Singer Makes It Clear She Is Not Making Music For White People
In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, a renowned artist firmly rejected the notion that her music is crafted for a “white audience.” Instead, the 34-year-old emphasizes that her creations are deeply rooted in her Black experience, blending genres like hip-hop, gospel, and R&B. Her anthems, including chart-topping hits like Good as Hell and About Damn Time, have resonated across audiences worldwide, yet she acknowledges a complex dynamic when it comes to her reach.
The musician expressed concerns about the perception of her songs, which are designed for Black audiences but have gained significant traction among white listeners. This, she said, sparks a difficult but necessary conversation about how Black artists navigate mainstream success. “When Black people see a lot of white people in the audience, they think, ‘Well, this isn’t for me. This is for them,’” she explained. “But when a Black artist reaches a certain level of popularity, it’s going to be a predominantly white crowd.”
She dismissed criticism labeling her work as catering to white listeners, saying, “I am not making music for white people. I am a Black woman creating music from my Black experience—for me, to heal myself from the experiences we call life.” Born in Detroit as Melissa Jefferson, she also highlighted the importance of self-love and empowerment in her work, noting her desire to inspire young Black people who, like her, have felt underappreciated or marginalized. “We need self-love anthems more than anybody,” she said, adding, “Am I making music for that girl who looks like me, who grew up feeling unbeautiful? Yes.”
The conversation took a turn when another prominent figure, Kanye West, criticized her during a Fox News appearance with Tucker Carlson. West commented on her weight loss announcements, alleging that criticism of her health decisions is part of a larger agenda. He described it as “a genocide of the Black race,” claiming the media promotes unhealthy ideals to harm the community.
In response, the artist addressed these comments during a concert at Scotiabank Arena, declaring, “I feel like everybody in America got my [expletive] name in their [expletive] mouth for no [expletive] reason.” Despite the noise, her focus remains steadfast on creating music that uplifts and empowers those who need it most.