By: Rainy ” Country Cutie” Cates
Okay, grab your popcorn, because this one is going to be a real ride. If you haven’t heard, Queen Naija just dropped a controversial statement about TikTok and the future of music—and let me tell you, she didn’t hold back. The R&B singer, known for her powerhouse vocals and unapologetic takes, sparked a debate that’s already going viral. But did she go too far? Or is she onto something we all need to hear?
Let’s break it down.
By now, we all know what’s going on with TikTok. The platform that skyrocketed countless unknowns to fame is on the ropes. Between political drama, national security concerns, and threats of a complete ban, it’s looking like the app we’ve all been scrolling through religiously could be saying goodbye sooner than we think.
TikTok has been a cultural game-changer—don’t get it twisted. It’s a platform where artists have gained millions of followers based on 15 seconds of viral clips. Whether it’s a catchy beat, a viral dance challenge, or a lip-sync to the latest chart-topping hit, TikTok has catapulted artists from obscurity to superstardom.
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Now, here’s where it gets spicy. Recently, Queen Naija made waves when she said, “I feel like TikTok being gone will open doors back up for artists who make REAL music.”
Gasp!
Let’s pause and take a moment because this is a BIG claim. What does she mean by “REAL music”? Is she throwing shade at the TikTok community? Or does she just want to see the return of full albums, lyrics with meaning, and music that doesn’t just live for a 10-second viral clip?
It’s not like Queen Naija said that TikTok artists aren’t artists. No. She specifically said real music, and there’s a massive difference.
Look, TikTok has given many artists the chance to be seen—whether they were ready for it or not. Lil Nas X went from viral meme to a Grammy-winning artist thanks to TikTok. Olivia Rodrigo’s hit single “Drivers License” practically lived on the app before it became a chart-topping anthem.
But here’s the thing: While TikTok is an incredible tool for discovery, the real question is: Does a viral TikTok song truly translate into long-term musical careers?
Sure, people love the catchy hooks, the dances, the 15-second snippets that take over your feed. But what happens when the viral trend fades? Is that “artist” still around? Will they still have an album that stands the test of time, or were they just a flash in the pan.
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Don’t get me wrong, I love a viral moment. But let’s be honest, creating a career off a one-hit-wonder is like winning the lottery—rare, fleeting, and mostly a product of the algorithm’s whim. True music, the kind that lasts, requires more than a catchy soundbite. It requires artistry, time, effort, and most importantly: emotion.
Now, Queen Naija is onto something. REAL music is about the craft. It’s about sitting down, writing lyrics that speak to your soul, creating melodies that carry meaning, and putting your heart on the track—especially when the studio isn’t a place where you’re just following trends or mimicking what’s viral.
It takes months, years, and sometimes a lifetime to create a body of work that can stand the test of time. We’re talking full albums, live performances, and a connection with fans that doesn’t rely on a TikTok challenge but on pure artistry. Real musicians are building legacies—albums that people will still be bumping in 20 years. “Straight Outta Compton” by N.W.A? A classic. “Confessions” by Usher? Iconic. These aren’t TikTok hits; these are real, timeless albums that have created entire musical eras.
Now, before we go any further, let’s not discredit TikTokers. There are people on TikTok making art in their own way. They are creating moments, influencing trends, and bringing attention to new music in ways traditional platforms can’t. They’re entertainers in their own right, and their influence is undeniable.
One commenter on Queen Naija’s statement made an excellent point: “People on tik tok are real artists also.”
And you know what? I totally agree with that. TikTok artists are creating art in their own lane. But Queen Naija never said they weren’t artists—she just said they aren’t *making real music*.
There’s a difference between being a “creator” and being a “musician.” The lines have blurred, and it’s time we acknowledge that both sides can exist without tearing each other down. TikTokers, keep doing your thing. But remember, there’s still a place for albums, live shows, and music that sticks with you long after the app has closed.
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The end of TikTok—if it truly happens—could very well open up the door for artists who are focused on creating timeless, genre-defining music. We may see a return to the days when artists had to grind it out through traditional channels, focusing on building fanbases the old-fashioned way: through live shows, full albums, and not just viral TikTok dances.
But for us music lovers, the ultimate takeaway is this: Real music never goes out of style. TikTok or not, we will always be here for the true artists who make us feel, make us cry, make us dance, and most importantly, make us believe in the power of music.
So tell me, what do you think? Is Queen Naija right? Will TikTok’s end truly pave the way for REAL music to rise again? Or are you part of the TikTok crowd that believes those artists are just as deserving of recognition? Drop a comment below, share your thoughts, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Let’s not forget—when it comes to music, whether it’s 15 seconds or 15 minutes, true artistry will always find a way to shine.
