Grammy-winning artist Muni Long recently took to social media to reveal a controversial request from Atlantic Records. The R&B singer-songwriter, known for her breakout hit Hrs and Hrs, claims the label asked her to create “soulful” music for non-Black artists, a suggestion she firmly rejected.
In a viral clip shared on TikTok and Instagram, Long lip-synced to an audio clip of rapper Boosie saying, “F**k no! And I’ma stand on that!” In the caption, she confirmed the interaction with Atlantic Records’ president, Elliot Grainge, writing, “I don’t want your money. ION care bout no Oscar for it. I WON’T BE PARTICIPATING CAUSE WHAT BOOSIE SAID! Get somebody else to do it.”
Muni Long Stands on Integrity
Long elaborated in the Instagram post, sharing how a label executive suggested she tap into her past work under her birth name, Priscilla Renea. “And when I said NO, one of ‘em gone say, ‘You can reach in that Priscilla Renea vault and see what you have in there,’” she wrote. “Boy, do you know what a VAULT is? That’s where you keep the valuables. If you don’t get somewhere and sit down.”
The post drew widespread support from fans and peers, including artists like H.E.R., SZA, and Baby Rose. While some questioned her decision, urging her to take the money, Long had a sharp response: “Oh baby, you must got me confused with somebody else.”
Long, who has written for Black artists like Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, and Mariah Carey, as well as non-Black artists like Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson, has been vocal about preserving her artistic integrity. “I want to go where I’m loved and appreciated,” she told The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year. She expressed disdain for industry practices that undervalue or exploit artists, saying, “I’m willing to pull this song and walk away because I don’t want to deal with the headache.”
Despite the backlash against the label’s request, Long remains steadfast. Her commitment to creating music that aligns with her values continues to inspire both fans and fellow artists.