From guest starring roles on Sam Smith‘s ‘Dancing with a Stranger’ and more to dancing by her lonesome on ‘Waves,’ former Fifth Harmony star Normani has been making quite the splash since her departure from the group.
As she dances closer to release of her long-awaited debut solo LP, however, she’s looking to turn that splash into a tsunami. What better way than with the summery jam, ‘Motivation’?
Produced by Max Martin and co-written by Ariana Grande alongside Savan Kotetcha and Ilya, the song – announced just last week – comes as the latest serving from the highly anticipated set.
What are you waiting for? Watch the Dave Meyers visual below:
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Come on y’all! Please let support this queen. Let’s make song chart. She’s deserve it. We some new black females charting high.
I agree. I like the video.
IM WIT YOU! The video is AMAZING! She deserves some LIGHT!
I AGREE, SHE IS AWESOME….. AND BEAUTIFUL..
Cute video. Song is just okay. She’s trying tho so I won’t knock her hustle
Get it Normani! Black Girl Magic! The men at 1:04 and 1:44 can get it…LOL NOT…u know most of these male dancers are either sissies or federlines….aka they aint got enough money to wine and dine Rasputia Lattimore and buy me the nice things I am accustomed to. Normani can get it too. I’m a freak like that LOL
Get it Normani! Black Girl Magic! The men at 1:04 and 1:44 can get it…LOL NOT…u know most of these male dancers are either sissies or federlines….aka they aint got enough money to wine and dine Rasputia Lattimore and buy me the nice things I am accustomed to. Normani can get it too. I’m a freak like that LOL
Not federlines chile ? ? ?
Yeah the song is just alright she needs to get out of Beyoncé’s discography and into Janet’s for inspiration on songs for her vocal type (type: limited). Also the obvious “crazy in love” wanna be street walk was a bit grating like girl stop trying to be Beyoncé and be Normani! She got it right though later in the video. That handstand-spilt is everything.
Beyonce’s vocal ability isn’t that spectacular either. Normani is in her right lane vocally. And let’s not act like ‘Crazy In Love’ wasn’t ripped straight from ‘Jenny From The Block’.
She use the two B’s for inspiration Beyonce ”crazy in love” walking with the jeans low rise pants & Britney ”baby one more time” basketball court with the backflips both were them two queens first singles ❤️❤️❤️
Don’t Forget the Ciara reference – I think it was the video “Goodies”. I think there were some other references too ….. that was an amazing video very creative, love the concept.
I didn’t see the Ciara reference at first but I see it now.
i ALWAYS SEEN OMARION TOUCH VIDEO.
*I MEANT TO SAY, THAT SHE DID THE OMARION TOUCH VIDEO TO.
The Basketball ball court scene is more like Jlo’s I am real.
i think this is it!
And just like that Beyoncé gets dropped from her Label A New Queen is Born her name is Normani
Dropped? Gurl.
Ignore that J.igaboo thing. It desperately seeks attention by using my username and spewing hateful idiocy on every post. It is soulless and empty.
Song = pop garbage. Sounds like Taylor Swift. Video = EVERY. SINGLE.CLICHE. in the black girl video book. So disappointed…
The song actually sounds like Beyoncé check on it x crazy in love. But im almost certain it samples check on it.
Ariana pens another DUD ? Woo chile, I cannot with Ariana! The only Ari I fcks with is Ari Melber ? But I’m here for Normani tho! I know she has to have something better than this…she better have something better than this ? The dancing part in the street @2:13 was dope tho ? I like her energy and she seems hungry ? But this song is for the kids *Auntie Fee voice*
It’s tricky for her because I know she doesn’t want to go completely white pop. But it’s gonna be hard for her to cross over without a really mainstream sounding sound. I really like this, a lot! And think it can do something but I agree she’s something bigger, more in the lines of love lies and dancing with a stranger
Yep, Waves and Dancing With A Stranger are definitely more for the grown ups like myself lol…I can definitely see WHY her team went with this…but I just thought she was gonna be a little more sophisticated with it…I am totally here for the beautiful Normani?? I agree, it is a thin line to walk when you’re young, gifted and black in the pop world trying to go for mass appeal! And the way these artists spit songs out these days chile, I know I won’t have to wait for long to hear something else lol..she needs to think Whitney and less Britney tho, no shade ? ?
The song is nice, but the video is FIIIIIIIIIIIIRE!!! I love how she represented all kinds of melanin in the music video. Normani needs a stronger, more impactful and more memorable single like Camilla’s “Havana.” “Motivation” is a cute bop but is not an undeniable hit.
Don’t count her out just yet cuz y’all said the same thing about Havana in the beginning
FACTS, this will be a Havana type of hit
He replay value in this video
yaaaasss she has arrived! great video and this song is tailor made for radio play across all formats
I can definitely hear this song on a Kidz Bop CD!!!
I got “Crazy In Love”, “Bootylicious” & “Baby Boy” all in 1 vid!
Not Kidz Bop lmao ? ✅
But that’s who streams n crazy n love is now so old they wont evrn notice a reference. Smart move
Cute song! Got into it after 1 min song. This is a pop r&b song. I’m looking forward to the remix.
That whole video overcompensated for a Wack a$$ song ! . What a waste of a visual , in a good way , because the visual was cute , the choreo and everything should’ve been kept for a much better song man . This is a mess .
How could anyone at a label hear this and think hit / first single ?. It’s like a so big written for a deodorant ad or something . Or even like in a scene from a tv show where the kid dreams of being a star and a stupid song is written for their little daydream sequence . I mean the songs in Taina and even the ‘that’s so raven’ Musical episode were better than this . I just can’t , I want so much more for Normani , honestly . 5th harmony wouldn’t even chart with this mess .
Have you put on your deodorant today? I’m sure you’ll be bopping your head the second you hear this all over the radio.
Not a deodorant commercial!! ?
SHE DID WHAT SHE HAD TO MF DO!!!!! THIS IS WHY I STAN ?
Great video, gives you good vibes and you want to dance. Her choreography is on point and she looks like fire. But let’s be real, the song without the Video is nothing and I wouldnt listen to it without the video.
Cute video but the song is a FLOP! Rooting for her though. She is so pretty
And so tired of the jerky quick choreo moves she does. Not hatin. Just an observation.
I agree. It’s too jerky. Less twerking/popping and more choreography.
Smoke and mirrors to distract from the terrible song
Is this is a sample of “Check On It”? I can’t be the only one. In the music video the walking part she wants to give us Beyoncé crazy in love … when is she gonna be herself ? She comes across as a cheap copy of Beyoncé.
I think a lot of people are missing the point of the song and video. She gave us a few R&B songs and the masses didn’t eat it up (Waves is an R&B song that did nothing on the charts) so her and team decided to switch it up (which is very smart). She has already showed the diversity in what she could do.
As far at the video, the entire point was to give homage to those videos and artist who inspired her while she was growing up watching (106&Park & TRL). Look Closely she referenced so many artist Beyonce, Brittany, Ciara, Chirs B, Omarion, JLO, (I think the opening scene when shes dancing front of the house is giving homage to Bow Wow from the “Bounce With Me” Video.
I said all that to say she isn’t biting off Beyonce in this video because that was the point! Good Job Normani, you did not disappoint. Hope she gives us a memorable performance for the VMA’s. Fingers Crossed
well said. all i hear is check on it 2.0 with more pop eliments lol. those horns in the backround are very simular and the tempo matches perfectly, she even does the check on it dance with the chewing pretend gum and patting her weave lol. the chorus is catchy. they gone eat it up, idky there is so much hate. let her live. this is only her first single!! Im just happy that more and more ppl know who she is. they know her face and her name, now its time for the music. normani and her team have done a spectecular job with getting her name out here. at the end of the day there is more love than hate, and im so excited for whats to come. the VMA’s better get it right this year. I would love to see the video brought to life live.
Check on it 2019 lawd
Boring
Okay somebody get this chick together. She is too damn talented to be serving us this popcorn pop with r&b influence. She is just shaking her ass rather than focusing on the talent that exists within her. No she won’t please everyone and sure maybe it will be a hit (I see top 20 if she’s lucky), but regardless if you hate or love her; the girl is talented and she can bring soo much more than this. I think we can all agree on that!
My feelings exactly.
Like Normani can hit whistle register , her vocals in the early 5th Harmony days were so much better , not quite sure what’s happening , nobody gone think of her as a singer singer with these tracks , just another Ciara …
Watched it again on a big screen .. the song is a tad better than I thought but still , expected Her to bring some heat .
I also hate when artists over-do choreo on a song just to highlight they can dance , like we all know , weren’t no need to do all that on this basic as a box of crackers song .
I thought I was the only one who remembered her hitting they whistle note, I was so confused as they got bigger her voice got smaller it seems .
I think Normani sounds really good. she can still do her whistle. but it has to make sense. she aint mariah, plus she dodges every high note live lol. give her time there may be a few on the album. I believe she’s very aware of her vocals. i like this song because it sounds fun. she’s always given me black britney vocally anyway. i know she has power and range but she hasnt tapped into it comfortably yet, so this why we get what we get. give her some time and or atleast a new vocal coach.
Normani is that b****!
This video is EVERYTHING.
To come out with such a BLACK ASS VIDEO!
Right now. Ugh! I miss this. I needed this!
She looks gorgeous, the dancing is ?, and video was cute. Rooting for her! But the song is a bit forgettable… I do like the beat but I don’t have a desire to really listen to it again.
The pic above of her is giving me Beyonce crazy in love beginnings
The black boy in the video!!
IMMEDIATELY PLAYS KELLY ROWLAND’S MOTIVATION TO ERASE THIS TRASH FROM MEMORY.
Pls make this a buzz single
This is too damn much.
The song is noisy as hell
The video is all over the place. Nobody dances like this anymore
U can never be successful in the music industry if u are a carbon copy of another artiste
normani if I were u, I will go the opposite direction of everything beyonce.
You sound stupid. Bye
Yeah this comment was absolutely ridiculous.
I agree. Go opposite of everything Bey. You nailed it on the head.
Her team are smart – Beyoncé already has exposure from DC – Nomani‘s exposure from 5th Harmony isn’t a fraction of that – so they’re taking the successful elements of the female artist blueprints (Ciara, Beyoncé, Janet) which is focusing on the fact Mani can DANCE and do Pop RnB (like ARI). The more R&B flavoured tracks she’s done (Waves) did not Pop – why would she do a huge R&B song as her debut from her first album when R&B ain’t doing what it once was????
The casual listener (and demographic her label is going for) likes POP R&B – this is why she opened for Ari and Ari‘s fanbase HAS GROWN with the last album – it is proven that Pop R&B can work.
Is the song a ground breaking POP opus? No – could it introduce her to the masses and convert some casual listeners (and former 5H fans) into fans? YES.
What she is selling sonically today may not be what she is pushing sonically 3 albums down the line – let her breathe and support her – there are few Pop singers slaying choreography out here right now – it’s refreshing that it’s made a return via Normani ???????
this>>>
Facts
I think it’s a hit after a few listens I find myself humming the lyrics really the chorus
me too.
SHE GOT NEXT.
Cute song easy on the ears and great video…lets support an emerging black queen. ????
Let me help the closed minded ppl understand.
This is her debut single.
The video is clearly sharing what/how/who inspired her to pursue a career in music.
If you follow Normani you would know who her favorite artist/ who inspired her the most.
The 106 intro leading to the street walk is done on purpose. Crazy in Love is most likely the video Normani saw and made her say.. I want to become a singer.
The video is clearly displaying how you started and is why she tributes Beyoncé and then reference vibes from other iconic music videos while displaying the beginnings of her unique style.
The homage is on purpose ppl lol Y’all don’t want this to be but Crazy in Love was that iconic/ is a new classic of a new legend and the rising star respectfully tributes as she making her official introduction into the game.
This video is FIRE! Whoa!
Video is cute. Song goes nowhere and isn’t radio friendly. Another dud for NOmani. Let’s keep her lifted in prayer saints.
You hear Ariana all over this. I get that she co-wrote the song but it seems like Normani was thrown leftovers. It’s sad that her team is not letting her build her own identity as a entertainer and artist. I need to see what Normani is capable of and not a knock off Beyonce nor no left overs from Ariana.
Y’all people are the worst. Just sit behind your keyboard and knock peoples hustle, as if it’s so easy and you could do better. Hardly anyone is original!! Even Beyonce says she was inspired by people, constantly.
The song is easy on the ear and the video definitely gives me 106 & park vibes, which is what what’s been missing in today’s videos. Keep grinding Normani.
THANK YOU! ?? All this hate for a 23 y/o black young TALENTED female just trying to make her stamp in the industry…forget the hours of work..rehearsals..recording just to give you ungrateful bastards a 3 min clip video..but do focus on ways you can think of..ONLINE..to tear her down? Cause your negative comments are doing what exactly LAMES? NOTHING. If you can’t do what she did in this video SHUT THE FU*k UP. PERIOD.
Straight ??????? Normani, I’m so proud of you ❤️❤️
Here’s the thing, if you don’t get why this song was chosen as her first single from the album, then you don’t understand the music industry. This song screams radio play. Perfect mix of pop and RnB. Also, Ilya is all over every popular song right now. Pair that with Max Martin and you have the perfect debut single. So you may not like the direction or the sound, and that’s completely valid, but this is a hit.
Now the video goes harrrrd. She came out on all cylinders. She’s hungry and continually shows why she’s a force to be reckoned with. And stop complaining about her being in Bey’s shadow or whatever…that was literally the point of the video. Beyoncé, Britney, Ciara, etc. hitting all the nostalgia in this video. Not including Spirit, this is the video of the year!
And let’s just give her a hand for her dancing. How many new artists can actually keep up with their background dancers? I’ll wait.
I’m ready for the live treatment. VMAs, and late night talk show run.
THIS^^^ Like what do People want??? All this criticism BUT THEY WOULDN‘T BUY IT IF IT WAS LESS LIKE WHAT THEY DONT LIKE ABOUT IT ANYWAY. Smh ??♂️
NORMANI IS HERE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMp58oVociw
She did so well. She’s going to be a huge star.
Its a GREAT start for her. The song is a banger, the video is definite FIRE, and she looks and sounds amazing. Some folks are gonna hate on it because that’s just the pathetic culture nowadays. Normani’s on her way and I’m excited to watch her career blow up.
I want her to make it she does deserve the success but I also wish her fans would stop shadin and talking down on other black female artist that’s not a good look bc eventually she will start to get a lot of ppl to dislike her and that will be a early down fall.
Right like how Nicki fans did her.
Yup.
The lack of self-awareness LMAO
I like it
I love the song and video! The song is a grower, and the choreo is very jerky, BUT I love them both. I pray this is her breakout moment and she becomes a household name. Her team better have her lined up to perform at the VMA’s. This has everything needed to be a smash (the backing of an all-star team, coming right off of Ari’s tour, a SLAY video, and Normani is a superstar).
And for those complaining that this is too pop, what did you expect? “Waves” was 100% R&B and that song got thrown DUST (don’t get me started on the VMA’s giving her a nom but the BET awards didn’t get her not ONE nomination). Her team is playing it smart. This has crossover appeal. I pray she gets the success she deserves. I LOVE Normani!
#ByeCamila
#WhereAreTheOther5hGirls?
I’m rooting for Normani! The song itself is just okay, but I love the video. The ode to early 2000’s pop&B is everything. People rightfully hype up the 90’s but forget about the 2000’s which brought just as many big moments for the culture.
Cute song, but it’s missing something. Doesn’t have the it factor. Very repetitive
Not here for the song (but also pretty sure the song isn’t supposed to be for me) but mama danced her ass off in this! This is the lane she needs to be in the Ciara lane. Giving you a little bit of a vocal and all the dancing.
Omg I love it ??
Ok, first of all we should support everybody, no matter what their race is.
If you say « we need more black female up on the charts », then we could also say we need more asians or more latinos or whatever… we need diversity, beyond the African-American community.
And I don’t like referring to anyone as African-American or Latin-American.
They are American in the first place. Who happen to have origins.
Just like white people have ancestry from Ireland, NL, Germany, Italia… all those people who migrated massively to the US.
Back to Normani, I feel like for now she’s giving people what they are expecting from her to be popular because she’s at the start of her solo career.
We don’t want one more twerking girl… there’s enough of that with zero talent.
She can dance, she has nice choreo in there, but she didn’t need to shake her ass every 20 seconds.
Vocally speaking, she’s got a big range. She doesn’t need to belt but I feel like when you start out, you gotta show people you can be a horse race.
It’s an uptempo record, just do adlibs, a key change… don’t keep things basic.
I like her and I wish her the best, I also hope she will bring something new to the table. Because there’s no a lot of people out there who can put on a show yet serve vocals. Looking forward to what’s next Normani.
I’m a Normani fan and I have always bragged on her on this blog, but I actually think she’s bigger and better than this song and video. Some of the dancing is just sloppy and raunchy for no good reason. She dumbed herself down for an easy and cheap song & dance routine.
Exactly. She doesn’t need to pull such stunts like some people lacking actual talent.
The video would have been just as good without all that twerking.
And this has got nothing to do with girl power or owning your body as a female and all that jazz.
It will actually take away the attention from her actual talent, which not everybody has. So use that instead of showing people what a bunch of girls can do just as well…
Normani f*#cked it all the way up!!! Visually stunning through and through, and that is not even the icing on the cake!! Her vocals are?. Please support this beautiful woman!!
She is so important.
When was the last time you saw an artist stir up so much conversation over a video or their existence?
I found this on twitter
https://twitter.com/iamnickgardner/status/1163215613130629120
Normani is really trying to do something much bigger than her. Support her so the next young talented black or dark-skinned girl doesn’t get the door slammed in her face because Normani’s failure proved the higher ups were right all along. Buy her song and stream it. Get her to number one and support like you did that black country remix. Song was wack but people saw the bigger picture.