In recent years, Miley Cyrus has been met with a serious amount of criticism. Her every move has been dissected, in light of allegations of cultural appropriation. That’s not to defend her actions. Miley’s move into the hip-hop scene a few years ago was certainly filled with problematic moments we will never forget. From her 2015 MTV VMA twerk performance, to her molly and marijuana romps, she seemed very desperate to jump from Disney into what she perceived to be “black culture” — even requesting a “black sound” for her hit track “We Can’t Stop”. But now, Cyrus claims that she is going back to her roots. The star has dropped her latest single “Malibu”. The song’s vibe along with its video is a 180 in comparison to her last album. So we can’t help but ask: is Miley for real this time?

In her interview with Billboard, Cyrus said she actually “can’t listen” to hip-hop anymore. “It was too much ‘Lamborghini, got my Rolex, got a girl on my c**k’ — I am so not that.” she said. This comment got a lot of attention — for it seemed that Cyrus had put a lot of effort into appearing as the “that” she referred to. Although artists grow and change, her sudden dismissal of the very genre she used for her revamp felt sketchy. However, she did defend what some might consider wholesome rap lyrics, quoting Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” as a favorite. “‘Show me something natural like ass with some stretch marks.’I love that because it’s not ‘come sit on my dick, suck on my cock.’” she said. The backlash to these remarks was so extreme that Miley Cyrus took to Instagram to defend herself.

When articles are read it isn’t always considered that for hours I’ve spoken with a journalist about my life , where my heart is, my perspective at that time, and the next step in my career. Unfortunately only a portion of that interview makes it to print, & A lot of the time publications like to focus on the most sensationalized part of the conversation. So, to be clear I respect ALL artists who speak their truth and appreciate ALL genres of music (country , pop , alternative …. but in this particular interview I was asked about rap) I have always and will continue to love and celebrate hip hop as I’ve collaborated with some of the very best! At this point in my life I am expanding personally/musically and gravitating more towards uplifting, conscious rap! As I get older I understand the effect music has on the world & Seeing where we are today I feel the younger generation needs to hear positive powerful lyrics! I am proud to be an artist with out borders and thankful for the opportunity to explore so many different styles/ sounds! I hope my words (sung or spoken) always encourage others to LOVE…. Laugh…. Live fully…. to be there for one another… to unify, and to fight for what’s right (human , animal , or environmental ) Sending peace to all! Look forward to sharing my new tunes with you soon! – MC

A post shared by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus) on May 5, 2017 at 10:36pm PDT

It’s hard to decide who to believe. Which Miley is the real Miley? Maybe everyone deserves another chance. However, it seems careless to let the star off the hook for the appropriation she still has not spoken on. In addition, this formula of “star goes black and then back” is much too familiar. Who’s to say that this next album isn’t a piece in this plan? Her Bangerz phase may be over, but only time will tell how long Miley sticks with her “Malibu” aesthetic.

What do you think about Miley’s new look?