Can you talk about one of your favorite memories growing up in Houston? 

Oh, hmm! One of my favorite memories growing up in Houston, I would have to say honestly, the rodeo anytime that time of year comes around. I mean, I haven’t been in years, and I was just actually talking about it to somebody last night like I need a festival. I need my corn on the cob with the seasoning! 

I just I Miss Carnival, and I miss being able to go see some of my favorite artists as well. I think I actually remember seeing Destiny’s Child when I was much younger at the rodeo. I knew back then that I wanted the opportunity to be able to grace the stage at some point, and I actually ended up being able to do just that with my group at the time. 

It was a hometown show for me, so all my family and friends that I grew up with in Texas came out to show their support. It was a very full circle moment for me. Being able to not only participate at the Houston rodeo, but headlining, it was a really dope opportunity. I pray that I get another opportunity, God willing, to do that again. 

Jacket: Jacquemus Tights: Emilio Cavallini Sunglasses: Balenciaga Pumps: Casadei Bag: Moschino

Walk us through the inspiration behind your debut album “DOPAMINE” and talk about what it represents to you. 

Yeah, of course! For me, it really is an embodiment of different things that I’ve felt over the course of the last 5 years or so of creating it. Over the duration of time that it took to put together this body of work, I’m a human being who is multifaceted, black and a woman and this project is a combination of all that I am. I really wanted the listener to feel like they knew a bit more about me. 

It’s pretty clear that I’m not the most vocal when it comes to sharing my experiences, but I really wanted the opportunity to be able to put some of that into my music. It takes you on a journey with a lot of highs and lows and at times I feel like throughout the records they can be extreme. You know? We have records like “Big Boy” all the way to “Distance“, which I feel like there’s so much range between those records alone! 

I feel like I’m all these things that I really wanted to embody and encompass, and really just not be afraid to lean into it. I felt like I was able to tap into parts of myself that I haven’t been able to share with people or even allow myself to fully embrace. I kinda feels empowering for me. I made records on “DOPAMINE” that I feel like I needed, you know? 

For instance, “Big Boy” and “Candy Paint” are complete opposites. So, I feel like I made the records that I also needed at the time to get my confidence back and be assertive. This album taught me to not be afraid to be aggressive in a positive way. Really owning who I am. I feel like it’s a sense of self-governance. Fully being able to tap into who I am. Most importantly, not having to question that and allowing people to experience what that transformation has been for me, that’s how I would describe what this project means to me. 

Catsuit: Fleur Du Mal Fur Coat: Alexandre Vauthier Shoes: Marc Jacobs

Which song is currently on repeat from this album? 

I would have to say “Distance”. That was the last song that we added to the album. Everything was pretty much done, and we were already submitting the final track list, and everything was being mixed and mastered when I was like no this song has to be on the project! I felt like it was something that hadn’t been said on the album, and I really don’t feel like there’s another song like it on “DOPAMINE”. “Distance” came from the depths of me for sure. And the second that I heard it, it just resonated with me so well. 

Dress: Dilara Findikoglu Tights: Emilio Cavallini Pumps: Mugler Necklace: Alan Crocetti Bracelet: Swarovski Bag: Moschino

I want to take it back to “Wild Side”. It was such an impactful collaboration with Cardi B from the song itself to the beautiful music video. Can you take us back to this time and talk about the process of working with Cardi from the visual and the song? 

Initially, it was just me on the record. I think we were already in rehearsals when the last-minute decision was made to add a feature to the record. We had already been in rehearsal for the music video, and Cardi ended up agreeing to do the song after I sent it, and she absolutely loved it. She was such a trooper throughout the entire process, like she was one of the easiest collaborations that I’ve had the opportunity of working with. 

She’s always been a very big fan and supporter of mine, even when I was in the group! She’s always gone out of her way to be a light in my life. Cardi has given me encouragement musically, but also personally, so for me, it’s all about energy and reciprocity. I’ve always been a fan of hers so “Wild Side” felt like the perfect alignment. 

Before the music video, I had these crazy ideas. I was like I want sharks swarming us and for us to be hanging from these chains. I have a very big imagination lol. And in my mind, it always seems tangible. But she ended up showing up, and I heard she was pregnant, so I said, “Ok, we have to regroup”. But even on set she was a trooper, and it was very long hours. She’s a breath of fresh air, so the entire experience was one I’ll always remember. 

Catsuit: Fleur Du Mal Fur Coat: Alexandre Vauthier Shoes: Marc Jacobs

Have you always been an amazing dancer or is this a skill you gained over time?  

Dance was my first love, even before I had the confidence to be able to sing on stage. I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old and then I ended up going into gymnastics. But dance always just felt like my best language. I’m typically pretty shy and like I said earlier, a woman of few words. 

But I’m able to communicate my best anytime I’m on stage, which is why I’m incredibly excited to do more shows. I know we haven’t done much surrounding this album, but I recently also did a performance for Spotify in D.C., and I felt like I was able to really get back to myself. So, I’m excited to continue to do that more! I love all parts of the process, but I thrive, being on stage! 

It takes me back to when I was younger and being able to find my self-confidence and feel at home anytime I was on stage. Dance has always been a very big part of who I am at the core.  And by the grace of God, my mom and my dad always taught me to utilize all my God given abilities, which I‘m able to do with music and dance all in one, so I couldn’t have asked for anything better. 

Dress: Avellano Tights: Emilio Cavallini Pumps: Casadei

Do you have any plans on touring in 2025? 

Yes, we are talking about that, I really want to do it for my fans also. They deserve it. I definitely have to be back onstage soon; it’s been way too long. 

Dress: Dilara Findikoglu Tights: Emilio Cavallini Pumps: Mugler Necklace: Alan Crocetti Bracelet: Swarovski Bag: Moschino

The lyrics in your album touch on various themes from romantic love, turning up, heart break and self-love. What message do you hope your listeners take away from “DOPAMINE”? 

My courage and resilience. I’m not solely talking about lyrically and about the records themselves. I’m talking about the process in my journey, in being able to finally be able to put this body of work out. I’ve been through so much adversity and in some moments, I honestly wasn’t sure whether or not this body of work would see the light of day. 

But by the grace of God, it did! I have the most incredible supporters and team so that has absolutely helped. My family has been a huge part of every step in my journey as well. I felt like I was given the opportunity multiple times to give up on myself throughout the process, but I didn’t. 

I’m just really proud of myself for not giving up on me. I know what I’ve endured, and it was not easy at all. Some things are public knowledge, and a lot aren’t so I don’t need to go too deep into it all, but I would definitely say, just my strength more than anything. That’s what I want the listeners to get from this body of work. 

Dress: Mugler Earrings: Tiffany & Co. Shoes: Marc Jacobs

Can we expect any new visuals from this project? 

Yes, you definitely can. I’m actually working on something as we speak. I’m tapped in so I know what people want. So yeah, it’s coming very, very soon. I’m excited. I think that we did some pretty magical things, and like I said, I have the most fun with the visuals, whether that’s on stage or a photo shoot or music video. I can’t wait to put it out and share it with everybody and hopefully everybody loves it as much as I do. I won’t make y’all wait as long next time, I promise! 

Dress: Avellano Tights: Emilio Cavallini Pumps: Casadei

You’ve been known to be a notable fashion icon in your own right. How has your style evolved over the years? And how does fashion play a role in your artistry? 

I feel like fashion for me has also been a form of expression. I remember a time when I didn’t feel necessarily seen, being the only black girl in a girl group was not an easy experience. That came with a lot that only I understood because it was my own personal experience. I can’t expect anybody to fully understand what that comes with, but I feel like fashion for me that time gave me a voice when I feel like I didn’t necessarily have one. 

Fashion has played a huge part in my expression, and it’s evolved a lot over time. I’ve gotten more comfortable in my own skin, and I allow myself to play more too! I’ve had the luxury of working with some pretty amazing stylists and being able to collaborate with them has helped me step outside my comfort zone when it comes to fashion. 

I think typically anything that’s on the edgier side. I continue to reinvent myself, which is why Fashion Week was so fun this year. There were some looks that were more of a challenge for me than others. I’m most comfortable wearing form fitting things with a nice cut out and I like to play with femininity but also masculinity in my clothes. 

Catsuit: Fleur Du Mal Fur Coat: Alexandre Vauthier Shoes: Marc Jacobs

If you could collaborate with anyone in the industry, who would it be? And what type of song would you two create? 

Anybody in the industry? I’d have to say Janet Jackson. I feel like our tones would complement each other’s very well. One of the greatest inspirations and representation for me has always been my mom. She has always been like “Girl, Janet was my Beyonce, like you don’t even know!”. I saw the “Velvet Rope Tour” at a young age and I probably wasn’t supposed to lol so Janet’s definitely on my wish list. 

She’s been tremendously encouraging to me as well. Personally, I would love to do something sexy with Janet. Honestly, we could do a whole album! She’s so multifaceted I can’t even tell you specifically what that one song would be, because I feel like between the two of us, we could do so much. 

Dress: Avellano Tights: Emilio Cavallini Pumps: Casadei

Can you share with us one thing you’re looking forward to in 2025?  

One thing I’m looking forward to is honestly performing and being able to connect with my fans more. I know I didn’t get to do a lot of that this year with the album coming out, but I feel like that’s what I’m looking forward to most. Being able to do festivals and go on tour. Film as well is something that I want to dive deeper into in this the New Year!

Jacket: Jacquemus Tights: Emilio Cavallini Sunglasses: Balenciaga Pumps: Casadei Bag: Moschino

As someone who has openly discussed mental health, how do you prioritize your well-being amidst the pressure of fame? 

My family keeps me grounded, and I feel like they’ve helped me get my feet back on the ground. Anytime I feel overwhelmed or have moments of anxiety. As you know, I’ve been doing this for a very long time, but I think, as new seasons come, there’s new challenges. And it’s not like you ever really have it fully figured out. But just keeping my circle around me has always been very helpful, and also my faith. 

God has been my constant. You know people have come and go and also, I feel like, when you attach so much of your identity to your occupation and success, you have to be careful of your definition of success. I feel like I’ve been able to redefine what that means for me, which has allowed me to just have more peace and more freedom overall.  

Being able to be present and enjoy the process, and the blessings that I have been given versus thinking about the things that I have yet to achieve. My support system around me constantly reminds me of that, and of all of the good that I have done up until this point. They also remind me of who I am outside of all of this too. Music is a huge part of my life and I will always be grateful for that, but it doesn’t fully encompass or make up who Normani is entirely. There’s so much more to me, you know? 

Catsuit: Fleur Du Mal Fur Coat: Alexandre Vauthier Shoes: Marc Jacobs

When it’s all said and done, what legacy do you hope to leave for the world?  

Hmm… For me, I want anybody who comes across me, whether it’s on stage or on film or everyday life, the legacy that I would hope to leave are the characteristics of God and his love for me that I’ve been able to experience. I pray that I can be that same light in this world and be used fully as a vessel. 

Dress: Dilara Findikoglu Tights: Emilio Cavallini Pumps: Mugler Necklace: Alan Crocetti Bracelet: Swarovski Bag: Moschino

TEAM CREDITS:

Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa

Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)

Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)

Photographer: Ellen Von Unwerth (@ellenvonunwerth)

1st Photo Assistant: Frédéric Troehler (@mozart_vonwelten)

2nd Photo Assistant: Valentin Godineau (@valentinodji)

Hair Stylist: Adrianna Profit (@adriprofit) using (@vipluxuryhaircare)

Makeup Artist: Alexander Echeverri (@iamalexandermua)

Layout & Design: Ulysse Tanguy (@ulysse.tanguy)

Videographer: David Djian (@daviddjian.work)

Wardrobe Stylist: Lorenzo Posocco (@lorenzoposoccostudio)

Wardrobe Stylist Assistant: Davide Spinella (@davidesebaspinella)

Digital Tech: Jerome Vivet (@jeromev)

Post Production: Ovidiu Oltean (@therealovidiuoltean)

EVU Studio: Filipine Guyonnaud (@filipinee) & Celeste Pettorelli (@celehotmail)