The wait is almost over. After announcing her debut solo album “Dopamine” last month, Normani announced that the project’s first single, “1:59,” will feature rapper Gunna and will be released on April 26 via RCA Records.
Fans on social media have been wondering about the album’s whereabouts since the former Fifth Harmony singer revealed the cover art and title for “Dopamine” in February. Shortly after, she posted a snippet of a song that may appear recorded on her social media accounts. After that, she was largely silent on social media and news was minimal. That is, until yesterday, when I relayed a post on X (formerly Twitter) that there was an announcement in store for today.
Since her split from Fifth Harmony in 2018, Normani has released music here and there through singles and features. She had moderate chart success with “Dancing With a Stranger” alongside Sam Smith and “Love Lies” with Khaled, while Cardi B’s duet “Wild Side” reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her single of the year 2019 “Motivation”. It peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Normani promised new music in 2022 when she signed a global publishing deal with Hipgnosis Song Collective. Last May, she parted ways with manager Brandon Silverstein of S10 Entertainment, and quickly signed a new management contract with Brandon Creed and Lydia Asrat (Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, Coco Jones).
Although little is known about dopamine, Normani explained last month that it’s worth the wait. “I know what you went through,” she told Who What Wear. “For me, this next album isn’t just about the music. It feels like a representation of everything I’ve been through to get to this moment… I know I needed the time, experiences and space to come out of Fifth Harmony in order to become the version of me I needed to be. And without (Fifth Harmony) All of that), I wouldn’t be able to exist in the creative space I’m in now. I wouldn’t be able to make the kind of music I make now.