Authenticity is a form of resistance. MIA, the trailblazing artist known for her unapologetically bold and innovative individuality, recently dropped a bombshell about her time working with Roc Nation. In a candid online post, she recounted how Jay-Z, upon signing her to the label, allegedly suggested she consider getting plastic surgery. While many might feel pressured by such advice from a major music mogul, MIA stood firm in her authenticity, choosing self-acceptance over conformity.

She recalled, “Even when I met Jay-Z and I signed to Roc Nation, the first thing he told me to do is get plastic surgery.” For MIA, this moment attests to her strength and confidence that have been key to her successful career. Rejecting the notion that she needed to alter her appearance, she explained, “I’m not insecure because I would have got plastic surgery… What women do you know who hasn’t had plastic surgery around you? All of them have. I’m the only one who didn’t.”

Her words strike a chord in an industry that often prizes perfection over individuality. Now at 50, MIA proudly acknowledges her age, rejecting societal pressures to chase youth through invasive means. “I’m totally fine with the fact that I am [50], because guess what? I f*cking took off when I was 30,” she declared. “I was making something interesting happen that wasn’t f*cking happening before.”

Fans rally behind her bravery, celebrating her refusal to compromise her values despite alleged pressure from one of music’s most prominent power players. For MIA, the choice was simple: she wouldn’t let external voices dictate her self-worth or identity. This isn’t the first time Jay-Z has been called out for his interactions with artists. Recently, J. Cole revealed in his Inevitable series how Jay-Z once suggested Drake should provide him with a hit track, an awkward moment that stunned those in the room. These narratives shed light on the challenges artists often face when navigating their careers surrounded by immense scrutiny and expectations from influential figures.

MIA’s stance reminds audiences that true empowerment originates from within. At age 50, she exemplifies self-assurance in a world that often demands conformity. By actively resisting such pressures, she sets a precedent for others to prioritize self-love over societal expectations, presenting a meaningful statement from an artist who has always danced to the beat of her drum. Jay-Z’s silence on the issue speaks volumes, leaving fans and critics alike to ponder the realities behind these public revelations.

Chloe Bailey has always been unapologetically authentic; the multifaceted singer and actress recently made waves in the social media world, revealing a piece of her past celebrity crush that sent fans into a frenzy. During an Instagram Live session, Bailey casually shared that she was massively into Kendrick Lamar phase, the famous rapper a few years ago, so much so that she was “convinced” they would end up together. While this might seem innocent, her candidness about this youthful dream of a romantic connection with the Compton rapper has sparked a mix of reactions online, with some fans swooning and others raising eyebrows.

Bailey, who has long been a huge fan of Kendrick’s music, confessed her admiration in a nostalgic and heartfelt way. “About eight years ago, I had a whole Kendrick phase, and I was convinced I was going to be with him,” she shared, reflecting on how deep her fandom ran. She added, “I’ve been a die-hard Kendrick fan from day 1. So I haven’t just hopped on the bandwagon.” Bailey had been captivated by Kendrick’s artistry long before he became a superstar.

The polarizing conversation speaks volumes about the nuanced dynamics of fandom and celebrity culture. Her comments quickly caught the attention of online critics. While it seems her feelings stemmed from a past crush, many people questioned the appropriateness of joking about it, especially considering Kendrick’s public relationship with longtime partner Whitney Alford. One Instagram user disapproved, stating, “He’s married, so why would you even post this? SMH.” Others echoed this sentiment, questioning Bailey’s respect for Kendrick’s relationship and accusing her of crossing a line.

But many fans came to Bailey’s defense, reminding the critics that crushes on celebrities, even married ones, are nothing new. “So y’all don’t have crushes on celebrities that are married? Method Man? Idris Elba? Denzel Washington? Come on now,” one follower humorously pointed out. Another fan calmly pointed out, “She said 8 years ago!” emphasizing that this was a memory she shared, not her present-day fixation.

Central to the discussion is an inherent truth: celebrity crushes are a universal phenomenon. Chloe’s admission was probably a lighthearted memory peek into her younger years, admiring one of hip-hop’s most extraordinary talents. Whether she was crushing on Kendrick Lamar or another prominent star, it’s evident that the notion of distant admiration is a sentiment many can identify: signifying a harmless crush is a totally normal part of being a fan and nothing to take too seriously!