Jesy Nelson Says She Wanted to “Celebrate” 90s R&B Amid Blackfishing Claims

Jesy Nelson insists that she never meant to blackfish after her new video “Boyz” with Nicki Minaj sent social media critics reeling.

During an Instagram Live Session with Onika, the U.K. singer said her “intention was never, ever to offend people of color.” Instead, she says that urban music was what she grew up on. 

In the record, Nelson sang lines such as “So hood, so good, so damn taboo,” which deeply offended social media users, particularly #BlackTwitter, who dragged Nelson in the days following the song and video release. Many felt that Nelson used her lyrics to describe African American men as stereotypical “bad boys.” Her over-embellished video also angered the masses due to seemingly mimicking Black women’s aesthetics. However, the 30-year-old says that 90’s R&B “were the best years in music,” and she simply wanted to “celebrate that.”

Nicki also came to Nelson’s defense, slamming her former Little Mix group mates, who spoke out about her new ethnic solo record.

“Let her enjoy this time,” Nicki demanded. 

“Boyz” currently has almost 8 million views on YouTube.