A new pop feud may have kicked off as Bobby Brown has hit out at Britney Spears for her cover of his song My Prerogative.
Originally released in 1998, the track was a US number one hit for Bobby, 56, vocalising his feelings after he split from the band New Edition.
It’s often considered his biggest hit, gaining top 10 positions in several countries, including the UK, and serving as his closing number on tours.
The song was then covered by Britney, 43, in 2004 as the single for her album Greatest Hits: My Prerogative.
Bobby is not a fan, declaring that she ‘butchered’ it while speaking to Shannon Sharpe on the Club Shay Shay podcast.
‘I don’t think they did it justice,’ he said in response to Shannon asking about cover versions of his hits.
The R&B singer continued: ‘I don’t think they really did justice to any of the samples that they have done to my songs.’
Bobby now insists on hearing the full version before approving any sampling from his tracks in case the artist is saying something he doesn’t want to be associated with.
Taking aim directly at Britney’s version, Bobby added: ‘Teddy Riley produced it, but that was a butchering that I- I couldn’t take it.
‘I cleared it only because it was Britney Spears and I was thinking… Teddy Riley is doing it too, so you know.’
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Britney’s version was also an international chart hit, surpassing Bobby’s version in some countries like Italy, Finland, and Ireland.
She resonated with the track due to her complex relationship with the media and altered some of the lyrics to fit her life.
It added a sultry intro saying people ‘can take away everything’ and asking if listeners could ‘handle’ her truth.
The lyrics included: ‘They say I’m nasty, but I don’t give a damn / Getting boys is how I live / Some ask me questions, why am I so real? / But they don’t understand me, or really don’t know the deal / About a sista trying hard to make it right.’
Her new version included synthesisers, drums, and a modern twist on the classic R&B flow.
It was released the same year she married childhood friend Jason Allen Alexander, which was annulled after 55 hours.
Months later, Britney became engaged to dancer Kevin Federline, who she would marry and have children with, before divorcing in 2007.
The media at the time were incredibly outspoken about the whirlwind romance, sparking some of her lyrics in My Prerogative.
Around the same time, Bobby starred in reality TV show Being Bobby Brown alongside his then-wife Whitney Houston.
By 2006, the late singer had filed for divorce and alleged that he had been abusive during their marriage.
The split was finalised the following year, with Houston gaining custody of their then 14-year-old daughter, Bobbi.
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