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"My Prerogative"
Single by Bobby Brown
from the album Don't Be Cruel
B-side"Girl Next Door"
Released1988
StudioAxis (New York)
GenreNew jack swing
Length
  • 4:51 (album version)
  • 4:25 (single version)
LabelMCA
Songwriters
ProducersTeddy Riley & Markell Riley [1]
Bobby Brown singles chronology
"Don't Be Cruel"
(1988) 		"My Prerogative"
(1988) 		"Roni"
(1988)
Music video
"My Prerogative" on YouTube

"My Prerogative" is a song by American singer Bobby Brown from his second studio album, Don't Be Cruel (1988). It was released in 1988, as the second single from the album. After recording sessions were completed, Brown and producer Gene Griffin traveled to New York City, since he felt something was "missing" from the record. "My Prerogative" was written by Brown as a response to the criticism he received for his firing from New Edition. He explained the song was about making decisions in one's life and not caring about other people's judgment. "My Prerogative" is often considered as one of the first major songs in the new jack swing genre.[1]

The song was positively received by critics and was nominated for a Soul Train Music Award in the category of Best R&B Urban Contemporary Single. It was also commercially successful, reaching number one in Billboard's Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. "My Prerogative" also reached top ten positions in many countries, such as Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The music video for the song features Brown performing the song on stage with his band and dancers. The song was also performed at most of his concerts, usually as the last song of the set list. On the February 4, 1989, performance at Madison Square Garden, he was joined on stage by many popular rap artists and producers of the time.

"My Prerogative" has been covered and sampled by a number of artists from different genres, including Britney Spears. She released her cover in her first compilation, Greatest Hits: My Prerogative (2004). The cover was produced by Bloodshy & Avant and was noted for aptly referring to Spears's relationship with the media at the time. Although the song only appeared in component charts in the United States, Spears's cover surpassed Brown's version in some European countries, peaking at the top of the charts in Finland, Ireland, Italy and Norway and reaching the top ten in another fourteen countries.[2][3]

Background

[edit]

Brown had already completed recording sessions for Don't Be Cruel in Los Angeles, California, but felt something was missing in the record. He said, "I felt my album was lacking a strong, aggressive song and I thought, 'Where better than New York to come up with it'". He traveled to New York, met with Teddy Riley - who presented him with the initial beat.[4] "My Prerogative" was written and co-produced by Brown, Timmy Gatling, Aaron Hall, and Gene Griffin. It was recorded at Axis Studios and mixed at Soundworks, in New York. The track was mastered at Future Disc Systems in Hollywood, California.[5] During an interview with The Hour on March 17, 1989, Brown explained the theme behind the song, saying, "A lot of things had been said about Bobby Brown, why was he doing this [a solo career]. It's my way of expressing to people it's your prerogative to do as you want, but make sure what you do is the right thing".[4]

A CD single of remixes by Joe T. Vannelli was released on October 13, 1995,[6] reaching number 17 in the UK Singles Chart.[7] The radio edit from this was included on Brown's 1995 remix album, Two Can Play That Game.

Composition

[edit]
"My Prerogative"
A 29 second sample of Bobby Brown's "My Prerogative", where the chorus is played with strong background vocals.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"My Prerogative" is considered a new jack swing anthem, that merges hip hop beats with elements of synthpop and soul.[8] It features a triplet swing in the sixteenth note, as included in many of Riley's productions.[9] Jake Brown said in his book Your body's calling me: music, love, sex & money (2003), that like most new jack swing songs from the late 1980s, it was composed by "punchy, street-savvy beats, with sexually energetic melodies and poppy choruses".[10] The bassline of the track was described by Cam'Ron Davis of CMJ New Music Monthly as "truly sinister".[11] According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by EMI Music Publishing, the song is composed in the key of A minor, with a tempo of 120 beats per minute. Brown's vocal range spans from the high-note of C4 to A5.[12]

Reception

[edit]

Barry Michael Cooper of Spin said "My Prerogative" "sounds like gin-drenched, Roaring Twenties swing".[13] Arion Berger of Rolling Stone called it "a grumpy and undeniably adult dance hit".[14] "My Prerogative" was nominated for at the 3rd Soul Train Music Awards in the category of Best R&B Urban Contemporary Single by a Male, but lost to Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror".[15] The following year, Spin listed the song at number 72 on the "100 Greatest Singles of All Time" list.[16] It ranked at number 98 on VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of the 80's".[17] The track is often referred to as Brown's signature song.[18]

"My Prerogative" debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 during the week of October 22, 1988, at number 78.[19] The following week, it jumped 17 positions to number 61, and the following week, it climbed another 16 positions to number 45.[20] It entered the top 40 during its fourth week (number 33 on November 12, 1988), and on January 14, 1989, it peaked at the top position of the chart. "My Prerogative" ultimately spent 24 weeks on the Hot 100, 15 of which were in the top 40. The song also peaked at number one in Hot Black Singles (during the weeks of October 15 and 22, 1988), and at number seven on the Dance Club Play chart.[21] It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales over 500,000 copies.[22] In Canada, the song debuted on the RPM 100 Singles at position 98, on the issue dated December 23, 1989.[23] In the United Kingdom, "My Prerogative" debuted at number 87 on December 10, 1988. On February 18, 1989, the song peaked at number six and stayed in the position for two weeks.[24] Following the release of the remixes single on October 14, 1995, "My Prerogative" re-entered the UK charts at number 17, and stayed on the chart for two weeks.[6] By October 17, 2015, it had sold 275,000 units in the country.[25] Across Europe, the song reached the top ten in Ireland and the Netherlands,[2][26] and the top 20 in Germany and Sweden.[2][27] In Australia and New Zealand, the track peaked at number 40 and number three, respectively.[2]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for "My Prerogative" was directed by Alek Keshishian.[28] It begins with Brown driving a car while his musicians start to perform the song on stage in front of a large crowd. Shortly after, he descends to the stage in an elevator, wearing a black jumpsuit and a headset. He dances flanked by two women playing a keytar and a saxophone.[11]

J. D. Considine of Rolling Stone wrote in the review of Bobby (1992), "As anyone who saw him swagger through the videos for 'My Prerogative' and 'Every Little Step' can attest, Brown had a phenomenal ability to convey a sense of street toughness that was utterly without malice or menace, making him credible and likable".[29] The music video was nominated at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards for Best Stage Performance in a Video, but lost to the music video of Living Colour's "Cult of Personality".[30] It also charted at number nine on RPM video chart on July 21, 1990.[31]

Live performances

[edit]

"My Prerogative" was performed during his tour in promotion for Don't Be Cruel as the last song of the night. Brown usually performed it wearing a black outfit, flanked with two male dancers wearing white clothes.[32] On the February 4, 1989, show at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Brown wore a red boxing robe with the words "King of the Stage" printed on the back. During the performance, Joseph Simmons of Run-DMC, LL Cool J and Heavy D joined him onstage and freestyle rapped. Eric B., KRS-One, L. A. Reid, Babyface and Teddy Riley also joined him onstage, with the latter performing a keyboard solo. Peter Watrous of The New York Times commented that, "The communal scene on stage mirrored the feeling in the audience; everybody seemed aware that this was a generation that had rewritten the rules of pop entertainment, and was justifiably proud of its achievement".[33] Brown also performed the song on the 1996–97 Home Again reunion tour with New Edition, during the second portion of the show in which he performed hits from his solo career.[34] On November 10, 2005, he performed the song for the first time in eight years at a concert at House of Blues in Atlantic City. He wore a white suit and matching hat, and sang it as the last song of the evening.[35] On January 17, 2006, he performed it at a New Edition show in Atlantic City's Trump Taj Mahal. During the performance, he tore open his orange dress shirt, singing bare-chested with a tie and a fur coat on.[36] Brown performed the song during his 2007 July shows in Australia.[37]

Track listing

[edit]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[53] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Britney Spears version

[edit]
"My Prerogative"
Spears holding a microphone in her hand next to her head, while looking towards the left side of the picture.
Single by Britney Spears
from the album Greatest Hits: My Prerogative
B-side
  • "I've Just Begun (Having My Fun)"
  • "Chris Cox Megamix"
ReleasedSeptember 20, 2004
RecordedMay 2004
Studio
GenreSynth-pop
Length3:33
LabelJive
Songwriters
ProducerBloodshy & Avant
Britney Spears singles chronology
"Outrageous"
(2004) 		"My Prerogative"
(2004) 		"Do Somethin'"
(2005)
Music video
"My Prerogative" on YouTube

Recording and production

[edit]
"My Prerogative"
A 21-second sample of "My Prerogative", in which Spears sings over a background of synthesizers.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

In 2004, American singer Britney Spears recorded a cover of "My Prerogative" with Swedish production team Bloodshy & Avant, who produced her single "Toxic" from her fourth studio album, In the Zone (2003). Bloodshy & Avant recorded the song at Murlyn Studios in Stockholm, Sweden. Spears recorded the vocals at Teldex Studios in Berlin, Germany during the European leg of her The Onyx Hotel Tour in 2004.[54] On August 13, 2004, Spears's label Jive Records announced through a press release that she had covered the song and was planning to release it on her first greatest hits compilation, titled Greatest Hits: My Prerogative. The song was set to premiere on radio stations on September 14,[55] however, it leaked via Real Tapemasters Inc.'s mixtape The Future of R&B on September 10.[56]

Music and lyrics

[edit]

"My Prerogative" is set in common time and has a moderate tempo of 100 beats per minute. It is written in the key of B♭ minor and follows the chord progression of B♭m–F–B♭m throughout, making it in the harmonic minor scale.[57] Spears's cover of the song is musically different from its original version, with the bass and new jack swing sound replaced with a synthpop sound, synthesizers and elements typical of Bloodshy & Avant productions.[58][55][56] It was noted by Christy Lemire of Today that the cover also contains elements of Bollywood music.[59] This impression is, however, inaccurate, as the song instead samples Warda's Arabic song "Batwanes Beek". The musical influences therefore originate from the Arabic region, not from Bollywood or South Asian elements.

At the beginning of the song, Spears says in a breathy voice the lines "People can take everything away from you / But they can never take away your truth / But the question is, can you handle mine?". The rest of the lyrics do not deviate much from the original version, though they are changed to fit a woman's perspective.[56] Jennifer Vineyard of MTV commented the cover could be interpreted as a statement on Spears's life and the media reaction to some of her decisions at the time, including her engagement to American dancer Kevin Federline.[55]

Critical reception

[edit]

The cover received mixed reviews from contemporary critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic called the cover "a useless remake, which seems to exist solely for its video".[60] Spence D. of IGN said that the lyrics fit perfectly with Spears's relationship with the media at the time. He also added: "As for her interpretation, it's an interesting chameleonic diversion that comes off like a mash-up between vintage Prince-styled production, Cameo swagger, and Madonna sultriness, but never seems to capture the gloss and glory of any of the aforementioned influences".[61] Lemire called it "utterly unnecessary".[59] Louis Pattison of the New Musical Express commented that "judging by the fuck-you sentiments" of the cover, Spears liked to play the role of "[the] pop brat careering off the rails".[62] Sarah Hepola of Salon wrote in an article about contemporary teen idols that the cover "became an anthem for teen-idol rebellion".[63] In an interview on Club Shay Shay, Brown criticized Spears's cover and felt that she "butchered" the song.[64]

Commercial performance

[edit]

In the United States, "My Prerogative" failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 but charted on the Top 40 Tracks and Mainstream Top 40 at numbers 22 and 34, respectively.[65] By 2011, "My Prerogative" had sold 374,000 paid digital downloads in the United States.[66] On November 15, 2004, the song debuted on the Australian Singles Chart at number seven.[67] It received a gold certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments over 35,000 units.[68] The same week, it debuted at number 17 in New Zealand.[69]

On November 7, "My Prerogative" debuted at number three in the United Kingdom, during a competitive week of new releases, being surpassed by Eminem's "Just Lose It" and Destiny's Child's "Lose My Breath".[70] According to the Official Charts Company (OCC), the song has sold 130,000 copies in the UK.[25] The song also achieved commercial success throughout Europe, peaking at number one in Finland, Ireland, Italy and Norway, number two in Spain and number three in Belgium (both Flanders and Wallonia), Denmark and Germany.[3][71] It also reached the top ten in Austria, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands.[3]

Music video

[edit]

The music video for "My Prerogative" was filmed in August 2004 at The Paramour Mansion in Silver Lake, Los Angeles and was directed by Jake Nava.[72][73] It premiered on MTV's TRL on September 16, 2004, and on BET's 106 & Park on January 18, 2005.[74][75] According to Spears's mother Lynne, the video was "about capturing gorgeous close-ups and very subtle movement" since Spears could not do any choreography due to her knee injury at the "Outrageous" music video shoot. She also described the video as "[having] an element of old Hollywood glamour and mystery".[76]

The music video begins with Spears driving a Porsche 928 at high speed in the Hollywood Hills.[72][77] She crashes through a fence and lands into a pool inside a manor where a party is taking place. She emerges from the water and crawls in top of the car to sing the first verse.[77] Spears's brother, Bryan, makes a cameo in these scenes.[76] After she leaves the pool, she enters the manor and passes couples making out around her. She appears in a stainless steel kitchen, where a maid cuts the straps of her black wet dress. In the next scene, she walks into a study in which her then-fiancé, Kevin Federline, is smoking and watching a black-and-white video of Spears on a projection screen. According to Jennifer Vineyard from MTV, the clip had the style of pornographic films from the 1940s and 1950s.[77] Rolling Stone in their article "Britney Spears: The Complete Video Guide", compared it to Madonna's performances of her 1984 single "Like a Virgin".[78] She then entered a dressing room with mirrors, wearing lingerie, high heels, stockings and a short fur jacket. She proceeds to a bedroom, in which a black dress is laid out on the comforter. She puts on the new dress and the camera cuts to the party outside where people gathered waiting.[77] During the song's bridge, it is revealed that the party is actually Spears's wedding, as she starts walking towards the aisle and Federline waits next to a priest. The video ends with a shot of the black-and-white video and Spears looking into the camera.[76] The black-and-white footage was released as an alternate version of the music video in the 2004 DVD Greatest Hits: My Prerogative.[79]

Track listings and formats

[edit]

Credits and personnel

[edit]
  • Britney Spears – lead vocals, background vocals
  • Bloodshy & Avant – production, arrangements, all instruments, programming, vocal editing
  • Steve Lunt – A&R, arrangements
  • Nicklas Flyckt – mixing
  • Tobias Lehmann – engineering
  • Uwe Lietzow – recording
  • Henrik Jonback – guitar
  • BlackCell – background vocals
  • Emma Holmgren – background vocals

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[123] Gold 35,000^
France — 60,237[124]
Norway (IFPI Norway)[125] Gold 5,000*
United Kingdom (BPI)[126] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[127] Gold 500,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "My Prerogative"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States September 20, 2004
Jive [128]
Japan October 20, 2004 Maxi CD BMG Japan
[129]
United Kingdom October 30, 2004 Digital download Jive [130]
Germany November 1, 2004
Sony BMG [131][132]
United Kingdom Jive [133]
France November 2, 2004 Maxi CD
[134]
Australia November 8, 2004 Sony BMG
[135]
France November 16, 2004 CD Jive [136]
United States January 11, 2005 Digital download (EP) [137]

Other versions

[edit]

"My Prerogative" has been covered and sampled by many artists from different genres. J.D. Considine of Rolling Stone noted that the hook of Brown's 1992 single "Humpin' Around" from Bobby, "bears a more than passing resemblance to the synth part from 'My Prerogative'".[29] According to Entertainment Weekly, American R&B group U.N.V. sampled the melody for their 1993 single "Something's Goin' On".[138] Jamaican reggae singer Beenie Man covered "My Prerogative" for his 1998 studio album Many Moods of Moses.[139] American singer Rod Michael covered the song for his 2004 studio album, The Next Episode.[140] Irish girl group Fab! used the song's main melody line for their 1999 song "Something's Gonna Have to Change".[141] English rock band Selfish Cunt also covered the song for their 2004 studio album No Wicked Heart Shall Prosper, changing the name to "Bobby".[142]

In July 2007, American basketball player LeBron James covered "My Prerogative" at the ESPY Awards, wearing a wig and Hammer pants.[143] Vibe named the performance one of the "worst of the worst live performances of the year".[144] Anoop Desai, contestant of the eight season of American Idol, covered the song for his wildcard round performance. It earned him the last spot in the finals, marking the first time the show ever had thirteen contestants.[145] Desai also performed the song during the American Idols Live! Tour 2009. Graeme McRanor of The Vancouver Sun said in the concert review that "My Prerogative" "really shouldn't be covered by any artist, ever again".[146] On July 31, 2009, American hip hop group The Pharcyde covered the song at the All Points West Music & Arts Festival in Jersey City.[147] The song was also featured on the films Love & Basketball (2000), Wild Hogs (2007) and Sex Drive (2008).[148][better source needed] The song was performed in the 2013 Glee episode "Guilty Pleasures" by Jake Puckerman (Jacob Artist).

During the premiere episode of The Masked Singer, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown covered "My Prerogative", incognito as a character known as "the Hippo". After losing to an unrevealed "Peacock" character (who was later revealed to be Donny Osmond), and subsequently being eliminated from the pool of contestants, Brown was required to reveal his identity.[149]

References

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

My Prerogative

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"My Prerogative" is an R&B song by American singer Bobby Brown, serving as the second single from his second studio album, Don't Be Cruel (1988). Released on October 11, 1988, the track was written by Brown alongside Gene Griffin and Teddy Riley, with Griffin and Riley handling production duties.[1][2] The song's lyrics assert personal independence and dismiss public scrutiny, reflecting Brown's transition from boy band member in New Edition to a solo "bad boy" artist amid criticism of his career and lifestyle choices.[1] It features a new jack swing style, blending upbeat rhythms with Brown's energetic vocals, and helped solidify his image as a trailblazer in late-1980s R&B.[3] Commercially, "My Prerogative" achieved massive success, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for one week in January 1989 and reaching number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in October 1988.[2] It peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart and contributed to Don't Be Cruel becoming the best-selling album in the United States that year, with over seven million copies sold.[1][4] The song has been covered notably by Britney Spears in 2004 for her greatest hits album of the same name, Greatest Hits: My Prerogative, where her version reached number three on the UK Singles Chart.[1]

Bobby Brown version

Background and recording

Following his departure from the group New Edition in 1985 amid creative and financial tensions, Bobby Brown pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album King of Stage in 1986 before focusing on his sophomore effort.[1] This transition set the stage for "My Prerogative," a track that reflected his assertion of independence amid public scrutiny.[1] The song was written in 1988 by Bobby Brown, Gene Griffin, and Teddy Riley.[1] It emerged during recording sessions for Brown's second studio album, Don't Be Cruel, which showcased his evolving sound.[3] Teddy Riley served as the primary producer, pioneering new jack swing—a fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and electronic elements—on the track.[5] Sessions began informally at Riley's mother's apartment in Harlem, New York, where Riley invited Brown to collaborate.[6] Production later moved to a professional studio, marked by a tense moment when Brown stormed out after disagreeing with Riley over vocal register, only to return and defer to the producer's vision.[7] Riley employed signature techniques, including prominent synth bass lines for a pulsating groove and layered background vocals to enhance Brown's lead delivery, creating the track's dynamic, streetwise energy.[3]

Composition and lyrics

"My Prerogative" is composed in the key of A major with a tempo of 110 beats per minute and a duration of 4:49.[8] It exemplifies the new jack swing genre, featuring upbeat rhythms, synth bass, hip-hop-influenced beats, and Brown's energetic R&B vocals.[3] The lyrics emphasize personal independence and resistance to external judgment, with lines like "People can take everything away from you / But they can never take away your truth" and the chorus "I don't need permission / Make my own decisions / That's my prerogative."[9] The song structure follows a verse-chorus format, reflecting Brown's shift to a solo "bad boy" image post-New Edition.[1]

Music video

The music video for "My Prerogative," directed by Alek Keshishian, was released in 1988.[10] It depicts Brown performing the song in a concert setting, surrounded by a live band and dancers, highlighting his dynamic choreography and stage presence to underscore the track's themes of confidence and autonomy.[1][11]

Critical reception

"My Prerogative" received positive reviews for its innovative new jack swing production and Brown's bold persona. Critics praised it as a pivotal track bridging R&B and hip-hop, with Stereogum calling it a "crucial bridge" that made other chart songs seem "timid and boring."[3] It earned a nomination for Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Single, Male at the 3rd Soul Train Music Awards in 1989.[1]

Live performances

Brown first performed "My Prerogative" live on the television program Soul Train on November 5, 1988, delivering an energetic rendition that incorporated the show's signature line dance and highlighted his emerging solo persona through dynamic choreography.[12] At the 3rd Annual Soul Train Music Awards in 1989, Brown presented an elaborate staging of the song, complete with synchronized dancers, dramatic lighting, and his signature athletic moves, earning widespread acclaim for elevating new jack swing to a visual spectacle.[13] The track became a centerpiece of Brown's Don't Be Cruel Tour (1988–1989), where it routinely closed sets with extended dance breaks that showcased his innovative footwork and crowd engagement, as seen in concerts like the one at Wembley Arena on June 24, 1989.[14][15] In the 2000s, Brown revived the song during New Edition reunion shows, including their 30th Anniversary Tour in 2008, adapting it with group harmonies and nostalgic flair to bridge his solo hits with the band's catalog.[16] These performances often echoed elements of the original music video's choreography, emphasizing Brown's enduring influence on R&B stagecraft.

Track listings

"My Prerogative" was released by MCA Records in 1988 as the second single from Bobby Brown's album Don't Be Cruel. The single appeared in various physical formats, including vinyl and cassette, with configurations varying by region.[17]

7-inch single

The standard 7-inch vinyl single featured the radio edit of the title track backed by its instrumental version.
RegionLabel/CatalogA-sideDurationB-sideDuration
USMCA-53383My Prerogative4:25My Prerogative (Instrumental)4:25
Europe257 704-7My Prerogative3:30Girl Next Door4:06
[18][19]

12-inch single

The 12-inch maxi-single included extended remixes, instrumentals, and dubs, catering to club and radio play.
RegionLabel/CatalogTrack 1DurationTrack 2DurationTrack 3DurationTrack 4Duration
USMCA-23888My Prerogative (Extended Remix)8:00My Prerogative (Radio Edit)5:35My Prerogative (Instrumental)5:20My Prerogative (Dub)5:52
UKMCAT 1299My Prerogative (Extended Remix)N/AGirl Next Door (Extended Version)N/AMy Prerogative (Instrumental)N/A--
Durations for the UK release were not consistently documented in primary sources, but it featured unique extended versions not found on the US pressing.[20][21]

Cassette single

The US cassette single duplicated tracks across sides for convenience, focusing on the vocal and instrumental versions.
SideTrack 1Track 2
AMy PrerogativeMy Prerogative (Instrumental)
BMy PrerogativeMy Prerogative (Instrumental)
No durations were specified on the release, but they align with the 7-inch versions.[22] Following the advent of digital distribution, "My Prerogative" has been reissued on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music as part of Don't Be Cruel compilations and standalone singles since the early 2000s, under Universal Music Group licensing.[23]

Credits and personnel

Songwriters Production Vocals

Weekly charts

CountryChartPeakWeeks on Chart
United StatesBillboard Hot 100114
United StatesHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs112
United KingdomUK Singles Chart610
[2][4]

Year-end charts

Chart (Year)Position
US Billboard Hot 100 (1989)2
[2]

Certifications

In the United States, "My Prerogative" was certified Gold by the RIAA in 1988 for shipments of 500,000 units.[24]

Britney Spears version

Recording and production

Britney Spears recorded her cover of "My Prerogative" during sessions for her 2004 greatest hits album Greatest Hits: My Prerogative, with production taking place in late 2003 and early 2004 following the duo's work on her hit "Toxic".[25] The track was produced by the Swedish team Bloodshy & Avant, consisting of Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg, who handled arrangement, programming, editing, and recording engineering.[26] Additional contributions included guitar by Henrik Jonback, bass by Tomas Lindberg, and backing vocals from Spears herself, BlackCell, and Emma Holmgren, creating layered vocal textures. The instrumental track was recorded at Murlyn Studios in Stockholm, Sweden, under Murlyn Music AB, while Spears tracked her lead vocals at Teldex Studios in Berlin, Germany.[27] Mixing occurred at Khabang Studio in Stockholm, with Niklas Flyckt as the mixer and assistant engineering by J.D. Andrew; the final master was handled at Sterling Sound in New York.[26] Electronic production elements, including programmed instruments by Bloodshy & Avant, updated the original's new jack swing sound for early 2000s pop.[28] Bobby Brown, the original song's performer, initially approved the sample clearance for Spears' version, citing her status as a major artist at the time, though he later expressed regret over the final result.[29]

Composition and lyrics

Britney Spears' cover of "My Prerogative" reimagines the original track in a pop/dance style, shifting the key to A♯ minor and setting a tempo of 111 beats per minute, with a total length of 3:34.[30] This version incorporates electronic beats and synthesizer hooks, replacing the new jack swing elements of Bobby Brown's 1988 original with a modern, club-oriented arrangement that emphasizes high energy and danceability.[31] Spears' breathy vocals add a layer of intimacy and defiance, particularly in the spoken intro where she asserts, "People can take everything away from you / But they can never take away your truth / But the question is / Can you handle mine?"[32][31] The song's structure follows a familiar verse-chorus format similar to the original but includes an added thrashing breakdown before the bridge, enhancing its dynamic flow and building tension toward the final choruses.[25] Lyrically, the cover retains the core content of Bobby Brown's version, focusing on personal autonomy with lines like "I don't need permission, make my own decisions / That's my prerogative," but reinterprets them through a female perspective of empowerment amid media scrutiny.[32] This gender-flipped lens transforms the song into a statement on Spears' own experiences with public judgment, emphasizing resilience against criticism such as "They say I'm crazy, I really don't care."[32][25] Influenced by early 2000s teen pop aesthetics blended with club elements, the track features fuzzy electro basslines and dramatic string flourishes, creating an aggressive yet accessible sound that aligns with Spears' evolving image during that era.[25] The reinterpretation underscores themes of self-determination, making the cover a bold assertion of independence in the face of societal and media pressures.[32]

Music video

The music video for Britney Spears' cover of "My Prerogative" was directed by Jake Nava and released in 2004.[33] It was filmed at the Canfield-Moreno Estate, located at 1923 Micheltorena Street in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California.[34] The video's concept emphasizes Spears asserting her independence, aligning with the song's themes of personal autonomy and defiance against public opinion. It opens with dramatic footage of Spears speeding through the Hollywood Hills in a Porsche 928 before crashing through a fence and plunging into the mansion's swimming pool. Emerging from the water in a wet white ensemble, she performs the first verse while perched on the submerged car. The narrative then shifts indoors, where Spears parties with a group of friends in a luxurious setting, toasting with cocktails and transitioning into energetic dance sequences amid opulent rooms and staircases. These scenes portray a carefree, rebellious lifestyle, with Spears confidently navigating social interactions and physical stunts to symbolize breaking free from expectations.[33][35] A cameo appearance by Spears' brother, Bryan Spears, occurs during the pool sequence, adding a personal touch to the production.[33] The choreography features high-energy routines, blending synchronized group movements with Spears' solo performance to heighten the video's dynamic, celebratory vibe.[33] The video premiered on MTV's Total Request Live on September 16, 2004.[33]

Critical reception

Upon its release in 2004 as the lead single from Spears' greatest hits album, "My Prerogative" received mixed reviews from critics, who were divided on its stylistic reinvention of Bobby Brown's 1988 R&B original into a dance-pop track. Some praised its energetic production and Spears' confident delivery, viewing it as a fun homage to '80s new jack swing that fit her evolving image.[36] Others dismissed it as a formulaic cover that prioritized commercial appeal over originality, criticizing it as a "cop-out" amid Spears' shift toward more mature material on her recent albums.[25] The BBC described the rework as a "gloopy" effort, suggesting it paled in comparison to the compilation's stronger hits.[37] In retrospective analyses, the cover has been included in discussions of Spears' most iconic singles, often highlighted for its role in bridging her early teen-pop era with her adult phase, though some note it lacks the raw edge of Brown's version.[38] Fan reception remains polarizing: while many appreciate the remix's sleek, club-ready vibe and Spears' sultry reinterpretation—evident in its enduring popularity on streaming platforms and fan playlists—others prefer the original's gritty authenticity and argue the cover overshadowed Brown's legacy.[39] This divide intensified in 2025 following Bobby Brown's interview, where he called the cover "butchered," expressed regret over approving it, and stated it "did not do justice" to the song, prompting a strong backlash from Spears' supporters who defended her version as superior and credited it with reintroducing the track to younger audiences.[29][40][41] The track earned no specific awards, but it contributed to the commercial success of Greatest Hits: My Prerogative, which debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 and has since been certified multi-platinum.[42]

Commercial performance

"My Prerogative" achieved moderate international success, particularly in Europe and Australia, driven by physical single sales and digital downloads despite limited US radio airplay. Globally, the single has sold over 1 million units as of 2024, with streaming adding equivalent units.[43] It contributed to the album Greatest Hits: My Prerogative selling over 6 million copies worldwide.[44]

Track listings and formats

"My Prerogative" was released as the lead single from Britney Spears' greatest hits album on September 21, 2004, by Jive Records, available in multiple physical and digital formats across international markets.[45] The single featured a remix version produced by BloodShy & Avant, emphasizing an electro-pop sound with Spears' vocals over the original Bobby Brown track's structure.[46] In the United Kingdom, a standard CD single (Part 1) was issued as a double A-side with "Do Somethin'", containing the remix of "My Prerogative" and the B-side track "Do Somethin'" at 3:22 duration.[47] A maxi-CD (Part 2) followed, including the original album mix, an instrumental version, and several remixes tailored for club play.[48]
FormatTracksDurationRelease Details
CD single (UK Part 1)1. "My Prerogative" (remix)
2. "Do Somethin'"		3:33
3:22		Jive Records, October 2004, Europe[49]
Maxi-CD (UK Part 2)1. "My Prerogative" (original mix)
2. "My Prerogative" (instrumental)
3. "My Prerogative" (X-Press 2 Vocal Mix)
4. "My Prerogative" (Armand Van Helden Remix)
5. "My Prerogative" (X-Press 2 Dub)		3:33
3:33
7:19
7:58
6:50		Jive Records, October 2004, Europe[47]
A digital download version was made available in November 2004 through Jive Records, primarily in the United States, featuring the standard remix as the core track.[46] Promotional formats included a 12-inch vinyl single for DJ use, containing remixes such as the Armand Van Helden version, distributed to clubs and radio stations.[50] International editions varied by region; for example, some European and Australian releases bundled additional album tracks or remixes, such as a version of "Toxic" remix, to align with local promotion of the greatest hits compilation.[46]

Credits and personnel

The following credits pertain to Britney Spears' cover version of "My Prerogative," as listed on the 2004 European promotional CD single release.[51] Songwriters Production Vocals Instrumentation and programming Mixing and mastering
  • Mixing: Niklas Flyckt[51]
  • Mastering: Niklas Flyckt[51]

Weekly charts

"My Prerogative" by Britney Spears achieved moderate to strong performance on international weekly charts following its release in late 2004, though it faced limited airplay in the US, preventing it from entering the main Hot 100. In the United Kingdom, the single debuted at number 4 on the Official Singles Chart dated November 13, 2004, ascended to its peak of number 3 the next week, and spent a total of 16 weeks on the chart, exiting on February 26, 2005.[53] Internationally, the track topped several European charts, demonstrating strong digital and physical sales in those markets. It reached number 1 on the Italian Singles Chart upon debut on November 5, 2004, holding the position for one week before declining, with a total run of 12 weeks.[54] In Australia, despite solid album promotion, the single peaked at number 7 on the ARIA Singles Chart in November 2004, reflecting its entry during the week of November 14, and spent 8 weeks on the chart.[55] The song also debuted at number 1 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart on October 23, 2004, for one week, equivalent to number 101 overall due to strong digital sales but weak radio support.[32]
CountryChartPeak PositionWeeks on ChartEntry Date
United StatesBubbling Under Hot 100 Singles11October 23, 2004
United KingdomOfficial Singles Chart316November 13, 2004
AustraliaARIA Singles Chart78November 14, 2004
ItalyItalian Singles Chart112November 5, 2004

Year-end charts

"My Prerogative" by Britney Spears achieved notable placements on various year-end charts in 2004, reflecting its strong performance as the lead single from her greatest hits album, driven primarily by sales in key markets. Internationally, it placed #45 on the UK Year-End Singles Chart for 2004, underscoring its success in Europe. In Australia, the song reached #12 on the ARIA End of Year Singles Chart for 2004, highlighting its impact in the Asia-Pacific region.[56]
Chart (Year)Position
UK Year-End Singles (2004)45
Australian ARIA End of Year Singles (2004)12[56]

Certifications and sales

"My Prerogative" achieved notable commercial success as a single, earning certifications across multiple territories based on physical and digital sales thresholds. In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the single gold on October 24, 2023, recognizing 500,000 units.[57] In the United Kingdom, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded gold certification in 2005 for sales exceeding 400,000 units.[58] Australia followed suit with platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), denoting 70,000 units shipped.
CountryCertifying BodyCertificationUnits Sold/ShippedDate
United StatesRIAAGold500,000October 24, 2023
United KingdomBPIGold400,0002005
AustraliaARIAPlatinum70,000N/A
Globally, the single has accumulated over 1 million units in physical and digital sales by 2024.[43]

Release history

"My Prerogative" was initially released to radio stations for airplay in October 2004. The digital download version became available in the United States on November 8, 2004.[59] Physical formats, including the CD single, were issued worldwide on November 15, 2004, by Jive Records.[60] In Europe, various regional releases followed in December 2004.[46] The track was later re-released as part of the 2012 edition of the greatest hits compilation Greatest Hits: My Prerogative.[61]
RegionFormatDateLabel
United StatesRadio airplay (promotional)October 2004Jive Records
United StatesDigital downloadNovember 8, 2004Jive Records
WorldwideCD singleNovember 15, 2004Jive Records
EuropeCD single (regional)December 2004Jive Records
WorldwideCompilation re-release2012Jive Records

Other cover versions and samples

Notable covers

The Glee cast recorded a cover of "My Prerogative" for the musical television series Glee, featured in the fourth season episode "Guilty Pleasures," which originally aired on Fox on March 21, 2013. Performed primarily by Jacob Artist as Jake Puckerman with backing from the New Directions male members, including Blake Jenner, the rendition captured the song's new jack swing energy through upbeat choreography and group harmonies, serving as Jake's "guilty pleasure" reveal in the plot. Produced by Adam Anders and Peer Åström, the track was released digitally as a single on March 18, 2013, via Columbia Records. Critics praised its faithful yet fresh interpretation, with Digital Spy noting it as a "fun, high-energy highlight" that honored the original's swagger.[62][63] In 2019, R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe—comprising former New Edition members Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe—performed a live cover of "My Prerogative" as a tribute to Bobby Brown during the fourth annual Black Music Honors ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 5. The high-energy rendition, delivered with synchronized dance moves reminiscent of the song's 1980s origins, celebrated Brown's legacy and the track's enduring influence on R&B. The performance was broadcast on TV One and received acclaim for its nostalgic appeal and tight vocal delivery.[64] Other covers include a punk rock version by British band Selfish Cunt on their 2005 album How the Mighty Fall, which reimagined the track with aggressive guitars and satirical lyrics, earning attention in the UK alternative scene for its irreverent twist. Additionally, reggae artist Sanchez released a dancehall-infused cover in 1989 as a single on Selekta Records, adapting the song's themes to a rootsy rhythm that resonated in Caribbean markets.[65]

Samples and interpolations

The song "My Prerogative," originally by Bobby Brown and later covered by Britney Spears, has influenced numerous tracks through sampling and interpolation, particularly its iconic bassline, drum pattern, and new jack swing rhythm crafted by producer Teddy Riley. These elements have been incorporated into hip-hop and R&B productions, highlighting the song's enduring groove in urban music. A prominent example is the 1991 track "Hip Hop Junkies" by Nice & Smooth, which samples the bassline from Brown's original version to drive its laid-back flow, blending old-school rap with the song's funky undercurrent. In 1991, Public Announcement featuring R. Kelly sampled multiple elements, including the bass and percussion, in "She's Got That Vibe," using them to underpin the song's smooth, seductive vibe and contributing to its chart success on the R&B charts.[66] All-4-One's 1994 single "The Bomb" drew on the drum break from "My Prerogative" for its upbeat energy, integrating the sample to enhance the group's harmonious pop-R&B style.[67] The 2002 song "Gangsta Prerogative" by Daz Dillinger featuring Kurupt and Roscoe directly interpolates the title and samples the beat, adapting the original's structure into a West Coast gangsta rap context while nodding to Brown's assertive lyrics.[68] Legal clearances for such uses typically involve approvals from Bobby Brown as the performer and songwriter, as well as producer Teddy Riley, who has been involved in licensing decisions for the track's elements; in a 2025 interview, Brown publicly expressed dissatisfaction with how his music, including covers and samples of "My Prerogative," has been reinterpreted by other artists.[29]

Legacy

Cultural impact

"My Prerogative" played a pivotal role in pioneering the new jack swing genre, a fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and funk that dominated late 1980s and early 1990s music. Produced by Teddy Riley, the track exemplified the genre's innovative swingbeat rhythms and helped propel it into the mainstream, influencing subsequent R&B artists such as Boyz II Men, whose harmonious style echoed the era's evolving soundscapes.[69][6][70] As a bold declaration of personal autonomy, the song became a symbol of 1980s independence anthems, reflecting Brown's break from New Edition and resonating with listeners navigating fame and self-determination. Its themes of defiance against public scrutiny cemented its status as an empowering staple in pop culture, often invoked in discussions of artistic liberation.[3] The music video for "My Prerogative" further amplified its cultural footprint through Brown's stylish ensembles, including a signature black jumpsuit and headset, which contributed to the era's bold streetwear aesthetics and influenced urban fashion trends.[71] In media, the track appeared on the radio station CSR 103.9 in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004), exposing it to a new generation of players and reinforcing its nostalgic appeal within 1990s R&B simulations.[72] Demonstrating its lasting popularity, the original version of "My Prerogative" has amassed over 84 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025, underscoring the song's enduring draw across decades.[73]

Recent commentary

In recent years, "My Prerogative" has continued to generate discussion through its enduring presence on social media platforms. Britney Spears' 2004 cover has seen notable popularity on TikTok, with the song sound used in over 1,300 videos featuring dances, lip-syncs, and nostalgic tributes that highlight its pop appeal.[74] A 2022 A&E documentary, Biography: Bobby Brown, featured the singer recounting the creation of "My Prerogative" as a cornerstone of the new jack swing genre, emphasizing its role in his solo career transition from New Edition.[6] In April 2025, Bobby Brown addressed covers of the song during an appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast hosted by Shannon Sharpe, stating that Spears "butchered" her version and expressing broader disapproval of reinterpretations and samples, as they dilute the track's original intent and energy produced by Teddy Riley.[29][75] Brown underscored the song's personal significance as a response to criticism over leaving New Edition, reinforcing his view that no cover matches the authenticity of the 1988 original.[76] Brown's comments ignited fan conversations across streaming services like Spotify and social media, where users debate the merits of his raw R&B delivery versus Spears' polished pop rendition, often citing streaming data showing both versions maintaining strong plays in the 2020s.[77] October 2025 marked the 37th anniversary of the song's release on October 11, 1988, prompting reflective posts and tributes, including from New Edition's official accounts celebrating its Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 status and lasting influence on R&B. Billboard's June 2025 ranking of the 75 best R&B artists of all time included Brown at No. 49, highlighting "My Prerogative" as a must-listen exemplar of his innovative sound.[78]

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  6. Bobby Brown Recounts the Making of 'My Prerogative' in New Doc ...
  7. Teddy Riley Says Bobby Brown Stormed Out During Recording of ...
  8. Key & BPM for My Prerogative by Britney Spears - Tunebat
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  10. Britney Spears – My Prerogative Lyrics - Genius
  11. Britney Spears – My Prerogative - Can't Stop The Pop
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  15. 'My Prerogative' (2004) - Rolling Stone Australia
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  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/342868-Britney-Spears-My-Prerogative
  56. https://www.discogs.com/release/5800408-Britney-Spears-Greatest-Hits-My-Prerogative
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  61. Songs that Sampled My Prerogative by Bobby Brown - WhoSampled
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  72. Bobby Brown Says Britney Spears "Butchered" Cover of ... - E! News
  73. The 75 Best R&B Artists of All Time (Full List): Staff Picks - Billboard
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