Beyoncé has removed the sample of Kelis‘ 2003 hit “Milkshake” from her Renaissance track “Energy” on Tidal and Apple. Kelis had called out Bey and The Neptunes for allegedly failing to seek permission to use the sample.
Kelis’ “Milkshake,” written by The Neptunes’ Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, has only the production duo are credited as songwriters. Upon hearing Energy, Kelis aired her grievances via Instagram. Kelis commented: “My mind is blown too because the level of disrespect and utter ignorance of all 3 parties involved is astounding .” She noted that she found out about the interpolation “the same way everyone else did,” suggesting that she had not gotten a heads up beforehand.
Kelis clearly stated she wasn’t mad about the lift itself, but pointed out that she and Bey have met, know each other and have mutual friends. She said: “not only are we Black female artists in an industry where there’s not many of us. It’s not hard. She can contact, right?”
Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com