With GRAMMYs, #1 albums, and millions of records sold worldwide to her credit, India.Arie is one of the most lauded R&B singer-songwriters to emerge from the 2000s.
Yet, behind her highly praised anthems of self-love and empowerment (i.e. ‘Video,’ ‘I Am Not My Hair,’ and others), the now 46-year-old suggests the music industry has left her feeling powerless at times over her 21-year career.
Reflecting on some of those moments in a surprisingly candid rant on Instagram, it’s not clear what spurred the commentary but what’s certain is that the message came through loud and clear.
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Just weeks after EMMY-nominated actress & screenwriter Issa Rae dominated headlines for slamming the ‘crooked’ music industry (as we reported here), Arie echoed the sentiment.
In a social media rant captured by our friends at TJB (seen above), India relayed:
“Seeing old pictures reminds me of how TRASH the music industry is. SHEER and utter Trash. The music industry is racist. sexist. deceitful. It steals from artists. Trash.”
Continuing, ‘The Truth’ singer shared her truth by saying:
“I’ll never heal from all of it. Because some of it shaped my life in ways I can’t get back. BUT! I LOOOOOOVE who I am. So, I imagine the journey was all meant to be. But those old pictures. The industry made me feel like I WASN’T beautiful. I can tell you some STORIES HONEY! But in truth ~ I was just way ahead if my time.”
All-in-all, Arie shares that she doesn’t feel defeated and is hopeful for the future.
“And to everyone who in the industry who hurt used SUED Played Stole from betrayed ME. THANK YOU,” she said after stating, “…the journey was all worth it. And my most powerful days are still to come.”