One of the differences between the recognition of Normani and Ciara is, like you said, Normani comes out when folks are thirsty for darker Black women. While Ciara stayed under the radar cuz there were many other Bw to choose from. Ciara's longevity is speaking for itself though. Hopefully Normani will have longevity as well.
Normani posted on Instagram that she shot this video in the middle of tour, and had only 2 days of rehearsal, and did ithe choreo to only 8 counts to avoid the song leaking. AMAZING.
@@shelamatela1079 she actually has come out with a new album every 2-3 years since she 1st debuted. Her longest hiatus was 2015 till this year (4years). She is just really slept on. I think it's because her voice doesn't have as much range as a diva like Beyonce and she has a very clean image. Black women really do have to work twice as hard to get half the recognition. I'm so glad Russell gave her her masters. She at least deserved that.
The plus size model in the video, earlier this year was denied from entering a club. By a famous rapper said no fat women allowed in. The story made it's round on the Shade Room, etc.
And there is no editing Normani was a gymnast the director already said she did every single move herself the basketball tricks and the backflips people don't understand Normani was a dancer and she was a gymnast before she was anything else that's why I say learn her story before y'all make assumptions she's a chocolate QUEEN
Kelly did have some success over here in the UK where I live with her dance music, e.g. Commander, When Love Takes Over, What a feeling etc. She also has a sizeable Australian fan base. The American market just didn't seem to embrace her and her music the way we did over here.
Normani posted on her IG that it was 2 days worth of rehearsal while on tour with Ariana Grande and that she had like 4 hours of sleep. She also said she was so worried about the song getting leaked that the ENTIRE time dancing was just done to counts. WOW!
"I love the idea of Normani being Normani's wildest dream." Woo! The tears! 😭 what a simply beautiful and profound statement. *THATS* why I always come back to this channel! I ❤ my fellow Black girls and women so much!
I'm not a Fifth Harmony fan, but i have been waiting i n the wings for Normani to step up and do something grand, and this is it. I now stan! This song and video slapped!
I’m much older than 5H but when the Work From Home video came out my eyes were solely focused on Normani, there was something so alluring about her that I just knew she would be a star. I was shocked to find out she wasn’t the lead of the group. Watching her growth and career over the past few years has been extremely exciting. She’s destined to become a superstar
@@oof-rr5nf oooh I've been wondering lately why I dislike pop so much nowadays when I used to like it a lot around 2004 and reading your comments I just got it! It really is depressing... I'll be honest, I'm only finding out about Normani right now and Kim's breakdown has gotten me really interested. Yes! Make pop music fun again!
@@wonzjones6618 Carnelian Cadillac was one of THE main instigators of the horrible treatment of Normani and THEN tried to play victim when she was called out. Her fans were and still are horrible to Normani. Remember when they harassed Normani on twitter with the Photoshop of her face on dead bodies hanging from trees, etc. So...
@@xoMerryxo OK, let me just start by saying I am neither a fith Harmony fan, neither a Normani fan. I did like that one song Havana from Camilla, and I did like a few of Normani songs. However, Camilla is NOT responsible for what her fans does. No, I do not know the incident you are referring to, as U do not have a Twitter account
She just needs a song. She just needs a to work with some good writers and develop something unique. While mixed race women and white women can be basic, society expects so much more from dark skinned girls, sadly.
@@jeremycollins8045 She mentioned on her Insta that she gets just 1 chance to introduce herself to the world. 14+ Million views over 2+ Million spins in just 4 days? Taylor & Miley also had releases over the weekend. Only certain ppl are talking about them and it's not enough of them to make a difference. When you get the chance, watch more reactions ... we are witnessing something we have never seen before!!!
Absolutely loved the video, song was pretty good too. But I think it’s important that we continue to stan Normani even she doesn’t get the credit she deserves. Even if people still underrate her after her album, the important thing is that we as her fans know her worth
Normani is just something else, since the FH days she looked to me so fierce and beautiful compared to the other girls. I understand that Camila also has a good voice and is very charismatic, in general all the girls were talented... But once I heard someone say that Camila was the only superstar material in FH and I was like wtf have you even looked at Normani?! I just feel like this type of comments are out of place, we are speaking of two different types of personalities and stage energy /presence levels.
Cam c: I agree with you. Demi said that is because she wanted to see that. I think Normani shines in a different style of music. I love her dancing and her singing. Get them coins.
Camila I think is much more introverted and better suited for ballads and her songwriting, Normani appears to be more suited for dancing and stage and video performance. Both can excel in their lanes.
I'm a class of '99 girl and this video warmed my heart. Sure, it gave me some nostalgia but it was definitely new. It was all the wonderful things I loved about the 90s and 00s while being fresh AND extra black. I know we're about diversity nowadays but it doesn't only need to come in the form of representing EVERY race/skin tone in EVERY single video/show/movie. It is just as precious and important to see things filled with only black people, only Asian people, only Lantix; because we sure as he'll have plenty of entertainment filled with only white people (and I enjoy a lot of those things). Keep it coming Normani!
I Absolutely love Normani. I've been saying for the longest that she needs the Right song and team. I'm so Happy that she is getting so much Deserved recognition. This video is Beautiful in so many ways. I also love the nostalgia. I agree with everything that you said.
I’m happy to see that Normani is getting her props. It’s annoying that people keep saying that we only like her because she is dark skinned or she’s copying Beyoncé. She is multitalented, she’s gorgeous and she is cementing her place.
Girl you missed that hand stand/ split combo in the rain scene. I also got Aaliyah/ Ciara athletic vibes from the Motivation video. The choreography was wicked, and I loved how hard they were going in the video!
normani was born in atlanta but raised in new orleans and houston. also the basketball scene wasn’t cgi because the director joel kim who also directed the video said they did it in one take.
Whoa, really? Was the flip real too? People are saying she was a gymnast and ballet dancer so its not far fetched I guess for her to be able to hit a back flip.
a.d.w. n. yeah she did gymnastics and ballet during her childhood and teen years. before she started doing pageants and music then did xfactor and got into fifth harmony
I’m just so excited to have a pop star, and a black pop star at that, who puts so much time and effort into not just their music, but their performance. Ariana dances cute, but this is the first time in a while we’ve seen someone who actually PERFORMS getting any real attention since probably Ciara. Honestly, as much as I LOVE Rihanna, it does sadden me that her brand of no-fucks-given performance, which is really enjoyable when she does it, has been so influential, because if you don’t have her energy, you just look like you’re being lazy on stage. I liked the song fine enough, definitely saw the references and geeked out a little, but I also wonder where she’ll be going musically, because so far the few songs she’s done are so varied it’s hard to tell if she’s got a firm style pinned down for it yet. But she’s definitely got everything we need and have needed for a while.
I LOVE HER SO MUCH, I agree with the fifth harmony mention - I really didn't get how Camila was the "star" of the group. ANYWAYSm I am SO excited to see what Normani does next- she is truly excellent!!!
Normani and Lauren were the best ones from Fifth Harmony. I'm so glad Normani is finally being appreciated, her dancing ability and singing ability are just a combo not to be messed with. No one's doing it like her right now! Also the basketball was scene WAS real! She did that. :) Especially being a dark skinned girl, her success would be so meaningful for the industry and a whole community. Love her!
Normani is definitely changing the game. These young artists are going to have to put in work to be on her level. I am soooo happy that the world is seeing how talented and beautiful she is.
So beautiful. I'm so proud & happy for this gifted young woman! I also felt some general nods to Janet. So many. In particular, in the ball court segment, where Normani is standing over the male dancer, it was somewhat reminiscent of some of the choreography in the "If" video. I'm just so damn excited to be seeing a new artist who's such a brilliant dancer & entertainer! I haven't been this excited by female dancer since Ciara & of course, my favorite female artist/icon of all time, Empress Janet!
I really admire your work and aspire to be able to articulate myself in the way you do and make content like you create! You’re such an amazing role model and I truly appreciate the work you do! I have certainly learnt a lot and will no doubt continue to learn from you!
I knew you would love this so much I was just waiting for a video!!! I was a 5h stan for a while and Normani definitely has training in many dance disciplines and was an exceptional gymnast since her younger years!!! Also, she shot this video during her TOURRR?!?! And many of the dance scenes were recorded to no music because they didnt want anyone to leak the song!! The EXCELLENCE!!!!
Normani CLEARLY was a gymnast and dancer before 5th Harmony and it shows. You don't just get good at ballet and gymnastics for one video, it takes years of training and rehearsal to get that good. I personally don't think it was editing that made those tricks that good, it's just Normani being herself (and I think this was confirmed). And when she's dancing you see these little moments where she smiles before going back to being sultry and sexy and you can tell she's just having fun and I love that about her, she genuinely loves her work.
I am just learning about Normani and saw the Motivation video recently. Thank you for providing the context and analysis that is helping me appreciate this new talent! You are a excellent cultural critic and soooooo knowledgeable about black culture and media.
Absolutely stunning visuals and choreography. I loved Waves but this video has me in awe. Normani is beautiful and all black girls should see her in her glory.
Don't forget that she was in rehearsals for this AND filmed this while on tour for Sweetener. She was literally practicing her performance and playing it every night while learning all this rigorous choreography. Your other fav could never!
5 лет назад+7
I only acknowledge Free on 106 and park. And Blue Iveys curls which got the show shut down
Waves should have been a hit! I love that song & I am here for Normani. Love you girl and happy to see a new artist as yourself that is sooooo talented come through! Please choose the right songs so your career can take off!
Harriet, this is a very enlightening piece, especially for those of us that admire the genre, but aren't well versed in the nuances that go well beyond raw sensuality, incredible choreography and compelling visual aesthetics.
STAN NORMANI, KIMBERLY! 💖💖💖💖💖 I got my life watching this video and listening to the song. Like you said, I can't stop watching it. I love that you like pop music so much and know all the little references in the video. I'm happy that Normani is craving out her own path and doing it her way. So many people think Black women should do R&B music only. We can do it ALL‼️
i just love undeniable her talent is.... you can't shut her out!!! she will break thru the backdoor, the window... she wants her spot in the hall of fame of great performers.
This review made me cry 😢 !!! I’m so happy she’s finally living her dreams ❤️❤️👏🏾👏🏾 I hope its all she wanted to be ... Angels 👼🏾 of the lord please protect her 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 yay!! One of our sisters is living her dreams 😢😢😭😭👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏾 you just got a new subbie thanks love ❤️ I didn’t even know who she was until today
She is amazing and stellar. I've been a fan of hers for 4 years since I attended an award show and when Fifth Harmony came in, I screamed YASS and Normani started posing for me haha! Also, I'm a lifelong Janet fan and saw her Las Vegas residency opening night, hope you loved the show! I enjoy the mutual love between Janet and Normani.
I have been aware that Normani is immensely talented for a short while. She truly is. The issue is that I would have missed most of the cultural references you highlighted because I am older and from the UK. My focus is usually on the look and dance moves in any music video. You gave "Motivation" the gold star treatment in this critique. I STAN your intelligence and gift for analysing, dissecting and contextualising. You ROCK. Whenever your class is in session, on ANY subject, I am here! Sidenote, I have watched this video six times in a row. Your eloquence is golden. I hope #Normani gets to see this video.
Get all the bonus content on Patreon! Patreon.com/ForHarriet
Your breakdown gave me chills! Thanks for doing this! Normani is such a superstar, can't wait to see her get the recognition she deserves!
Your review made me tear up, wth. LOL
One of the differences between the recognition of Normani and Ciara is, like you said, Normani comes out when folks are thirsty for darker Black women. While Ciara stayed under the radar cuz there were many other Bw to choose from. Ciara's longevity is speaking for itself though. Hopefully Normani will have longevity as well.
For Harriet love me some normani 💗💖💋🌼💐🌼🌺🌷🐇🐁🐹
i don't like feministss
Normani posted on Instagram that she shot this video in the middle of tour, and had only 2 days of rehearsal, and did ithe choreo to only 8 counts to avoid the song leaking. AMAZING.
As in they did all a dat without music!? GET OUT!
SO WELL PLAYED!
I stan even harder now!
EXCELLENCE!!!!
Wow that is amazing
😲😲😲😲😲
Stanbing
Ciara doesn't get the respect she deserves and it infuriates me. Like a Boy? Get up? Promise!? C'mon!!
preppy vamp Yesss
Ciara did a version of a Rolling Stones song for Queen of the Damned and slayed it.
Ceara did make hits and got allot of respect back in the days. She just stopped bringing it.
@@shelamatela1079 she actually has come out with a new album every 2-3 years since she 1st debuted. Her longest hiatus was 2015 till this year (4years). She is just really slept on. I think it's because her voice doesn't have as much range as a diva like Beyonce and she has a very clean image.
Black women really do have to work twice as hard to get half the recognition. I'm so glad Russell gave her her masters. She at least deserved that.
preppy vamp YES!!! I’ve always felt this!!! I feel like she kind of did before she was with Bow Wow 😔 lol
The plus size model in the video, earlier this year was denied from entering a club. By a famous rapper said no fat women allowed in. The story made it's round on the Shade Room, etc.
avaphynx this elevates the video even more. 🙌🏾
I thought that was her!!
Powerful!
that's her?! nice shade throwing Normani!!!
😂😂😂
I think you mean Future.
“There is a vibrant, black girl culture that cannot be replicated, *SORRY* “ period.
kyra williams PERIODTTTTT!!
Hell yeah well said!!!!!
PERIODTTTT!
Kim, if you don't put that on a t-shirt.
Sorry, not sorry!
And there is no editing Normani was a gymnast the director already said she did every single move herself the basketball tricks and the backflips people don't understand Normani was a dancer and she was a gymnast before she was anything else that's why I say learn her story before y'all make assumptions she's a chocolate QUEEN
Exactly she did all if that
The baskettball scene is probably not as we see it, i think she used two balls for that but yeah, it was one take, no cg.
Normani is what we wish would have happened for Kelly after D.C.
Amanda Banks so true
Thats True.. Kelly would have been lit but she always felt like second best and didnt try... I WANTED MORE FOR HER
Kelly was and is amazing, she just didn't get enough support imo. It's like people didn't know they could support Bey AND Kelly.
Yeah Kelly make good music but she just needs a new team
Kelly did have some success over here in the UK where I live with her dance music, e.g. Commander, When Love Takes Over, What a feeling etc. She also has a sizeable Australian fan base. The American market just didn't seem to embrace her and her music the way we did over here.
Normani posted on her IG that it was 2 days worth of rehearsal while on tour with Ariana Grande and that she had like 4 hours of sleep. She also said she was so worried about the song getting leaked that the ENTIRE time dancing was just done to counts. WOW!
She just needs a hit song because everything else is on point
와우Stamped Adventures Motivation is a pop song.
SHE REALLY DIDNT GIVE US A CHANCE BUT TO STAN HER 😍💔😭
Something I noticed as well is when child Normani is in the room, the wall is decorated with images of several civil rights icons.
Where?
WHOEVER IS ON HER TEAM SHE NEEDS TO KEEP!!
"I love the idea of Normani being Normani's wildest dream."
Woo! The tears! 😭 what a simply beautiful and profound statement.
*THATS* why I always come back to this channel!
I ❤ my fellow Black girls and women so much!
I'm not a Fifth Harmony fan, but i have been waiting i n the wings for Normani to step up and do something grand, and this is it. I now stan! This song and video slapped!
YES!!!!!
Crazy thing is, she said she feels like this isn’t even her best work, the best is yet to come. We love a hard worker!!!!
I’m much older than 5H but when the Work From Home video came out my eyes were solely focused on Normani, there was something so alluring about her that I just knew she would be a star. I was shocked to find out she wasn’t the lead of the group.
Watching her growth and career over the past few years has been extremely exciting. She’s destined to become a superstar
"YOU ARE YOUR WILDEST DREAM" A WORD!
Normani is a force. She’s bringing back the dancing and fun to pop!!
oh god, i hope it sticks. i am super sick of pop music being so depressing.
@@oof-rr5nf oooh I've been wondering lately why I dislike pop so much nowadays when I used to like it a lot around 2004 and reading your comments I just got it! It really is depressing... I'll be honest, I'm only finding out about Normani right now and Kim's breakdown has gotten me really interested. Yes! Make pop music fun again!
Yeah. I hope more pop videos include choreography like in old times. Now everything is just plain.
Girl just to hear the excitement and the pride in your voice it makes me smile, this video is magical, black girl magic 100000%
Oh yesss i agree!
we all know why camilla was pushed in fifth harmony and not normani...
Gabriella S, only racism will deny such talent where Camilla is over Normani periodt.
But she wasn't though. Camilla left because of bad treatment. Like yes, let's push Normani, but let's also get our facts straight.
@@wonzjones6618 Carnelian Cadillac was one of THE main instigators of the horrible treatment of Normani and THEN tried to play victim when she was called out. Her fans were and still are horrible to Normani. Remember when they harassed Normani on twitter with the Photoshop of her face on dead bodies hanging from trees, etc. So...
@@xoMerryxo OK, let me just start by saying I am neither a fith Harmony fan, neither a Normani fan. I did like that one song Havana from Camilla, and I did like a few of Normani songs. However, Camilla is NOT responsible for what her fans does. No, I do not know the incident you are referring to, as U do not have a Twitter account
@@wonzjones6618 She called Nomani the N word.... then she played the victim... She seemed very complacent when her fans were harrasing Nomani.
I’ve been wanting you to make this vid since the music video came out... also Normani is finally getting the credit she deserves and it’s amazing
Meee tooo♥️👌👏👏
Her on dancing with the stars had me stanning her hard as hell
I love how she's owning the Beyonce comparison instead of shying away from it. This was the most amazing video. I am so here for it.
AJ & Free is the only 106 and Park I recognize lol
Only lol
Period.
💯
Case closed.
nExt cAsE!! 😄
Exactly
when your fav talks about your fav... fav-ception
this comment with your avatar picture LOOOL
She just needs a song.
She just needs a to work with some good writers and develop something unique.
While mixed race women and white women can be basic, society expects so much more from dark skinned girls, sadly.
What are you talking about? This song is trending worldwide! And setting records. She's on the right track. And her fanbase is diverse.
She has an entire album that she will be releasing in a few ... we will see what she has for us soon enough. I don't think she will disappoint.
Channel Fiend I Agree I think this song is just to get the GP attention
@@jeremycollins8045 She mentioned on her Insta that she gets just 1 chance to introduce herself to the world. 14+ Million views over 2+ Million spins in just 4 days? Taylor & Miley also had releases over the weekend. Only certain ppl are talking about them and it's not enough of them to make a difference.
When you get the chance, watch more reactions ... we are witnessing something we have never seen before!!!
Channel Fiend yes we are witnessing greatness happen. Maybe if this has a very big impact Black artist can take pop music hopefully
Sees the title and BOOM 🤷🏾♂️ Normani is a true pop star! She is just incredible! iStan!
the basketball scene wasn't CGI, she did that in one take ...all the more reason to STAN!!
This video is already a classic in my eyes. A star is born and her name is NORMANI
Absolutely loved the video, song was pretty good too. But I think it’s important that we continue to stan Normani even she doesn’t get the credit she deserves. Even if people still underrate her after her album, the important thing is that we as her fans know her worth
when she winded her waist i immediately thought of bey in her virgo jeans
I choked when I saw her twerk on that fence!
brenda94931 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Normani taking all HER THINGS!!
I love you saying Ciara doesn't get enough recognition 💕
Normani is just something else, since the FH days she looked to me so fierce and beautiful compared to the other girls. I understand that Camila also has a good voice and is very charismatic, in general all the girls were talented... But once I heard someone say that Camila was the only superstar material in FH and I was like wtf have you even looked at Normani?! I just feel like this type of comments are out of place, we are speaking of two different types of personalities and stage energy /presence levels.
Cam c: I agree with you. Demi said that is because she wanted to see that. I think Normani shines in a different style of music. I love her dancing and her singing. Get them coins.
Camila I think is much more introverted and better suited for ballads and her songwriting, Normani appears to be more suited for dancing and stage and video performance. Both can excel in their lanes.
Black girl culture all day....... love my ebony's♥️
the genius the creativity the influence the power the culture the absolute mastery. nothing else we can do but STAN!
And let’s not forget she learned all the choreography in 2days😫👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I'm a class of '99 girl and this video warmed my heart. Sure, it gave me some nostalgia but it was definitely new. It was all the wonderful things I loved about the 90s and 00s while being fresh AND extra black. I know we're about diversity nowadays but it doesn't only need to come in the form of representing EVERY race/skin tone in EVERY single video/show/movie. It is just as precious and important to see things filled with only black people, only Asian people, only Lantix; because we sure as he'll have plenty of entertainment filled with only white people (and I enjoy a lot of those things). Keep it coming Normani!
I Absolutely love Normani. I've been saying for the longest that she needs the Right song and team. I'm so Happy that she is getting so much Deserved recognition. This video is Beautiful in so many ways. I also love the nostalgia. I agree with everything that you said.
I’m good thank you for asking.
Not to talk trash on Camila, but I always found her voice really thin and reedy. Would not have expected her to be the breakout at first.
She was always my least favorite voice in the group.
SAAAME
Now her ass getting busted for racism ha
@@brianamishellvlogs8067 😂😂 I don't know why but your comment made me laugh.
Like a piercing higher pitched fog horn.
I’m happy to see that Normani is getting her props. It’s annoying that people keep saying that we only like her because she is dark skinned or she’s copying Beyoncé. She is multitalented, she’s gorgeous and she is cementing her place.
Even if we like her because she's dark skinned....
They stanned all their faves because they're light bright so...🤷🏾♀️
LOL
Girl you missed that hand stand/ split combo in the rain scene. I also got Aaliyah/ Ciara athletic vibes from the Motivation video. The choreography was wicked, and I loved how hard they were going in the video!
normani was born in atlanta but raised in new orleans and houston. also the basketball scene wasn’t cgi because the director joel kim who also directed the video said they did it in one take.
taesyeon thank you I wanted to know if it was real
Whoa, really? Was the flip real too? People are saying she was a gymnast and ballet dancer so its not far fetched I guess for her to be able to hit a back flip.
a.d.w. n. yeah she did gymnastics and ballet during her childhood and teen years. before she started doing pageants and music then did xfactor and got into fifth harmony
Wow
y'all...joel kim booster is a comedian. he was joking. dave meyers and daniel russell directed. this was not filmed in one take.
I love your breakdown and this representation!!! She is amazing performer.
I’m not feeling the song, however, i’m backing Normani all the way.
innsaei so agree
@@user-mb9nm7bq5e Lol sucks is a bit too strong. Love Lies is her best release so far. I hope she can have a hit soon.
Agreed! It didn't move me but I am here for her shinning and winning!
I guess you don't like Beyonce's Check On It because it has the same beat and styling ...
@@ChannelFiend ok but we are talking about the song. Her lycirs not the beat and the styling. We love the beat,the styling,and video.
She is amazing. Period.
She has it all. She's incredibly talented and beautiful.
Also, the song name, record label, and director info on the screen was Definitely a throwback!!
So well said. 100% agree. Normani is a queen!!!
I’m just so excited to have a pop star, and a black pop star at that, who puts so much time and effort into not just their music, but their performance. Ariana dances cute, but this is the first time in a while we’ve seen someone who actually PERFORMS getting any real attention since probably Ciara. Honestly, as much as I LOVE Rihanna, it does sadden me that her brand of no-fucks-given performance, which is really enjoyable when she does it, has been so influential, because if you don’t have her energy, you just look like you’re being lazy on stage. I liked the song fine enough, definitely saw the references and geeked out a little, but I also wonder where she’ll be going musically, because so far the few songs she’s done are so varied it’s hard to tell if she’s got a firm style pinned down for it yet. But she’s definitely got everything we need and have needed for a while.
Her flip on the basketball court gave me Usher's My Way video vibes. Even the cinematography of it.
Normani is a gift! We better know a blessing when we see it!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I love this breakdown! She is gorgeous and Uber talented and I’m loving the representation-I. It’s being done properly!
I LOVE HER SO MUCH, I agree with the fifth harmony mention - I really didn't get how Camila was the "star" of the group. ANYWAYSm I am SO excited to see what Normani does next- she is truly excellent!!!
I love unapologetically black art too
Her song with Khalid was everything to me.
You don't need to put Camila down in order to uplift Normani. God has a plan for everyone. And right now is her time to shine period.
A lot of people say Camila was always meant to be the Justin Timberlake of the group and I’m like whaaat! Normani exists!
This is the start of something new (high school musical tease)
Didn’t realize her body was that perfect
Normani and Lauren were the best ones from Fifth Harmony. I'm so glad Normani is finally being appreciated, her dancing ability and singing ability are just a combo not to be messed with. No one's doing it like her right now! Also the basketball was scene WAS real! She did that. :) Especially being a dark skinned girl, her success would be so meaningful for the industry and a whole community. Love her!
I've seen tons of Normani Motivation reaction videos and this was *THEE BEST* I LOVE the way you broke it down. ✋🏾👍🏽
Motivation is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Her video was AMAZING 🥰🥰
Also got the Amerie why can’t we fall in love vibe from the dude walking down the street.
We must..MUST protect Normani.
Normani is definitely changing the game. These young artists are going to have to put in work to be on her level. I am soooo happy that the world is seeing how talented and beautiful she is.
Thank you sis!!! No one on the video comments was mentioning Aaliyah, and it was driving me mad.
The flip reminds me of Usher "My Way"
Esoteric it's both my way and baby one more time
This girl is EVERYTHING!
Normani was always the star of the group! I love seeing her breakout on her own and kill it!
Gurl this title truly encapsulates all my feelings about Normani she truly is that girl and I will forever support her and her success.
Normani is the new Princess of Pop Music
@Charles Cason As if Ariana, Taylor and Katy can dance like that?
You have a new fan, because this commentary is top notch. So well considered and delivered. I stan Normani and I stan you!
Your editing level and analysis are just impressive
I’ve watched this video many times and I am going to watch it again.
Ciara, has been one of my favorites for all time!!!!!! She is completely slept on.
Excellent job shouting out an amazing talent.
We staaaaaan Normani and Kim
So beautiful. I'm so proud & happy for this gifted young woman! I also felt some general nods to Janet. So many. In particular, in the ball court segment, where Normani is standing over the male dancer, it was somewhat reminiscent of some of the choreography in the "If" video.
I'm just so damn excited to be seeing a new artist who's such a brilliant dancer & entertainer! I haven't been this excited by female dancer since Ciara & of course, my favorite female artist/icon of all time, Empress Janet!
Normani slayed & so did you with this commentary!
Very much appreciated
the chain outfit in the rain reminded me of kelly rowland’s dress in Like This
Or Toni Braxton 'He wasn't man enough ' video
I really admire your work and aspire to be able to articulate myself in the way you do and make content like you create! You’re such an amazing role model and I truly appreciate the work you do! I have certainly learnt a lot and will no doubt continue to learn from you!
I knew you would love this so much I was just waiting for a video!!! I was a 5h stan for a while and Normani definitely has training in many dance disciplines and was an exceptional gymnast since her younger years!!! Also, she shot this video during her TOURRR?!?! And many of the dance scenes were recorded to no music because they didnt want anyone to leak the song!! The EXCELLENCE!!!!
Normani CLEARLY was a gymnast and dancer before 5th Harmony and it shows. You don't just get good at ballet and gymnastics for one video, it takes years of training and rehearsal to get that good. I personally don't think it was editing that made those tricks that good, it's just Normani being herself (and I think this was confirmed). And when she's dancing you see these little moments where she smiles before going back to being sultry and sexy and you can tell she's just having fun and I love that about her, she genuinely loves her work.
I am just learning about Normani and saw the Motivation video recently. Thank you for providing the context and analysis that is helping me appreciate this new talent! You are a excellent cultural critic and soooooo knowledgeable about black culture and media.
Absolutely stunning visuals and choreography. I loved Waves but this video has me in awe. Normani is beautiful and all black girls should see her in her glory.
she's incredible can't get enough of that video
Don't forget that she was in rehearsals for this AND filmed this while on tour for Sweetener. She was literally practicing her performance and playing it every night while learning all this rigorous choreography. Your other fav could never!
I only acknowledge Free on 106 and park. And Blue Iveys curls which got the show shut down
Waves should have been a hit! I love that song & I am here for Normani. Love you girl and happy to see a new artist as yourself that is sooooo talented come through! Please choose the right songs so your career can take off!
This video is an instant classic filled with so many iconic moments. Amazing!
Harriet, this is a very enlightening piece, especially for those of us that admire the genre, but aren't well versed in the nuances that go well beyond raw sensuality, incredible choreography and compelling visual aesthetics.
STAN NORMANI, KIMBERLY! 💖💖💖💖💖
I got my life watching this video and listening to the song. Like you said, I can't stop watching it. I love that you like pop music so much and know all the little references in the video. I'm happy that Normani is craving out her own path and doing it her way. So many people think Black women should do R&B music only. We can do it ALL‼️
🔥🔥The only review that mattered🔥🔥🔥
i just love undeniable her talent is.... you can't shut her out!!! she will break thru the backdoor, the window... she wants her spot in the hall of fame of great performers.
This review made me cry 😢 !!! I’m so happy she’s finally living her dreams ❤️❤️👏🏾👏🏾 I hope its all she wanted to be ... Angels 👼🏾 of the lord please protect her 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 yay!! One of our sisters is living her dreams 😢😢😭😭👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏾 you just got a new subbie thanks love ❤️ I didn’t even know who she was until today
She is amazing and stellar. I've been a fan of hers for 4 years since I attended an award show and when Fifth Harmony came in, I screamed YASS and Normani started posing for me haha! Also, I'm a lifelong Janet fan and saw her Las Vegas residency opening night, hope you loved the show! I enjoy the mutual love between Janet and Normani.
Truly this is a REAL REVIEW YOU GO GIRL....!!!! AND THE EDITING...!!!
This whole video was a work of art!!! And my bisexual ass was so happy... And yeah Ciera is my forever dance icon
I have been aware that Normani is immensely talented for a short while. She truly is. The issue is that I would have missed most of the cultural references you highlighted because I am older and from the UK. My focus is usually on the look and dance moves in any music video. You gave "Motivation" the gold star treatment in this critique. I STAN your intelligence and gift for analysing, dissecting and contextualising. You ROCK. Whenever your class is in session, on ANY subject, I am here!
Sidenote, I have watched this video six times in a row. Your eloquence is golden. I hope #Normani gets to see this video.