Kelis had some things to get off her chest after a fan account brought to her attention Beyoncé’s recently released song “ENERGY” off her album, RENAISSANCE. The fan called it a Bey x Kelis collaboration after noticing the reference to her hit song, “Milkshake”. However, there can be no collaboration, if the artists do not work together. Kelis was unaware of the ‘sampling’ of her song and took issue with the way the song came about. Kelis posted two videos on her Instagram addressing her frustrations with the music industry.
“I know what I own and what I don’t own.”
Kelis via Instagram Video
Recalling her 2000s era of putting out popular music where publishing was stolen and artists were often swindled out of rights, she mentions she does not fault Beyoncé personally. Kelis just expected a heads up or the “human decency” to reach out to another Black female artist whenever using their work.
She directs her real beef towards Pharrell, to who she was once signed to, and who has composing credits on both “Get Along With You” and “ENERGY” as well as Chad Nigo, a frequent collaborator with the New York songstress. She finds their actions hypocritical when often advocating for artist rights. “Milkshake” has a stamp on pop culture as well as her Neptunes-produced debut album, Kaleidoscope. Kelis is often referenced by countless artists and finds no issue – only if it’s done the correct way.
“But there are bullies and secrets and gangsters in this industry that smile and get away with it until someone says enough is enough. So I’m saying it today. I’m coming for what’s mine and I want reparations.”
Kelis via Instagram Video
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