Capella Grey recently shared a TikTok live video from influencer Pinky Doll, raising questions about influencers transitioning to music careers instead of aligning with their brand. This debate has sparked a larger conversation about the success and authenticity of influencers turned musicians.
Is Capella The Drama?
In a social media post on Nov. 14, Capella Grey reposted a live video from TikTok influencer Pinky Doll, questioning why influencers choose to pursue music when they go viral instead of sticking to ventures that align with their brand. Grey tweeted:
“Why not start a popcorn company or ‘yes yes yes’ lip gloss or some shit. Why ya keep doing music when ya go viral instead of doing on brand shit that makes sense?”
This led to a discussion online, with users sharing their frustrations about influencers branching into music instead of focusing on their original areas of expertise.
One user, @iamkiraj, mentioned“ Listennnn when the gorilla glue hair girl chose to drop TSHIRTS and a song when the whole world was watching instead of an edge control and hair line I was pisseddddd,” while another user (@bombeblizzy) stated, “Because these are ppl who fall into the attention and don’t know what to do with it….even her NPC don’t hit the same now that people know about her. The illusion is gone. A line of popcorn makes all the sense!”
‘Cash Me Outside’
Capella Grey’s critique extends to other artists who started their careers as influencers.
Bhad Bhabie, also known as Danielle Bregoli, rose to fame after her appearance on Dr. Phil in 2016. She capitalized on her viral catchphrase, “Cash Me Outside, How ‘Bout Dat,” by releasing music. Bregoli became the youngest female rapper to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 since pursuing a successful music career, along with ventures such as tours and her own makeup brand.
R.B.T.G.
Dess Dior and Jayda Cheaves, best known for their roles on BET+’s The Impact: Atlanta, is another example of influencers turned musicians.
The duo gained popularity through their influencer careers and later ventured into the music industry. Cheaves claimed to have acted as the executive producer for Dess Dior and Lil Baby in a 2022 episode of TIATL, demonstrating their transition from influencing to music-making.
From YouTube To Billboard
DDG, a rapper hailing from Pontiac, Michigan, initially gained attention through his YouTube channel, where he promoted various brands.
After releasing songs like “Bank” and “No Label,” featuring notable artists such as YBN Nahmir and G Herbo, DDG’s music career began to take off. His YouTube success opened doors for him and allowed him to explore new opportunities in the industry.
Lil Yachty Says Streamers Make More Money Than Rappers
The influence of social media and the rise of streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube have contributed to this ongoing conversation about the earning potential of influencers compared to traditional musicians. Lil Yachty recently sparked a discussion about how public figures in the streaming world, such as Kai Cenat and Adin Ross, can potentially earn more than chart-topping rappers.