Filipino-British singer-songwriter Beabadoobee has been consistently shutting down TikTok videos comparing her to rapper NBA YoungBoy, often captioned as an “Artist Who Can Sing vs. Artist Who Can’t Sing.” Her responses have been ongoing throughout late February.
TikTok video meme
A popular meme, “Artist Who Can Sing vs. Artist Who Can’t Sing,” has been making rounds online. One video features rapper NBA YoungBoy and singer-songwriter Beabadoobee. The clip depicts NBA YoungBoy shooting lasers from his eyes while humorously singing opera, captioned “Artist that can sing.” It then cuts to Beabadoobee playing her guitar and singing, ironically labeled as the “Artist that can’t sing.” Of course, NBA YoungBoy is a rapper and doesn’t sing opera, making the meme an exaggerated joke. The intended humor behind the meme is that one can’t sing and one can, but the artists are reversed; NBA Youngboy does not sing, but Bea is known for singing.
The drama around it
The controversy surrounding the meme stems from its differing interpretations. While everyone has their take, the meme essentially serves as an indirect compliment to Beabadoobee’s singing abilities. This has left many confused about her negative reaction. Some argue that the exaggerated editing makes it clear the video is a joke, leading to speculation that she may be overreacting or misinterpreting the meme’s intent.
On February 21, 2025, Beabadoobee responded to the meme by posting a series of TikTok Story updates. She criticized the video and those sharing it, claiming they were men who “get no girls” and suggesting their mothers don’t love them. She also referred to them as “incels,” while asserting that she was unbothered by the meme, emphasizing that she has more money and girls than they do.
Beabadoobee’s response sparked criticism, with many accusing her of overreacting, creating unnecessary internet drama, and even being sexist for singling out men. On February 22, 2025, she addressed the backlash in another video, clarifying that her frustration wasn’t directed at the meme itself but at the wave of harassment and sexualized comments that followed. She explained that while the joke may have started lighthearted, it quickly became repetitive and escalated into more aggressive and rude remarks. Overwhelmed by the negative attention, she expressed frustration with the internet’s reaction and the toxic discourse surrounding the meme, which could ruin her career.
Beabadoobee’s response has sparked mixed reactions. Some support her, arguing that she was calling out misogyny and highlighting how women in the music industry are treated online, making her justified in speaking out. Others, however, feel she is overreacting and should apologize.
The debate isn’t just among outsiders; opinions vary even within her fanbase. Beabadoobee took to her TikTok Story once again, voicing her frustration over the way she has been sexualized online since she was 17. She stated that she refuses to stay silent about the treatment she endures, citing not only inappropriate comments but also disturbing remarks about sexual assault. Additionally, she explained that her comments about men in her previous TikTok stories about this meme were her way of being “equally annoying” in response to the harassment she received afterward. She also suggested that the backlash against her was amplified because she is a woman, arguing that if a man had made similar statements, the reaction wouldn’t have been as intense.
Critics believe she is dragging out the controversy, unable to take a joke, or possibly using outrage to generate engagement. Ultimately, opinions remain divided—while some see her response as a justified reaction to online harassment, others view it as an unnecessary escalation of internet drama. Can Bea take a joke, or is she rage-baiting back for engagement?
