celeb news Normani tells all on Motivation: "I cried... I don't want this to be my single"

[Alex]

 

In her new interview with Elle, she goes through the process of landing her album title and also discusses her previous resentment of ex-lead single "Motivation".

 

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In 2018, Normani tweeted these six words: "I have my album title y'all." Ever since that moment, where she announced the title without announcing the title, whenever the former Fifth Harmony member has posted anything, her comments section has exploded with fans wondering when she'll drop her debut album. "That [title] didn't see the light of day," she jokes. "At one point, it was 1906, because that was the address of my grandmother's house that I was raised in. Then it evolved and turned into Butterfly Effect. That was a whole thing, but it didn't stand the test of time."

 

Now, six years later, she's finally shared its name with the world. Dopamine, which is preceded by the single "1:59" featuring Gunna, out today, is set to be released on June 14, and Normani plans to go on tour. The album shows a different side of her: Dopamine has dance tracks but also features songs exploring her struggles, during and after Fifth Harmony. Both of Normani's parents were diagnosed with cancer (they're doing well now), and she had to fight for creative control earlier in her career. She's also faced heartbreak and intense, unwarranted internet scrutiny. As she says now, "This body of work really is just a representation of my resilience."

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Why did you call the album Dopamine? Why the rocket for the album cover?

Dopamine represents the highs and the lows I've endured. It's been such an emotional roller coaster. I worked relentlessly with my creative director, [Kwasi Fordjour]. We did our research. I really wanted to have a title that felt like it definitely encompassed everything that I feel I've been through in my journey to get to the point that I'm in right now. [The cover] feels energetic. It feels like a hit, and I feel like people have been waiting—[it's been] one of the most highly anticipated projects.

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I must admit, I'm a "Motivation" lover. It comes on in the gay club, and I'm like, "Let's go!" but…

It's crazy. Now I appreciate that song so much more than I did then. I cried, I "boohoo" cried. I was like, "I don't want this to be my single." Then I had total creative control over the video, which meant a lot. I just wanted to feel represented. Now I get it. I understand it more now.

You never want to release anything that you aren't personally passionate about. I'm sorry you were put in that position.

It's okay. I'm not that sorry now. Now it's fine. At the time, I was so sad, but it's all good.

Read the full article here

[GardenPanty]

I mean, I would be crying too if I haven't released anything better than an Ariana scrap forced upon me 5 years ago

[Sad Beautiful Tragic]

I admire her honesty so much. Despite facing racial bullying, death threats, and constant negativity, she remains true to herself. She deserves the world. I'm grateful that she isn't focused on commercial success and is instead creating music that truly reflects who she is. She's a true class act.  

[XXI.]

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Now, six years later, she's finally shared its name with the world. 

That's such a crazy way to start an article. 6 years just to announce the title of your debut album 

 

I really am rooting for Normani. However, I don't get why she hates on 'Motivation' so much. It's the best single she's released as her own (not as a feature or collaboration). 

Edited April 26 by XXI.

[Magdalene]

ariana writing normani's put your hearts up the full circle moment 

[crf13]

Don't blame her whatsoever. Motivation is garbage, but the video essentially made people believe it's a good song. The Ariana leftover talking point also probably convinced her label and team that Motivation was the one to push, despite the obvious, which is that even Ariana probably knew that song was a pile of smelly rubbish. 

[butterflymimi]

you could tell sadly; her heart wasn't fully in it despite the slay of a video. this is why i'm so happy that she's making music she enjoys now, who cares if atrl likes it, it's her art at the end of the day 

[KatyPrismSpirit]

Motivation was a bad song so I can't blame her. But the video was cool. 

[TalkThatRihanna]

Motivation is her best song so…

[simplywohoo]

Motivation was a BOP

[MoonGoodandHappy]

This was not the real her. This new song is the real her unless it doesnt get the streams. It would mean this was not the real her.

Edited April 26 by MoonGoodandHappy

[ariesgroove]

motivation eats but if you genuinely think it's better than a wild side or a 1:59 you're lying 

[Sad Beautiful Tragic]

1 minute ago, butterflymimi said:

who cares if atrl likes it, it's her art at the end of the day 

Couldn't have said it better myself 

[Nashe]

hating Motivation but releasing this bore after all that hype. yeah this girl has no clue what she's doing

[OrgVisual]

Motivation was a Bop and literally her most successful single. Girl betta shut up. No wonder she flopped

[Damien M]

Motivation is great. The latest song isn't. 
 

Why was she crying again?

[Tm4074]

Motivation is a good song and literally her most successful solo single by far. Idk what she thinks she'll accomplish by trashing it. And it's probably going to remain her most successful solo single of her career. 

[shinri]

She just keeps on crying and it's always about releases

Edited April 26 by shinri

[TaggedGalaxy]

Who's going to tell her it's better than any of her recent releases not counting Wild Side?

 

[Tudors]

Normani there's people that are dying

[Mariah4life]

Girl I'll be crying too.

Crazy in Love or keep it

[Sad Beautiful Tragic]

 

"I think that there's a false narrative that because of how long this process has taken, that means I don't care, or that means I'm more interested in doing other things than putting this body of work out. Nobody wants this project to come out more than me."

— Normani to ELLE

 

 

Ended ATRL  

[ImpressMeMuch]

I will not stand for Motivation slander

 

that sh*t has been on my gym playlist since the day it released and will never leave

[Patient Zero]

The title should've stayed 1906, matching the chart position.

 

I really hope she will prove me wrong.  I'm keeping an eye on her since forever, but this girl is just doing nothing. And the lead single for Dopamine is a fart in the wind.

Edited April 26 by Patient Zero

[paulyyyozd]

lol it's her best song by far, an amazing pop track. the gp is so wrong for letting it flop