India Arie Calls The Music Industry "Trash": "Racist. Sexist. Deceitful"

BY Erika Marie 5.5K Views
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India Arie
She details being told she wasn't beautiful and added that she will "never heal from all of it."

Her smooth vocals, carefree style, talents on the guitar, and messages of love and self-acceptance helped catapult India Arie into superstardom, but the singer hasn't been as prevalent in mainstream circles in recent years. Her hits like "I Am Not My Hair," "Video," "Brown Skin," and "Ready For Love" are R&B classics that remain on radio playlists worldwide, but recently, India decided to openly lament about the industry and her experiences in popular music.

It is unclear what exactly triggered the rant, but India suggested that she was looking at old photos before being incited by the memories.

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"Seeing old pictures reminds me of how TRASH the music industry is. SHEER and utter Trash," she wrote. "The music industry is racist. sexist. deceitful. It steals from artists. Trash."

She added, "I'll never heal from all of it. Because some of it shaped my life in ways I can't get back. BUT! I LOOOOOOVE who I am. So, I imagine the journey was all meant to be. But those old pictures. The industry made me feel like I WASN'T beautiful. I can tell you some STORIES HONEY! But in truth ~ I was just way ahead if my time."

India's hit single "I Am Not My Hair" centered around her being more than just her looks or physical attributes, and it resonated so deeply with fans and became an anthem of sorts. She hasn't been the only person to call out the music industry in recent months, as Insecure icon Issa Rae also recently stated that it was predatory for creatives.

"And to everyone who in the industry who hurt used SUED Played Stole from betrayed ME. THANK YOU," India said after sharing that she loves who she is and has accepted the path she was meant to take.  Swipe below to read through all of India Arie's posts below.



About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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