the thing is, what are we using to evaluate that either of them didn’t perform well?

cause we shouldn’t be basing it off what sounds like a nice number, or what other artists are doing. you have to base it off of their budget and how likely they are to recoup

most of teezo visuals for his album were shot in one room, and look like they were all shot within a few days, for cheap (not a negative thing, but a very positive one)

he headlined a sold out tour and likely moved merch. he had a taco bell commercial immediately after the album dropped. and not to put anyone’s business out there, but the amount of his advance was revealed and it was super modest. i wouldn’t be shocked if they’ve already recouped and are working on a plan to have a much bigger second album

as for latto, the amount of money she’s generated from her singles is crazy, and like teezo, she also sells out tours and likely moves merch as well. i saw her first week sales get clowned and it’s wild cause we ignoring that she’s going into the album with certifications on multiple tracks. these artists relationships with these companies are way more nuanced than a first week number. especially when you’re not breaking the bank by investing in them.

there are other artists who actually seem to have a lot of money spent on them and have underperformed, just not these two in particular. i know rca has a bad rep with some fans but they have a lot of people over there who are very forward thinking and are responsible for some very dope moments, from brockhampton “sugar” to “this is america” to sza sos era to now.