Beyoncé‘s surprise Super Bowl drop of two new country songs, with the announcement of a whole album to follow, thrilled most viewers — but not Azealia Banks.
Banks hit social media on Monday (February 12) to share that she wasn’t feeling the Queen Bey’s new direction.
“I love you…but them r&b runs over the leslie feist back beats is giving pickmesha… . Nothing country about it,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories.
“You’re setting yourself up to be ridiculed again,” Banks continued. “There’s a theatrical element to country music !!! Them critics are not just going to accept an ugly blond wig and bullying from jay-z !!! It’s giving big time musical grift… [Y]ou’re just really not hitting the button.”
Banks also unfavorably compared Bey’s country effort to a similar pivot by singer K. Michelle, who made her own move to country in March 2023, telling People at the time: “Country music is who I am.”
Michelle has since performed at the Country Music Awards, though she has not yet released a full-length project in that style.
“K.michelle this is your turn to really execute,” Banks wrote. “It’s no shade but K Michelle truly understands the assignment… Beyoncé…you will gag when k Michelle tears it.”
See her full post below.
Prior to Azealia Banks’s outspoken message, K. Michelle expressed her feelings about Beyoncé’s new songs.
“I’m one of the greatest African American country singers of all times with no album even out,” she wrote on X in response to Bey fan who, in light of the Lemonade icon going country, asked: “Has anyone checked in on @kmichelle[?]”
“Yall been mentioning me ALL night,” the singer continued. “I’m just happy to be spoke about in my genre. I love Bey and will be supporting her like i always do.”
Beyoncé announced the arrival of Renaissance: act ii in a multi-layered reveal that started with a new Super Bowl ad for Verizon. In it, Beyoncé and the network’s now iconic “Can You Hear Me Now” tech try a number of different schemes to see if Queen Bey can “break the internet” once again.
The commercial ends with the former Destiny’s Child star blasting off to space as a fictional news anchor announces her plans to deliver the first live performance from space. In the last few seconds of the ad, Bey says: “Okay, they ready, drop the new music.”
The surprise Verizon ad had the intended effect of driving fans to her socials as they looked for additional hints as to how to access Beyoncé’s latest offering. Moments after the ad premiered, she delivered with a Texas-themed trailer for the new project, which is set to arrive on March 29.
She also released the first two singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” which are available on all streaming platforms.
Just form a podcast already, she’s only known for mouthing off.
Imagine a barely 1 hit wonder criticizing Beyonce on her career. What an idiot
Banks is right.
Azalea Banks is right. Beyonce is taking the if you cant beat em, join em approach. She’s gonna go for Taylors fanbase to try and win AOTY grammy. If this isnt selling out, idk what is. Shit is not coincedental with the platform Jigger Man gave with his lame ass speech. This is sad and pathetic.
Did it ever occur to you that she is doing this because she is from Texas and not because Taylor Swift or the AOTY award? Quit making assumptions and get your facts straight before you start making negative comments about someone else.
Bey is a production. There are many singers that have a better range than she has. Take away all the theatrics and stage customs and she would be just another mediocre singer. Even her dancing is lack luster. Sorry, but she would never get any of my money. I don’t think I would attend one of her concerts even if it was free.
LaTonya youre cute. Lets have Lil Wayne make a jazz album bc hes from New Orleans. How about a Fat Joe reggaeton album? Maybe a Slim Shady Motown inspired album too. Too bad Biggie never got a chance to drop a reggae album to really represent those Jamaican roots.
She has to to get that Grammy. Illuminati business.
NEVER B! you done
NEVER B! you done. so sad but tru
And what buttons have azelia hit? Her Twitter/x button 😂 no one can name an azelia song. Girl u r hoping to Garner attention in hopes someone will stream ur music. Disappear
I agree @Jess. I don’t know one of her songs. I am too sick of 2cents Azalea. I think we should send her back to Wild N Out for a friendly reminder of what we truly feel about her 2 cents.
In no world at anytime does anyone give a damn about what azalea banks thinks. Her whole existence is talking about ppl that have made it. She is a clout chaser and a ugly one at that. Inside and out. Stop giving her attention. No one cares
In no world at anytime does anyone give a damn about what azalea banks thinks. Her whole existence is talking about ppl that have made it. She is a clout chaser and a ugly one at that. Inside and out. Stop giving her attention. No one cares
All banks does is dump on people. Where is her music career? Just social media rants about various people.