Normani to release her long-awaited debut album 'Dopamine' after family battled double cancer diagnosis
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Normani recently revealed her deeply emotional and personal journey that led to her long-awaited debut album 'Dopamine.'
On Wednesday, February 21, the singer announced the release of her album during an interview with 'Who What Wear' while she also reflected on her career break following a double cancer diagnosis.
Inside Normani's music career and hiatus
Since Fifth Harmony announced their hiatus in March 2018, the band members, originally composed of Normani, Dinah Jane, Ally Brooke, Camila Cabello, and Lauren Jauregui announced they will be pursuing solo endeavors.
View this post on Instagram
The singer's 2019 hit 'Motivation' garnered critical acclaim and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
In 2018, Normani released a two-song EP with Calvin Harris, a collaboration with Sam Smith and 6lack and she also released singles 'Wild Side' with Cardi B in 2021 and 'Fair' in 2022.
Normani was trolled for her delay in releasing her debut album
Unaware of Normani's personal challenges, fans waiting for her debut album since her 2021 announcement that the "summer is going to be lit," became the subject of several memes following the delay in release.
View this post on Instagram
Normani disclosed in June 2023 that her mother, Andrea Hamilton, was diagnosed with cancer for a second time and a year later her father, Derrick Hamilton was also diagnosed with cancer, according to ET.
The R&B star recalled the moment revealed to her the news as she shared recognizing the situation for herself.
"F**k all of this. This is bigger than the music. It's bigger than what I'm trying to accomplish. This is life or death. All I wanted to do was be there for them," she said of her feeling at the time.
Normani says her parents' cancer diagnoses gave her a new perspective on life
The 'Checklist' singer shared that her parents' cancer diagnoses gave her a new perspective about her future and life leading her to rethink her purpose as an artist.
Normani further shared that music served as a connection for her family, helping her and her parents to transform pain into light.
"Honestly, music got them through the cancer treatments. I remember being on FaceTime with my mom while she was undergoing chemo and her asking me, 'How's the studio today? How's the music coming?'" the singer told the outlet.
"It was in those moments with my parents that made me realize that I have an opportunity to make an impact in this lifetime. I know everything I've been through isn't in vain. There's always something that God wants me to see in the season. It's all in service of making me better for all that he actually has in store for me," she added.
