Halsey Exposes Capitol Records, Claims They Can't Release Song Until "Fake Viral" TikTok Moment

BY Erika Marie 4.1K Views
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Halsey
The singer details how Capitol allegedly refuses to release a beloved track until Halsey helps it go viral.

Yet another artist is calling out their label and it is clear that Halsey is not happy. Throughout their time in the industry, Halsey has often spoken out about feeling "powerless" because of the expectations their label has placed on them. In interviews, they have talked about having to keep music executives up to date with their pregnancy and their albums, often taking away from their personal time and creative process. They recently surfaced with a complaint once again, and this time, it has to do with the release of a new single.

On their TikTok, Halsey uploaded a video where they accuse Capitol Records of holding tight to one of their tracks and refusing to release it until it goes viral on TikTok. Some believed they were speaking about Astralwerks, the label that signed Halsey, but they later clarified that they believed in them and she wasn't referring to that relationship.

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"Basically I have a song that I love that I wanna release ASAP but my record label won't let me," the singer penned over their video. "I’ve been in this industry for eight years and I’ve sold over 165 million records and my record company is saying I can’t release it unless they can fake a viral moment on TikTok." It's a marketing strategy that Halsey has complained about.

They further explained the situation on Twitter. "It’s not about making the tiktoks I already make tiktoks! They are saying if they don’t reach some imaginary goalpost of views or virality than they won’t give me a release date at all. I’m not claiming to be oppressed! just saying that all not all marketing methods are universal."

In response, Capitol Records reportedly issued a brief statement about the controversy to E! News: "Our belief in Halsey as a singular and important artist is total and unwavering. We can't wait for the world to hear their brilliant new music." Watch Haley's video below and read through their Q&A with fans regarding the situation. 









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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.