At the peak of his career, Sisqó had it all — money in the bank, chart-topping singles, and a successful tour. However, his journey in the industry took an unexpected turn. When asked what he would have done differently if there were no fear of judgment, he candidly admitted, “Oh snap, I wouldn’t have cursed out that one executive at the record label that put me on The Blacklist.”
Sisqó is often credited with popularizing the controversial 360 deal, but he clarifies, “I wouldn’t say I invented the 360 deal; it was just something I had to do. Everyone has the ability to sign contracts and align with whoever they choose.” His decision to take control of his career ultimately led to significant consequences. Sisqó delivered one of the biggest hits of the early 2000s with “Thong Song,” yet despite his success, he found himself sidelined by the industry. Over the years, speculation about his personal life intensified, with rumors swirling about his sexuality. His flamboyant fashion choices and high-energy performances fueled these discussions, but he consistently denied the claims.
In reality, Sisqó has been in a committed relationship with his wife, Elizabeth Pham, since 2003, and they share two children. When asked how the rumors affected him, he responded, “Oh no, I used that to my advantage. If people thought I was gay, I’d say, ‘Alright, why don’t you leave your girlfriend with me, and she can tell you in the morning if I am or not.’” However, the rumors about his personal life were just one part of a larger issue. Sisqó has been vocal about how the music industry turned against him, even suggesting that he was blacklisted by major executives, including Lyor Cohen. He believes that once he stopped conforming to industry expectations, he was pushed out.
Despite “Thong Song” being his biggest hit, Sisqó doesn’t own the majority of its rights. This financial setback resulted from missteps in handling his business affairs. The question remains: Did Sisqó simply peak too early and sign bad deals, or was he deliberately forced out for resisting the industry’s control? According to Sisqó, speaking out against industry politics was the turning point. “I did once, and that’s when the blacklist started. After that, you never heard from me again,” he stated.
Sisqó, born Mark Alonzo Andrews, is a multifaceted artist — a singer, songwriter, producer, dancer, and actor. His debut solo album, Unleash the Dragon (1999), cemented his place in R&B history with hits like “Thong Song” and “Incomplete.” As the lead singer of Dru Hill, he played a crucial role in defining ’90s R&B.
But after his initial success, Sisqó found himself struggling to remain in the spotlight. He attributes this to his defiance against industry figures who labeled him “difficult to work with.” Among those figures was Lyor Cohen, a powerful music executive often accused of exploiting artists for profit. Sisqó openly admitted to clashing with Cohen. “I wouldn’t have cursed out that one executive at the record label that put me on The Blacklist,” he confessed before revealing, “Damn, okay, it was Lyor. There, you happy now?”
Cohen has long been accused of unethical business practices, and his involvement with numerous artists, including DMX, has drawn scrutiny. His comments at DMX’s funeral, referring to the late rapper as a “gremlin,” were widely condemned as disrespectful. Sisqó believes his fallout with Cohen stemmed from his refusal to play by industry rules. “When you start pushing back, they call you hard to work with,” he explained.
As a result, he was allegedly erased from major industry events, including the BET Awards. “I opened the first annual BET Awards, and when they showed it on TV, I wasn’t there anymore. That’s crazy,” he recalled.
When reflecting on his choices, he remains resolute. “At a certain point in your career, you reach a crossroads where you either sell your soul or take the long road. I chose the long way.” Beyond industry politics, Sisqó has also been the subject of conspiracy theories suggesting he was pressured into participating in secretive industry rituals. According to insiders, some executives allegedly use blackmail to control artists, forcing them into compromising situations.
While Sisqó has never confirmed these allegations, his comments about refusing to “sell his soul” raise questions about what really happens behind the scenes. Sisqó’s experience highlights a troubling pattern in the music industry, where executives maintain control through manipulation and coercion. “Being talented and selling records isn’t enough,” one fan commented. “They want you to be indebted to them and play by their rules.”
Another fan speculated, “If Sisqó were actually gay, the industry might have embraced him. But because he didn’t fit the mold they wanted, they sabotaged his career.” Despite the setbacks, Sisqó’s legacy as a trailblazer in R&B remains undeniable. With Dru Hill ranking among the top R&B groups of the ‘90s, many fans hope for a reunion album featuring the original members.
The true reason behind Sisqó’s blacklisting remains a topic of debate. Was it his unwillingness to conform, his conflicts with industry executives, or something even deeper? One thing is certain—his story is a cautionary tale about the darker side of the music industry.
What’s your take on Sisqó’s downfall? Do you think he was intentionally blacklisted, or was it just a series of bad decisions? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more insights into the music industry’s hidden truths.
