Manufactured success is not new in the entertainment industry. It has led to the emergence of terms like nepo babies and industry plants who have an advantage at succeeding compared to other talented individuals with no connections. Fans and critics often scrutinize artists' backgrounds and breakthroughs to determine who had a genuine rise to the top.
The term industry plant originated on hip-hop message boards in the early 2010s. It gained popularity after being used to describe rappers like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and Waka Flocka Flame, who were allegedly considered industry plants.In pop culture, an industry plant refers to an artist who seemingly emerges out of nowhere, gaining rapid fame and success while leaving many questioning the authenticity of their rise to stardom.
Many artists, especially rappers, have faced scrutiny about their backgrounds and journey to fame. Below is a highlight of artists who are industry plants, although these are fan and critic speculations;Chance the Rapper during the '50th Anniversary of Hip Hop' keynote at SXSW Sydney on October 19, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Brendon Thorne. He achieved success without major label backing or traditional distribution channels. His independence has since been contested.
My career had very humble beginnings. That's why anytime I see my name associated with anything like 'industry plant,' it makes me so proud to really be able to say that. I'm, like, out of everyone in the game right now, I'm one of the furthest from it. Like, I didn't skip any steps bro. I did steps none of these kids didSinger-songwriter H.E.R. during the 2019 'Black Girls Rock!' at NJ Performing Arts Center on August 25, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey.