Beyoncé Taps Beam For "Energy"

This "Renaissance" standout samples two tracks from Big Freedia and Kelis.

BYErika Marie
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This track has been at the center of drama all day (July 28) after Kelis had a bit to say about Beyoncé sampling her song. Prior to the release of Bey's Renaissance, the singer shared a list of credits of artists who would be sampled on the anticipated album. On the Beam-sampled "Energy," Beyoncé and her team sampled Kelis's "Milkshake," a track that was originally produced by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, professionally known as The Neptunes. Kelis worked closely with the pair back in the day, and she took to social media to not only call them out but to blast Beyoncé for not reaching out to her.

"My mind is blown too because the level of disrespect and utter ignorance of all 3 parties involved is astounding," said Kelis. "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."

The controversy has carried on as people from across the globe have weighed in, causing the Renaissance hype to intensify. "Energy" also samples Big Freedia's "Explode" and was produced by Skrillex, Al Cres, Beam, and Beyoncé. Stream the track and share your thoughts.

Quotable Lyrics

Only double lines we cross is dollar signs, yeah
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Hold up, wait
I hear you just got paid, make it rain, energy
She more Cancún, he more Saint Tropez
Been waving a room, the crowd gon' move
Look around, everybody on mute
Look around, it's me and my crew


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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.