The former Fifth Harmony singer opens up about the impact of her parents' cancer diagnoses on her music career and the long-delayed release of her debut album, 'Dopamine.'
- Jun 2, 2024
AceShowbiz - After years of anticipation, Normani Kordei, the former Fifth Harmony star, has finally announced the release date for her debut solo album, "Dopamine". The journey to this point has been marked by personal struggles and professional hurdles, but the R&B singer is ready to share her story with the world.
Normani first teased her solo album back in 2018, the same year Fifth Harmony announced their indefinite hiatus. She kicked off her solo career with the hit single "Love Lies" featuring Khalid and went on to release collaborations with Sam Smith and Megan Thee Stallion. Despite these successes, the album itself remained elusive, leaving fans eagerly waiting for more.
The delay in the album's release wasn't due to lack of effort or interest. In an interview with Elle magazine, Normani admitted that her experience with Fifth Harmony had made her cautious about releasing any music she wasn't fully confident in.
"I really want to create a body of work that's going to count. I'm never going to get my first album back," she explained. She wanted to ensure that "Dopamine" reflected her true artistry.
Her journey took an unexpected turn when her parents, Andrea and Derrick Hamilton, were both diagnosed with cancer. "This is bigger than the music. It's bigger than what I'm trying to accomplish. This is life or death. All I wanted to do was be there for them," Normani told Who What Wear. While she took time off to be with her family, music became a source of comfort and strength for all of them.
"I've had just a lot of deaths pretty much back to back in such a short time frame," she told EW. "I think people kind of forget that I am a human being. Granted, I'm really grateful that everybody's remained really excited. I feel like that's unheard of, especially after such a long duration of time."
Normani's perseverance and dedication finally paid off when she unveiled the album title "Dopamine" in February 2024. She followed it up with the release of the lead single "1:59" featuring Gunna in April and the second single "Candy Paint" in May.
"Candy Paint" was highly anticipated by fans, who had already heard leaked versions of the track. The full album is set to debut on June 14, 2024, promising to encapsulate the highs and lows of her transformative journey.
Reflecting on her experiences, Normani emphasized that every challenge had its purpose. "I know everything I've been through isn't in vain. There's always something that God wants me to see in the season. It's all in service of making me better for all that he actually has in store for me," she shared.
With "Dopamine," Normani is not only ready to make a strong comeback but also to demonstrate resilience and strength to her fans. Her journey from Fifth Harmony to a solo artist has been a tumultuous one, but ultimately, her story is about perseverance, authenticity, and heartfelt belief in her craft.
