Sexyy Red faces backlash after unauthorized “Beat It” sample
Sampling has long been a cornerstone of hip-hop culture. When executed properly, it can breathe new life into classic records while bridging generational gaps in music. But when iconic songs are involved — particularly those tied to legendary artists — the margin for error becomes razor thin.
That reality is now front and center as rapper Sexyy Red faces backlash after previewing a flip of Michael Jackson’s historic single “Beat It.”
According to a statement provided to Billboard, the Michael Jackson Estate made it clear they had no knowledge of the track.
“We were totally unaware of this,” a spokesman for the estate said. “The use of the music is unauthorized.”
In other words, fans shouldn’t expect the record — referred to by Sexyy Red as “Just Eat It” — to receive official clearance for release on digital streaming platforms. And in the music industry, clearance is everything.
Sexyy Red’s rise proves she’s one of rap’s breakout stars
Born Janae Nierah Wherry, Sexyy Red has experienced one of the fastest ascents in modern hip-hop.
Her 2023 breakout single “Pound Town” quickly went viral, fueled by social media momentum and club rotation. The Nicki Minaj-assisted sequel, “Pound Town 2,” marked her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 — a milestone that signaled her arrival as a commercial force.
She maintained that momentum with:
- “SkeeYee”
- Drake collaboration “Rich Baby Daddy”
- “Get It Sexyy”
- Grammy-nominated feature “Sticky” with Tyler, the Creator
Her mixtapes Hood Hottest Princess and In Sexyy We Trust helped solidify her brand — unapologetic, energetic, and culturally disruptive.
By 2024, Billboard had already labeled her one of the biggest breakout artists of the summer. And with a BET Hip Hop Award for Best Breakthrough Artist, her influence continues to grow.
Which is precisely why this controversy is drawing so much attention. When emerging stars interact with legendary catalogs, expectations rise instantly.
The controversy began on social media
Sexyy Red first stirred conversation after posting a video of herself rapping over the “Beat It” instrumental. Rather than backing away from the moment, she leaned into the chatter with another clip captioned:
“Leaked footage from da Michael Jackson movie HOOCHIE TRIBUTE TO DA BEST LLMJ.”
The playful tone didn’t stop the criticism.
Some fans questioned whether flipping such a culturally sacred record crossed a line, while rap pioneer Monie Lovedelivered one of the harshest reactions.
“Whoever cleared the ‘Beat It’ sample for Sexyy Red, I hope they know they not seeing heaven,” she wrote on X. “Playing with MJ name and discography like that is beyond disrespectful!”
As of now, Sexyy Red has not publicly responded to the estate’s statement.
Why Michael Jackson’s music is handled with extreme care
Few catalogs in music history carry the cultural weight of Michael Jackson’s.
Often called the “King of Pop,” Jackson broke racial barriers, transformed music videos into cinematic art, and became one of the best-selling artists of all time with over 500 million records sold worldwide.
His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album in history. A cultural landmark that reshaped the global music industry.
Among its standout singles was “Beat It,” a genre-blending track produced by Quincy Jones and featuring an iconic guitar solo from Eddie Van Halen.
The song:
- hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100
- sold over 10 million copies
- won multiple Grammy Awards
- helped redefine pop music
More importantly, it symbolized unity — famously portraying rival gangs choosing dance over violence in its groundbreaking music video.
Because of this legacy, the Jackson estate is known for carefully protecting his work.
Unauthorized usage isn’t just a legal issue. It’s a cultural one.
Sampling in hip-hop: honoring the past while creating the future
Hip-hop was built on sampling. From looping jazz breaks to reimagining soul melodies, producers have long transformed older records into entirely new sonic experiences.
But doing it well requires balance. The best samples feel like tributes — not shortcuts.
A classic example is The Isley Brothers’ “Footsteps in the Dark,” which became the backbone of Ice Cube’s “It Was a Good Day.” Rather than overpowering the original, the sample enhanced its mood while allowing Cube’s storytelling to shine.
Similarly, artists like Kanye West and JAY-Z have built careers on flipping beloved songs with creativity and precision.
However, history shows that sampling legendary material comes with risks. When fans have a deep emotional attachment to the original, comparisons become inevitable. And sometimes, unforgiving.
Why tasteful sampling is rarer than fans realize
In today’s streaming era, music moves faster than ever — and so does production.
But tasteful sampling often requires:
- patience
- licensing negotiations
- artistic restraint
- intentional storytelling
Without those elements, a sample can feel gimmicky rather than groundbreaking. This is why estates — particularly those overseeing icons like Michael Jackson — tend to be selective.
Protecting legacy matters. And not every reinterpretation aligns with that mission.
The business reality behind sample clearance
Many listeners don’t realize how complex the clearance process can be.
Using a sample typically requires approval from:
- The publishing rights holders
- The master recording owners
Fees can range from thousands to millions depending on the song’s stature. For a record as globally recognized as “Beat It,” the bar is especially high.
Failure to secure permission can lead to:
- legal disputes
- forced takedowns
- blocked streaming releases
Which is why the estate’s statement effectively halts any official rollout — at least for now.
Controversy and curiosity often go hand in hand
Ironically, moments like this can sometimes increase an artist’s visibility. Debates about artistic freedom versus cultural respect tend to spark conversation across generations of listeners.
Younger fans may view sampling as experimentation. Older audiences may see it as sacred territory.
Both perspectives reflect hip-hop’s evolving identity. For Sexyy Red, the situation highlights the tightrope modern artists walk when engaging with legendary material.
What happens next?
At this stage, several possibilities remain:
- The track could be scrapped entirely
- Negotiations could still occur
- The song may live only as a viral moment
Until Sexyy Red or her team responds, the future of “Just Eat It” remains uncertain.
But one thing is clear — interacting with Michael Jackson’s catalog is never a casual move.
Legacy versus reinvention in modern hip-hop
Every generation of artists faces the same creative challenge: how to innovate while honoring the giants who shaped the sound before them.
For Sexyy Red — an artist whose rise has been fueled by bold choices and cultural disruption — the moment serves as a reminder that engaging with legendary catalogs carries weight far beyond virality.
Michael Jackson’s career set a global standard for artistry, performance, and musical excellence. Decades after his passing, his work remains some of the most protected — and revered — in entertainment history.
Whether the situation leads to a response from Sexyy Red or fades as a short-lived controversy, one thing is certain: touching a record as iconic as “Beat It” places any artist in direct conversation with the legacy of the King of Pop.
And in that conversation, expectations are never small.
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