By: Rainy “Country Cutie” Cates
Okay, grab your popcorn, because this is going to be a real ride. If you haven’t heard, Queen Naija just made a controversial statement about TikTok and the future of music—and let me tell you, it didn’t hold back. The R&B singer, known for her powerful vocals and unapologetic opinions, sparked a conversation that’s already going viral. But did it go too far? Or does he want something we all need to hear?
Let’s break it down.
By now, we all know what’s up with TikTok. The platform that has catapulted countless unknowns to fame is on the ropes. Between political drama, national security concerns, and threats of an outright ban, it looks like the app we’ve all been browsing religiously could be saying goodbye sooner than we think.
TikTok has changed the cultural games – make no mistake about it. It is a platform where artists have gained millions of followers based on 15 second viral clips. Whether it’s a catchy beat, a viral dance challenge, or lip-syncing 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, the Naija queen made waves when she said, “I feel like TikTok going away will open doors again for artists making REAL music.”
Pant!
Let’s pause and take a moment because this is a BIG claim. What does he mean by “REAL music”? Is he overshadowing the TikTok community? Or does he just want to see the return of full albums, meaningful lyrics, and music that doesn’t just live for a 10-second viral clip?
It’s not like Queen Naija said that TikTok artists are not artists. No. He specifically said real music, and there is a huge difference.
Look, TikTok has given many artists a chance to be seen—whether they were ready for it or not. Lil Nas X went from viral meme to Grammy-winning artist thanks to TikTok. Olivia Rodrigo’s hit single ‘Drivers License’ essentially lived on the app before becoming 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 really translate into long-lasting music 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 this “artist” still there? Will they still have an album that will stand the test of time, or was it just a flash in the pan.
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Don’t get me wrong, I love a viral moment. But let’s face it, making a career out of a miracle is like winning the lottery — rare, fleeting, and mostly the product of algorithmic whimsy. Real music, the kind that lasts, requires more than a catchy sound. It requires art, time, effort and most importantly: emotion.
Now, the Naija queen is up to something. REAL music is about art. It’s about sitting down, writing lyrics that speak to your soul, creating melodies that make sense, and pouring your heart into the track—especially when the studio isn’t a place where you just follow trends or emulate whatever it’s viral.
It takes months, years and sometimes a lifetime to create a work that can stand the test of time. We’re talking full albums, live shows, and a connection with fans based not on a TikTok challenge but on pure artistry. Real musicians build legacies – albums that people will still be pumping in 20 years. NWA’s ‘Straight Outta Compton’? A classic. Usher’s “Confessions”? Virtual. These are not TikTok hits. These are true, timeless albums that have spawned entire musical eras.
Now, before we go any further, let’s not discredit TikTokers. There are people on TikTok who make art in their own way. They create moments, influence trends and bring attention to new music in ways that traditional platforms cannot. They are entertainers in their own right and their influence is undeniable.
A commenter on Queen Naija’s statement made an excellent point: “People on tik tok are also real artists.”
And you know what? I totally agree with that. TikTok artists create art in their own lane. But Queen Naija never said they weren’t artists – she just said they don’t *make real music*.
There is a difference between being a ‘creator’ and being a ‘musician’. The lines have blurred and it’s time to recognize that both sides can exist without tearing each other down. TikTokers, keep doing your job. But remember, there’s still room for albums, live shows, and music that sticks with you long after you close the app.
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The end of TikTok—if it actually happens—could very well open the door for artists focused on creating timeless, genre-defining music. We may see a return to the days when artists had to make it through traditional channels, focusing on building fan bases 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, cry, dance and most importantly, make us believe in the power of music.
So tell me, what do you think? Is Queen Naija right? Will the end of TikTok really pave the way for REAL music to rise again? Or are you one of the TikTok crowd that thinks these artists deserve just as much recognition? Leave a comment below, share your thoughts and let’s continue the conversation.
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.
