Growing up, most of us looked up to certain artists. We adored musicians who seemed larger than life, had pure talent and were symbols of fun and rebellion. Their music shaped our childhoods and gave us soundtracks to memories we still cherish. Now, as we grow older, it’s difficult to ignore how these once-loved artists have walked down disappointing paths and become embroiled in scandals and controversies, or just lost the passion that made them special in the first place.

For example, Soulja Boy was initially a teenage internet sensation who changed how music was marketed online. He has since become more famous for drama, arrests, bizarre interviews and questionable business ventures than for his music. It’s upsetting to see someone we admired as children and considered fresh and exciting end up as more of a meme than a legend— and he is far from the only one.

Kanye West, who once dropped bangers like “The College Dropout” and “Graduation,” has had a highly publicized downfall. This was marked by erratic behavior, offensive statements and seemingly endless controversy. Chris Brown, who delivered hit after hit during the 2000s, permanently tainted his legacy after his violent assault on Rihanna. Even artists like Lil Wayne have been criticized for clinging onto outdated styles or making moves that feel more motivated by money than love for the craft.

In several cases, it’s not even just personal scandals; it’s the sense that the industry itself corrupted them. Fame, wealth and exposure to constant public attention change people, such as Justin Bieber. He rose to fame at a young age and the pressure to continue doing well overwhelmed him. He had a lack of guidance and ended up with a distorted view of reality and life. As a consequence, Bieber fell into drugs and struggled with depression and anxiety. He made several bad decisions including public outbursts, fighting the paparazzi and participating in situations that led to legal problems.

The industry pressures artists to keep chasing hits, often at the cost of their originality or authenticity. Over time, the spark that made them beloved fades and gets replaced by controversy, mediocrity or just outright disappointment.

It’s obviously not fair to expect artists to remain frozen in time, stuck in the version we loved when we were kids. People grow and sometimes that growth is messy. Still, it’s hard not to feel a little heartbroken when the ones who once gave us so much end up representing everything they once seemed to stand against.