Doechii’s Hit Single ‘What It Is’ Was Originally Intended For Normani, Songwriter Reveals: ‘She Didn’t Think It Fit Her Vision’

Doechii’s Hit Single “What It Is” Was Originally Intended For Normani, Songwriter Reveals: ‘She Didn’t Think It Fit Her Vision’

Looks like Normani passed up on a major hit! ?

Songwriter Blush, credited as one of the writers behind Doechii’s smash single “What Is It,” recently revealed that the song was originally written for Normani! ?

Blush shared that Normani’s label hired her, along with several other artists, to craft songs for what was presumably Normani’s solo debut album Dopamine (released in June 2024).

 

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After writing the track, Blush and the other writers were confident it would be a radio hit. However, when they played it for Normani and her label, Blush says Normani passed on it, explaining that

“it didn’t fit her vision.”

Blush added that she fully “respected” Normani’s choice as an artist, emphasizing that artists passing on songs and labels sending them to the next artist happens all the time in the industry.

The song was ultimately released by Doechii in 2023 and became a huge success, peaking at No. 29 on Billboard’s Hot 100 — marking her first top-40 entry! It also hit the top 10 in Malaysia and the Philippines!

Could you see Normani performing What Is It? Let us know your thoughts below!