Tinashe On Ben Simmons, Controversial Colorism Comments & 'Joyride'

Tinashe came through to Ebro in the Morning earlier today to prepare for the release of her brand new album Joyride!

During the conversation she details how her and rookie Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons met, their first date, and the day they got into a relationship.

She also spoke about the controversy surrounding comments that were taken out of context during an interview with The Guardian in which she said the following comments.

There’s colorism involved in the black community, which is very apparent. It’s about trying to find a balance where I’m a mixed woman, and sometimes I feel like I don’t fully fit into the black community; they don’t fully accept me, even though I see myself as a black woman. That disconnect is confusing sometimes. I am what I am.

Recently, my cousin was with a friend of a friend, who was in high school, and she was like, “I’m a fan of Kehlani,” but in a way that was like, “So I can’t be a fan of Tinashe, too.” Then my friend posed the question, “Why not be a fan of both?” It’s kind of like sport; people feel like they have to pick a side… There are hundreds of [male] rappers that all look the same, that sound the same, but if you’re a black woman, you’re either Beyoncé or Rihanna. It’s very, very strange… It felt like they almost had to sacrifice someone because there wasn’t enough room, which isn’t true.

The singer cleared up what she really meant, which was her experiences growing up as a biracial woman.

Before leaving she revealed her displeasure with some choices at the Grammys including her disappointment that SZA did not win.

Joyride is to be released Friday, April 13! Watch the full interview below.