Rising R&B star Tommy Richman isn’t here to entertain on demand — and he made that crystal clear this week in a tense exchange that went viral on Twitch.
The Virginia-born artist, who rocketed to stardom thanks to his breakout hit “Million Dollar Baby,” found himself in an uncomfortable moment while appearing on popular streamer DLOU’s Twitch broadcast. Richman, who was hanging out in a Los Angeles studio alongside fellow artists like Cash Cobain and B Jack$ (whose infectious track “Get Jiggy” is gaining major attention online), was asked to perform his hit single live on stream — and he wasn’t having it.
“I ain’t singing that sh–, bro,” Richman responded, clearly irritated. “What am I? A dancing monkey? I’m not singing that sh–. I don’t even know you, bro.”
The awkward moment, captured live and quickly shared across social media, revealed the tension that can arise when celebrity culture and streaming culture collide. For Richman, the request to sing on the spot felt more like a demand for free entertainment than a friendly gesture, and he didn’t hesitate to push back.
Reiterating his discomfort, Richman continued, “I’m not singing sh–, so chill out, bro. Have some respect. I just met you, bro. You’re telling me to sing a song? Talk to me like a real man.”
He finished his statement with a clear boundary: “I don’t give a f— about this streaming sh–, bro. Talk to me like a real man. Get your camera off me, bro. Don’t be weird to me.”
The viral clip sparked plenty of debate online, with fans and fellow artists weighing in. Some defended Richman’s reaction, applauding him for standing up for himself and calling out the expectation that artists should constantly perform without consent. Others argued the moment could have been handled more calmly — but even critics acknowledged the underlying tension between streamers seeking spontaneous content and artists seeking respect.
Tommy Richman’s rise has been fast and explosive. “Million Dollar Baby” became a viral sensation in 2024, thanks in large part to TikTok and social media users who fell in love with its silky vocals and throwback production. The track debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 2024 and remains one of the year’s biggest sleeper hits.
At the 2025 American Music Awards, Richman revealed he’s currently working on a brand-new album set for release later this summer. Though he didn’t share too many details, fans can expect more genre-blending vibes and emotional storytelling — and, hopefully, a project that reflects his true artistry, not just his viral moments.
One thing is clear: Tommy Richman wants to be treated like an artist, not a novelty. And if his new music carries the same fire as his viral clapback, his next chapter could be just as explosive as his debut.