Destiny’s Child has a catalog full of hit records. From “Bootylicious” to “Independent Women” and “Lose My Breath”. However its been “Cater 2 U” that has found its way into the ethos this year with a lot of people not feeling the song 17 years after it dropped. The record has been criticized for encouraging unhealthy relationship dynamics. The conversation has gotten so big that members of the group have had to chime in.
16 years ago today, Destiny’s Child released “Cater 2 U” as the fourth single from their fourth studio album, ‘Destiny Fulfilled.’
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 14, 2021
It peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned two nominations at the Grammy Awards. pic.twitter.com/3rIWRhUJpS
“Cater 2 U” was written by Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams along side Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Ricky “Ric Rude” Lewis and Robert Waller. The music production was handled by Knowles, Rude and Jerkins with Williams and Rowland also serving as the vocal producers. It was recorded in 2004 at Sony Music Studios in New York City with guidance from Jeff Villanueva and Jim Caruna. The audio mixing was done by Tony Maserati while the mastering was finished by Tom Coyne.
One of Beyoncé’s greatest ad-lib moments.
— 🌹 (@Coolness941) June 14, 2021
‘Cater 2 U’ live on Good Morning America (2005) pic.twitter.com/tlG0XuDOoE
At the time of it’s release the girls spoke with MTV News about the record. Knowles explained the meaning of the song saying “It basically talks about how a guy inspires you. You want to make him happy and you want to cater to him. I know it’s going to be surprising to a lot of people that the independent survivors are being submissive to their man, but it’s important that people know that, you know, it’s fine if your man deserves it and gives that back to you.”
Sometime last week the record began to trend, with many users pointed out how poorly it has aged. Members of Black Twitter especially have been critical of the record, calling it a “pick me” anthem. According to Media Take Out: “A ‘Pick Me’ is a woman who is willing to do anything for male approval.”
Or when Beyoncé said “my life would be purposeless without you”
— the pan-african princess (@Backthtjazzup) June 6, 2021
WHOO?!?!
One twitter user quoted the lyrics saying “I’ll brush your hair. Put your durag onnnn” Do you know how particular black men are about their durag tying technique? It’s too much.” Another user pointed out how the song has not aged well “This was my song at 11 years old but at 27 I’m like wait we gonna have to PAUSE real quick ladies because what y’all are saying is not sitting right with me.”
“ We’re canceling Destiny’s Child Cater 2 U “
— A Real $moove Production (@Jayl0n1k) June 14, 2021
Black Twitter : pic.twitter.com/iitOGmCTdG
Michelle Williams, under the alias “Marlene” and a Pixar filter, chimed in on the drama via her social media. “My name is Marlene and I just read that yall wanna cancel the song “Cater 2 U” by Destiny’s Child? Oh honey, you didn’t discern who were catering to and you gave your lil pearls to swine. Don’t be mad at Destiny’s Child.”
Petitions to cancel the song have fans coming out to defend it, see some of their responses below.
Check out fan reactions:
“ We’re canceling Destiny’s Child Cater 2 U “
— A Real $moove Production (@Jayl0n1k) June 14, 2021
Black Twitter : pic.twitter.com/iitOGmCTdG
The people trying to cancel Cater 2 U clearly were not alive to witness this moment pic.twitter.com/kkt8aEhPjq
— ✨PETTY PEYTON 👸🏽✨ (@peytonpilar) June 14, 2021
Let’s be honest BLACK TWITTER is not trying to cancel Cater 2 U .. Gen Z is trying to cancel Cater 2 U and we don’t claim them so .. pic.twitter.com/JGgbA4gcmL
— Gossip Girl ✨☕️🤍 (@xoraveen) June 14, 2021
they’re tryna cancel Cater 2 U, Joe. pic.twitter.com/kaNThkUFnK
— childish natas. (@trevisahn_) June 14, 2021
Me listening to cater 2 u 100x just to piss people off… pic.twitter.com/D6um1VBL7Q
— ✨PETTY PEYTON 👸🏽✨ (@peytonpilar) June 14, 2021