The "RCA Curse" Explained

For years now, fans have noticed that some artists signed to RCA Records have had a little trouble releasing music. From shelved EPs and albums to leaked singles, many fans have accused the label of both mismanagement and sabotaging their artists. RCA has been around for over a century, and while the label has helped greats like Elvis ride to the top, artists like Zayn, Tinashe, and Normani have seemed to suffer during their time with RCA. Because of this, Internet fans have coined the term "RCA Curse", referring to the bad luck a lot of artists seem to have after signing with RCA. Is the RCA Curse real? Let's take a look at the careers of some of their artists, and some of RCA's shady actions and try to come to a conclusion.
Disclaimer: this is just a fan theory so RCA don't sue me I'm broke
SOURCES:
Zayn Thread: za...
Tinashe Thread: / 5_years_ago_tinashe_re...
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Normani Thread: / is_rca_sabotaging_norm...
Avril Lavigne Blog: www.fanpop.com...
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www.nytimes.co...
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uproxx.com/mus...
www.rollingsto...
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[@ediiixy]

It's crazy how labels destroy and deteriorate their own damn artists.

[@naomi.cannibal]

literally and for what reason

[@miracraigfan1738]

@@naomi.cannibal To decide who will succeeded & who will not, if they more or less control most musicians they control the market, perception, money, image etc for the company and all their artist under their sis labels etc

[@frenchskuxx]

But why sabotage their own artists? Don't they need them to be successful to make money? It's crazy

[@321cheesehead]

@@frenchskuxx yeah but I’ve noticed labels who have big artist who generate tremendous revenue already through they don’t care about messing up another artist career if they start to dislike them

[@carlaijahlee5006]

@@321cheesehead plus it’s a way for labels to steal smaller artists material for bigger ones, since the label owns their music most times.

[@nicolesherman8974]

I’m not saying her music was never good, but ever since Tinashe’s departure from RCA music listeners can definitely feel she’s more liberated and hands on in her music, album rollouts, and videos.

[@TheYolo88]

Yeah her independent releases are a lot different than label releases. She had great songs on her label albums and joyride is underrated imo. Night ride was a masterpiece also

[@naomi.cannibal]

Yes, she seems SO happy and in her element. That girl can do it all and I'm glad she's in control

[@JinxSAW]

Her music is great… actually

[@celestialspartan1176]

I got Joyride and Songs For You because they sounded good to me, and then I never payed attention to Tinashe after that. Probably because my taste in music wasn’t truly defined at the time. But now, thanks to 333 Deluxe and her mixtapes, I love her. 🙌🏻🙌🏻 She’s such a genuine artist who truly loves her fans, loves what she does, and truly deserves all the recognition for all her work a thousand times over. She’s that good! She even said that she currently has 40-50 songs made for her next album on her T Time radio show. Now, I’m eager to see what she comes up with next. On a side note, I was on her show early last month when she was making her own summer playlist, asking her fans what she should put on it. I recommended that she put Slide by Calvin Harris on it, and she was like “OOOO! U got taste!!“ 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Yeah, she’s awesome.

[@Richard-lh3te]

Her music releases prior to RCA were better than her albums as well

[@Aries16603]

Tinashe was doing alternative R&B before it was even popular. She was making music in her bedroom.

[@naomi.cannibal]

She was!! No one was/ is doing it like her!!

[@twentysvn]

It should be mentioned Tinashe is signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation management group and this has allowed her to have full creative control of her music and direction while having a machine that gives her opportunities like hosting the red carpet at the VMA’s, performing on late night and daytime talk shows, etc.

[@kwadwothestan]

As a Tinashe and Normani fan, it’s scary to see the similarities between Tinashe’s time at RCA and Normani’s time at RCA. Ever since Motivation, I’ve been side eyeing the way RCA has been handling Normani. We know Normani is a perfectionist and takes her time, but there is no reason she would wait this long after starting her album rollout in July 2021 with Wildside to put out the album. She’s talked about her and decision not to put music out for a while after Motivation, mainly due to her mom’s cancer. But this time around, I don’t think she is purposely delaying things at all. It just doesn’t make sense. I doubt RCA would let her choose on her own to keep recording music and not put it out, because that’s their money essentially going to waste. It has to be them preventing her from releasing. And I have a feeling their focus on Doja and Latto, tied with the fact that Beyoncé is about to drop, is part of the reason why they might be doing that. And just because RCA is pushing Doja Cat doesn’t mean they are a good label or that they aren’t hindering other artists. Labels (especially RCA!) are notorious for only focusing on one artist at a time and even shelving other artists or holding them back to put all their resources towards their main artist. This happened to Tinashe when Zayn was first signed, and I believe it’s happening to Normani now that Doja has blown up. And don’t forget that Doja has been signed to RCA since 2014, they only started pushing her after say so blew up. On the other hand, I am so happy for Tinashe. She is by far the most successful independent artist I know. She seems to be much happier on her own and much more artistically driven. As for SZA, I know she’s also had a lot of issues, but I think some of them are due to her other label/management company Top Dawg Entertainment. They are separate from rca and it seems that most of her problems have been with them.

[@miracraigfan1738]

The only thing I will say abt Doja is that she blew up on tiktok after promoting tiktok in juicy ft tyga (when adults didn’t use tiktok) So I do believe that she started getting push after her moo meme & even more after say so (I don’t think tiktok is legit & say so was planned) I’m also suprised that Doja was able to release her debut album amala which has a solid tracklist (maybe cause she made the songs + all the unreleased songs & lives where she said she wasn’t supposed to give a snippet yet….don’t know what’s true anymore). What I am suprised abt Doja Cat is them not pushing her in Europe or kpop,& that she barely does any interviews & it’s not telling about who she is, her music or versatility & her versatile inspo, suddenly she talkin bout Nicki & beyonce ~ also She promoting doechii & Sabrina Claudio I think was premeditated bc they literally lowkey or just starting, has low views but high budget music videos & ppl that are reacting to them as if they’re forcefully pushed into the YT algorithm ~ I enjoy the music of all the artists, but when it becomes more abt the image, the song is “airbrushed” & lacks texture bc it’s overproduced compared to earlier songs for all these artists with writing credit it ruins it for me, esp when their image boxes them into one image/sound….like I feel Amala was more her lane, but she denounces it(the new album is catchy, but don’t have longevity, pengame weaker & topics becoming blurred & 99% of the male reaction channels refers to her body when she’s actually spitting or are mad bco Ain’t Shit & the lie that DC only like white guys when she’s bi/pan[I do think she’s in that white boi phase,hopefully not a fetish, but how does BM “know” her preference before her memes & music, I also want to know why DC don’t panter to LGBTQ+ in songs & love interests ?Which is different as it’s a community & they love to bai democrats with the illusion of wanting to help these communities etc ~ It seems like the artists that are LGBTQ+ are suppressed while the opposite happens to hetero/homophobes with the exception of the artist having the “vogue/hypersexual gay”as their image & description- it seems like a sick control game of all the artists in some ways & like I’ve mentioned that they sign artists to succeed and fail to control the market! I don’t even think industry plants know they’re THAT to play off this genuine reaction to ‘overnight success’ due to TikTok’s “legitimate”ascension to fame by it’s users as apposed to have it’s content heavily ambushed with product placements & bought success turning tiktok from a kids app to certified songcharting bops (Industry new SNS tool for promo w/o the typical rollout by making the success seem organic & certify for mature audience & using both groups to do the work by joining in on tiktok dances & ppl to join in on hashtags/memes often looking for popularity,seeking fleeting trends to be a part of something[often seeking validation through participation & popularity also tying into possible monetary gain,transitioning into a career choice in all ages - morphing IG/YT Into agefriendly app w/high user-engagement exploited by large cooperations (incl parents seeking to profit of kids/animals) using challenges & memes w/hashtags promoting songs to enter charts & products to reach certain aesthetics often just for validation of photos & short videos,that is extremely addictive with huge monetary gain for the app itself,while users remain engaged to participate in every recent trends that involve social interaction & presenting looks/talent & general content, pushing insecurities & antisocial behavior as these SNS apps are known to cause insecurities/bodydysmorphia/antisocial & general addictive behaviour especially in teens & young adults, but victims becoming younger bco how it’s promoted & slips through different loopholes avoiding labour-laws given that monetary gain is not a given nor fame even though it’s promoted as organic in regards to the growth of TikTok’s hits & young celebrities seemingly garning the fame/money/opportunities that all ages could dream of by just download/consistency/timing active engagement w/artistic or aesthetic imagery/vids from it’s users of all ages,simultaneously interact worldwide)

[@briellelove7082]

@@miracraigfan1738 what are you even talking about 😭

[@niccole3542]

@@briellelove7082 Exactly this comment is all over the place .

[@kwadwothestan]

@@miracraigfan1738 you’re saying Planet Her doesn’t have longevity???? But it’s still on the charts??? The last single form the album (Get into it Yuh) is still rising on Billboard Hot 100?? Same with the single before it “Woman”? Planet Her is probably the most stable album and has the most longevity out of all the albums put out in the past year. Please be serioius. And personally I don’t believe Doja is an industry plant. Her come up with Moo and everything was too organic. RCA saw the excitement building around her and finally decided to capitalize on it, and it’s paid off.

[@ihavenoname330]

@@kwadwothestan fr! I listen to planet her ALL THE TIME 😩

[@discourcewithdee]

Doja cat is on the top of the world right now. She really broke the barrier cause they wasn’t invested into her at first either. Say So was her breakthrough. They have a hard time marketing artists, specifically black women.

[@naomi.cannibal]

Agreed! I wonder why they struggle so hard to promote. When your artists is doing better marketing that you it’s a problem

[@Chrismoore95146]

Doja cat is kinda racist according to a lot of people , she admitted to hating her black side on a live stream , that's why. Lots of racism and colorism in the industry.

[@discourcewithdee]

@@Chrismoore95146 Lies. doja cat ain’t going no where. simple! stay mad!

[@saint.hudson13]

Act “MOO” was her breakthrough and she did that all by herself! I remember when she made that video and it gained traction SO F’n FAST! 👏🏾 She had the milkshake from the video in her room for the longest 🥤🤣

[@AllAmericanBabe]

And lowkey doja be letting us know something behind the scenes is fucked up..she stay saying she finna quit lol

[@pipernigrum379]

They sabotaged Christina Aguilera's Bionic era, like she was on her peak after Back to Basics, but with Bionic they totally messed up. They forced her to rework the album, filled it with ballads breaking the concept, and pushed back the release date by almost a year. I hate this label, only Hollywood Records is worse than RCA.

[@alistairjr8341]

For real! Bionic was supposed to be Xtina’s biggest era at the time. They even cancelled the world tour after they had already pretty much changed the entire album #justiceforbionic

[@kesutap]

Add to that copying Lady GaGa rumour 🤡 sadly cause the album and concept was really good.

[@pipernigrum379]

@@kesutap Yes. I love those visuals, and NMT music video is really standing out in her career but the music itself is just... I don't know, it's not bad, but the middle section is just not it. And after I found out that she worked with Goldfrapp and Dr. Luke (he's jerk but his production is sick tho) and none of these songs made the final cut because label was AFRAID...... they sank their own ship

[@contourbae]

bc that was just a mess

[@marriejames01]

Bionic was a great album! Definitely ahead of its time.

[@Azr721]

I can tell that Tinashe is a real musician, not just in it to be a celebrity. She's s a talented songwriter/producer and has distinguished vocals.

[@marktaylor2087]

I'm glad that you mentioned Kelly Clarkson, although unfortunately she was stuck with RCA for another 3 albums before moving to Atlantic only in around 2017. I'd say Clarkson was one of the first major examples of RCA being exposed as a shitty label, look more into it if you're interested. Clarkson has spoken way more about it since being out of the contract.

[@Shaydoereme]

Would love to see this video

[@justjoannak]

@@Shaydoereme Agreed

[@Heroliesinyou]

@@justjoannak Despite all that Kelly Clarkson is one of the few artists that are extremely successful and sold millions of records. ❤❤❤

[@MusicalSaraJo]

All Zayn's albums are masterpieces. He really does want to do the music without much fame and also deals with anxiety. It's okay to do music you love instead of worrying about doing numbers when you already have a fanbase. But it does seem to be RCA as the label for signing artists you don't want to compete with your favorites. It's no different than other businesses. Money is king.

[@A.Adam22]

He want live private life but he wanted to succeed as musicians and they sabotaged his career, I am glad he left now.

[@gregorygray5768]

I love Tinashe she deserves all the success I love the way she blends R&B and pop music

[@naomi.cannibal]

She’s such a gem I love her

[@gregorygray5768]

@@TheLovesnowangel pop is actually a genre too Justin Bieber , Rihanna, Katy perry ,Bruno Mars all of those people make pop music

[@Peterrdee]

333 is tinashe at her most meta art vibe I hope she gets weirder with everything I love it and she’s becoming timeless like fka twigs

[@naomi.cannibal]

she is!! and I love when an artist gives those 90s afro futurism vibes and she definitely does that

[@chamham6734]

Fka ain’t timeless yet. Mostly genz and and millinials know her.

[@aquapiesworld]

A true aqua 🖤♒️💫

[@lynette5877]

Yes! “Unconditional” is such a beautiful futuristic song, and it’s my favorite on that album

[@charleighh6875]

It's not just RCA US, but also RCA UK. Little Mix had a lot of problems before their hiatus. Like how physical discs of Confetti wasn't available in the US during the release date, also that they didn't received any big promotions from their label like what RCA did with 5H. Also, Britney's album Glory. Besides she's in vegas and promotion could have been difficult, that album didn't received any promo from the label itself and the album and the tracklist leaking days before the release date. It could have been a push for tinashe to be seen by a wider audience.

[@sp0ngeb00b7]

Had to scroll wayyyyyyy too far to find the first LM comment. To me, they're who I think of when the discourse surrounding RCA comes up. RCA signing competing artists to promote one above the other? Hm....... The cancelled US Salute tour enters the chat!

[@marcellusthurman9652]

Normani has 2 top tens. 1 #1 Record on the Billboard R&B top 100 chart & 3 top 20 hits with no album out.

[@kevforrest]

Aren't those mostly collaborations?

[@marcellusthurman9652]

@@kevforrest do collaborations not count?

[@angelaburress8586]

It’s Normani’s fault because she doesn’t want to play ball that’s it and that’s all!!!!

[@ihavenoname330]

@@angelaburress8586 it's not her fault. I'm pretty sure it's her label not allowing her to release her album.

[@NewPurpleRobyn]

Normani has good management for the most part. Her mgmt is doing what they can within the confines of her record label. RCA is literally the devil. Going back to Kenny Rogers until now.

[@liyahzzz91]

I am one of the original Tinashe fans and I can say RCA really failed her and to me tried to stop her career. She’s finally back to music she wants to make. Let’s be honest she made hits with RCA but they didn’t promote her at all and everything they did when they did promote her felt so forced. I’m so glad she is truly back in her element as a indie artist

[@naomi.cannibal]

Yess I been riding w Tinashe for a while too. I was so worried for her for so long but we made it to the other side!

[@okaiiiii3931]

I’m sad Normani has not released her album. Wild Side is still in my music rotation. I love the song! Also the video is insaneeeee. 🔥

[@naomi.cannibal]

me too. i would love to hear some music from her. And thanks 💖

[@staceyslaterrr]

@@Jessica.Shawnte yesssss checklisttttt

[@Henry-cf4oo]

I didn't even know the song had a video, an official one. Edit: I had in mind "Fair". With songs like Waves, Motivation, Wild side and Fair, one wonders what the hold out on her album is.

[@Henry-cf4oo]

@@Jessica.Shawnte I had "Fair" in mind when replying.

[@rotisserie8444]

Fair and her cover of cranes in the sky are by far my favourite Normani songs.

[@luhenmel]

I’m rooting for zayn so bad!!!! 😭 he has so much potential & his so talented!

[@mychaelabeauregard8389]

@@asli9812 well he’s a dad now and dealing with personal problems at the moment. doesn’t mean he’s given up on music though

[@sunflowerbabe6565]

@@mychaelabeauregard8389 He kinda gave up on the mainstream long before his daughter was born

[@mychaelabeauregard8389]

@@asli9812 well like it says in the video, dealing with the fallout of his relationship and other things such as protecting his child from his former partner’s extremely toxic family.

[@mychaelabeauregard8389]

@@sunflowerbabe6565 he was never one to follow the mainstream anyway. but RCA exactly didn’t help either with deliberately sabotaging his career.

[@flowerqueen2749]

Same his music has been good

[@alisonthefox8964]

Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera sales were destroyed because of RCA. That's not shocking that they are "cursed".

[@twentysvn]

Tinashe is an icon. Idgaf about ‘commercial’ success. Everything she does receives critical acclaim. She can’t be touched.

[@chand.4401]

Plus "commercial success" is highly inflated anyway

[@theofficialVEVOformu]

Tinashe is not an icon lmao 🤣

[@blipflipped6680]

@@theofficialVEVOformu Disagree.

[@theofficialVEVOformu]

@@blipflipped6680 She only had like one hit 😭ciara is an icon because she has longevity and managed to stay relevant despite not being mainstream

[@keezemojito1278]

Who’s liking these comments lol Tinashe ain’t no icon , she didn’t shake the music industry only have one hit which is too on

[@sebastiancano7058]

I think Zayn is the one that has the most potential to come back as a big artist

[@carolinefranciswonderwoman]

I agree, he can sing and is the most beautiful

[@Avg10grader1d]

I don’t know man he got chances but he killed it’s not just his label his opinions and what he does in his private life was also one of the reasons he’s not famous

[@DailydoseBri]

@@Avg10grader1d he has had an amazing career and beautiful songs! He didn’t kill anything… what are you talking about? And he’s still a big artist

[@tenaciousbates]

Tinashe has been my girl. I’m so proud of her evolution. She’s been killing it. As far as Zayn, I so desperately want him to do well. He’s talented and makes good music. One day I hope to see him live.

[@Terry_Bell]

Tinashe is talented and a real artist. Zain on the other hand is a dollar tree Justin Bieber who lost a large chunk of his fan base after they grew while his music didn't (not to mention how he's an abuser) he only has himself to blame for the current state of his career

[@Terry_Bell]

@cinimon sugar what's there to know other than Zain's last album selling less than 4k units in the US and him pleading no contest to the charges of assaulting his mother in law? Facts are facts lol

[@trerhodes8884]

@@Terry_Bell he’s definitely not a dollar tree Justin Bieber ..that’s Austin mahone lol

[@Terry_Bell]

@@trerhodes8884 lmao my bad Shein's JB then

[@kkakashisensei6977]

@@Terry_Bell You Stan straykids ....... makes sense

[@kwadwothestan]

It’s so funny to me that many people think RCA is delaying the music because they are no happy with her sales and chart numbers, when they never promoted her to begin with. The only song they promoted properly was Love Lies, and a part of me thinks they only did bc the song was with Khalid and he was HUGE at that time. Motivation and Waves both got little to no promotion. How can you expect your artist to achieve huge numbers when you don’t actually put any work into promoting their music?!? So glad you brought that up in the video. It was a great video by the way!😊

[@naomi.cannibal]

Right like yeah she didn’t do big numbers but how could she? And they never jumped on the momentum when they had it to turn it into anything big for Normani. Waves got 0 promotion I feel like half the population doesn’t even know that song exists

[@kwadwothestan]

@@naomi.cannibal I’ve played waves for several friends and they are always shocked lol😂 after love lies most people don’t think she put anything out til motivation

[@Poufkimashoula1]

@@kwadwothestan I sincerely hope Waves is on the album (even if it's the deluxe version), because it deserves the exposure and recognition.

[@K_classic]

Motivation did get a good amount of promo I wouldn’t say little

[@donaldcajoles7256]

Nightride was a masterpiece. I thought it was a well crafted album that didn't sound like just random songs put together. It was a whole vibe, listening to it feels like going on a night ride. RCA is a fool for not promoting it as an album.

[@naomi.cannibal]

I LOOOOVE it! Ride of Your Life is one of my favorite songs in general, and one of Tinashes best. RCA flopped with promoting that album that would’ve been my final straw

[@thetom5522]

Right! Despite her releasing it while she was in RCA it's probably one of her strongest albums. RCA messed up by not promoting it because it's truly a masterpiece

[@mediamaniax.]

It definitely had a lot of hits that could have been big videos -especially “sacrifices”

[@hhaannnnaahh222]

Totally agree, i think nightride is her masterpiece cos its so cohesive and dark and experimental...and the production is just crazy! I'm really into 333 atm as well tho :)

[@bohemianbae]

RCA seems to be the "holding ground" for other artists that they want to highlight on their sister labels. Its like they sign 'the competition' so they don't stop who they want to be in the limelight on the other labels.

[@naomi.cannibal]

I agree… and then when one of their artists manages to show they have potential then RCA wants to switch up and promote

[@Ethan-re9me]

I really enjoyed this video, I feel it really needed to be made. I wish you spoke more about SZA she is also having a similar problem with releasing her album and the label has failed to capitalise on multiple of her moments like her unreleased Tik Tok song “shirt/bloodstain” going viral and not being released after it even being teased at the end of the “Good Days” music video.

[@naomi.cannibal]

thank you🥹 and honestly it was my intention to talk about sza when I started the vid but it was sooo hard to find specific information about her and RCA, or enough to mention in a vid anyway. It was also hard to tell if the majority of the images are with Top Dawg, but there’s def something shady going on w SZA cause ain’t no way she hasn’t had a second album yet

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

The part about you mentioning RCA signing artists so they wouldn’t compete with other artists instantly had me think of the dynamic between SZA and HER bc it really feels like ever since SZA broke everyone expectations with CTRL there been something strange about how the industry have responded to it, the Grammys not giving her any awards for the album in 2018 (YES IM STILL BITTER ABOUT THAT BEST NEW ARTIST SNUB 😂😂😂), and RCA/top dwag holding back from her releasing her second album 2021 was the perfect timing for a release of it with the success of hit different, good days and her collab with Doja cat kiss me more but some strange reason it’s just felt they don’t want SZA to happen but IN THE SAME BREATH RCA has pushed HER like I’ve never seen before homegirl had 4 Grammys and a goddamn Oscar that was robbed from Diane warren (I’m being petty 😂) before she even released a debut album and that debut album when it was released had a lukewarm response both commercially and critically and tbh the way RCA rolled out HER profile is very similar to how SZA rose to fame but without the organic-ness of it in terms of SZA actually building a cult following fanbase through social media by releasing mixtapes, booking her concert shows, working as a songwriter to big name artists and even becoming a mini fashion influencer with her unique style and that itself is one of major reasons why despite being pushed and known HER isn’t achieve household name status VS someone like SZA can take a few years from hiatus, release two songs (hit different and good days) and instantly become successful, I also feel this similar dynamic is going on between Latto and flo milli who are both *shocker signed to RCA

[@nikhilsonavane8939]

you're on to something

[@fka.afroditeourania]

HER is a nepotism baby.

[@LoneWulf278]

You’re absolutely right!

[@naomi.cannibal]

I feel like SZA was something close to blackballed after CTRL and I'm still not so sure why... like yes she shook up R&B w that one (that album dropped at the end of my freshmen year of college and when we came back after the summer we knew ALL the songs and SWORE we was in insecure or something lmaoooo). Idk, that album was just revolutionary for black girls dare I say. And it was an album TRULY about self worth and inner peace and back girl joy and friendship, and you know they hate to see black women acknowledging their worth. Cultural Reset dare I say. SZA's been pretty open about being blocked from releasing music, but it seems like the issue is mostly with Top Dawg. Idk truly how tied they are to RCA, but I wouldn't be surprised if RCA had something to do with it at all. Ain't no way she dropped a masterpiece of a debut album (after having already been pretty successful for YEARS before that) then suddenly just run out of ideas or something. I'm still tryna figure out the deal with HER. We've talked about this before but homegirl is EVERYWHERE yet idk anyone irl who is a fan of her like that (I know she has fans don't come for me). But I mean I know die-hard SZA and Doja and even Normani stans, but I can't say the same for her. I still think it's weird that they've given her this Civil Rights leader image, and acting like she's the next Prince or something. Idk, I need to investigate it more, but at the same time there's nothing that really makes me wanna check her or her music out? It's hard to explain. Also, can we get my girl Flo out the RCA dungeon.... She is SO DAMN Talented and I hate to say that as soon as I heard her debut album I knew she wasn't gonna get the flowers she deserved. Ion think its 100% colorism but I'm not gonna sit here and act ignorant and say that plays no roles. She's a prodigy and they're gonna let her rot in the basement and keep playing w her.

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

@@naomi.cannibal right in terms of sza she’s always been my theory on the industry not wanting a certain type of black girl in music in succeed bc if she was anyone else the industry would’ve had her on lock to be the next face for it’s respective genre and even then the weird way certain artists get pushed and have a similar mold to her (HER, Ella Mai) it gets more weirder and stranger like was CTRL that much of a cultural reset that it left a bitter taste in the industry’s mouth or did sza pissed someone off at Sony music? Flo milli needs to step out of RCA when I heard she got signed to them I legit almost wanted to cry like no joke I was pissed bc I knew what was gonna be done and suddenly after all the buzz she got it slowly went down and went all to latto who’s been out for years and never gotten this much buzz in a perfect world flo would be currently on some many features for big rappers and pop/R&B singers, would ready to drop her debut album right now and start building up a name in the fashion world with her unique style things like this really make me wonder what truly goes in the industry and does even achieving commercial success is smoking mirrors

[@jtarheel99]

To this day I never get why artists will sign to rca bc their history with fucking up artists careers is INSANE. I’m honestly glad Zayn is focused on his happiness and just being a dad out of the spotlight. You know my girl Tinashe is thriving and I’m so happy she went solo. She said the 333 era is where she made the most money ever in her career and it’s evident bc sis has been EVERYWHERE. Normani… my literal fav. but I just get sad every time. The Calvin collab just got announced, but you’re right if she wanted to release an EP, mixtape, KZbin vid or literally anything she WOULD. RCA is weird with dates but I’ll never understand purposely mistreating your own artists if they owe you back money anyways?? That’s literally my only hope of getting a Normani album is if they snatch the hard drive out her hands like they did for Sza’s Ctrl lol. Normani’s debut is sooooo expensive bc it’s been 4 years of studio time with the top writers and producers. She gotta pay them back someway I fear.

[@sohnaminta.9264]

Where did Tinashe say that she had more money?

[@jtarheel99]

@@sohnaminta.9264 she said it on twitter. I can’t post a screenshot here but you can search it. It’s from 12/17/21 and she replied to someone: “Of course you didn’t I know that ☺️ But understand I’ve been working on carving my own unique path and it can feel minimizing at times when ppl say “you deserve more” or “you’re underrated” even tho they mean well. I made more money this year than ever before lets talk about that”

[@naomi.cannibal]

yessss Tinashe was in her BAG with 333. Im still waiting for her to go full hiphop (bc u know Rascal & Hopscotch are some of my faves) but I'm so happy for Tinashe. It's like crazy to finally see her pull through like 8 years later, and mostly be in control of her image/ direction. I love to see it because I really think she's one of the only R&B girlies who is giving INNOVATION. While I was working on the video I was racking my brain trying to even think of what a Normani mixtape would sound like tbh... bc she can't just give us a bunch of slow tracks but if you think about it w the exception of Motivation that's basically what we've gotten.... I don't think we're getting the album this summer but like you said somebody's gotta pay the piper. I just don't get it because if she IS working on an album, why is RCA bothering pouring all these money and resources into it if nothing's coming from it? Bc I feel like truly if they were pushing her to make an album and she was just refusing they'd probably just drop her, especially since she isn't charting like they want? Like I def think Normani is dragging her feet but I doubt its all clean in the RCA camp, bc when is it ever

[@Icandoit36058]

Normani is too talented to be overlooked by this label. If it is so she could go independent too and would definitely do well on her own.

[@sohnaminta.9264]

@@jtarheel99 thanks

[@dynastya8690]

I’ll never forgive RCA for shelving Tinashe’s “Nashe” album! The leaked songs sounded sooo good. Tinashe’s better than ever since leaving them though.

[@naomi.cannibal]

I was so ready for that era just to have it snatched from my hands 😭

[@choochootrainss]

RCA is definitely the problem and not a curse. Going back, Kelly Clarkson could’ve released anything after Breakaway and it would have sold. She stood her ground and released My December, but RCA publicly bashed and sabotaged it instead of promoting it. They weren’t even trying to hide it. They sabotaged it just to prove a point when it was such a great album. Same happened with Avril after Girlfriend.

[@justjoannak]

*THIS*

[@wheatbread2002]

My December was my favorite Kelly Clarkson album. It was amazing and it was a shame that it wasn't promoted like it should have. Tinashe is such a phenomenal artist, totally underrated and I am proud she is now indy. Not sure what is going on with Nomani, but she has to make moves soon. And Zane is so good. Its a shame he's had some drama surrounded around him. I feel like if an artist doesn't want to go with the label's vision or direction, they are labeled as difficult, which I think happened to Zane. He isn't a sheep.

[@ImJustinPineda]

One of the few things I can get behind with RCA is having Britney and Tinashe collab

[@naomi.cannibal]

yessss that was the era where they was lowkey having Britney collab w any and everybody (no shade). Even iggy got a collab

[@naomi.cannibal]

@@kait7404 oh I know. But she wasn’t at all respected by the music industry/ on Britney’s caliber at that time.

[@jkhappy1234]

Michael Jackson Called our Sony to back in the day and called them evil

[@naomi.cannibal]

He did and he wasn't with us for much longer after...

[@0sarah0911]

I was a member of the Nation (Normani's fans) starting in summer 2018 (I never stopped being a fan but i guess now im in retirement). I do believe the majority of the delay is outside of Normani's control, and it absolutely started that way. The reason is because of numerous suspicious cancellations and roadblocks Normani has had to deal with, sometime coinciding with her former bandmate Camila Cabello's releases. I still believe there has been some sabotage. The first notable incident was when Normani's highly anticipated 2019 BBMA performance was cancelled due to Sam Smith's "vocal strain" (who was seen out drinking alcohol at the time, which is prohibited when taking vocal rest)... and that cancellation could have easily been avoided with lipsyncing or backing vocals. Another notable roadblock was when Normani's Graham Norton performance cancellation was followed by an announcement Camila would perform on the show. Camila's releases for the past couple years have also weirdly coincided with the few and far between Normani releases. These are just a few examples of suspicious circumstances surrounding Normani's career, and there are many more, from MTV messing up her audio at the VMAs to the Apple Music glitch you mentioned. Remember: Epic (Fifth Harmony's former label) and RCA are both owned by Sony. It's very possible that Simon Cowell did something similar with the FH girls that he did to Zayn, which was require certain things in the new label's contract in retaliation for the artist breaking their original contract. Epic could have forced Normani to sign to RCA, another Sony subsidiary, if they required it for her to break the original contract. They could have required her, as a term for allowing her to leave the contract, to not release an album for a certain number of years, and to not release an album until Cabello released a certain amount of music, so as to decrease competition like Cowell did with Zayn and the 1D members. Or, Normani could be very well waiting until she can leave RCA. I know people don't like conspiracy theories, but people forget how much of an industry push there is for Camila. Record labels have their stars, and they like to control the business.

[@naomi.cannibal]

Yesss to all of this. I had no idea Normani's fanbase had a name. And I agree! Sony could be doing some shady stuff too. Michael tried to warn us...

[@tiggrainmagma8716]

Yeah, people had been theorizing about why none of the other members had put out a full-length album after they went on Hiatus in 2018. Cause all the girls Normani, Lauren, Dinah and Ally had sad they were dropping the albums in 2018 early 2019 in various interviews and yet we have only gotten singles and EP. So there was a theory that the girls' contracts with EPIC as a group hadn't run out until a year or two after they had gone on Hiatus so that it made complications arise to drop full albums until their contract with EPIC had officially ended. So let's say their contract with EPIC didn't really end until late 2019, maybe 2020, I think they put out music to keep their names in the public and to try and feel out what kind of sound they were looking to make that their fans wanted to hear. Then the pandemic hit and Normani lost her dad's mom around the time she and Sam Smith's DWAS came out then last year her mom's Cancer came back. Then also remember Normani wasn't on the main label originally she was on the new RCA subsidiary KEEP COOL as their first artist and I wonder why the hell as the first new artist on that label things just weren't happening. Now she's on the main label as of late last year/ early this year I think. Normani needs to get off RCA and have someone to coach her about Social Media or hire a Social Media team to help her. I think she's still shell-shocked from the 2016 racial dumpster fire that was thrown her way because of some racist members of Camila's fandom blowing something out of proportion. Normani herself has stated in interviews she needs to get better about using social media and she's working on it. I hope and pray her new album comes out in August, also she is supposed to have some projects with Calvin Harris come out sometime this year.

[@katgreer6113]

thats a cool fanbase name.

[@0sarah0911]

@Kay A no lol idk where it came up. i became a fan in summer 2018 and so idk a lot of all the original fan stuff from the 5h days

[@taesmani]

@Kay A no. our fanbase name was kordeination at first which is normani’s middle name when she went by normani kordei however normani said it didn’t sound right to when addressing fans and since she dropped kordei to her stage name and just went by normani we as a fandom decided to drop the kordei and just go by “The Nation”.

[@ThePhanttasm]

It's not enough to be beautiful, talented, popular, and successful. You need to be incredibly lucky and have to learn how to work your record label like an instrument. Artists like Zayn, Tinashe, and Normani are just pawns to RCA. If they completely comply with all of their corporate overlords demands -- they lose. If they struggle -- they lose. I'm sure it's very confusing because as an artist you get punished for everything you do -- because you are "the face and name" of your own artistic endeavor which is now a corporate owned business venture. No wonder every famous musician is a nutjob because of how the business works. And they can never punch out, because they have to "turn on" even when they go to the grocery store. They have to look commercially viable, even while buying avocados.

[@nyat5413]

Doesn’t seem worth it

[@SkyWireMashups]

I remember thinking about how when I was younger and Mind Of Mine came out, it was everywhere. I probably only heard two songs from it (Pillowtalk and Like I Would), but I was super aware of its existence. But I heard virtually nothing about Icarus falls. Before I look into these things I kinda assume that these artists just unfortunately lost popularity, but now I'm looking more into record labels behind the scenes, I wonder how much they have a hand in it. Great video!

[@KylieMariayt]

RCA can choke after how they treated Xtina. One of the greatest vocalists ever they treated her poorly. Any artist that signs to them is taking a huge gamble. They will throw you to the side if you’re not bringing them the bank.

[@naomi.cannibal]

They’re terrible!

[@dond422]

Zayn M is so underrated!!! His music is so good!! I love that guy!

[@ooops4064]

It’s rlly annoying to see talented artist be waisted by a label who literally |wanted| to sign them.

[@naomi.cannibal]

Agree completely

[@marymiranda2687]

I think you have a point with Normani about her not having the urgency to put out music. I keep telling everyone I know that if she really wants to put music out, then she should post covers on her socials like Chloe Bailey or she could interact with fans on live the way Doja Cat does. Or she could do the NBA YoungBoy style, where he keeps putting out EPs to feed his fans because his label would not consider them albums because he wants out of his contract. There are ways to put out music if she really wants to. I just don't think music is really her priority. But as a massive fan of hers, I don't really mind waiting. Ofcourse it sucks to wait years and years for an album (the way I had to wait about 6 to 7 years for Sofia Carson to drop her album!), but with Normani's massive talent, I think her album is worth the wait :)

[@tameracalloway6068]

Yeah true. Her last single was extremely forgettable. She could do better. Maybe she doesn’t want to but who knows?

[@brandopike4246]

Nightride is still my fav project from tinashe, but her independent releases are dope af as well, so sad Grammys also doesn’t recognized her art since all her project are critically aclaimed. so happy she is touring and doing great

[@naomi.cannibal]

Night ride was a masterpiece. I couldn’t even believe it was like a “holdover” album because I found it to be great. Ride of Your Life is in my regular rotation

[@rioderique4090]

Tinashe is that girl period! She was putting in work and a lot her projects even under the label were self funded and she still slayed. No one is doing it like Tinashe. Normani and Chloe are really talented and I would love for all 3 of these ladies to collab but Normani needs to be more consistent otherwise the hype she has left will for sure die down.

[@naomi.cannibal]

speak on it!!

[@jayekc]

Period!

[@purple1741]

I knew RCA was trash back in 2016 when they messed up promotion for Glory by Britney Spears and according to rumors also tried to have Britney change the sound of the album, and then they did the same stuff to Tinashe.

[@naomi.cannibal]

I forgot about that album until you mentioned it right now. RCA never does promo well.

[@nfbconnect]

This is the stuff that makes me mad. A few people thinking they have the right to use their power to dictate what artist makes it

[@shyboysimmer5005]

Yeah I’ve always viewed this label as the bad one to go to. Yeah there’s corruption and greed in every label but it seems to be the one that gets the most attention. I was so upset when little mix signed there and now jade signed there for her solo work. I don’t trust that label at all

[@naomi.cannibal]

I don't get why artists sign to RCA anymore, honestly

[@monovatherealest]

an insider for Normani revealed that if her next single doesn't do well then RCA is going to shelve her album. I don't know how true this could be, but they're a very reliable insider and have shared different things like photoshoot outtakes, a few unreleased songs that the public hasn't heard yet, and even information such as artists like Sza writing a song/songs(?) for Normani. Normani still hasn't bounced back from the decisions Tunji has made: denying her to collaborate with artists like the chainsmokers, Anne Marie (on a song that would later feature Doja cat), just because he thought they were "too pop" and even not letting her go on song association because he thought she was "too big for that" when NO ONE is too big for song association. When people said her label was setting her up, they weren't too far off because Tunji barely even invested in proper promotion for motivation despite how well it was doing during it's release. He paid for ONE billboard and called it a day That man is sooo delusional that he thought Chloe and Halle were ripping off an R&B duo under him, VanJess, despite the fact that their music/aesthetic is nothing alike

[@naomi.cannibal]

I could honestly see RCA shelving her album entirely, because that’s what feels like is happening already rn. I’m sure they haven’t been impressed with the performance of her singles. But what can you expect if you’re going to adamantly not promote an artist or book her on shows to promote her work? Idc how big 5H was, Normani still needs to promote and be given the opportunity to reintroduce herself to us as a solo Act

[@monovatherealest]

@@taesmani I already said it was an insider. I'm not saying people should trust every single insider they come by, but I have my own reasons to think it's even a little bit true

[@taesmani]

@@monovatherealest it’s not true. we get info from an insider that has connects to her team and they said it’s no where near true. not to mention fair was the only thing she put out that didn’t do as well because she never gave us a music video. they know she’s a hot commodity and has a loyal fanbase.

[@SweetNinaSky9]

I’m upset as a fan because I been a Ro James fan since 2015. Every time we get excited that he’s going to drop an album it gets pushed back. He is so talented and the world needs to see it and hear it. But his label holds him back ! so many talented people on RCA but they don’t let them shine

[@ajat3202]

I like his music & that explains why I don't hear much from him. He also recently released a music video for his 2020 album. This is odd because you would think it would be released around the album release

[@A.Adam22]

Zayn contract ended with them before Yolanda incident but RCA used that to destroy Zayn reputation, it ended most months before.

[@vanessagomez7800]

Zayn has so much talent 🥰

[@MR.KNGRICO]

I’m a Normani fan, she’s my girl. Whenever she releases her album I’ll be ready. It’s not really a big deal. I do wish she would’ve went independent and did this on her own. Being signed is overrated. You don’t get full control, and the thing that is crazy is that before you release anything, the label has to approve it. I don’t know what her reason for signing with a label was but she could’ve went independent, been releasing music for her TRUE fans and been satisfied and grateful with just that.

[@nyat5413]

How do you like Dopamine?

[@faisalshk8820]

This RCA curse is traumatising asf but just imagine Zayn, Normani and SZA on one track 🤤😭

[@myjunkdrawer8014]

Having Normani on your list of acts and not utilizing her should be considered a crime.

[@mayruuh]

Miley also had problems with RCA if im not mistaken, ESPECIALLY when it came to her Plastic Hearts era. Miley literally released an album that not only was one of her best works but she finally found a sound and aesthetics that suit her more (glam-rock/retro pop) and RCA was absolutely SHIT at promoting it. Because of her label's mismanagement (and also her contract was ending), Miley finally left RCA.

[@JayySonataWTF]

That victor thing explains the dog logos on Christina’s Back To Basics CD. It was giving full circle for them.

[@BlancoTarantinoTV]

Oh yea SZA is trying to leave RCA. She was at odds with them before the release of “S.O.S.” And now they won’t even promote her single “Snooze”.

[@franklantic]

For what it's worth, Aquarius is such a good album and I still play it start to finish, but Tinashe is definitely better off independent. Same with Zayn maybe. He's goodlooking, has the voice, and can replicate the success of his debut solo if he really wants to.

[@neil_0]

The Vogue channel just uploaded a get ready with me featuring Normani and in the video she says how singing is something she’s always felt insecure about and thinks it’s ironic that it’s her occupation today. I would definitely check that video out after watching this one.

[@naomi.cannibal]

Interesting. I wonder if that’s her soft hint that maybe we shouldn’t expect music and she wants to take the influencer/ brand ambassador route?

[@sierramadison1279]

333 was my favorite album of 2021, Cash race is one of my favorite songs ever, and I love what Tinashe is doing right now. I think she deserves more credit because she’s a great example of how going your own way is worth it when your creative vision is at stake

[@wytemicbrah1497]

The fact Normani didn't take off is very much so proof of how shady they are... She literally trumps a lot of these girls with NO ALBUM. 👀🤔🤷 The only girl they are putting against her has Beyonce's backing and literally only apart of the conversation because of that... LIKE if Normani had a decent push a while ago the situation would be drastically different now. Just being real. 🤷

[@naomi.cannibal]

Say what you want about Chloe, but she displays much more of a passion for music than Normani. Normani could give us a mixtape, just a single, even a snippet of something she's working on, and it's been crickets.

[@rosebud02]

A big part that Chlöe has is she's multi-talented. Can't deny that part, even before the Beyonce backing. She's an actual vocalist, producer, dancer, song writer, etc...

[@wytemicbrah1497]

Not saying she isn't talented she is obviously but I am saying a lot of her come up has become well... "Baby Beyonce/She's better than Normani" It's like she's trapped no matter she does at this point... It didn't help she got unfollowed by Nicki and got branded a hater for GETTING unfollowed. The Chris Brown thing nobody even really cares it's just to take a dig at her TBH. 🤷If anybody really did Kelly Rowland, Sevyn Streeter, Jordin Sparks, Brandy, Zendaya, Danileigh, Nicki Minaj, Jhene Aiko, and even Rihanna would have been drug for actually singing with this man, Normani did a dance cameo and caused WW3. NOW I WILL SAY THE MUSIC SITUATION NEEDS TO BE HANDLED. How do you roll out with one song a year, have no push and backing and go platinum with every release and STILL DONT CAPITALIZE.. Her label fumbled her bag but Atleast put out the scraps or SOMETHING. I agree there.

[@kwadwothestan]

I love Chloe too and she is also very talented but this is FACTS. The problem with Normani has always stemmed from the fact that she doesn’t get proper push and promotion from RCA. Parkwood/Columbia has done an EXCELLENT job promoting Chloe for every single. She has gotten many performances, interviews, and appearances to promote her music. Yet she still has yet to get a real hit single. I like the songs she’s put out, but none of them have done well commercially. On the other hand, Normani’s first few singles like “Love Lies” and “Dancing With a Stranger’ were top 10 hits. I know they were collaborations but she carried BOTH of those songs. If she had the promotion and team that Chloe has, she’d be a mainstream act by now, it’s as simple as that.

[@milandalanda]

You're so true, it's colorism

[@tracy_06]

I understand when people say that RCA sabotages their artists, I mean they do and there is no defending that. Also when artists say that they want to be given the freedom to express themselves and find their sound also understand. However, I feel like that hasn't worked for a lot of artists in most mainstream labels except a few. Unless you decide to be independent or find a really good label, you can't be 100% creative. I just think that upcoming artists should just do what the label asks of them and then when they have built their career long enough or completed their contract, then they can be free to experiment and maybe even create a label that to help upcoming artists in a way that they weren't helped. Like Beyonce. From a young age she was told what to sing, although she might've had some creative freedom I'm sure majority of what she released had to be approved by her label before. But now that she has solidified her career and image in the music industry, she has the freedom now to do whatever she wants. She can release the shittiest song ever and her career wouldn't go downhill. Same with Drake, Rihanna, etc. That is one thing that I wish artists would understand; if the industry is not gonna give you the freedom, then work it to your advantage while recording songs in secret, maybe even releasing one of your own songs once in a while, until you get that freedom and then you go from there.

[@sohnaminta.9264]

This is what Ariana said she did

[@RomneyRanjo]

the way Tinashe grew so much mooreee after RCA is truly astonishing to see. She’s proven hm she’s passionate about her talents & didn’t let “the charts” eat her up. it’s all about the music and performance for her 🥰🫶🏻😊

[@deontaer]

I still listen to all of Tinashe’s mix tapes prior to her ever being signed to RCA. The girl is TALENTED! I was happy and worried when I heard she signed to a major label cause I knew they would change her sound…and they did.

[@johncooper4874]

Someone I’d like to point out is Isaac Dunbar. He’s been releasing banger after banger EPs for a few years now but no word on an album. I do hope that RCA eventually lets him release an album and isn’t holding him back.

[@savannahlopez5775]

I’m not really familiar with Tinashe’s issues with RCA. I know a little bit, but not much so I won’t speak on her… For Zayn & Normani though I feel like it’s both parties. RCA were weird from jump with Zayn, but then it came out that he doesn’t even like to promote his own music. He hated performing on a stage due to anxiety or something so of course they weren’t going to continue to force/beg/book him to do stuff … I feel like Normani is her own worst enemy. Sure the label is trash, but girl! Do some covers on Instagram, Go on IG live & talk to your fans, post some tik toks… I’ve been a fan of her since xfactor so I obviously know who she is & I know she can sing, I know her talents, but other people don’t. Open up & let people get to know YOU since you aren’t releasing music for label reasons or bc you’re to scared to. It’s kind of coming to the point where everyone is getting tired & fed up waiting for her…..

[@naomi.cannibal]

Right like talk to us girl keep us engaged!!

[@Chidymna]

I know this post is pretty old and I just saw this video today. I agree with everything you said about Normani. For me, I am sick of waiting for her album. She keeps saying coming soon for her album for 2-3 years and she has 3 songs. Wild side is good but annoying, motivation is decent, and Fair is meh. If her album does “come out”, it might flop due to the wait

[@tajsimms8976]

Rca should be look at extra hard for allowing Britney to be forced to work while she was under a conservatorship. She didn’t even have a choice rather she wanted to sign to rca or not

[@przemekuk13]

Icarus Falls is my favourite post ONE DIRECTION album! It really hits different. Also, yes it’s lengthy, but every minute is worthy

[@vi6ilanteshit]

The issue with RCA goes back decades. They derailed Avril Lavigne’s career and stifled her creativity like it was nobody’s business

[@adyshowers7970]

The question I have for RCA that I really wanna ask is why be a label leader if you're just gonna sabotage your artist and not let them be successful?

[@naomi.cannibal]

Right like even tho I brought up some theories at the end of the day I don’t understand signing someone you don’t want… especially if they do have good intentions with their artists. Like what’s the point? If they DO want them to release music with some good promo a lot of the music would’ve charted better than it did

[@DesDes010]

I’m only now realizing how similar Doja Cat’s current image is to what they tried with Tinashe

[@sheluh.huncho.3968]

It’s sad how record labels play favorites I think Normani should just leave RCA and go for someone who will support her like republic or Atlantic records or go independent because RCA fouling with Normani. Normani has so much potential and is a perfectionist there should be no reason for them to not push her-

[@naomi.cannibal]

I would love to see Normani either at interactive or independent (or wherever she’ll be allowed to put out an album)

[@kwadwothestan]

I feel like Atlantic would really push Normani. As long as you don’t get on their bad side, if you’re their artist, and you have real potential, they’ll push you. Atlantic was in charge of distributing and marketing the Birds of Prey soundtrack which her song “Diamonds” with Meg was on. Even seeing the way they promoted it compared to Keep Cool/RCA’s lack of promotion (for their own artist!) was very telling!! Obviously Meg is on 300 Entertainment which is under Atlantic but still.

[@TrollingEveryone92]

I honestly just felt bad for Tinashe! She reallyyy wanted to make it and she's fckn amazing. She dance, she sings, she has a beautiful versatile voice.

[@Ho3e]

I'm glad Avril Lavigne just released her 7th album this year with full artistic freedom in making it

[@sinasomxakaza9170]

Zayn literally gave up on promoting music and just releases albums and lives his life. Normani is struggling to remain constant. RCA is trash imo. Maybe it depends who manages you as well as who your creative team.. Really wish we'd get more from Zayn and Normani

[@RAMoFfu]

Tinashe’s album Rivière will always be top tier for me. Her RCA journey made her a subpar singles artist and her bodies of work didn’t captivate me. Once she re-emerged on the scene as an indie artist each release far and in between was worth the wait.

[@Sloppyjoey1]

I meannnnnnn, RCA is a major record label, asking for 'artistic freedom' from a major corporation is like asking Walmart to clear conventional items off the shelves for something obscure. This is more of an industry problem than an RCA problem. Everyone wants that 'big song' but selling records isn't half as productive as performing.. Tori Kelly, Jazmine Sullivan and Jojo come to mind because they haven't had any recent hits yet they stay booked & busy.... There's too much free promotion on TikTok & KZbin to complain at this point... Zayn & Normani could be bussin covers and packing clubs but they chose to wait for RCA.

[@kool2btrue]

I made a comment like this, but yes to this: If you do not perform live, you do not sell, and therefore you have no value to the label. That is the real problem with Zayn and Normani. You don't get the top tier promotion if you don't make the top tier money.

[@chaychklokata2504]

I’ve always said that Normani gave me Tinashe Vibes, and that’s sad. Both hot asf, can dance, sing, do it all!

[@MrFanomusic24]

And let’s not even mention how dirty they did Little Mix.

[@eleesiasportraits6114]

I feel so bad for Normani! It seems like for a while there was all this hype surrounding her releases. And if anything went wrong, the fans and public would blame the label or her team for mismanagement. Now, I'm seeing more and more comments saying it's her fault (and lack of strong social media presence) that is to blame for her not taking off. It seems like interest in her is fizzling in a way. People seem ready to move on to the 'next big thing' as far as anticipation goes.

[@lucasorlando99]

I would add SZA who goes on Twitter and begs RCA/Top Dog to release her album (which is done) but they won’t let her release it bc her singles/first album is still doing well so they don’t feel like they have to release her second album yet

[@naomi.cannibal]

I wanted to add her but I was sooo confused as to whether the issue was mainly with RCA or Top Dawg. Do you know?

[@mariahgonzales4149]

Your channel gonna blow up because your putting out great content! Love it!

[@naomi.cannibal]

Thank u!! I hope so!!

[@flyleelee5351]

I wrote for a popular music blog back in the day, when she first came out as an indie artist and releasing mixtapes or EPs, they were 🔥🔥! As soon as she signed to RCA, her music went to shit lol.. doing what the label wanted her to do, she wasn't happy, and a lot of her music was shelved. I'm glad she got out and is doing her own music again

[@yscr2325]

Who is “she”?

[@deee5013]

​@@yscr2325I think they mean tinashe

[@erikaamwaama551]

I also find it weird that none of the 5h girls have albums out yet, can you please make a video on that

[@naomi.cannibal]

Ooooh I’d LOVE to do like a where are they now w Lauren, Ally and Dinah. Adding it to my list!

[@erikaamwaama551]

@@naomi.cannibal ,wow thank you.i just think it does not make sense that a all of them have no albums out yet,but they have been talking about dropping albums for the past 4 years...don't forget that something was happening with them while in 5h and Ally actually had to get a lawyer for the girls...Lauren has an EP out and what happened to Dinah??...

[@naomi.cannibal]

@@erikaamwaama551 Yeah, I think Ally by far had the worst time in 5H. Lauren and Normani have been vocal about suffering but Ally always looked miserable. And I truly don't think the fandom (Even myself sadly) gave her much attention or appreciation so she was probably feeling left out from both sides. I knew Dinah released one song I know of, with Ty Dolla but idk what she's doing other than that.

[@marbsmr]

Camila has a few albums out. The other girls just have their singles.

[@ComicPower]

You really go deep in your research i appreciate your videos for that research.

[@varunravi27]

I had no idea RCA was like this... I guess Little Mix is an exception. RCA UK has done them dirty a few times but not in ways that affected their success as a group.

[@naomi.cannibal]

Yes it seems like the US management struggles more

[@varunravi27]

@@kait7404 That is a liability of Columbia, not RCA. RCA actually went the extra mile for them by promoting Heartbreak Anthem in some countries other than the UK. RCA is their UK label. Columbia is their American label and is responsible for promoting them in other countries (mainly the US). Columbia really did them dirty because they refused to flirt with "important men in the industry" to promote their music.

[@TheRealRHS]

I think britney spears should also be in this. Her last two albums were under RCA when they bought Jive and it showed how they didn’t promote anything especially her last album glory.

[@SeanSamuels]

Im gonna give Tinashe a listen, I've never heard her music, she seems like the real deal!

[@naomi.cannibal]

You’re gonna be so glad you did!

[@NG-iu9xn]

Tinashe is 🔥, check out her last 2 albums without RCA Songs for You and 333 ... She also has a live internet performance at The Moment House on KZbin that's 🔥

[@rahmad21]

The Avril's Goodbye Lullaby one. I was 14/15 when that album released and as a fan at that time, I feel that album was sooo late to release because her previous album was so big here in my country (Indonesia). And the promotion is not as good as The Best Damn Thing era. Her label seems wanted her to do electronic music/pop sound because in 2010-2011, electronic music/dance is a mainstream music and commercially success. But for me, Avril is a alternative rock singer and the label should know that. I just realize it recently, when I hear Best Damn Thing - Goodbye Lullaby and then electronic sounds in her self-titled album in 2013.

[@mctours4402]

Coko of SWV recorded an album called Music Doll, and because of RCA, it never got released! There's only 2 songs available from it and its so good, and it's so sad that became of that her career was never the same!

[@naomi.cannibal]

I had no idea about that. That’s terrible

[@mctours4402]

@@naomi.cannibal this was in 2001, and it was supposed to be her second album after "Hot Coko" from 1999. Then she came back in 2006 with some good gospel music but she never achieved near as much popularity since SWV

[@keyon659]

I hope Doja's next album doesn't flop cause she deserves all the success in the world

[@naomi.cannibal]

Im a huge fan of her earlier work but Planet Her was kinda hit or miss for me

[@saint.hudson13]

Dear artist, it’s 2022 (almost 2023) these record labels need you WAYYYYYY MORE than you need them! I’m sure you have a friend who is good at marketing/public relations & another that’s dope when it comes to digital art! That’s all you need, build your own team 😉😎

[@SuiteVII]

T-Pain said RCA wouldn’t let him out of his contract because they didn’t want to give T-Pain to anyone else.

[@naomi.cannibal]

I miss him. Apparently he didn’t get paid for a lot of his features either which is terrible

[@deanoor9391]

I love tinashe and I've been a fan since joyride. Her music has gotta alot better without the label controlling her work. She's an astounding artist and she shows that she can more than hold her own. I'm glad you're talking about her

[@mollywalker5790]

I don't get why labels do this. Do they not want money?

[@akinanaomii]

not even fully through the video, but the way RCA treats Pentatonix is also disheartening. from giving them TWO WEEKS to arrange and record a full-length christmas album, to making them release one every year, basically just turning them into a christmas band when if you listen to their earlier music, you can hear that they are so much more than that. the production is not tailored to acapella music, and it sounds more artificial as time goes on. they’re being overworked and creatively stunted in my opinion, all at the hands of the label. and now you see the same thing with Måneskin, where their music has become cookie-cutter and standard as hell modern rock, when before they blended genres and had a unique sound in terms of instrumentation and mixing. very sad what rca does to beloved artist’s creativity.

[@townsendagency6780]

miley escaped rca thank god shes with columbia now

[@naomi.cannibal]

I feel like the whole Sony branch is sooo sketch

[@kircinnamon8496]

@@naomi.cannibal it publicly goes back when MJJ called them out like a decade before he died, he owned half of Sony Music.. based on that and what happened to him afterwards (not just his certain death [R.I.P 😕] but his allegations popping up again because more of some people wanted his money and got the same people [like Tom S.] in the 1st time to try and help them; still *lost again.* Then 4-5 years later he still own half of Sony but dies in the hands of his doctor and got recorded right before his passing- ) Weird, weird, weirddd . I’m sorry for making my comment about an another artist but since he kind of connects to this plot of Sony I wanted to mention this. *The industry really don’t like when us POC, specifically African-Americans succeed WITHOUT THEIR HELPING .*

[@naomi.cannibal]

No I’m glad u made that comment so other people can see it. Sony is shady as hell, and a lot of their artists have more or less made them same complaints against them. They can’t all be liars. I truly believe what he opened to Michael happened because he started speaking out and got some control of his catalogue

[@uchihaavenger2068]

I'm so happy Tinashe has been succeeding independently. You can just tell shes a natural born creative, whether you like her songs or not.

[@zubayrcharles9914]

RCA messed up ‘Glory’ by Britney too.

[@JuanHernandez-hb8bs]

Hopefully all the artists mentioned in this video get what they truly deserved and every other artist in record labels that suck. Btw great video and channel. Love the content ❤️❤️

[@naomi.cannibal]

thank you 💕 I hope so too!

[@Amberlovesu541]

Normani is going through wat every artist went through on that label

[@naomi.cannibal]

she is, and it makes me wonder why artists still sign w them

[@MilitaryBeauty]

Everyone keep saying RCA, RCA, RCA… but RCA has people running it… y’all need to start naming names or they will never be stopped

[@ahmadmagee1007]

I feel as if, RCA sabotaged Christina Aguilera as well…please do a video on her time with RCA as well