An interpolation of “Milkshake” has been removed from Beyoncé’s new album Renaissance after Kelis spoke out about not being contacted during the writing process.
The original version of “Energy” featured Beyoncé singing a variation of the iconic “la-la, la-la, la” that Kelis croons on the pre-chorus of her 2003 Neptunes-produced hit. As reported by Rolling Stone, Apple Music and Tidal have since excised the interpolation on streaming, though you can still hear Beyoncé’s “las” on Spotify and YouTube at this time.
Kelis took to Instagram hours before the release of Renaissance to call out Beyoncé for not informing her that she was going to use the sample.
“My mind is blown too because the level of disrespect and utter ignorance of all 3 parties involved is astounding,” Kelis wrote. “Nothing is ever as it seems, some of the people in this business have no soul or integrity, and they have everyone fooled.”
One fan commented, “Awesome…that’s a collab the world really needs.” Kelis replied, “It’s not a collab it’s theft.” In another response, she called the situation “ridiculous.”
Kelis hopped on Instagram to address the situation again, writing, “I just heard the record everyone is saying has my sample. But it’s beyond this song at this point. This was a TRIGGER for me. ‘Milkshake’ alone is one of the most licensed records of our generation. I am a creator, I’m an innovator, I have done more then left my mark on an era of music and style that will go down in history. But there are bully’s 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.”
Check out her full response below.
