One of Beyoncé’s most political songs: Formation is under fire for copyright complications. New Orleans and LGBTQ community member, Messy Mya, was a popular rapper on YouTube. He was gaining a solid following before he was shot to death in 2010 at the age of 22.
While Messy Mya’s siblings were originally overjoyed to hear their brother lyrics, “What happened at the New Orleans?,” “Bitch, I’m back by popular demand,” and “Oh yeah, baby—I like that.” on Beyoncé’s track, they were later put off by the lack of credit Mya received. At this point Beyoncé has already been challenged for similarities in her Countdown music video and the choreography of a Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, and for her wearing traditional Indian attire during her collaboration with Coldplay for Hymn for the Weekend.
That is another issue some are having with the Formation video. Some don’t agree with Beyoncé’s use of New Orleans/ Creole culture in her video. Including the family of Messy Mya. When it comes down to it the family has no objections to Beyoncé’s use of their late brother’s work they just believe he should receive proper credit. Especially since his death was a matter of police brutality which is directly connected to the song’s themes.
Bey and her crew of lawyers tried to have the charges, filed by Messy Mya’s sister on his behalf, dismissed. On the grounds that they sampled the lyrics responsibly. However, this motioned was denied representing the first L for Beyoncé. There has been some speculation about a settlement, but it is too early to tell for sure how this squabble will be resolved.
Do you think Beyoncé owes Messy Mya credit?