SAILORR, defends her music amid cultural appropriation claims [VIDEO]

SAILORR, Faces Cultural Appropriation Allegations

Kayla Le, known as SAILORR, has emerged as a rising R&B star, but her rapid ascent has sparked debate. Cultural appropriation allegations have surfaced, with critics questioning her use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and stylistic choices, while Sailorr credits Black artists as key influences. In a May HOT 97 interview, addressed these concerns, emphasizing her respect for the culture that shaped her music. Despite SAILORR’s trending music, her fanbase is questioning her authenticity.

From Jacksonville to Stardom

SAILORR,’s background, her story is one of grit and talent. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, to Vietnamese immigrant parents, Kayla Le initially pursued musical theater in high school, dreaming of Broadway. She shifted to music production, teaching herself tools like Roland SP-404 and Ableton while working odd jobs as a florist, bartender, and eyelash technician. Starting as Sailor Goon in 2019, she released tracks like “Persian Rugs” (2021) and “Weathered” (2023) on SoundCloud, earning a spot on Jacksonville Music Experience’s 2022 artists-to-watch list.

Her 2024 single “Pookie’s Requiem,” inspired by Requiem for a Dream, marked her mainstream breakthrough, followed by “Cut Up” in 2025. Her debut mixtape, From Florida’s Finest (May 2025), and a planned June 2025 tour solidify her rising status. For music lovers exploring her career, her authenticity and hustle, contrasting with appropriation claims.

SAILORR,’s Response: Honoring Black Artist Influence

In her HOT 97 interview with Nessa, SAILORR, tackled cultural appropriation allegations head-on, acknowledging her deep inspiration from Black artists like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Frank Ocean. She explained that growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, immersed her in a diverse cultural landscape where Black music and vernacular were integral. “I’m not trying to take anything; I’m paying homage to the sounds and people I grew up around,” she said, emphasizing transparency about her influences. SAILORR, also clarified that her black grills, criticized by some as appropriative, stem from nhuộm răng đen, a Vietnamese teeth-blackening tradition, reflecting her heritage.

For fans seeking SAILORR,’s perspective, her response highlights authenticity and respect. While addressing accusations while grounding her art in personal and cultural context.

The Controversy: Debating Pookie’s Requiem and AAVE

SAILORR,’s breakout single, “Pookie’s Requiem,” released in November 2024, became a TikTok sensation, but it also drew scrutiny. Critics on X and Reddit pointed to her use of AAVE terms like “pookie” and “fazos,” arguing they’re rooted in Black culture and questioning her right to use them as a Vietnamese-American artist. Some compared her flow to SZA, alleging unoriginality, though others defended her, noting that influence doesn’t equate to theft. A Reddit thread on r/kpopnoir, for instance, debated whether “pookie” is exclusively AAVE, with users concluding it’s not but acknowledging its strong association with Black communities.

For fans researching the controversy, this debate reflects broader tensions about cultural boundaries in music. SAILORR,’s defenders, including fans on X, argue she’s transparent about her influences and that America’s cultural “melting pot” encourages such blending.

Other Artists Accused of Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation allegations are not unique to SAILORR, addressing user interest in the broader phenomenon. Historically, artists like Elvis Presley profited from Black music genres like rock and roll, often overshadowing pioneers like Chuck Berry. More recently, Iggy Azalea faced backlash for her “Blaccent” and music videos like “Bounce,” which featured Indian cultural elements, with critics arguing she lacked respect for their significance. Miley Cyrus was criticized for adopting hip-hop aesthetics during her Bangerz era, only to pivot back to country, prompting accusations of using Black culture for convenience.

Gwen Stefani’s “Harajuku Girls” campaign in 2004 was called a “minstrel show” by critics like Margaret Cho for reducing Japanese culture to a prop. Conversely, Bruno Mars, of Puerto Rican and Filipino descent, faced appropriation claims for his funk and R&B style but was defended by Black artists like Charlie Wilson, who praised his homage to Black music’s roots. These cases, drawn from sources like TheWrap and CNN, illustrate the nuanced line between appropriation and appreciation, providing context for users comparing Sailorr’s situation.

The Bigger Picture: Cultural Exchange vs. Appropriation

For music lovers seeking deeper insight, the SAILORR, controversy highlights the complex interplay of cultural exchange and appropriation. Cultural appropriation, as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, involves taking elements from a culture without understanding or respecting its significance. Often by a dominant group from a marginalized one. In music, this debate is fraught. As genres like hip-hop and R&B, rooted in Black culture, are inherently collaborative and adaptive. SAILORR,’s use of AAVE and R&B stylings, while inspired by Black artists, has sparked discussion about authenticity and privilege. Especially as a non-Black artist profiting from these aesthetics.

Defenders argue that cultural exchange is inevitable in diverse societies, citing SAILORR,’s transparency and Florida’s multicultural fabric. Critics, however, emphasize power dynamics, noting that non-Black artists may gain opportunities Black artists are denied.

Public Reaction: Support and Criticism

Public sentiment on X and Reddit reveals a divided response. With some fans divided on the SAILORR’s response to the allegations.

@urrfavonce_ praise her for crediting Black influences, arguing that cultural blending is America’s essence. Others, like

@myaradapsycho, acknowledge her talent but question her reliance on AAVE and Black aesthetics, given her primary audience includes Black women. Supporters, including

@LolaSkye_93, defend her grills as culturally rooted and dismiss comparisons to SZA as unfair.

For fans tracking social media discourse, this polarization underscores the challenge of navigating cultural sensitivity in music. SAILORR,’s engagement with critics, as seen in her HOT 97 interview, shows her commitment to dialogue. Which may sway undecided fans.

What’s Next: SAILORR,’s Path Forward

As SAILORR, prepares for her From Florida’s Finest Tour in June 2025, users are curious about how she’ll navigate this controversy. Her signing with BuVision, a label tied to Atlantic Music Group, and endorsements from artists like Summer Walker and Halle Bailey signal industry support. By continuing to address allegations transparently, as she did on HOT 97, SAILORR, can build trust with fans and critics. Her upcoming debut album, teased in interviews, may further clarify her artistic vision, potentially diffusing tensions.

For fans seeking updates, SAILORR,’s focus on music and cultural respect suggests a path toward growth.

Navigating Art and Identity

SAILORR,’s response to cultural appropriation allegations reflects her commitment to authenticity, rooted in her Jacksonville upbringing and Vietnamese heritage. By crediting Black artist influences and clarifying her stylistic choices, she seeks to bridge understanding in a polarized debate. The broader context of cultural appropriation in music, from Elvis to Iggy Azalea, underscores the complexity of creative exchange.