Lizzo Says Going Viral Does Not Equal Having A Successful Song

BY Erika Marie 7.2K Views
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Lizzo
She doesn't believe some people know "the difference between 'bad' music & non-viral music."

It is obvious that the industry has shifted thanks to social media. Artists are finding that they can reach fame before signing a record deal thanks to becoming a viral sensation and the powers that be are capitalizing off of their moments. However, some music fans measure the success of a song based on how often they hear it online, meaning, if there isn't some sort of TikTok challenge associated with it, the track is considered to be a dud.

Of course, we know that is not true, yet still, artists often find themselves facing off against critics who don't believe that their charting or RIAA plaque-earning singles are deserving of recognition because they aren't viral.

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On Twitter, a Lizzo fan mentioned the detractors who go after the singer over her hits, and Lizzo used the opportunity to share a few thoughts on why being viral doesn't mean a song is good.

"I don’t think ppl know the difference between ‘bad’ music & non-viral music these days," she said. "They equate virality w quality & that’s just not true [smiling emoji with halo] When I play this song live thousands of ppl scream the words I’m getting plaques for Rumors [money mouth emoji] Viral does NOT = successful YALL [kissy face emoji]."

Many artists have also been accused of being Tikok stars, but none have seemed to mind because the payout has stacked their bank accounts.




About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming the Co-Head of Original Content. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, and Amy Luciani—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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