Normani set to release her long-awaited debut album 'Dopamine' after family battled double cancer diagnosis

Normani took a hiatus from her music career after her parents began cancer treatment
PUBLISHED FEB 23, 2024
Normani revealed her father and mother were diagnosed with cancer (Instagram/@normani)
Normani revealed her father and mother were diagnosed with cancer (Instagram/@normani)

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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Normani (@normani)


 

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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Normani (@normani)


 

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.

MORE STORIES

The post Khloe Kardashian liked featured Charlie Kirk speaking with a fan at an event about his devout Christian faith
Sep 13, 2025
Whitney Cummings sparked widespread outrage after posting a controversial tweet about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Sep 13, 2025
Prince Harry was spotted entering King Charles’s London residence, months after saying his father had ignored his calls
Sep 11, 2025
Rosie O'Donnell said Ellen DeGeneres’ friendship denial hurt so much she printed T-shirts for her staff reading, 'I don’t know Rosie, we’re not friends'
Sep 10, 2025
A post alleged that Karoline Leavitt called Patti LaBelle 'just a singer,' leading LaBelle to deliver a seven-word response that froze the studio
Sep 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez feels free channeling emotions into music, but Ben Affleck is embarrassed and sees it as crossing a line, according to the source
Sep 9, 2025
Howard Stern added that he missed last week’s show due to illness, not contract talks, and addressed rumors of being fired from his own show
Sep 9, 2025
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement in August 2025 triggered a wave of pregnancy chatter after an ultrasound photo went viral
Sep 9, 2025
Ed Sheeran, 34, revealed that he was leaving Suffolk with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter
Sep 9, 2025
From Ice Spice’s chaotic corset to Paris Hilton’s flame dress, see the celebs who landed on the worst-dressed list at the 2025 VMAs
Sep 8, 2025