Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
It is effectively everyday that some of the biggest names in the music industry are criticized left, right and center. However, when a fellow industry bigwig tends to the same, people are bound to pay attention. That is exactly what has happened, with British rapper M.I.A. recently going on a rant against some of the industry’s favorite icons.
In a live stream on November 30, thePaper Planesartist sparked a firestorm with explosive claims against Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Adele. The rapper claimed that the industry has failed to give her the respect that she deserves, and that she has decided she will be coming for ‘everyone’, now.
M.I.A. makes concerning allegations against multiple music stars
Rapper M.I.A. Speaks on Refusing to Bleach Her Skin or Become a Witch to Sell Records and Goes Off on Adele and Beyoncé for Not Giving Her Respect Because She’s a Brown-Skinned Woman.pic.twitter.com/ro7MjaASDZ
M.I.A., whose real name is Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam, signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation management in 2012 but left abruptly in 2014. She revealed that during their first meeting, Jay-Z suggested she undergo plastic surgery—a recommendation she called out as emblematic of the industry’s superficial expectations.(via Hip Hop DX)
I’m not insecure because I would have got plastic surgery, she declared, emphasizing her self-assurance despite industry pressures. I’m 50, and I’m totally fine with that … I was making something interesting happen that wasn’t happening before.
Her frustrations extend beyond personal encounters. M.I.A. accused Roc Nation of suppressing her albumMathangidue to Jay-Z’s ties with the influential Bronfman family.
The rapper further alleged that communication with the label was cut off, and her emails toJay-Zwent unanswered.
Not Just P Diddy, 50 Cent Has Been Poking Jay Z For Years by Calling Him the Most Overrated Rapper of All Time
M.I.A. didn’t hold back when addressing Beyoncé and Adele, accusing them of overshadowing her contributions to the industry.
I find it difficult that when people make it, they all can turn around and thank Beyonce, because that’s fuked it, and enough is enough. I’m fing coming for everyone now. And even Adele, because she’s retired now, but her career would not exist if I hadn’t made Jonathan Dickens into a manager, who is her manager.I’m sick and tired of all the f*ing women who don’t want to give respect to me because I’m a brown woman in music.
Of course, those were not the entirety of the accusations.
M.I.A. believes Beyoncé went ‘political’ after copying her
M.I.A. highlighted her pivotal role in Adele’s career, referencing her involvement with Jonathan Dickens, Adele’s manager, and Nick Huggett, who signed the singer to Excel. She also accusedBeyoncéof adopting a politicized image inspired by her work.
Beyoncé didn’t think about politics before me, and that’s true.
Her grievances are further tied to her personal sacrifices, including prioritizing her son, Ikhyd, whom she shares with Benjamin Bronfman.
Beyonce, Jay Z, and Leonardo DiCaprio Have Been to Diddy Parties- Diddy’s Close Friend Set the Record Straight About Fans Turning Against Celebrities
In past tweets, M.I.A. alleged that the U.S. government blocked her access to her child due to her political activism, including support for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and opposition to conflicts in Palestine. (via eurweb)
They ripped me off and copied my style … but it was worth it to save him from the madness of what you know now.
M.I.A.’s impassioned statements shine a light on the struggles faced by women of color in the music industry.
While none of the three icons have responded thus far, the rapper has already fired her shots.
Rishabh Bhatnagar
Editor/Reviewer
Articles Published :315
Rishabh Bhatnagar is an Entertainment and pop culture journalist/editor with Fandom Wire. He has more than 6 years of experience working for multiple major platforms and is himself an avid consumer of worthwhile content. A natural storyteller, Rishabh has a unique way with words and is always looking to improve, as a storyteller, writer, and a journalist.
