17 Promising Singers and Rappers Who Nearly Hit the Big Time—But Faced Unexpected Setbacks

Musicians Whose Careers Took a Hit

Many musicians start their careers with promise, only to stumble on the road to success. Here’s a look at some artists whose careers faced major setbacks.

1. Natalia Kills and Willy Moon
   Natalia Kills had a bright career ahead with appearances alongside stars like Kesha and Katy Perry. However, during a live judging stint on The X Factor New Zealand, she and her husband Willy Moon made harsh comments about a contestant, Joe Irvine. Their behavior led to public backlash and they were quickly removed from the show. Though Kills attempted to revive her career under a new name, she hasn’t regained her initial momentum.

2. Milli Vanilli
   The R&B duo Milli Vanilli shot to fame in the late ’80s, winning a Grammy for Best New Artist. Their downfall began when it was revealed that they didn’t actually sing on their hit album. This scandal resulted in their Grammy being stripped away, leaving both members struggling for recognition afterward.

3. Billy Squier
   In the 1980s, Billy Squier was a rock sensation until the music video for “Rock Me Tonite” derailed his success. The video was widely criticized for its oddity and Squier himself noted that it had a negative impact on his career. Despite subsequent albums, he never regained his earlier fame.

4. Vanilla Ice
   Vanilla Ice became a cultural icon with “Ice, Ice, Baby,” but controversy followed him. His past was exaggerated, and he faced criticism for his music’s authenticity. A failed film and a sequence of parodies from comedians put his career on shaky ground. Although he ventured into other areas like reality TV, he hasn’t returned to his original music success.

5. Iggy Azalea
   After the success of “Fancy,” Iggy Azalea’s career stuttered due to accusations of cultural appropriation and inability to freestyle. Her public feuds and problematic moments led her to cancel her tours, and she later acknowledged that her career had drastically changed.

6. CeeLo Green
   CeeLo Green’s breakthrough hit “Fuck You” made waves, but allegations of drugging a woman tarnished his reputation. Declaring controversial opinions on social media further damaged his public image, leading to a significant decrease in opportunities in the industry.

7. Kris Wu
   The Canadian-Chinese singer was a rising star until he was accused of sexual assault in 2021. This led to his arrest and a lengthy prison sentence, derailing what looked to be a promising career.

8. Tory Lanez
   Tory Lanez was gaining fame in the 2010s when he was accused of shooting Megan Thee Stallion. His conviction led to a 10-year prison sentence, severely impacting his music career prospects.

9. 6ix9ine
   The rapper found fame but quickly got involved with gang activities, leading to his arrest in 2018. After agreeing to testify against other gang members, he became controversial and faced backlash in the hip-hop community, hindering his comeback.

10. Azealia Banks
    Azealia Banks was once seen as a promising figure in music but is now more recognized for her social media feuds than for her music. This shift in focus has limited her mainstream success.

The Changing Landscape of Fame

These stories highlight how quickly fame can turn to infamy. Today’s musicians face greater scrutiny due to social media, and one wrong move can escalate swiftly. For instance, research shows that nearly 70% of public figures have experienced backlash on social media over a controversial statement or action.

Understanding the importance of public perception is vital for artists today. Many are now turning to careful branding and damage control strategies to safeguard their careers. As the industry evolves, so too do the pressures on those who seek success in the spotlight.

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