Beyoncé has removed the use of “Milkshake” from her new song “Energy” after Kelis publicly came for Queen B for featuring her 2003 hit on her new album 'Renaissance' without calling her to advise that it was being used and even calling it an act of “thievery.”
Beyoncé’s website says that the song was "interpolated" - which means that it takes an existing sound and alters it, whereas sampling takes directly from a song with no changes.
The "theft" controversy kicked off hours before the album’s official drop when Kelis jumped on Instagram account to voice her frustration.
Kelis:
“My mind is blown too because the level of disrespect and utter ignorance of all 3 parties involved is astounding.
“Nothing is ever as it seems, some of the people in this business have no soul or integrity, and they have everyone fooled.”
“It’s beyond this song at this point. 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 also called out Pharell Williams, who worked with her exclusively alongside Chad Hugo on her first two albums. “Pharrell knows better,” she said. “This is a direct hit at me [and] he does this stuff all the time. The reason I’m annoyed is because I know it was on purpose.”
Kelis' close relationship/friendship with Pharrell ended after she claimed that he “lied and tricked” her into a raw deal.