Normani Shares Which Song On 'Dopamine' Was Inspired By Boyfriend DK Metcalf's And His Reaction
Singer Normani's blossoming romance with Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DeKaylin "DK” Metcalf has inspired her to explore new facets of herself, especially in music.
The couple was initially romantically linked in June 2022 after being spotted on a date in Los Angeles. Normani seemingly confirmed their relationship in July 2023 by sharing a photo of them at DeKaylin’s teammate Tyler Lockett's wedding.
The following year, the "Wild Side" songstress opened up about their relationship and revealed that Ciara had set them up. As Normani prepared for the release of her debut album, Dopamine, in June, she disclosed that several songs were inspired by her whirlwind romance, including one titled "Lights On."
"Lights On" explores themes of self-confidence and authentic connection. The lyrics also celebrate sexuality, self-worth, and meaningful relationships, as the 28-year-old highlights the value of a deep connection with her partner.
In a recent interview on The Terrell Show, Normani discussed the song's recording process and DeKaylin’s reaction.Normani On Her Boyfriend’s Reaction To “Lights On”
During the conversation, the vocalist revealed that despite the graphic lyrics and insights into their relationship, DeKaylin's ego and confidence were enhanced after hearing “Lights On."
“He was hype. Anytime a song is about him, he’s hype,” she said.
Further in the discussion, when asked about the recording session for the sensual song, Normani explained that she aimed for authenticity, even adding some ad-libs to enhance the experience.
“Definitely like trying to keep that sensual, sexy, airiness to it, I would say, is a challenge. Based on you also trying to make sure that it still feels energetic,” she stated. “But I think that’s like my natural [tone]... It didn’t need too many technicalities in terms of like riffs and all of these things. I wanted it to be focused on the feeling, and I wanted it to feel like he was in the room with me with the lights on. I wanted that intimacy.”
While Normani and DeKaylin's relationship remains mostly private, the singer shared in an interview how happy the football player has made her.
"I’m happy. I am very happy. Definitely an answered prayer. I’ve experienced a lot with relationships. I’m a real lover girl. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and finding space where that’s reciprocated feels good. I like to see myself happy. I really do," she said.
Based on her song lyrics and public comments about her relationship with DeKaylin, it seems Normani may have found her match, and we love that for her.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Araya Doheny/Getty Images/ Ryan Kang/Getty Images
Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Roscoe Dash joined xoMan host Kiara Walker to share the journey of his personal and spiritual evolution—from the party anthems that made him famous to a deeper life rooted in faith, family, and purpose. This episode offers an honest look at how the artist has grown beyond early fame, addressing fatherhood, masculinity, creativity, and healing.
Dash opened up about the internal transformation that has guided him away from chasing the spotlight and toward seeking peace. “Faith and fear can’t occupy the same space,” he said, underscoring his shift toward a more spiritually grounded life. Throughout the interview, he emphasized the importance of self-reflection:
“The most important conversations to me, honestly, outside of the ones you have with God, is the ones you have with yourself in the mirror.”
Dash is focused on the man he’s become. “I’m not the accolades I’ve achieved—I’m the person who achieved them,” he added, pointing to a broader understanding of identity and worth. A large part of that growth has come through fatherhood, especially raising daughters, which he said has deepened his understanding of love. “Love is unconditional and love loves to love no matter what,” he shared.
He also spoke candidly about the pressures of fame and its impact on creativity. “Chasing fame can kill your creativity as a musician,” he warns. Instead, his advice to other artists is simple but clear: “Keep your focus on your art form, whatever that may be, and stay passionate.”
The conversation also touches on gender dynamics and emotional safety in relationships. “Safe men make soft women. If she feels safe, she’ll melt like butter,” he said, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. Roscoe also offers wisdom on discernment and spiritual testing: “Sometimes the devil will give you what looks better than your blessing.”
Ultimately, Dash has learned to embrace peace over chaos. “All I can do is control what I can control. And that's how I respond to things and what I'm giving out,” he said. It’s a thoughtful, soulful side of Roscoe Dash that many may not expect—but one that leaves a lasting impression.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube