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Ms Banks defends Saweetie over Birkin bag debate: ‘It’s not bad to want a man to buy you things’


Ms Banks is here for the Birkins (Picture: Getty Images)

Ms Banks has stepped into the buzzing Birkin bag debate to defend Saweetie, stating that it’s ‘not bad’ to want a boyfriend to treat you to expensive gifts. 

It all kicked off over the weekend when My Type rapper Saweetie said during an Instagram live that if a man can’t afford to buy you a Birkin or pay for your bills, he should be ‘thrown back to the streets’ in reference to her new song with Jhene Aiko. 

Saweetie’s boyfriend Quavo stood behind her and seemed to agree with the sentiment. 

It sparked a huge social media debate that has trended for several days with Cardi B and Offset also sharing their thoughts – the couple are known for their love of Birkins and the Migos rapper is known for splashing out on the designer bags for his wife and even their daughter Kulture. 

Some have argued that Saweetie’s comment does little to encourage female empowerment and independence while others were busy debating the true value of a Birkin. 

Explaining where she sits in the debate, Ms Banks – who was nominated at the BET Hip Hop Awards last night – told Metro.co.uk: ‘First of all, I love Saweetie. I don’t understand, I think people just like to take offence to things that don’t concern them. 

‘Men are angry because they probably can’t afford a Birkin for their girl and certain girls are trying [to say], “you only want him for his money”. Girl, you know that’s not what she meant. 

‘I feel like a lot of women, especially these female artists, they’ve got their own money. I don’t think it’s bad to want a man who’s gonna look after you or buy things for you within his own means.’ 

Referring to her hit female empowerment song Novikov, Ms Banks continued: ‘I say that because, like I said in my song, I’m willing to take a guy Novikov but I’m doing that because that same guy that took me Novikov, took me out probably more times than I took him out. It’s a thing of treating your partner when you can and I’m all for that. 

‘I like gifts and I like giving to people, it’s a two-way thing. This Birkin chat just needs to stop, you know what she meant.’ 

She added: ‘It’s a two-way thing, I’m sure she treats her partner. You should have someone that’s ambitious and supportive.’ 

Novikov has become an anthem for women this year or, as some might say, the UK’s version of WAP, just much less explicit and sexually charged. 

Sharing where the song’s energy came from, Ms Banks said: ‘I feel like there’s been a switch in me. I’ve always been confident but really learning to love myself, speak my truth and just know who I am, I feel like I am having that moment. 

‘I’m in a place where everything I do is always going to be a success because I believe in it.’ 



BET Hip Hop Awards 2020 full winners list

Best hip-hop video: Life Is Good by Future ft. Drake

I am hip-hop award: Master P

Hip-hop artist of the year: Megan Thee Stallion

Song of the Year: The Box – Roddy Ricch

Best new hip-hop artist: Pop Smoke

Hip-hop album of the year: Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial – Roddy Ricch

Best collaboration: Megan Thee Stallion & Beyonce for Savage (Remix)

Best duo or group: Chris Brown and Young Thug

Best Live Performer :Travis Scott

Lyricist of the year: Rapsody

Video director of the year: Teyana “Spike Tee” Taylor

DJ of the year: D-Nice

Producer of the year: Hit-Boy

Hustler of the year: Megan Thee Stallion

Best hip-hop platform: The Joe Budden Podcast

Best featured verse: Beyonce in Savage (Remix)

Impact track: The Bigger Picture by Lil Baby

Best international flow: Stormzy

The Novikov music video just reached one million YouTube views and fellow rapper Stefflon Don slid into Ms Banks’ comments to congratulate her. 

Praising the ‘sisterhood’ among female rappers in the UK, Ms Banks said: ‘Everyone’s their own person, there’s definitely friendships. 

‘I love Steff, I think she’s amazing and we came out together. She’s always showing me love. Paigey [Cakes] and [Lady] Leshurr were showing me love and they embraced me. 

‘I feel like it is friendly. Like any workplace, not everyone gets along and that’s fine, you really don’t have to. 

‘The only thing I do feel is that with women, people do seem to make us cattier, I would rather stay away from that because people are quick to make it seem like we’re catty and that’s not the case.’ 

There seems to be a general sense of unity among most British rap artists as Ms Banks was nothing but proud to be nominated alongside Stormzy for best international artist at the BET Hip Hop Awards – even if the Vossi Bop rapper just beat her to it. 

‘I’m really happy to be recognised, I already feel like a winner. I’m just grateful, it’s lit,’ she said, adding: ‘I’m really happy they chose us two to represent, that’s really dope.’ 

Over the past week, Ms Banks – real name Thyra Oji – has been vocal about the horrific shootings during the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria which has been described as a ‘modern day genocide’. 

While Ms Banks has used her platform to support her native country, other celebrities have been criticised for remaining mute or being slow to react. 

Should celebrities feel responsible to speak out about particular causes? 

Ms Banks reasoned: ‘I feel like each to their own. Naturally, if something’s on your heart you speak on it right. I’m from Nigeria and it’s directly affecting me. Some people might think it’s not affecting me as much because I’m not in the country but it worries me so I spoke on it. 

‘I don’t think people should feel obliged. It’s crazy because protesting works and speaking out on something works because it sparks the conversation which then becomes a train of knowledge and hopefully from there, changes can be made.’ 

She continued: ‘This new wave of people pressuring public figures and it’s like, you lot are probably making people speak out about things they probably don’t even care about just to save face because you’re pressuring them. 

‘I think you should let people do it and you read the room and she who really cares and who doesn’t. But I feel like this whole pressuring public figures to speak, it just doesn’t make any sense because how are you gonna tell the real from the fake. 

‘Some people do things behind the scenes and maybe come out late but for me, as long as you’re doing something whether it’s donating or tweeting, you’re doing something and I’m grateful for that.’ 

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