Jake Massey
Kelis has hit out at Beyoncé, accusing her of sampling her music without permission on her new album, Renaissance.
Kelis - who is known for tunes such as 'Milkshake' and 'Trick Me' - has claimed that the song 'Energy' samples her tune 'Get Along With You', which was released in 1999.
The 42-year-old posted a video on Instagram in which she criticised Beyoncé and Pharrell Williams, who is reportedly credited on the track.
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She said: "So, here's the first thing. Number one, so I'm a human being so I get p*ssed off and I get ticked off.
"The real beef is not only with Beyoncé, because at the end of the day she sampled a record, she's copied me before, so have many other artists, it's fine, I don't care about that."
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She continued: "The issue is, that not only are we female artists, OK? Black female artists in an industry where there's not that many of us.
"We've met each other, we know each other, we have mutual friends. It's not hard. She can contact, right? Ashniko, who's what, 20? She's a young white girl, she reached out when she freakin' like, it's just common decency. It's common decency.
"Especially because, as so many of you pointed out - I know what I own and what I don't own.
"I also know the lies that were told. I also know the things that were stolen. Publishing was stolen, people were swindled out of rights. It happens all the time, especially back then.
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"So, it's not about me being mad about Beyoncé."
UNILAD has contacted the reps of Beyoncé, Pharrell and Kelis for comment.
Renaissance is Beyoncé's seventh studio album, and her first solo offering in six years following the release of the critically acclaimed Lemonade in 2016.
The singer has thanked fans for their 'love and protection' following reports that her new album was leaked online two days before its official release.
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The pop superstar said she appreciated her fans – known as the Beyhive – for calling out 'anyone that was trying to sneak into the club early'.
Outraged fans took to social media on Wednesday night, after audio files circulated on social media, reportedly allowing some listeners early access to the songs.
Minutes before the album's official release on Friday, the singer addressed the situation in posts on social media.
"So the album leaked and you all actually waited until the proper release time so you can all enjoy it together," she wrote.
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"I've never seen anything like it. I can't thank y'all enough for your love and protection.
"I appreciate you for calling out anyone that was trying to sneak into the club early.
"It means the world to me. Thank you for your unwavering support. Thank you for being patient.
"We are going to take our time and enjoy the music. I will continue to give my all and do my best to bring you joy."
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She signed off: "I love you deep."
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