Motivation

Normani stepped out from the shadow of Fifth Harmony with Motivation, a bold solo debut that landed on August 16, 2019. The track arrived through Keep Cool and RCA Records, marking her first release without a group member or featured artist. She co-wrote the anthem alongside heavy hitters like Ariana Grande, Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, and producer Ilya to craft a sound that blended retro funk with modern pop energy. This project signaled a clear shift in her career trajectory, moving from ensemble vocals to a commanding lead performance.

The song quickly found its footing, climbing into the Top 40 across ten nations including the US and UK while dominating dance charts globally. It earned Platinum status in the United States and secured a Diamond certification in Brazil, proving its wide appeal beyond just streaming numbers. Critics embraced the record immediately, placing it on multiple year-end lists and recognizing it as a defining track of the 2010s by outlets like iHeartRadio and Crack Magazine. Fitness publications also flagged it as a top workout companion for its driving rhythm.

The accompanying visual piece amplified this success with high-energy choreography directed by Dave Meyers and Daniel Russell. Sean Bankhead designed the complex dance routines that became a central talking point, while model Lori Harvey made a memorable cameo appearance. Vibe named the video the best of 2019, and Pitchfork ranked it second, earning an MTV Video Music Award nomination for Best Choreography. An official remix featuring rapper 21 Savage dropped later that October, adding a gritty edge to the original's polished sheen. [edit]