There’s a misconception about me that I just appeared out of nowhere and that I’m some sort of industry plant. It’s kind of baffling because I’ve been around for a while. People don’t realize the hard work my team and I have put in to get where we are. But I get it, that’s the way things go when you have a viral social media moment. One day, we’ll share our story.
As for the claim that I’m an industry plant, I doubt Tyler will ever shake off that allegation. And the idea that everyone is eager to support that notion is both gross and pretty funny. By the way, Tyler has mentioned a few times that she looks up to Rihanna and hopes to achieve even greater success. People are making fun of her for that. “I admire Rihanna and her achievements, and I aspire to reach and surpass that level someday,” because I genuinely believe in aiming high.
Background: Rihanna’s perspective on Tyler’s rise to fame compared to hers is intriguing. Additionally, JT continues to poke fun at Young Miami regarding her Diddy situation. Stay tuned for more on that drama. But first, let’s dive into Tyler’s journey. Tyler shared with Billboard that she always aspired to be a successful singer, despite initial doubts from her parents who preferred a more conventional career path. To appease them, she applied to study mining engineering at university solely for its financial prospects. After much persuasion and emotional turmoil, her parents allowed her a trial gap year after high school in 2019 to pursue music full-time. Tyler’s determination paid off when her song “water baby” gained traction on TikTok, debuting at number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2023 and peaking at number 7 by January 2024, boosted by its viral dance on TikTok and remixes featuring Travis Scott and Marshmello.
“Water” topped the US Afrobeat Songs chart in October, ending Rema and Selena Gomez’s 58-week reign with “Calm Down,” and has now spent over 24 weeks on the chart. Then came the Grammy nominations, which Tyler didn’t expect at all. She expressed her shock, saying, “I didn’t even know the label submitted some songs. When I saw my name, I was like, ‘There’s no way!’ My best friend was jumping in the room with me. I still have the video and I’m wearing this bodysuit that’s half open. It’s a hectic video but it showcases the excitement in that moment.”
Tyler actually won the Grammy! With her rising success, comparisons to other artists emerged. Tyler has often been likened to Rihanna, with many dubbing her Gen Z’s Rihanna. Personally, I can see why, as Tyler’s ascent feels reminiscent of how Millennials embraced Rihanna when “Pon de Replay” debuted.
Some say the US industry has been anticipating another artist like Rihanna—ethnically ambiguous with a relatable yet bold persona. Tyler embodies this description perfectly, with the potential to emulate Rihanna’s success given her team, label, and talent.
From Tyler’s perspective, she herself has expressed admiration for Rihanna and aspires to emulate or surpass her success. Rihanna’s rise from outside America to global stardom was something Tyler admired greatly. “I really looked up to that,” she said.
Comparisons: Rihanna vs. Tyler
However, some people take issue with Tyler’s ambition to surpass Rihanna, suggesting she should turn back and go home because they find her claim to outshine Rihanna delusional.
One commenter on X wrote, “Stop with the Rihanna comparisons. Tyler is stunning, and I adore her, but Rihanna has timeless albums. Tyler has a long way to go.”
Personally, I don’t see any harm in Tyler looking up to Rihanna or believing she can achieve more. Critics say she’ll fade away by next summer because she’s nothing like Rihanna. Let’s wait and see how it unfolds.
Regarding Riri, she’s likely occupied with motherhood at the moment. However, there are sources indicating that she’s aware of Tyler’s aspirations to emulate or surpass her success. Some reports even suggest Riri has teased Tyler for thinking she can outshine her. Time will tell if Riri responds publicly. Who knows? Riri might surprise everyone and take Tyler under her wing.
Moving on! JT seems determined to keep Young Miami on her toes amidst recent events. It’s become evident that Karisha is deeply involved in Diddy’s affairs. Previously, Karisha was mentioned in Lil Rod’s initial lawsuit, where he claimed she was one of Diddy’s acquaintances. Although Lil Rod accused Karisha’s unnamed cousin of betraying him, Karisha herself was not named as a defendant. The lawsuit was later expanded by an additional 25 pages, detailing alleged involvement of individuals linked to Diddy, referred to as the “Combs Rico Enterprise,” in illegal substance procurement, transportation, and distribution. These substances reportedly ended up in carry-on luggage during domestic and international trips, some of which were facilitated by Miami on behalf of Diddy.
Lil Rod recounted a moment during rehearsals for the Something in the Water festival with Combs Rico Enterprise, where he claims to have seen Diddy snort cocaine in his dressing room. Allegedly, Diddy wanted Tucci, but his associate Brandon forgot it, prompting Christina Karam to call Kisha, who then flew in with it on a private jet from Miami.
In his updated legal claim, Rod further describes Kisha as one of the individuals on a payroll associated with the “Freak off” group. However, Karisha has recently refuted these accusations, dismissing them as baseless rumors. Additionally, she clarified that she is not receiving a $250k monthly allowance from Diddy.
