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.
*Swipe right for more*
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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.”
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No, hunnie. You’re just a flop.
Girl bye this exactly why the industry is the way it is today. Your whole focus is on sells in which not only don’t benefit from but don’t appreciate true artistry. Someone can be so mediocre but because they’re “selling” you’ll hush your foul mouth yet belittle actual talents and musicians that don’t have that same monster (machine, executives, producers, payola etc). That’s why I’ll never say nor agree that Hiphop or R&B is Dead when in fact it’s alive, just nobody like yourself is giving those under appreciated artist their recognition including the Greats til this day. Everything is such a popularity contest it’s no longer about quality but quantity.
THIS
You have to dismiss Shayla No queen like everyone else does. I actually think she is just a lil slow on the uptake and probably stressed with having to raise children while dealing with those mental challenges. We are praying for you No Queen 🙏🏽
I agree with her when she said she was ahead of her time bcuz now all these natural hair brands coming out and celebrities wanna collab she definitely wouldve and couldve had her own line or participated in one….also her music wasnt about sucking, f wording, and drugs so they didnt push her…..we luv you india…
Her, Kelis & pretty much all the Neo-Soul artists were ahead of their time. They were all Natural, Free-Spirited, & made songs about self-love/Black-Love.
I most definitely understand what India is saying. She was on this wave decades ago before it was “fashionable” & “cool”.
She is the last of a dying breed of artists with substance 😌 I loved her projects, hope she continues