Tommy Richman: Can He Overcome His Critics and Prove He’s More Than a One-Hit Wonder?
Tommy Richman, the Virginia-born singer signed to Brent Faiyaz’s ISO Supremacy label, quickly became one of the biggest breakout acts of 2024. His one-two punch of “Million Dollar Baby” and “Devil Is a Lie” marked him as an artist to watch, especially with “Million Dollar Baby” reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, his debut LP Coyote—which surprisingly did not feature either of the aforementioned hits—failed to make a dent on the Billboard 200, and he’s kept a low profile since then. But after a lengthy social media silence, it looks like the 24-year-old might be ready to make his comeback with a new track that could silence his critics once and for all.
The Comeback with “Actin Up”
On January 30, Tommy Richman broke his social media silence by sharing a snippet of his upcoming single, “Actin Up.” The song immediately grabbed attention due to its infectious beat—a sparse, speaker-knocking rhythm with steelpan drums that evoke memories of Soulja Boy’s iconic “Crank That.” Alongside thudding 808s and Mannie Fresh cowbells, the track is a masterclass in party-starting production. And Tommy’s contribution to the track is equally notable, with his Bee Gees-inspired falsetto floating effortlessly over the beat, creating a catchy, high-energy vibe.
Lyrically, “Actin Up” hits multiple notes—combining defiance against his haters with a heartfelt desire to find love and dancefloor commands that would make any Juvenile fan proud. With lines like “I’m sick and tired, all these people sayin’ names” and “Bend it over, break it down, back it up,” the track is clearly designed to keep listeners on their feet and singing along.
The reception has been overwhelmingly positive so far. Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement, with one commenting, “Holy shit he has another hit,” while another added, “Banger incoming.” Even fellow artist Russ jumped on the hype train, commenting on Instagram, “this is it.” It’s clear that the snippet has reignited interest in Tommy’s music and left fans clamoring for the full release.
The “Not Hip-Hop” Controversy: Can He Bounce Back?
Despite the excitement surrounding “Actin Up,” Tommy Richman’s career hasn’t been without its controversies. Last October, he made waves by publicly stating that he is “not a Hip Hop artist,” a remark that ruffled the feathers of many in the hip-hop community. His music has often been influenced by hip-hop, and his association with Brent Faiyaz, a rap-adjacent artist, made his comment even more jarring. The backlash was swift, and Richman later attempted to clarify his stance, saying he didn’t want to be “boxed in” as a hip-hop artist, adding, “I’m a singer.”
Despite the clarification, the damage was done, and the internet quickly reminded Tommy of his words when “Actin Up” surfaced. Critics were quick to point out the song’s heavy hip-hop influence, with one user snarking, “Sounds very hip-hop inspired by someone who said ‘they not hip-hop.’” Even veteran hip-hop journalist Elliott Wilson couldn’t help but weigh in, expressing his mixed feelings, “I HATE how much I like this snippet. Oh, Tommy! Iz u iz or iz u ain’t the culture?”
While it’s clear that some fans are still upset by his earlier comments, Tommy has received support from others who are more understanding of his desire to experiment with different genres. One fan wrote, “That one tweet could have been worded so much better. I understand he didn’t wanna be boxed in & wanted people to understand he makes a variety of music—but when you make shit like this and then tweet shit like that, I see why ppl didn’t fuck with it lol. That being said, this sounds mad good & I do hope he has a good career.”
What’s Next for Tommy Richman?
While Tommy Richman may still have a long way to go to fully erase the lingering criticisms from his “not hip-hop” comment, Actin Up has the potential to reignite his career and prove he’s not just a one-hit wonder. Whether it will have the commercial success to match his earlier hits remains to be seen, but the early reaction suggests that the track has what it takes to make waves in the music world.
For Tommy, it’s clear that his journey is just beginning. Despite some bumps in the road, his talent is undeniable, and his ability to create infectious, genre-blending music means there’s a strong chance his critics will soon have to take a back seat. The release of “Actin Up” will be a pivotal moment in his career, and it could very well be the track that cements his place in the music industry.
As the saying goes, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” and Tommy Richman may just be on the verge of proving that his earlier missteps were only part of his growth toward becoming a true music star.
