Bobby Brown blasts Britney Spears' cover of his iconic hit song 'My Prerogative': 'That was a butchering'
THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA: In the latest episode of 'Club Shay Shay', Bobby Brown didn't hold back on his opinion of Britney Spears’ 2004 cover of his iconic track 'My Prerogative.'
Spears released her version in 2004 as one of three new songs on her compilation album 'Greatest Hits: My Prerogative'.
Bobby Brown says Britney Spears 'butchered' his hit song
During a candid conversation with host Shannon Sharpe, the 56-year-old R&B legend made his feelings crystal clear, noting, “Britney Spears butchered ‘My Prerogative',” as per Page Six.
“Teddy Riley produced it. But that was a butchering. I couldn’t take it.”
Sharpe, clearly surprised by the bold critique, reminded Brown that he had cleared the track for Spears to use.
“I cleared it, only because it was Britney Spears!” Brown exclaimed, implying he had higher expectations for the pop princess’s rendition.
Interestingly, Teddy Riley wasn’t even behind Spears' version; Swedish production duo Bloodshy & Avant handled the remix, which was included on her 2004 'Greatest Hits: My Prerogative' album.
The compilation dropped during the height of her tabloid-drenched marriage to Kevin Federline, with whom she shares two sons.
Bobby Brown vows 'no preview, no pass' for future artists
Bobby Brown admitted that the experience changed how he now views cover permissions. Going forward, he’s not handing out approvals blindly.
“I gotta hear it [to clear it] because you don’t know what these kids will say these days,” he said.
“These kids say some s**t that… you don’t want your song associated with it.”
So while Britney got the green light on name recognition alone, it’s clear Brown’s new rule is "no preview, no pass."
Brown’s original “My Prerogative” was a defining hit from his 1988 'Don’t Be Cruel' album, spending a massive 24 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100.
The track became a signature anthem of self-expression and rebellion - and a pop culture mainstay that clearly still sparks strong opinions decades later.
Fans say 'leave Britney Alone' after Bobby Brown's harsh words
Bobby Brown’s harsh words didn’t sit well with fans of Spears, many of whom took to social media to passionately defend the pop star's version, and throw a little shade in the process.
One viewer chimed in, "He was OK with her singing the song 21 years ago but now he wants to criticize her version. She put money in his pocket. 51 million views on youtube and growing...Brit looks great."
Another added, "I'm sure he still accepted the royalties she made for him."
Someone else noted, "No one knew the song until she released it."
A viewer remarked, "Sounds like the search to be relevant. Shame. Brittney Spears is an icon and he's jealous."
One comment declared, "Atrocious man."
This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online
