The drama is heating up in the world of pop throwbacks! Bobby Brown just dropped a bombshell about Britney Spears’ 2004 rendition of his iconic hit “My Prerogative,” and he’s not holding back.
Appearing on the Club Shay Shay podcast with Shannon Sharpe on April 16, Brown didn’t mince words when asked which artist has best sampled his work. “I don’t think they did justice,” he said bluntly. Then came the real mic drop: “Britney Spears butchered ‘My Prerogative.’ Teddy Riley produced it. But that was a butchering. I couldn’t take it.”
Sharpe, trying to play devil’s advocate, pointed out that Brown had cleared the cover. Brown’s response? He expected Spears to “wow” him—but felt sorely disappointed.
Britney’s edgy, synth-filled version of the 1988 R&B classic was a major moment in her career. Released during her “Onyx Hotel” era, it quickly gained attention, even spawning a now-nostalgic music video that still lives rent-free in many fans’ minds. While Brown is now dishing shade, Britney’s loyal fanbase is rising up in her defense.
“Bobby Brown really said Britney Spears butchered Prerogative despite him clearing the song. I DISAGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY,” one fan fired back on X (formerly Twitter). Others were even more savage: “Listen, I get it. I’d be mad too if someone made my song more iconic than I ever did.”
Another user added, “Not gonna lie—Britney’s version was so fire most people didn’t even know it was a cover.”
It seems like for many millennials and Gen Zers, Britney’s version is the definitive one. “I only ever knew ‘My Prerogative’ because of Britney,” wrote one fan. “My parents played tons of ‘80s music, but hers stood out.”
While Spears hasn’t publicly responded to Brown’s comments yet, a source from the music industry told PEOPLE, “He’s looking for press—but that’s his prerogative.”
Let’s not forget, Britney’s no stranger to reimagining music history. She’s put her signature spin on classics like “The Beat Goes On” by Sonny and Cher, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones, and “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Joan Jett. More recently, her 2022 collab with Elton John, “Hold Me Closer,” mashed up “Tiny Dancer” with modern flair—and marked her first release post-conservatorship.
So whether Bobby’s taking a dig or simply keeping it real, the fans have spoken—and many still have “My Prerogative” (Britney’s version, that is) on repeat.
Looks like this pop culture debate is far from over.
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