Beyoncé has updated her new album once again, removing an uncleared interpolation of Kelis’ ‘Milkshake’ from the song ‘Energy’. The removal comes after Kelis said the reference to her 2003 song was not a collaboration, but “theft”.
Kelis shared her dissatisfaction with the alleged theft of her song prior to the release of Beyoncé’s Renaissance album on Friday, 29th July. “My mind is blown too because the level of disrespect and utter ignorance of all 3 parties involved is astounding,” Kelis wrote on Instagram. “I heard about this the same way everyone else did. Nothing is ever as it seems, some of the people in this business have no soul or integrity and they have everyone fooled.”
Beyoncé – ‘Energy’
The credits for ‘Energy’ cite songwriters Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (both individually and under their producer alias, The Neptunes), but make no mention of Kelis. Streaming services now feature an updated version the track, which is devoid of the brief ‘Milkshake’ interpolation that originally appeared towards the end of the track.
Currently, Beyoncé has made no statement in regards to the removal of the interpolation. This latest Renaissance update occurred only hours after the US musician also edited her track ‘Heated’ following criticism for ableist lyrics within the track.
The controversial line in ‘Heated’ was “Spazzin’ on that ass, spaz on that ass.” Although a representative for Beyoncé said the inclusion of the word “spaz” was not ill-intentioned, it has since been replaced with the word “blast”.
Further Reading
Ashnikko Borrows An Iconic Kelis Sample For ‘Deal With It’
Love Letter To A Record: Nina Las Vegas On Kelis’s ‘Kaleidoscope’
Watch Ecca Vandal Take On Rihanna, Dizzee Rascal & Kelis For ‘Like A Version’
