Bobby Brown didn’t hold back when discussing Britney Spears’ cover of his iconic 1988 song "My Prerogative" during a recent episode of the "Club Shay Shay" podcast hosted by Shannon Sharpe. The 56-year-old R&B star described her rendition as a "butchering," expressing his disappointment with the pop star's interpretation of his classic hit.
"Britney Spears butchered 'My Prerogative,'" Brown stated emphatically, reflecting on his feelings about the cover that was released in 2004. He admitted that he had cleared the cover, thinking that the collaboration with famed producer Teddy Riley would result in something impressive. "I cleared it only because it was Britney Spears, and I was thinking… Teddy Riley's doing it too, so you know? But I felt it was a butchering," he lamented.
Brown's remarks came as he shared insights into his career and the lessons he has learned in the music industry. After expressing his dissatisfaction, he revealed a new policy for himself: he will now listen to covers before granting permission to use his songs. "I gotta hear it because you don’t know what these kids will say these days. These kids say some s*** that you don’t want your song associated with," Brown explained, indicating that he wants to protect his legacy.
Despite Brown's harsh criticism, fans of Spears have come to her defense, taking to social media to voice their opinions. Many fans argued that Spears’ version is "superior" and that it brought new life to the song. One user tweeted, "New headline: Bobby Brown, on the brink of being forgotten, brings up Britney Spears to stay relevant," while another remarked, "Britney’s version slaps though—maybe he just needs to give it another spin?" Others chimed in, insisting that the only reason they know about Brown's original is because of Spears.
Brown’s original version of "My Prerogative" was a massive success, spending 24 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988. The song was a significant hit from his second studio album, "Don’t Be Cruel," and remains a staple of '80s R&B. In contrast, Spears’ cover was included as one of three new tracks on her compilation album "Greatest Hits: My Prerogative." While it achieved chart success in several countries, including Finland and Norway, it did not match the same level of impact in the U.S. as Brown’s original.
Interestingly, both versions of the song sold around 500,000 copies, but Brown's original has significantly more streaming numbers, with 77.2 million plays on Spotify and 66 million views on YouTube, compared to Spears’ 53 million Spotify streams and 51 million YouTube views. This disparity highlights the enduring legacy of Brown's rendition, despite the pop princess's attempt to reinterpret it.
Brown's comments about Spears come at a time when the pop star is enjoying a resurgence in public interest following the end of her 13-year conservatorship in 2021. Spears has been actively engaging with her fans through social media, showcasing her dance routines and personal life. Additionally, she is set to release a biopic based on her life, produced by Universal Pictures, which has generated considerable buzz.
In the podcast episode, Brown also reflected on his journey in the music industry, which began when he co-founded the boy band New Edition at age 12. He has since enjoyed a successful solo career, but not without its challenges. Recently, he opened up about past traumas in an A&E documentary titled "Biography: Bobby Brown," where he detailed experiences that shaped his life, including an assault by a priest during his childhood.
As Brown continues to navigate the complexities of fame and legacy, his remarks about Spears serve as a reminder of the often-contentious relationship between original artists and those who cover their work. While he may have been disappointed with her rendition, the public's response indicates that Spears remains a beloved figure in pop culture, capable of drawing attention and sparking debate.
In a world where music covers are commonplace, Brown's experience underscores the importance of authenticity and the connection artists have with their original works. As he moves forward, it will be interesting to see how he balances his legacy with the evolving landscape of music and the artists who continue to draw inspiration from his contributions.
