@Buzz0Killington]

@@rayshawnphoenix2135 sweetie, does my opinion mean that much to you?

[@rayshawnphoenix2135]

@@Buzz0Killington sweetie just drop it. Don’t implode inside 🕳️ of course you got nothing else to say 😭

[@kadigarajih9260]

Everyone wanted her to be a Beyoncé but she is a Kelly so much talent and so much potential with no work ethic just lazy.

[@billykeller7140]

I agree ☝️

[@sedi2066]

Ouuuu....

[@Ilovechickpeas]

ooo lawd 😂

[@keikei1943]

Ikr😂😂😂

[@renatapereiradeoliveira3035]

I agree

[@jordannow13]

im ready. im here. im sat

[@transideo]

the girls aren’t performing in IKEA parking lots like they used to

[@bastetowl3258]

the problem is if they did people would clown them online. You can’t win nowadays

[@WonderKingE]

I just want to say let’s get out of the habit of looking at day one and week one to determine the success and longevity of anything. Albums used to need a lot of promo and this would last YEARS! Y’all make the music industry move so fast it can’t keep up with itself. SIT WITH SOMETHING. REALLY DIGEST. Let an artist develop. Damn. Short attention spans are rampant.

[@mrs.intel2481]

Exactly being a artist and having a legend behind doesn't count with the quick streams . She knows we will stream her music from years to come . They so used to quick and fast music that all sounds the same . They forgot about real music.

[@TimoteoDeBaum]

This.

[@BTonTV]

Janet and Rihanna are prime examples of how far you can go in this business even despite the general public sleeping on your 1st album. I do think on her sophmore album, she does need to step out of her comfort zone and give us something revolutionary and fresh. Regardless, she still has room for some of the singles to take off. The hate Normani gets comes from 2 places. The latin Cabello girlies mad that she called her on her racist remarks, and evil barbs who are mad at her for working with Cardi. Megan is proof that the more they hate, the more you will flourish. I'm proud of Normani and can't wait to see how far she'll go. Also, I'm starting to take the lack of Doechii talk personally 😅😂

[@BrotherOshow7]

The problem with being on a label is that sometimes, you don’t get to be as experimental as you’d like to be. They will tell you who you should sound like. Labels are about doing what makes money. Also, what artists are taking real risk outside of the big artists that have a real fan base that will allow them to try things? I also feel bad that Normani was injured because she wasn’t able to go to the bet awards. That could’ve helped move units.

[@KyeyuneBatuma]

If you truly love an artist you should never be dictated by the charts ,, The album is truly a masterpiece and i know because people are sheep once she starts releasing visuals which she is very soon , alot of the hate will subside i truly believe in this gal i feel people zre obsessed with trying to humble this black woman and i dont know y ,because people seem to love that other fifth harmony gal that was caught being racist and doesnt seem to get any consequences and we know why ! Anyways super proud of Normani ❤

[@tiggertoga]

She’s well known for her visuals, I’m so confused as to why she didn’t drop a visual…like why not put your best foot forward

[@tall9317]

I am a member of the nation. I don’t think this album is a flop. I just know that there are at least 2-3 songs that if she released videos for and preformed live can definitely extend the album’s life cycle.

[@weare9770]

"i don't think this album is a flop"; yet, the BILLBOARD says otherwise

[@tall9317]

@@weare9770 and Billboard never said that out their mouths. Stop being a hater and touch some grass

[@JoyEmpress]

It's still fresh, she has time. Victoria Monet still has singles out for Jaguar 2 and it's been a year. Same can be for her 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@BellesView]

Yes! I want music videos for Lights On, Big Boy, and Tantrums.

[@elijahtheprophet8042]

that’s the thing…IF. It’s not bad music, but if you need those other things just put the album on life support as opposed to boosting an already strong project? That’s what makes it sticky for me. But that’s my opinion and she can bounce back next album.

[@pageantspageants4358]

What if shes not interested on doing music anymore? Because this album is really feeling like she just drooped it to satisfy the public that wanted the album. I dont even see her on TikTok and other platforms reposting the challenges personally promoting her own album.

[@rebbyking2823]

She don’t even promote some of her own interviews! It’s crazy

[@ishmaeljohnson5792]

I'm gonna be brutally honest the album was OK but it's not bad❤️

[@weare9770]

how it's brutal ? hypocrite

[@ishmaeljohnson5792]

@@weare9770 hilarious literally🖕🏿

[@nameisamine]

The album was forgettable. People won’t be returning to this album 5 years from now.

[@mimia.4810]

Yeah, I wasn’t impressed. The vocals were monotone and lacked emotion, the lyrics lacked depth and most of the songs were about sex nothing too personal or emotional, and the instrumentals sound like generic R&B SoundCloud beats. When you compare it to other albums (especially all the great albums released this year) the album feels meh.

[@ishmaeljohnson5792]

@@nameisamine yeah I agree with you I just think that the album wasn't worth the hype as much in my opinion❤️🤍

[@TheCutejellybean]

love when u talk behind the scenes zach, so informative to understand how the industry works

[@jaleelnyela]

I think it was sabotaged because I think the Candy Paint music video should of been out after she released the song and then release the album and then a clean version so it can go on radio as well.

[@samomar927]

So tired of these double standards working against darker skinned girls. Like, it's so unfair I give up at this point.

[@itaimgidlana5001]

But why aren't they bringing up the streams as well??? Tyla did 7 million streams but sold 24k

[@BellesView]

Because people couldn’t wait to say, “See, she’s a flop.” 😒

[@iiamstephano]

She waited so long after motivation was released .....she needs another motivation moment.... ❤❤

[@abradenise0310]

Thank you for shouting out 💿 Waves. It is my absolute favorite.

[@tylorwithanO]

This is spot on and I hate the way people’s egos let them misunderstand these detailed and genuine critiques. Zach is the type of person you want on your teeeaaammm. Whether you agree or disagree, this is valuable feedback. I’d be playing these videos in my creative meetings. This is how those meetings should go ns.

[@venusvicious4446]

Unpopular opinion but the fans sabotage Normani equally as much if not, more than her team. Sure the rollout wasn’t some big grand event but does it have to be? I hear more complaining about the visual than the audio and I think that is the problem with US the consumers today. We are only interested so much as the next person is. No individual opinion of the art presented to you instead you need commentators and stans to tell you how to feel. We get hype by the numbers more than the words. Normani took me back in time with this project without the sampling gimmick. Her voice is MADE for R&B. She deserves chance after another just like yall give to these mediocre, brand built artists.

[@jonsil001]

She held back on this record. An album that is obviously about sex needs a more forthright and unreserved delivery. In a lot of the songs, you can hear that she's singing, but you don't really BELIEVE her / believe that she has conviction in what she's singing. And that's the issue the record. IT DOESN'T REALLY GO THERE. It takes off but doesn't really fly or soar. You need to go there. It's like she was shy too, and her shyness is very evident in the delivery. Great concept and visuals though. Also, 'Take My Time' is a B-Side and never should have made the cut.

[@08richgal]

So I love Normani and her music. I have realized that her music grows on me with time. I think Waves was the only song I loved instantly, the rest of her music I grew to appreciate with time. I’ll definitely be watching her tonight on the Terrell show. Dopamine is a solid body of work, insomnia, tantrums, lights on, all yours, and big boy were my faves from my initial listen, but with time I grew to love the others too. I think with time people will learn to appreciate dopamine more. At least that’s my hope

[@snapgrouch702]

Y’all are saying that she should’ve released sooner but how can she do that when her record label wouldn’t let her 😭

[@juanquintero4773]

I think people are too caught up on having albums that are number 1 on the charts and having hits that people dont appreciate a whole body of work that is complete.

[@Alex-oi7cd]

I have been waiting for this response. I had so much hope for Normani

[@weare9770]

that's exactly she's a flop. Y'all excepting her to be something that SHE'S NOT

[@ellenellenellenellen]

Zach we share the same brain when it comes to this album! You spoke facts ❤

[@jihadamcsween2677]

It’s because we waited too long by the time she dropped it I didn’t care anymore which sucks because her music is pretty good

[@marslander2488]

Normani is wildly talented but something is missing for sure. I could be wrong but it just feels like she doesn’t have the hunger that it takes to really pop off. In my opinion, the album is just alright. It’s not bad but it’s not exciting, it’s very generic.

[@sazcle765]

Let’s not forget she fully funded Wild Side and her label didn’t pay cardi for the feature she did. So we were lucky to even get WildSide.

[@singstreetcar5881]

@@sazcle765 this is a lie

[@sazcle765]

@@singstreetcar5881 believe what you want.

[@aliveandwell3958]

She needs to take the Tinashe route and consistently drop music throughout the years and hopefully one day she’ll blow up.

[@hollywoodbound912]

Timing,rollout,her team, opps in waiting, in conclusion stay on task and revamp your team it has opps in it...

[@shashavengesayi6055]

Tbh w/ y'all, because I already expected Normani's album 2 not do well commercially, it allowed me 2 just focus on the music and just be happy she released it at all. We're so number/chart obsessed sometimes that it takes away 4rm the music. But for her sophomore album tho, she needs to leave RCA

[@thickshxdy]

The album is AMAZING but it sounds like something that was supposed to drop years ago. You can tell. If she got personal with the album she would’ve written about her parents having cancer and the anxiety she faced within the industry. She gets grace from me ❤