Beyonce is working off a new dose of criticism with work on her fifth studio album. Renowned entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte recently criticized Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z for their lack of concern and action for the issues facing the African-American community.
Known for his performances in films like Carmen Jones and Buck and the Preacher, as well as his award-winning “The Banana Boat Song (Day-O),” Belafonte may be held in even higher regarded for his involvement in the civil rights movement.
During an interview last week with the Hollywood Reporter, when asked whether or not he was happy with the images of minorities portrayed in Hollywood, he called out the power couple by name.
“I think one of the greatest abuses of this modern time is that we should have had such high-profile artists, powerful celebrities. But they have turned their back on social responsibility. That goes for Jay-Z and Beyoncé, for example.”
The 30-year old entertainer chose to respond to Belafonte’s comments through her representative, referencing her charitable acts which have included inner-city outreaches in her hometown of Houston, as well as hurricane relief efforts in the gulf coast and earthquake relief in Haiti.
Putting the criticism behind her Beyonce is busying working on her fifth album with the likes of Kanye West and songwriter. Diane Warren. The “I Was Here” singer is pulling reportedly pulling all-nighters in the studio with West and Jay-Z’s producer Hit-Boy.
Bey has rented out the entire studio and has security detail on every door to make sure that no one hears a single, solitary note of her latest work, which she’s betting will be her best album yet.
In addition to Kanye, Diane Warren revealed she has written a few songs for the pop star. “They’re great songs,” Warren said. “I think they’re on the level of (’I Was Here’) and I’m really excited about that.”
