Nicci Gilbert From Brownstone Takes Downs Tory Lanez "Say It" Plaques
Nicci Gilbert from Brownstone has removed plaques from Tory Lanez 2015 song "Say It," which samples the '90s R&B group.
Nicci Gilbert of '90s R&B group Brownstone isn't here for Tory Lanez. The vocalist, 52, has removed plaques earned from Lanez's sampling of Brownstone's 1994 hit "If You Love Me" on his 2015 song "Say It." The song, which marked Lanez's Billboard debut, reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA in April 2019.
Gilbert, one of the three original members of Brownstone, cited Lanez being found guilty on three felony charges related to the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion as reason to no longer celebrate "Say It."
“The Jury has spoken and I respect the jury’s decision,” she wrote in an Instagram caption with a video of her removing the plaques and medals awarded by ASCAP. “I hate to see another young black man going to jail, especially days before Christmas. I feel terrible for his children and family…Honestly I feel bad for Tory.”
Her caption continued, “At the same time I support Meg and I believe her. It’s a shame that our community is so broken that we relentlessly attack victims, but I get it,” Gilbert continued. “Hurt people hurt people…This victory was a win for all victims and hopefully sent a strong message. I stand with MTS as an advocate for women and girls.”
Gilbert concluded by saying that she never paid Lanez for the 2015 single.
“I pray for Tory as an advocate for artists and creatives,” she wrote. “Tory is a young black man, who became super famous very quickly. This made him a talented creative who lacked the emotional intelligence and development needed to navigate that kind of success. He made a very poor decision, but I believe he will come out of this a better man and artist.”
She continued, “I sincerely hope the entertainment industry sees this as an opportunity to put more resources into artist development and overall wellness . The artists you see as a windfall are falling hard and the impact on our community is devastating. Artists have too much access to too many people, who are triggered in one way or another by their successes and failures . I’m taking these awards down in protest of Violence against women. I will not tolerate it under any circumstances. Before y’all ask me to give some money back from the single…I’m still waiting on that paperwork from 2015.”
Those who sympathized with Gilbert's decision in her Instagram comments included India.Arie and LeeLee Lyons of SWV, although the latter did not agree with Gilbert taking down the "Say It" honors.
“Everything in this ‘new industry’ is so sad and unfortunate," Lyons wrote. "While I do understand the fight sis , I feel the plaques are a representation of the hard work you put into this industry, not necessarily Tory’s. The producer sampled your good works and you deserve it! Especially in an industry who don’t recognize us female artists at all. But I do understand.”