For Normani, staying true to her identity as a Black woman across her new debut album was more than intentional. It was necessary.
(RCA Records.)
When speaking to Rolling Stone about her highly anticipated debut, Normani shared that she felt she was "showing up" for herself by embracing her Blackness, something she felt compelled to suppress during her time with Fifth Harmony.
“Before, I definitely wasn’t able to be all that I am and have that be represented,” she expressed,“which is why it means so much, especially when selecting records or when in the studio creating specific songs, for me to feel like I’m showing up for myself."
“I’m showing up and I’m representing my Blackness, but I also know that I’m a Black woman that does pop music. That is also part of my lineage because of where I come from,” she added. “I feel like I’ve had to really remind myself and have serious conversations with myself that I’m all of these things and that I don’t deserve to be limited.”
Normani took to social media to express words of gratitude for her journey, See her heartfelt message on Instagram below:
“I consider myself a genre-less artist and I hope that you can hear that on the project,” she continued. In her interview with Rolling Stone, Normani highlighted numerous female Black artists who inspired her creative process. She specifically cited Janet Jackson as an influence for "Lights On," Brandy’s "A Capella (Something’s Missing)" for "Insomnia," and Missy Elliott's production throughout the entire album.
“They’re literally the reason why I do what I do and why I’m able to be in the position that I am in: Black women,” Normani said. “They redefined the standard of beauty, but also just the standard in music. I feel like Brandy and Janet have really been disruptive in their own ways.”
In her album review for Rolling Stone, Dopamine is described as Normani's clearest artistic statement. It exudes sensuality, danceability, and simple frameworks made rich.
“It’s an ode to the specificity of her Southern Black womanhood, with brassy horns, chopped vocals, Mike Jones samples, references to Pimp C, OutKast, lean, and slabs, and a newly liberal use of the N-word,” read the review.
Congratulations to Normani on a milestone achievement! Stream Dopamine on all music streaming services. #newmusicfriday #blackartists #streamblack #dopamine #normani #listennow #janetjackson #brandy #missyelliott
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