By: Wet ” Nation Cutie” Cates
Okay, seize your popcorn, as a result of this one goes to be an actual trip. If you happen to haven’t heard, Queen Naija simply dropped a controversial assertion about TikTok and the way forward for music—and let me inform you, she didn’t maintain again. The R&B singer, identified for her powerhouse vocals and unapologetic takes, sparked a debate that’s already going viral. However did she go too far? Or is she onto one thing all of us want to listen to?
Let’s break it down.
By now, everyone knows what’s occurring with TikTok. The platform that skyrocketed numerous unknowns to fame is on the ropes. Between political drama, nationwide safety considerations, and threats of a whole ban, it’s wanting just like the app we’ve all been scrolling via religiously might be saying goodbye before we expect.
TikTok has been a cultural game-changer—don’t get it twisted. It’s a platform the place artists have gained thousands and thousands of followers primarily based on 15 seconds of viral clips. Whether or not it’s a catchy beat, a viral dance problem, or a lip-sync to the most recent chart-topping hit, TikTok has catapulted artists from obscurity to superstardom.- ADVERTISEMENT –
Now, right here’s the place it will get spicy. Not too long ago, Queen Naija made waves when she mentioned, “I really feel like TikTok being gone will open doorways again up for artists who make REAL music.”
Gasp!
Let’s pause and take a second as a result of it is a BIG declare. What does she imply by “REAL music”? Is she throwing shade on the TikTok group? Or does she simply need to see the return of full albums, lyrics with that means, and music that doesn’t simply dwell for a 10-second viral clip?
It’s not like Queen Naija mentioned that TikTok artists aren’t artists. No. She particularly mentioned actual music, and there’s an enormous distinction.
Look, TikTok has given many artists the prospect to be seen—whether or not they have been prepared for it or not. Lil Nas X went from viral meme to a Grammy-winning artist because of TikTok. Olivia Rodrigo’s hit single “Drivers License” virtually lived on the app earlier than it grew to become a chart-topping anthem.
However right here’s the factor: Whereas TikTok is an unbelievable device for discovery, the true query is: Does a viral TikTok tune actually translate into long-term musical careers?
Certain, individuals love the catchy hooks, the dances, the 15-second snippets that take over your feed. However what occurs when the viral development fades? Is that “artist” nonetheless round? Will they nonetheless have an album that stands the take a look at of time, or have been they only a flash within the pan.- ADVERTISEMENT –
Don’t get me fallacious, I really like a viral second. However let’s be sincere, making a profession off a one-hit-wonder is like profitable the lottery—uncommon, fleeting, and largely a product of the algorithm’s whim. True music, the type that lasts, requires greater than a catchy soundbite. It requires artistry, time, effort, and most significantly: emotion.
Now, Queen Naija is onto one thing. REAL music is in regards to the craft. It’s about sitting down, writing lyrics that talk to your soul, creating melodies that carry that means, and placing your coronary heart on the observe—particularly when the studio isn’t a spot the place you’re simply following developments or mimicking what’s viral.
It takes months, years, and typically a lifetime to create a physique of labor that may stand the take a look at of time. We’re speaking full albums, dwell performances, and a reference to followers that doesn’t depend on a TikTok problem however on pure artistry. Actual musicians are constructing legacies—albums that folks will nonetheless be bumping in 20 years. “Straight Outta Compton” by N.W.A? A basic. “Confessions” by Usher? Iconic. These aren’t TikTok hits; these are actual, timeless albums which have created total musical eras.
Now, earlier than we go any additional, let’s not discredit TikTokers. There are individuals on TikTok making artwork in their very own approach. They’re creating moments, influencing developments, and bringing consideration to new music in methods conventional platforms can’t. They’re entertainers in their very own proper, and their affect is plain.
One commenter on Queen Naija’s assertion made a superb level: “Individuals on tik tok are actual artists additionally.”
And what? I completely agree with that. TikTok artists are creating artwork in their very own lane. However Queen Naija by no means mentioned they weren’t artists—she simply mentioned they aren’t *making actual music*.
There’s a distinction between being a “creator” and being a “musician.” The traces have blurred, and it’s time we acknowledge that either side can exist with out tearing one another down. TikTokers, hold doing all your factor. However keep in mind, there’s nonetheless a spot for albums, dwell reveals, and music that sticks with you lengthy after the app has closed.- ADVERTISEMENT –
The top of TikTok—if it actually occurs—might very properly open up the door for artists who’re targeted on creating timeless, genre-defining music. We might even see a return to the times when artists needed to grind it out via conventional channels, specializing in constructing fanbases the old style approach: via dwell reveals, full albums, and never simply viral TikTok dances.
However for us music lovers, the final word takeaway is that this: Actual music by no means goes out of favor. TikTok or not, we’ll at all times be right here for the true artists who make us really feel, make us cry, make us dance, and most significantly, make us imagine within the energy of music.
So inform me, what do you suppose? Is Queen Naija proper? Will TikTok’s finish actually pave the way in which for REAL music to rise once more? Or are you a part of the TikTok crowd that believes these artists are simply as deserving of recognition? Drop a remark beneath, share your ideas, and let’s hold the dialog going.
Let’s not overlook—in terms of music, whether or not it’s 15 seconds or quarter-hour, true artistry will at all times discover a strategy to shine.
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