KVSP Tina Turner fans criticize Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s “eat the cake, Anna Mae” lyric in 2013’s “Drunk in Love”
Written by ABC Audio ALL RIGHTS RESERVED on May 25, 2023
Beyoncé shared a heartfelt tribute to Tina Turner Wednesday, but the late singer’s fans have their minds on something else. Lyrics from Bey and Jay-Z‘s hit “Drunk in Love” surfaced in the wake of Tina’s death, leading to criticism they mocked her abusive relationship with ex-husband Ike Turner.
The lyrics in question capture Jay rapping, “Beat the box up, like Mike in ’97, I bite/ I’m Ike Turner, turn up baby, no, I don’t play/ Baby, no, I don’t play, now eat the cake, Anna Mae/ Said eat the cake, Anna Mae!”
Hov’s bars reference a dispute Tina, born Anne Mae Bullock, had with Ike over a pastry, Page Six reports. So, fans took to Twitter to share their displeasure with the 2013 track.
“A reminder that Jay-Z and Beyoncé on ‘Drunk in Love’ say these words, mocking Tina Turner (Anna Mae) being beaten up by Ike Turner, & ref the moment he pushed her face into her celebration cake to abuse her,” one person tweeted.
Another wrote, “I keep thinking about how disrespectful it was for Jay-Z and Beyonce to have that ‘Drunk in Love’ lyric making fun of Tina Turner’s abuse from Ike.”
A third person questioned why Tina “being a domestic violence survivor somehow always turned into a joke.”
Despite all the critics, Bey paid homage to the “beloved queen,” thanking her for paving the way.
“I love you endlessly. I’m so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way. You are strength and resilience,” Beyoncé wrote in her tribute. “You are the epitome of power and passion. We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done.”
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