A viral studio clip has ignited one of the week’s most heated debates in hip-hop. Sexyy Red found herself at the center of controversy after footage surfaced of her performing an explicit rework of Michael Jackson’s 1982 classic “Beat It“. The remix, dubbed “Just Eat It,” quickly spread across social media. And just as quickly received backlash from fans of the late pop icon. Now, the Michael Jackson Estate has responded.
“We were totally unaware of this… The use of the music is unauthorized” a spokesperson for the estate told Billboard.
Viral Momentum, Immediate Fallout
The controversy began when Lil Yachty shared studio footage of Sexyy Red rapping along to the flip on Instagram. The clip accelerated across platforms, amplified further by a joking caption implying the track might appear on the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic soundtrack.
The post triggered strong reactions from Jackson’s fan base, many of whom viewed the reinterpretation as disrespectful to the King of Pop’s legacy.
Sexyy Red later leaned into the moment, sharing her own clip and framing it as a tongue-in-cheek “tribute”. “Leaked footage from da Michael Jackson movie HOOCHIE TRIBUTE TO DA BEST LLMJ,” she wrote.
However, with the estate publicly confirming the usage was unauthorized, an official DSP release appears unlikely without clearance something that now seems improbable.
Industry Voices Weigh In
The debate extended beyond fans. Hip-hop pioneer Monie Love publicly condemned the remix, calling it “beyond disrespectful” and criticizing the handling of Jackson’s catalog.
The reaction further highlights a larger tension within music culture: the line between homage, parody, and infringement. Especially when dealing with sacred catalogs like Thriller, the Quincy Jones–produced landmark album that housed “Beat It”.
Legacy vs. Viral Culture
“Beat It,” released in 1982, became one of Michael Jackson’s defining crossover hits, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and helping solidify Thriller as the best-selling album of all time. Its place in pop history is untouchable.
In today’s internet-driven ecosystem, however, virality often moves faster than clearance. Artists experiment freely in studios, but once clips hit social media, they become public and subject to scrutiny. Sexyy Red has previously shown admiration for Jackson, even incorporating tributes into her live performances. But this time, it highlights the risks of flipping iconic records without formal approval.
The situation reflects a broader industry shift. As artists chase viral moments, the boundaries between unofficial remix, parody, and protected intellectual property are increasingly blurred.
For now, “Just Eat It” remains a viral flashpoint rather than an official release. Whether it fades as a social media moment or sparks deeper conversations about sampling ethics and legacy protection remains to be seen. All we know for sure is that when it comes to Michael Jackson’s catalog, the estate is watching closely.
