Erykah Badu Suggests Beyoncé Copied Her Look For Album Cover
Erykah Badu got slammed on the internet Wednesday (March 20) when she insinuated that Beyoncé copied her. The soul artist reposted the limited edition cover for the Houston artist’s upcoming album Cowboy Carter. On the cover, Beyoncé is wearing a sash that reads “act ii BEYINCÉ,” referencing her mother’s maiden name and the root of her first name. In the image, she also has her hair braided with beaded bangs, which is what Badu is referring to when she claims she copied her.
Badu shared the cover on her Instagram Stories along with the caption “Hmmm.” Following some backlash from the BeyHive, Badu called out to Jay-Z for help on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“To JAY-Z. Say somethin Jay. You gone let this woman and these bees do this to me??”
To Jay Z . Say somethin Jay . You gone let this woman and these bees do this to me ?? 😆 pic.twitter.com/oxNhNgvfWp
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) March 20, 2024
Fans React To Erykah Badu’s Comments
Fans came to Beyoncé’s defense
“Erykah swear everybody copy her meanwhile Beyonce was referencing this queen,” a fan Erykah swear everybody copy her meanwhile Beyonce was referencing this queen https://t.co/gHkAXEKqgD
“Erykah Badu is a prime example of how people hate Beyoncé simply for existing. It’s only a problem when Beyoncé does it…Badu didn’t address Brandy, SZA, or Solange. So d— backwards. @fatbellybella you’re embarrassing yourself,” a fan wrote.
Beyoncé’s publicist, Yvette Noelle-Schure, also came to the singer’s defense on Instagram, posting a montage of different braided looks (with some containing beads) over the years.
“She slays. She slays. Now. Then. Always. act ii COWBOY CARTER 3.29 #criticswithoutcredentials,” she captioned the post soundtracked by Beyoncé’s “Formation.”
Where Beyoncé Most Likely Got Inspiration From Bead Braided Hairstyle
With all due respect to Badu, she did not create the hairstyle. The beaded braid hairstyle was popularized in the 1970s and worn by artists such as Rick James, Donna Summer, and more. While Badu still rocks the hairstyle today, the use of the hairstyle has been used several times over in the Black community.
This is also not the first time Beyoncé has worn this hairstyle in her art. The hairstyle is seen throughout her Black Is King visuals in 2020.
However, this is also not the first time that Badu has accused Beyoncé of copying off of her. During the entertainer’s Renaissance World Tour, Badu commented on the large silver hat Beyoncé wore during one of her performances.
The “Call Tyrone” singer shared a side-by-side photo of the two in similar hats back in August. “Hmm. I guess I’m everyone’s stylist. My favorite chrome mirror hat,” Badu wrote alongside the photo per Page Six.