Once a musical artist reaches the peak of their career, it’s extremely difficult to stay on top. Many have felt the pressure to chase that same success and stay relevant. For these artists, they were once loved and supported by fans worldwide but now, they seem to be struggling to achieve even a hit single with their new releases.
What went wrong? Was it the performers themselves or was it poor marketing management? We may not have all the answers, but here’s what we do know about what could’ve possibly caused these artists’ downfall:
1. Katy Perry
Let’s start with the most recent one. Katy Perry’s career reached new heights when she released the album “Teenage Dream”, which earned her multiple Grammy nominations. Every single from that album reached the top 5 spots on music charts making her one of the few female artists to achieve such a milestone. Sadly, things went downhill after her 5th studio album “Witness” was met with mixed reception from critics.
Her latest album “143” is set to be released this September but the two singles “Woman’s World” and “Lifetimes” failed to crack even the Top 50 on music charts. It also didn’t help that the producer on this album – Dr. Luke – has been accused of and went to trial for allegedly raping and abusing Kesha.
2. Cardi B
After breaking into the scene with her debut album “Invasion Of Privacy” in 2018, Cardi B made her mark as one of the top female rappers of the late 2010s. The album broke multiple records and each single reached the Top 10 in music charts. Her beef with Nicki Minaj also helped attract more people to her music.
Surprisingly, the rapper’s debut album is still the only album she’s ever put out. Over the years, she’s only been a featured artist on countless songs which is partly the reason why fans are upset with her. Plus, her divorce from Offset could also have played a role in why she hasn’t been doing well lately.
3. Nicki Minaj
Earning the title “The Queen of Rap”, Nicki Minaj made history with the release of her album “Pink Friday” back in 2010. Her wordplay, speed and flow were simply unmatched. Who here listens to Kanye’s “Monster” for Nicki’s verses?
Ironically, her career went downhill after the release of her 4th album “Queen” in 2018. Although the first single “Chun-Li” did well, the subsequent singles failed to reach the Top 10 on the charts. Her marriage to convicted rapist Kenneth Petty was also one of the reasons for her downfall as fans disapprove of them being together; that and the AI-generated promotional art for her album “Pink Friday 2”.
4. Camila Cabello
She is arguably the most famous and successful member of Fifth Harmony before her departure. Quitting a popular group doesn’t always end well but Camila Cabello proved everyone wrong after the release of her single “Havana” back in 2017. Her debut album became a hit and was even nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album. She and singer Shawn Mendes were also one of the most talked-about Hollywood couples after going public with their relationship.
Things went south after their breakup in 2021, the same year she was hit with more racist allegations. Due to the backlash, she had taken part in weekly racial healing sessions administered by the racial equity group National Compadres Network. Her latest album “C,XOXO” debuted at number 13 with only 36,000 sales first week.
5. Lil Nas X
After the release of his single “Oldtown Road” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus In 2019, Lil Nas X made history for remaining at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 consecutive weeks. The song also earned him two Grammy wins for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video.
His newer songs haven’t been able to enjoy the same chart success. His single “J Christ” peaked at only number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100. One of the reasons for his downfall is probably due to his controversy with mocking religion.
6. Lil Kim
Before there was Nicki Minaj, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, there was Missy Elliot and Lil Kim. The latter became one of the best female rappers in the 90s. Her album “The Notorious K.I.M.” sold 229,000 copies during its first week. One of her most iconic collaborations was on the song “Lady Marmalade” with Christina Aguilera, Pink and Mya.
Her last album “9”, although received positive reviews, failed to chart and only sold about 1000 copies during its first week. Just like another rapper on this list, the 50-year-old was also embroiled in a feud with Nicki Minaj.
7. DaBaby
In 2020, American rapper DaBaby’s 3rd album “Blame It on A Baby” debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 with 124,000 first-week sales. He also scored multiple top 10s on the music charts with one of the songs being number 1 for 7 weeks. In case you didn’t know, he was the featured artist on Dua Lipa’s “Levitating”
He was at the peak of his career until he was met with a lot of criticism after slapping a female audience at a concert for putting her phone too close to his face. Apart from that, it was reported that the rapper and his crew assaulted singer DaniLeigh’s brother Brandon Bills at a bowling alley in the Los Angeles area. If that wasn’t bad enough, the 32-year-old is still being investigated for a 2018 alleged murder case.
Sources: Forbes, RollingStone
