DOPAMINE is the long-awaited debut studio album from American singer Normani, released on June 14, 2024.
In August 2019, Normani released “Motivation” as the lead single from the album. However, after the project was delayed, the single was replaced by “Wild Side” featuring American rapper Cardi B, released in July 2021. “Fair” was released in March 2022 as the album’s second single. During its release party, guests would have the opportunity to listen to the follow-up, “Candy Paint”. However, its release was delayed once again.
On February 21, 2024, Normani finally announced the album’s title and cover art. The track “1:59” featuring American rapper Gunna was released as the first single on April 26. The fan-favorite “Candy Paint” was released on May 31.
On June 12, the album’s tracklist was unveiled.
I really wanted the record to feel like a dopamine hit. I wanted it to feel energetic. When I think back to when the album, and what I wanted to say with it, started to make sense, it was still COVID, and I wanted something that felt like the opposite of that time—something that made people feel good and energetic and powerful, and confident and assertive and aggressive, yet feminine. Because I am all of those things. With the album cover, me and my creative director went back and forth for probably a good five months, I kid you not, before we even shot the artwork. I just wanted it to feel like an era, honestly. And I wanted it to feel iconic visually, and with the fashion too. I always talk about Rihanna’s Loud era, or any of the different eras she’s had throughout the course of her career—you know exactly, either based on her hair or her outfit or the energy she gives, what record that was. That’s what I wanted.
— via Vogue
Dopamine represents the highs and the lows I’ve endured. It’s been such an emotional roller coaster. I worked relentlessly with my creative director, [Kwasi Fordjour]. We did our research. I really wanted to have a title that felt like it definitely encompassed everything that I feel I’ve been through in my journey to get to the point that I’m in right now. [The cover] feels energetic. It feels like a hit, and I feel like people have been waiting—[it’s been] one of the most highly anticipated projects.
— via Elle
thank you jesus. thank you jesus. thank you jesus. have really been over here all morning doing my best to find the words to articulate my gratitude for everyone that has endured with me throughout this process and who has continued to believe in me. this album was legit one of the hardest things in life for me over the years. literally can’t even entirely verbalize my appreciation in this moment because of how overwhelmed my heart is in the most magical way possible. ahhhhh my thoughts are obviously all over the place lol imma try this again tomorrow hahaha
—via X
My favorite song on the album is “Tantrums” featuring James Blake. I, honestly, just felt liberated throught the process and I felt like I was able to be experimental in a way, and there really wasn’t any expectation. I was able to just be. We went throught a lot of different versions, though. This song, that I’ve ever record on the album, went throught the most changes, for sure, but we landed it in a pretty good spot.