Why "We" Are So Critical of Normani

[@KingofReads]

Here is a link to support me on Patreon www.patreon.com/kingofreads

[@NoNonsense-h5v]

💯

[@NoNonsense-h5v]

What I like about Justin I guess I'm just drawin. to his commentary. I like the fact that he allows you to have an opinion he's very gifted in what he does. I don't care what nobody says. I've been following this man for over 8 years maybe 10 that's a whole decade. I'm so glad that he is a platform for us people that understand. He speaks with a purpose.

[@NoNonsense-h5v]

By they was you look good

[@blackkcinamacritic]

Coco jones Market correction

[@ReadyorNot811]

Ari Lennox is severely underrated

[@tylerhackner9731]

She deserves way better

[@not_the_same_]

💯

[@craigjones1946]

It’s tragic how overlooked and under appreciated she is 😞

[@stopthelightskinguilt.3775]

Very! She has not been treated well. Every time I hear about her she’s being disrespected in some way

[@19GENESE13]

Yes. She is quintessential r&b & she doesn't get the love she deserves.

[@KevnMadeIt]

I’m a Normani fan and have been supporting her ever since she was in Fifth Harmony. I love the album but would have wanted something different. I also believe that the rollout was terrible, but there’s a way to critique someone without being rude. These people are doing more than criticizing Normani. They are bullying her.

[@jessinthecomments]

That’s if you can even consider it a rollout at all.

[@aphillyate1]

​@@jessinthecomments It was a throw out. RCA is tired of coddling Poor Normani.

[@alkahinat4558]

People were a bit too festive and gleeful to speak on her album sales

[@aphillyate1]

@@alkahinat4558 we were told for a decade that normani "is that bitch." We're reacting to blatant lies.

[@jessinthecomments]

@@alkahinat4558honestly I’m shocked she had low sales. I perceived she had support. That’s how you know social media is a lie.

[@quixoticedward]

I'm not critical of Normani herself. She can sing, she's a FANTASTIC dancer, the looks be looking and her face card never declines. But her management is fumbling the bag and that's deeply irritating.

[@saphire2214]

Go stream her music to counteract that.

[@kordei-7839]

Her actual team isn’t the problem, but the label is an issue and her crazy ex manager burned a lot of bridges there for her with his ego and huge temper

[@BlackberryTitties]

I mean if you actually like her music then what’s the problem?? Y’all can stream her music…

[@BeautybyKelli]

This!!

[@kemzyacco5629]

Rca I have recognised do not treat their black artists well. Jordan Sparks had that same issue as well as tinashea and doja cat, the list is longer. I believe she will do better if she went independent.

[@annholl1603]

Would love to see people streaming her songs instead of “the rollout was terrible”, “she took too long”, bla bla bla bla… support her!! Stream her songs!

[@crabbylion7971]

Right! The music is out. Buy it. Stream it. Stop b*tching. Consumers are so lazy and complacent.

[@jeffreyh271]

Exactly ! She had so much support from fans online but where is the streams? Then Zach he loves to say that we’re hating on darkskin women…. NO! Majority of us are simply over her

[@kammore6209]

Friend we can only do so much 😂 Her team needs to get their shit together!

[@TheSomethingnew1]

Exactly lmao this is about the 4th or 5th video I’ve seen. Are yall streaming??? Buying??

[@annholl1603]

@@kammore6209 They dropped the ball. Right! Pick it up!! 🤍

[@mizcantybaby]

I love normani she already had to deal with racism from Camilla cabello and now to face harsh backlash from her own community is ridiculous. She deserves

[@neeciiw7840]

Facts!! I’m wishing her all the best🙏🏾🧡

[@757Princess]

But her album makes no sense. She is endlessly talented but her management don’t like her

[@rafaeltaboada1176]

Okay stop that victim narrative please, normani has a mouth and was definitely able to defend herself if there was some sort of mistreatment.

[@rafaeltaboada1176]

@@neeciiw7840no facts stop using using the race card with everything

[@tag1991]

Camila gets harrassed online way more than Normani ever has and has still managed to put 4 successful albums out and properly promote them all while we waited for this Normani album… Camila has had a whole hate campaign that talks about the same Tumblr post for the past 10 years and it did not stop her from working. Camila has also changed labels. There is no excuse. Camila and Normani are from the same group and had the same advantage. Camila is successful because she works harder. That’s it.

[@pj-ge8er]

Yes, Black Gay Men are so hard on female artists

[@miospio]

That’s because they all love Beyoncé

[@Nayahpooh012]

@@miospioNo, it’s because they still subscribe to misogynoir and often aren’t held accountable because of their sexuality.

[@kordei-7839]

@@Nayahpooh012 And colourism

[@TheDivineOne187]

Hard on BLACK female artist. There you go…fixed it for you.

[@pj-ge8er]

@TheDivineOne187 Thank you 😊

[@ayomideakinokun5739]

I feel so validated by this video. I thought I was going insane noticing how nasty they are online to Normani and black performers in general. They say it's "critique" but NO - we know the difference between actual critique and nasty/catty/vicious dogpiling.

[@albertamathurin7084]

THAT PART

[@CampbellYA]

Her album had ZERO skips. I loved it for her debut album. Imma let that girl just evolve and grow like every other artist

[@tatum635]

The first half or 2/3rd is no skips. The tail end I didn’t care for.

[@tricksgrl2]

She is going to be fine. She is going to be around for awhile.

[@deebutterfly19]

To say Normani was not worth the wait while “Fart” is currently a trending US song just SCREAMS, light skin girlies can be as mediocre as they want but dark skin girlies must be of 100% excellence. Its right in our faces. Ekane literally said it out loudddd! And certain folks still refuse to acknowledge it. To say “ yall wanted something different from Normani” is apart of the problem quite honestly. Why does she have to fit whatever mold yall imagined for her? Yall never do this for white or light skin artists. Beyonce can put an album about squirrels and yall still gone stream it regardless. How are yall STILL not seeing the colorism at play ? Its blatant. Name a mainstream chocolate girl right now that has had a Hot 100s top ten in the last year? Even the Grammys wouldn’t acknowledge SZA’s album which 100% deserved album of the year, her songs were everywhere. It’s draining. Really draining. Because the truth is this : Normani could have put out an Adele level album, and we would still be lucky if it even got #15 on US 100. That’s the moral of the story.

[@dnicole4236]

Mind you the man who made that is a Taylor swift stan

[@7Mushrooms7]

​@@dnicole4236 the man that made what?

[@chloelincoln9095]

💯

[@jasminscarbrough2596]

I streamed it to support but It still wasn’t what I wanted🤷🏾‍♀️

[@jakestroll6518]

Stans will always stream their faves even if it’s about squirrels. Beyoncé was in the grind for decades to build a big stan base. Normani didn’t and so her stans shrunk. Now she has to deliver undeniably grade A content, it can’t be “about squirrels”. It’s that simple. People are allowed to say they are disappointed in an artist, we just finished dragging Jlo last month. Ice Spice been getting it. On Twitter we constantly laughing at Taylor Swifts tour thats more mediocre than a middle-school recital. That’s life!

[@Goddess_Isis]

I just today, listened to her album TWICE. Back to back. I've never considered myself a Normani fan, but more than ever I am loving her. Dopamine is a fantastic project. I love her focus on R&B and I really feel like she knew what she wanted to do

[@saphire2214]

Her music is 🔥 The hate is unreal.

[@Goddess_Isis]

@@saphire2214 it's hard to pinpoint what people are actually upset about. It's a solid project. I think there's room for growth. But she gets points alone for a playable album. So many of these newer projects are half backed and you'd never let them play cover to cover

[@robinceezu]

@@Goddess_Isisexactly

[@Garglemymayo]

​@@Goddess_Isis people are saying it isn't memorable which I think is bs...there are definitely stand out tracks. I don't get how they say this about her, but not Taylor. I listened to all 50-11 songs from her new album and only remember 3.

[@nicoleblu5764]

​@@saphire2214y'all really got to learn a new word just because people don't like her music is not hated everybody have different taste buds just because you might like octopus and I don't like it it doesn't mean I'm hating I'm not a fan of her music but I bought it anyway and gave it to a friend just to support her even though she Rich I only did it because everybody support people like sexy red and a spice who do nothing compared to her talent

[@champchad]

I hope Zachary Campbell heard all this. He’s full of backhanded compliments when discussing Normani.

[@nnedi5971]

And I oop!

[@erikaamwaama551]

Yes

[@YChef33]

And he hyped the hell out of Beyoncé Cowboy Carter. Yes, it was a decent album but he nearly came in his shorts reviewing it and it was much toned down and critical when it was Normani

[@claudiokabanata3325]

Yes

[@neonraindrop8357]

chile I had to get away from him

[@depressedandwelldressed5489]

The way ppl were ready to lay down their lives for Tyla, who isn’t in any danger, vs the way they talk about Normani is all we need to know. Our own community perpetuates the hatred that will destroy us.

[@Girlbffr98]

THIS

[@TENOVISION]

SPPEAAKKK ! 🗣️

[@kimarladouglas638]

facts

[@chloelincoln9095]

🗣️🗣️

[@nwatson2773]

Tyler don't claim blackness because she's a coloured woman from South Africa. BLK people need to free themselves from mental slavery!

[@Kenyacannn]

Yup! They can’t call her ugly or untalented so they are VERY CRITICAL! It’s criminal!

[@albertamathurin7084]

OMG YES FACTS Can't call her fat, ugly, untalented or masculine so hyper critical whistle blowing words is the next best time

[@Ksense644]

Right. It's just jealousy when you think about it. They can't come out their mouth and just say they are jealous of her, so they fill their commentary about her with backhanded comments disguised as "critique."

[@mosoulwrites]

For those videos to pop right after her release was uncalled for and rude af. She is still building her craft and doing her thing, IdK if they found a cash grab to pick on her but its hurtul as a black woman. Medicore white women never get this type pf treatment and Normani isn't even mediocre, she is a rookie in the game let her breath.

[@loeuphoria]

Yeah that was annoying to see it was like they were ready to shit on her with the widest smiles

[@mosoulwrites]

@@loeuphoria yes ! Truly digusting

[@WinxMagicalHero]

The “bullying works” crowd is relentless. I’m really disappointed in the album but she’s been through some though things so I’ll cut her some slack

[@mosoulwrites]

@@WinxMagicalHero what do you think about the ablum ?

[@Jessica.Shawnte]

They were coming for her less than 24 hours of the release

[@tylerhackner9731]

I’m rooting for her. We can criticize how things went (the rollout included) without bullying her

[@BlackberryTitties]

Rollout??? What’s the problem with the rollout??? Of y’all actually cared about her music it wouldn’t even matter about a damn rollout!! Y’all keep screaming about the rollout… please explain 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@MakaykayLAMB]

I think the problem with that is that the rollout isn’t her fault, it’s the fault of her team/label. Which SUCKS because of course people come for the artist who’s up front.

[@MakaykayLAMB]

@@BlackberryTittiesI think they mean promotion etc etc. let’s be real, Normani wasn’t given a fair shot for her DEBUT album. I hate comparing artists but newer artists like Tyla and Chloe had HUGE pushes behind them. HUGE. I think we just wanna see the same hype for Mani cos she’s so damn talented.

[@dnicole4236]

They constantly complaining about it is part of the bullying. They get to hide being “constructive criticism”

[@nicoleblu5764]

​@@BlackberryTittiesbecause they want to have that excuse why they didn't listen to her music instead of just being honest she need a better producer the songs wasn't great at all and she need more practice to sing with emotional feeling she'll be on top of the world I love her interview that she did with the magazine even though people hate it that magazine interview maybe like her even more when she was talking to cece

[@blu_ranger71]

I've done nothing but support Normani 1000% from the time she was on X-Factor. Some of my favorite artists didnt release what i considered to be their best album until 3 or 4 albums into their discography. I'll give her time to grow.

[@behappy-lg8fg]

💯 ❤

[@13579hee]

Why are y'all worried about something is gonna be someones "best" album or not. If you're interested just go buy it and stream it

[@blu_ranger71]

@@13579hee I'm just saying that everyone's getting on Normani for the album not being groundbreaking, but it's her first album. It's very rare for an artist to put out their best work on the first album. I do support her, but I'm also aware that it's best to give any artist the space and time to refine their craft.

[@sanskretro]

​@@blu_ranger71 I think for the people who are criticizing it, it's the way that she talked about herself ss an artist as well as her music. There was a lack of humility. The finished product didn't equal what she promoted an advertised. It's fair for them, as a consumer and potential supporter, to be disappointed that the output was "just okay" or even "mediocre" after all that smack she talked about herself as if she was the next coming of Beyoncé. There's nothing unfair about people being like "man, this ain't even all that".

[@13579hee]

@@blu_ranger71 I don't know if you watched his video or comprehended what he said but people actually don't give a fuck about her album. The harsh realities that people are hypercritical of her because she's a dark skin, unambiguous, mono-racial black woman. If someone used that AI music tech to turn half these songs into Ariana grande songs and the other half into Doja Cat songs, The same people saying the songs are underwhelming would love them. If somebody turned Candy Paint into an Ariana Grande song, Little Secrets into a Doja Cat song and Big Boy into a Rihanna song, the girls and the gays would be living for them

[@Ank6612]

I hate when people say, “I wish her the best” or “ I want to see her win.” But don’t support her. Like can she win without the support?!

[@JO-fk5ho]

It’s so backhanded…it very much gives “bless your heart”

[@dnicole4236]

That’s how many black people do.

[@nicoleblu5764]

Maybe they trying to be nice but not a fan but want to wish her the best because she need it she honestly need to get some vocal lessons she got a great voice but sing with no emotion she sing sad song and it sounds like she just walking and talking its bland and alot of people support her online and baby her we can want her to win and not be a fan but you saying this can ruined good comments for her since u don't won't people to wish her best will u buy like her music by 2 to 3 aulbm just to show support and get her numbers up there there's always the ones that's getting mad about somebody wish her the best but not streaming not buying albums not going to the concert

[@kordei-7839]

@@nicoleblu5764 Shut up. You’re not nice, you’re literally a hater and patronising

[@13579hee]

​@@nicoleblu5764girl this is giving nonsense. If you don't like an artist, you IGNORE THEM. Black people VERY MUCH SO ENJOY BULLYING NORMANI. And as an unambiguous Black women who is darker than a brown paper bag, you yourself should be able to see it.

[@LuvJJ_1814]

I wish this was two separate discussions. Discussion 1 - Normani. Discussion 2 - Black gay men (who can be some of the worst, most hateful and toxic individuals). I say this as a black gay man. I digress. But either way, I agree with some of your perspective. Great topic. Team Normani! Wishing her success.

[@nwatson2773]

Gay blk men think their sexuality makes them an ally but still judge judge women harshly!

[@cariaaafye9788]

Exactlyyyy !! The album is greatly executed. Most people that are critiquing never even took the time out to listen . They were complaining about how long it took to come out… like whatever, it’s out now so just give it a listen !!

[@alexish8183]

I actually really love the album. I think she’s still finding her voice and persona as an artist but the album is a very solid body of work.

[@lyricalreignmusic]

🗣 Justin I love how you take up for and protect UNAMBIGUOUS BLACK WOMEN!!!!❤️👏🏿❤️👏🏿

[@kimmyw010]

Always!!! ❤❤❤ love him

[@Lulu060986]

🤎👏🏾

[@_KayBee_]

“I have light skin friends. I date light skin people.” 😂😂😂

[@lolaleo75]

😂😂😂

[@dvdchmbrs]

😂😂😂

[@ELmayberry]

🤣🤣🤣

[@tricksgrl2]

🤭😏😌

[@PatriciaLicia]

Baby, YOU SAID EVERYTHING I’VE BEEN THINKING IN WHAT I HAVE BEEN SEEING ON TWITTER! They were ready to be negative towards her!

[@honeycomb485]

Definitely appreciate this stance as it pertains to her recent album release. I initially heard half of the album while at work, I usually just let the album play without looking at title tracks….I like what I heard and want to give it another in depth listen, it’s giving very cute 90s R&B it girl….I’ve decided that the internet doesn’t dictate what I like and listen to, Normani is fine and talented, I see no issues

[@jenesishunter9674]

Thank You 😊

[@venusvicious4446]

Finally, a word. The fanbase is weird. They claim to want the best for her and then shoot her down and remind her of her weaknesses every chance they get knowing what she’s up against. It just feels so condescending & fake. I was in the comments when she dropped Candy Paint and all that hype and anticipation was shadowed by complaints about why there’s no video, why the rollout was lackluster, why this, why that it’s like are you guys really here for the music or the aesthetics? Seriously!

[@titlepending1302]

Then those aren't even fans they just some outsiders lol ... a true fan will support and love on their faves while simultaneously respectfully giving constructive criticism

[@tylerhackner9731]

Right! Just enjoy the music! If you don’t, move along

[@AmberColeman-gq1wn]

Used to uplifting mediocrity in the form of mixed or non black people skin. That’s what I think. Dark skinned women have to be perfect in order to be accepted. This has always been the case especially amongst black men and black women. And black women, dark skinned, are extremely critical of each other, feeling as though at least one of us may get the chance to be the token dark one

[@tiaraw872]

@@titlepending1302😂y’all truly think ppl that are fans of someone isn’t critical or can be mean to their fav. She doesn’t have a big solid fan base let’s be real

[@titlepending1302]

@@tiaraw872 obviously you can’t comprehend bye heaux

[@BrotherOshow7]

I’m glad she got to release the project bc a lot of people don’t get the chance. I listened to it for myself instead of looking at reviews. People think the way to get noticed is to be mean or messy and it’s really unnecessary. Could the rollout have been smoother? Sure, but it doesn’t warrant unnecessary nastiness. The only controversy that I’ve ever seen Normani attached to is her dancing with Chris brown in one of his videos, but she’s not the only woman in the industry that has either praised or work with him.

[@kemzyacco5629]

Just passing by to say I loved...... Normani album I play it almost everyday since it's release, it has no skips in my opinion and my favourites are lights on, take my time, insomnia and candy paint

[@Hgd12201]

I want to say my favs are insomnia, all yours, tantrums and candy paint

[@christianataylor8926]

Justin, I promise I will darn near run through a wall for you lol you are the ONLY gay, Black man that has GROWN and evolved and been consistent in your politic. The way you center Black women (from cis to trans to everything in between) is just so…comforting. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@Lulu060986]

Facts! He’s awareness is so admirable👏🏾

[@zainz7438]

Love to see you stand up for Normani and Angel Reese. Love you brother!

[@jasminemonique13]

I saw your tweet and thought about it, you’re right.

[@pterodactylpie8825]

her voice sounds so good on this album and I’m obsessed with the hits on dopamine

[@np2679]

I really appreciate you being transparent and consistently reflect on your words and thoughts. This shows integrity and thoughtfulness, you always try to progress yourself and this is inspiring.

[@luwilliams1059]

You brought up so many valid topics in this one segment! Like there’s so much to unpack here! Seriously being black, dark, and a women you are held to a higher standard. You are certainly not given as much grace!

[@pinklady2994]

You said what needed to be said 💕💕

[@islandgirl8067]

Normani is a talented singer and dancer. She's beautiful too. She's very underrated. She needs better managers and representation so she can get the shine she deserves. Meanwhile mediocre artists get pushed because they fit the so-called beauty aesthetic.

[@marou55ia_]

So glad you called out "Honest" YT channel. The album was out 30 seconds and their video uploaded a minute ago PLEASEEE

[@lizzybethnj617]

That review pissed me off. Meanwhile he’s been kissing Camilla Cabelllo’s ass

[@Theo1000ification]

Thank you for this topic! The self-hate comes from our own people sometimes! I have a dark-skinned child & spouse, Black folks are saying the most hateful remarks to their faces. Hope Normani stays strong! Just heard another blogger say if she had slept with more men like Rihanna, Normani would be bigger!

[@jenesishunter9674]

HAHHHUGH 😤

[@jessinthecomments]

For me personally I haven’t really been that into much of any of the new girls music, that’s pop and r&b and some rap. It doesn’t move me that much. I still listen to my 80s 90s and early 00s queens. With that said, I just don’t think Normani is promoted the right way to make the public truly interested not just social media interested. Same with Chloe Bailey. It seems like the industry doesn’t really know what to do with the black female singers right now. That’s crazy.

[@dr3dr349]

Have you listened to her album? If not, then you should. Its a nod to early 2000s music and late 90s R&B.

[@ASprinkleofAnime]

It's not the industry it's artists themselves. They aren't listening to consumers. This music is sooooo empty and void of soul, heart, emotion, or feeling. The lyrics dont move people. We keep saying this

[@Garglemymayo]

I think black female artists should experiment more...I think thats why SZA has so much success...her sound is different. I also like that Beyonce changed a lot of people's opinion about country and opened that door. I've always loved alt music and I think black women should experiment outside of hip hop, rnb, or pop...or at least incorporate other influences like Bey did. Too many of the girls sound alike now cuz theyre all doing the same thing.

[@dr3dr349]

@@Garglemymayo An artist on their Debut album doesn't have that freedom. But black female artist other than that do experiment. They are out there.

[@Garglemymayo]

@@dr3dr349 well I know there's ones that do it but they're not in the mainstream. I think the mainstream girls that are finding it hard to stand out should try it. How amazing would it be to see more black women in rock?

[@ATLShort_E]

Quiet as it’s kept, Sevyn Streeter is another beautiful dark skin artist that’s been killing it for a min. All these dark skin girls can sing, dance, write, PRODUCE circles around their counterparts but, the real fans will stream buy and support. I hate Normani’s album is getting so much flack but hopefully it gets people to listen. “Lights On” is my shi*t

[@Rosierose902]

Good point!! I always wondered why they use old pictures like the person passed away or something. Great video!

[@tasiathomas4679]

Thank you for this video. It’s so sad to see the way she is being treated online. She is a great artist and deserves a chance to shine.

[@newyorkchickenwing]

That Daenerys edit around 4:50 is 💀 Dopamine is a proper R&B album. Proper. Exactly the type of Soundcloud-esque R&B music my ears like to hear lol. And she got James Blake to cuss on a song which absolutely tickles me lol. The response to this album vs some of this popular nonsense out here tells me that people aren’t listening music to appreciate it as an art form. They’re engaging in conspicuous consumption of so-called desirable people’s (crappy) music b/c they feel like it gives them proximity to these people. I believe Joulzey was talking about that on your Patreon recently.

[@ardellthompson7303]

This is definitely facts I've been seeing too many negative reviews about Normani's album release I see why it just crazy and honestly nothing wrong with normani music

[@MiniM69]

Love how you always support and call the girls out, Justin!

[@dr3dr349]

If y'all agree that the label is the issue then why not support her?! Stream her music. If y'all think she has potential and can grow into an exceptional artist you have to support her now so she can GROW....She can get to the level of artistry we believe for her if we support her. Give our black females a chance. Normani's album is fire!!!! People are purposely hating and relishing in her chart results. And it is crazy how people speak as if they know what music is about and how labels work and what goes on behind the scenes. Normani will literally tell us what's happening and fans will ignore and then find something to tear her down.. ITS CRAZY!! She has done NOTHING to anyone and for her to get this hate is BEYOND me.

[@jakestroll6518]

Coz I don’t like the album? Just because I think the business did her in doesn’t mean I like this. And considering she hated Motivation which I loved, I don’t think she and I share the same tastes.

[@jhnbbbb7587]

@@jakestroll6518 get a life troll!

[@dr3dr349]

@@jakestroll6518 I didn't like motivation but I support because that's the only way artist can keep making music and expanding their artistry and trying different things. I understand that its all about p[reference and taste but the girl just dropped her first album. growth and evolution cant take place if there's no support.

[@NoName-oe4gm]

-Normani -JT -Flo-Mil -Kash Doll -Remy -Connie Diamond -Coco Jones -Ayra Starr -Plus many more etc….. -I mean, The List goes On💅🏾 If You Don’t see, Just say ur in denial……It is what It Is I can respect That better

[@The1998Deck]

Doechii Ari Lennox Bree Runway Lady Leshurr Tink Sampa the Great Tierra Wack

[@dnicole4236]

They would shoot themselves before they recognize their own self hate

[@BeyoncesWigGlue]

Teyanna Taylor Azeila Banks SukiHanna Meg Tha Stallion Kelly Rowland Many, many more (The sexual content they're perpetuating is overriding their talent).

[@marou55ia_]

So glad you said it! Cause people are dellusional to be this critical of her. That's CRAZY. You can actually tell how much work has been put into this album. You can listen to that album top to bottom, it's a movie!

[@theworldofjer]

Thank you for this video Justin! It’s been boiling my blood this month

[@HairDeLaCreme]

I’m rooting for Normani just like I’m rooting for Coco Jones. Unfortunately Normanis album didn’t appeal to me (Chloe’s album as well). Maybe it’s because I’m not the target audience. The overly sexual music doesn’t appeal to me.

[@titlepending1302]

There was nothing sexual about any of the albums at least 100%

[@newyorkchickenwing]

⁠@@titlepending1302 there are some pretty sexual songs on there. but when the music is too good, i still bop to it! i’m ace and i sound absolutely crazy singing “kung fu grip when you slide in it.” i still sing that song to the top of my lungs tho lol

[@neeciiw7840]

Agree I love them both but there’s something missing coz their albums wasn’t it and it’s so frustrating coz they mad talented 😫

[@dnicole4236]

@@neeciiw7840Normani’s was it for me.

[@mew18273]

@@newyorkchickenwingthis :DD

[@ECLECTICMELANIN7]

I love you for making this video ..I agree with you! You were honest & transparent .. I respect it!

[@jalensoamazin]

I wish Normani would’ve sung about some of those life changes she faced in her music.

[@dr3dr349]

She still can on her next project... If we support her she can have the momentum to do other projects.

[@lalaalexis7018]

I loved this video and this would be only wish, that we got to see a different side of her but honestly the way ppl reacted when Megan the stallion took that route idk if that’s what folks like nowadays

[@ASprinkleofAnime]

​@lalaalexis7018 once you push a sexual image it's hard to sell anything else with meaning. People want to see her twerk and thats it.

[@ASprinkleofAnime]

​@@lalaalexis7018once you push a sexual image it's hard to sell anything else with meaning. People want to see her twerk and thats it.

[@TheSomethingnew1]

It’s her first project. She has plenty of time to do that. I wouldn’t want to sing about anything that I’m currently still going through. Her parents are still sick.

[@13579hee]

I'm so happy that this man made this video addressing this and doing so from a very honest standpoint. Bravo to King of reads. I'm a Normani fan and I have always felt like people just thoroughly enjoy shitting on her. Their takes about her are never from the standpoint of someone genuinely interested in her presence in popular music. They really just enjoy raining all her parade. These people will say that her album didn't sell more copies because they lost interest in her... But when motivation peaked only at number 33 on the billboard Hot 100 they called it a flop, thus revealing that they haven't supported her career going back to 2019. Yet, from 2019 till now, all they've done is criticized this poor girl. I'll even bring up the Chloe comparisons. Let's be real, a lot of the pitting Chloe against Normani shit came out of Beyoncé fans being bothered that a dark skin, unambiguous, mono-racial black girl like Normani was being referred to as a younger Beyoncé. Something about that rub them the wrong way so much that they pretended to be Chloe fans just to weaponize Chloe against her. What makes it even more interesting is, now that they see that Chloe is a great live vocalist and feel like, when it comes to live singing and performing, Chloe can keep up with Beyoncé... They now hate Chloe and simply don't support her career. These people will pretend to criticize Normani from the viewpoint of being a fan when they know they're not and they went as far as to pretend to be Chloe fans just to weaponize Chloe's existence and popular music against Normani as a humbling tactic. You can tell by the way that a lot of the black gays talk about men, by what their preferences are and by who they lust after that the overwhelming majority of the black gays are deeply anti-black and that deep anti blackness definitely bubbles to the surface when it comes to colorism. It is simply doesn't matter how many tire takes they offer up trying to say that the colorism isn't the issue Because anyone who understands how colorism functions knows that it is.

[@Chuuzus]

thank you so much for talking about this!! it is so weird how these men bash Normani especially Nicki Minaj fans. Normani has done nothing to them and they hate her soo much

[@astridediva]

As a darkskin woman I use to criticize Normani but I stop because I don’t see Tyla and Ice spice getting the same treatment.

[@UpbeatPenguin31]

Thank you! Both Tyla & Ice Spice are flopping yet they don’t get dragged like Normani I wonder why? 🤔 I’m sure you and me both know the reason 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@neeciiw7840]

No lies told💯

[@JoyEmpress]

I thought Tyla have been thriving? She's all over the radio. Ice Spice though, definition lol ​@@UpbeatPenguin31

[@TheSomethingnew1]

@@UpbeatPenguin31the thing is none of them should be getting “dragged” for “flopping” when they all put out solid bodies of work. I’m not a fan of Spice’s music but she’s working and dropping music that is cohesive to her original sound. They can’t control the numbers and they don’t have the white female popular vote. It is what it is.

[@tiaraw872]

@@UpbeatPenguin31Tyla flopping?? 😂now girl & why are y’all comparing Tyla & ice spice. Let’s be really real..if Normani was ACTUALLY CONSISTENT with releasing music then ppl would not be as critical & she would have a true big solid fan base like the artist y’all compare her to that are actually consistent…She literally puts out 2 or 1 song a yr or none at all since she’s been out the group yrs ago. The way society has a short attention span plays a part... No album, no ep no nothing till now with barely any promo with no big true fan base….yet y’all are wondering why things play out the way they do..and ice spice gets DRAGGED on a daily I see it all the time 😂her downfall is coming soon too with that horrible music she makes for gen z

[@madamepaka]

I loved Normani's debut album! Ppl need to acknowledge the reason she gave for the delays, accept it, and move on. *Dopamine* is here and she's seated beautifully.

[@khanyisagura4377]

Brother you ATE with this one!! ❤❤❤❤ thank you for a balanced opinion ❤❤❤

[@taylorhenderson7674]

Off topic: JUSTIN!!! The tiki-torch/ palm tree is givingggg!!! Seeing people style their locs makes me eager for mine !! ❤❤

[@KTBEverlasting]

I remember i saw some comment on YT saying Normani needs to be in a scandal to boost her up. This was like three years ago when Wild Side came out. Woman has been through so much. Both her parents have cancer and fighting it. She dealt with racism in the group. All these "fans" talking about she needs to be on social media on more. And while that has some merit for her career, I love that she keeps some distance from it. There is a lot of toxic people on here claiming to be something else. Her mental health is more important. It's the source of her life and her career. She's grown up and still growing up. I'm not here for these essay videos about her "flopping". Let her live and be. This is exactly why some artists threaten to retire or quit and I don't blame them. Sorry for this long comment.

[@NexhiAlibias]

Man that echo you had in your old videos will be missed ! i love the new mic!

[@MadamLolz]

I love that you are speaking out about this and the openness to address our own community’s toxic behavior.

[@bluefood726]

Zach Campbells treatment of Normani has been so disgusting. I can’t stand the way he treats black women

[@ASprinkleofAnime]

I completely disagree. I thought his critque was fair and truthful. It just wasn't what yall wanted to hear.

[@christianataylor8926]

I haven’t listened to his video yet, but I saw the thumbnail and rolled my eyes HARD! I still do NOT support him because of his treatment of Meg and him saying she was lying. He is steeped in misogynoir and I need more people to start seeing him for what he’s worth.

[@gemxi8033]

You might not like the way; but hes been right about her from the start.

[@loliwelch9151]

Nope. Regarding Normani, Zach hasn't lied yet...

[@dnicole4236]

@@ASprinkleofAnimehe made the same video twice about the same thing. We know the rollout was bad but where’s the grace?? Y’all claim to only want the best but make fun of her unfortunate situations then on top of monetize from “critiquing” her career with no care in mind. It’s disgusting.

[@shanells]

Thank you for calling out the way that Black gay men talk about Normani, and other dark skinned girls who are in the industry in general. The same ones bullying her are often the first to be fans of mediocre white girls, and it is strange to see. It is disheartening that many people are praying on her downfall because Dopamine is actually an awesome project. I’m rooting for her and hope all of the noise from these strangers on the Internet cancels out because she is super talented.

[@96no12]

Ive been waiting 80,000 years for this video

[@marou55ia_]

I loooove her album. It's been on repeat.

[@Samsformer]

Normani, Tinashe, and Charli XCX are my pop girls right now.

[@neciajax]

I appreciate this so much. Seeing a black speak up for dark skin black women. This warms my heart.

[@farahjoubert5187]

The way this was acknowledged in this safe space, I as a heterosexual woman appreciate it. The pressure I feel as a black woman is effing exhausting Justin. Thank you! This applies to regular life as well. Bless you for having this conversation.

[@kordei-7839]

I’ve been a fan of Normani since 5h so I’ve seen the racism she experienced from 5h fans until now - from the physical threats, the lynching threats, the slurs. I didn’t expect kindness from the white latinx community or from the white pop fans, but I never expected black ppl to add on the pile on, that was the biggest surprise. The Nicki fans that decided the two women had “beef” over an unfollow (celebs unfollow each other all the time). Since her teen years she’d been harassed for such minor things that fans decided was a slight against their fave artist. She is a sweet shy person so it’s weird for people to project all this onto her. If she wasn’t darkskin they would just see she’s nice and an introvert, nothing deeper.

[@jenesishunter9674]

That's Why she does as she pleases when she pleases. 😊

[@s.f.9441]

Although I do think colorism does somewhat play a huge role, I never understood why Normani is an easy target of cyber bullying and harsh criticism. It's extremely weird. I've see trolls (especially black gay men) go in on her since the Fifth Harmony days. You don't have to like her and she may not have the strongest singing voice. Why the harassment? People like Coco Jones (my fave) and SZA do sometimes get criticism for their looks and among other things, but it has never been this bad and they get a pass compared to Normani. Why do they hate her so much? It's all mental and personal at this point because the math ain't mathing.

[@thisistezz3695]

My girl is an easy target and those gays are insecure per usual.

[@AmberColeman-gq1wn]

None of them other girls in that group have strong voices though- especially not the Hispanic one.

[@UpbeatPenguin31]

“They” is Nicki Minaj fans 🤦🏽‍♂️ they hate her because she made a song with Cardi 🤷🏽‍♂️ they can lie to themselves that that isn’t the reason all they want but they’ll never convince me otherwise

[@jaccl4539]

Where is the accountability? You hold her to a standard, and now it's bullying? Stop that noise. Fans are frustrated. She walks into reoccurring problems we see miles away, and fans like you scream to protect her mental health and girl you just missed it. We were doing that while you blamed the problem on us. It needed to be said, and we are tired of this wasted talent, and now you demand we got to tiptoe around it? This audience thinks you are helping by coddling their favorites, and the only thing you are doing is setting them up for a bigger fall.

[@UpbeatPenguin31]

@@jaccl4539 You obviously don’t read twitter 🤦🏽‍♂️ I’ve literally seen people say that her parents cancer was gonna return because she came for Nicki & Camila 😒 be serious for once mind you she never came for either it’s just stuff that those no life social rejects have made up in their minds so wishing death on her parents is justified to you?

[@charlottesmythee]

You’re so on point. They haven’t even let the album BREATHE!!! We are all still on the high of the rap beef. And her album has gotten lost in the sauce a bit. If you’re a true fan, actually listen to the music! I don’t love all the songs, but there are bops on the album! It just breaks my heart for her because it’s clear people don’t truly support her. It’s always something to complain about. We all know the industry is never gonna give the same care to a beautiful dark skin woman like normani that they give to a Tyla. So just stop dogging her and listen to the music and if you don’t like the music, it’s fine but all the videos calling her a “flop” when her album hasn’t even been out for 2 weeks does nothing but hurt her!

[@Amberlovesu541]

Thank you so much you are like the voice of truth right now I feel like you’re speaking for me and a lot of other people

[@penneysalvo2885]

Apparently most of them are Nicki's barbs always shaming Normani every chance they get all because she collabed with Cardi B instead of Nicki

[@ashleyvirgosflame21]

King, you calling it for what it is

[@alkahinat4558]

Sometimes I think that some of the modern artists, would have done better in the late 90’s/early 2000’s I can’t picture Normani, Chloe, Tinashe, Monaleo, Latto etc, not being much bigger if they’d been out then But it could be a perspective thing. Maybe before, certain artists weren’t as mainstream, but they still had strong fan bases and a lot of support The music industry itself has changed a lot, it was already bad, but now it seems like investing in pop up artists, is the way to go.

[@pinksuperstar2]

God bless you Justin for this video because I’ve been getting so so so tired of the hate train Yes, the rollout could have been better. Yes, there could have and SHOULD HAVE been more promo. Yes, there should have been music videos out- and I’m counting down the days until Candy Paint. HOWEVER, it’s clear as day people want to her to fail so badly and it’s ridiculous And they do this without understanding or wanting to understand the various factors set against her: - Colorism. We already know mainstream and GP don’t care for dark-skinned girls and the labels don’t give them that push - Her parents dealing with back-to-back cancer diagnosis which is already too much -the HORRIFIC racism she dealt with being in her former group, caused indirectly by one of her members & her fans and how no one really checked to see if she’s okay -The Barbz attacking her like pack rapid dogs b/c she worked with Cardi & is cool with Megan - People forever and always holding the fact she was in Chris Brown’s music video while SO MANY OTHER ARTISTS have worked with this man, toured with this man, shouted out this man, praise this man and I hear nothing but crickets And its FRUSTRATINGLY exhausting how people make videos after videos dragging her

[@movisions1128]

YAAAAZZZZ!!! NORMANI IZZZZ DAT: B!!! (MY GAG-CITY VOICE)

[@runawaypacman]

16:27🤨 If I'm not mistaken I think that was the KZbinr who admitted he was doing normani videos because they got views.

[@gregorymason4819]

Yes im definitely gonna support a beautiful talented young black women. And shes from Houston!!!! Love my southern girls.

[@kamarieandrews6007]

I have to let you know one thing you do very well is take time and moments to allow yourself to grow and learn. It reminds me to take time to give myself grace to understand myself and others without being overly critical. Thank you Justin

[@KyeyuneBatuma]

Normani is an IT girl people are obsessed with trying to humble her because they see her light ahe is unique abs different and people have such a fear of success so they project onto someone like Normani , im obsessed with her album its album of the year for me ,when her visuals come out i know people are going to gag ❤love you Normani

[@robinceezu]

Thank you Justin! I been really upset by this barrage on Normani. It doesn’t make sense and yes the rules are ridiculous and the way ppl want her to work and sacrifice in a way for their pleasure

[@EricaBeee]

This mic positioning is less distractive boo. Love it and love you.

[@Taylor-kh1pe]

I forgot that the album has only been out a week or so. The way these folks came out dogging her, you would think the album had time to really circulate. Ill never understand why we are so hyper critical of our own, especially when this girl is so unproblematic.

[@BoyIsAMonster]

Thank you for this video!

[@IamKishmaaa]

I’m a black light skin woman and I agree with you 100% and the ones who don’t get it is the problem!

[@wandeesthoughts]

The sports commentary analogy was spot on

[@Blentynofficial]

Bruh as a man. A young man at that I have been feeling quite awful on the remarks and the lack of empathy on Normani’s behalf. Now I’m not saying that as an artist she had never made any bad decision but hear me out. All yall critics out here been knew her struggles. Also, most of yall act like you care by harshly criticizing but it ain’t it. Yall are doing it cuz it’s a trend to Hate on a black woman that doesn’t appeal to you as you wished. It’s disgusting. Please the album just came out. Just buy the damn album and stream it, share it and then ZIP it and let her BREATHE…. 😢

[@keichin9009]

I just feel that Normani isn’t hype enough for the age group shes catering too, I could be wrong but unless it’s a viral tik tok song or it’s one of them Brainless sexy red turn up songs it’s just not gonna get a lot of hype. I like her album but I’m an old rnb head so that’s my thing! The new gen isn’t as big on rnb like the 90’s 2000’s imo

[@TheSomethingnew1]

Yep, her album reminds me of early Brandy and in order to get this generation’s attention. It either has to be simple and fast paced, come with a Tik Tok dance, or have some good music videos. Her album is med-tempo. I love it but she’s going to have to sell the sound to a generation that doesn’t appreciate it.

[@keichin9009]

@@TheSomethingnew1 thank you! I knew it wasn’t just me that thought this! 🖤

[@nwatson2773]

So generation lacks taste

[@Nottiy]

Definitely! i think she should focus more on the late 20s and up. The more R&B songs on her album were strong. Her album is solid. I like it. It could do with more music videos because she's a performer and people are always excited for her music videos

[@joquinarachael4862]

I like her album. I listen to it everyday‼️

[@kakez5044]

❤❤❤ yes get their ass for real because guess what it has not been long at all and for people to be sitting up there talking about Normani like she's not talented is very ridiculous

[@marcusbearr]

Thank you for this video!!!!!!

[@lovenconsciousness]

@KingofReads Thank you for the video and your opinion ❤ You didn’t miss.

[@angelanelson3458]

Normani is beautiful and super talented…. If her skin tone was lighter, she would be more advanced in her career, and highly praised………..TRUTH IS THE TRUTH 👎🏾😟😟😟😟😟

[@jenesishunter9674]

NAH! If she OPENED her legs WILLINGLY She Would be. 🧐

[@yolandaperry86]

I don't think that's necessarily true. What it really boils down to is the fact that she doesn't promote herself and has been inconsistent for 6+ years. Over those 6+ years she barely did anything to build up her fanbase and that is where the problem really is. In the beginning she actually got more of a push than many of the lighter skinned female artists such as Tinashe, Raye, and even Kehlani and they are consistent AF with great music! Normani had a Billboard Music Awards performance with the first song she put out outside of her group Fifth Harmony which is a great marketing tool to set her up for success. Never once have Tinashe or Kehlani had a major award show performance and they have multiple great albums! Normani had a HUGE feature with Sam Smith. Where are the Superstars featuring the light skinned girls like Tinashe, Kehlani, and Raye? Normani did a solo performance at the MTV Video Music Awards as well. Tinashe, Kehlani, and many other light skinned girls have never done solo performances at the VMA's or performed there at all! Normani has had so many more opportunities than a lot of lighter skinned female artists and she didn't capitalize off of it. She had a big push behind her when she first went solo but she waited too long to actually put out an album and now most of the interest from the general public is gone unfortunately. Plus she's practically a ghost on social media and social media presence is crucial to building a big fanbase in today's society.

[@ArielUpshaw]

I wish I could like this video a thousand times. I've been rooting for Normani so hard since dancing with the stars. She has always been a star. She's an old school star. Not this popcorn microwave stuff and ppl are unreasonable.

[@swacman04]

The Janet Jackson comparison wasnt quite fair because Janet makes GREAT MUSIC. She made legendary music in a time when it was tough competition on the charts from many other talented artists. This Normani album wasn’t legendary, groundbreaking or innovative. It wasn’t a bad album but it was also not anything special and I would love to see her grow.

[@thisistezz3695]

Ok😅😅😅 then go listen to Janet Jackson 'legendary' debut album then .i say this as a janet jackson superfan, it took janet 2 albums (maybe 3) to get to legendary music, her first 2 projects were bad and comercial flops...This is Normani's debut album.

[@TheSomethingnew1]

I love when yall say this because Janet was not recognized as legendary from her first album lmao it’s easy to say that in 2024 after Janet has reached all of her peaks. That’s why I don’t like comparisons to the greats because y’all always try to compare them to now rather than when those artists first started out. I’d compare Normani’s tone to early Brandy. But her dance moves are very pristine like Janet. Either way, let these new girls make a name for themselves.

[@swacman04]

@@TheSomethingnew1 I LITERALLY said “I would love to see her grow”.

[@swacman04]

@@thisistezz3695 I LITERALLY said “I would love to see her grow”

[@dnicole4236]

So why didn’t yall buy her first two albums?

[@uzumaki3755]

What I appreciate about your critiques is that you always stay introspective about your own takes on things. As soon as you announced this video I thought of Armon Wiggins and Zachary Campbell, and I am so glad you are addressing this topic as a gay Bl@ck man.

[@MelissaKarmel]

I absolutely love the album top to bottom! Normani is very talented

[@andersonne]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽i adoreee U, Adore the honesty, Accountability, Respect, Protection to not only a woman but a dark skin woman🤗, the respect call out, and moreeeeeee‼️‼️‼️‼️ THANK U for every bit of this🤗🤗🤗

[@lalauninterrupted2086]

Did I like this video? Idk but I’m gonna hot that like button again just in case