### Michael Jackson and Prince Secretly Dissing Beyoncé

In the realm of pop music, few names shine brighter than Michael Jackson, Prince, and Beyoncé. However, despite Beyoncé’s widespread acclaim, both Jackson and Prince have made remarks that suggest a more critical view of her talents. These comments shed light on their perspectives on authenticity, originality, and talent in the music industry.

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, once downplayed Beyoncé’s abilities by stating, “She takes lessons; she ain’t that good.” This remark, reportedly made during a conversation with MC Hammer, emphasized Jackson’s belief that Beyoncé’s dance routines lacked originality, being the product of lessons rather than her own creative innovations. Jackson’s iconic dance moves were entirely self-made, a result of his unparalleled creativity and hard work, unlike many artists who rely heavily on choreographers. His comment about Beyoncé taking lessons was a subtle jab at her performance style, suggesting that while she might be a skilled performer, she was not creating original dance moves.

Prince, a self-taught musical genius, also made statements that could be interpreted as subtle jabs at Beyoncé. Prince offered to teach Beyoncé piano and expressed surprise at her musical knowledge. He stated, “I was really curious as to how much she knew musically.” This comment, seemingly innocuous on the surface, hinted at Prince’s belief that Beyoncé’s musical success was more about her looks and industry connections rather than genuine talent. Prince, known for his meticulous choice of words, suggested that Beyoncé’s rise in the music world might lack the authenticity he valued so highly.

Prince’s critiques extended beyond individual artists to the broader music industry, particularly regarding the overuse of sampling. In a 1998 interview, he criticized modern artists for heavily sampling other musicians’ work, a practice he saw as undermining originality. He emphasized his point by stating, “I don’t sample; my microphone is on.” This could be seen as another indirect critique of Beyoncé, who, along with her husband Jay-Z, is known for using samples extensively in their music. One notable example is Beyoncé’s hit “Crazy in Love,” which features extensive sampling. Prince’s criticism highlighted a fundamental difference in artistic philosophy, where he valued original creation over reusing existing work.

The issue of sampling and originality in Beyoncé’s career has been a recurring theme. In 2022, Kelis called out Beyoncé for sampling her song “Milkshake” without permission on the Renaissance album. Kelis expressed her frustration on social media, stating, “The level of disrespect and utter ignorance of all three parties involved is astounding.” This incident underscored the ongoing debate about credit and originality in the music industry.

Beyoncé has faced numerous accusations of not giving due credit to original artists. Beyond sampling, she has been accused of copying dance moves, outfits, and even music videos. For instance, Beyoncé’s hit song “If I Were a Boy” was originally written by BC Jean, who intended it to be her own lead single. However, Beyoncé recorded her own version, leading to controversy over the song’s ownership. Similarly, Beyoncé’s music video for “Countdown” was criticized for copying choreography from Belgian dancer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, a move Beyoncé later described as an homage.

Despite these controversies, Beyoncé’s talent and impact on the music industry are undeniable. However, the critiques from legends like Michael Jackson and Prince highlight ongoing discussions about originality, authenticity, and the role of industry connections in an artist’s success. These hidden tensions between some of the biggest names in music offer a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play in the world of pop stardom.