My Prerogative
"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.| Region | Label/Catalog | A-side | Duration | B-side | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | MCA-53383 | My Prerogative | 4:25 | My Prerogative (Instrumental) | 4:25 |
| Europe | 257 704-7 | My Prerogative | 3:30 | Girl Next Door | 4:06 |
12-inch single
The 12-inch maxi-single included extended remixes, instrumentals, and dubs, catering to club and radio play.| Region | Label/Catalog | Track 1 | Duration | Track 2 | Duration | Track 3 | Duration | Track 4 | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | MCA-23888 | My Prerogative (Extended Remix) | 8:00 | My Prerogative (Radio Edit) | 5:35 | My Prerogative (Instrumental) | 5:20 | My Prerogative (Dub) | 5:52 |
| UK | MCAT 1299 | My Prerogative (Extended Remix) | N/A | Girl Next Door (Extended Version) | N/A | My Prerogative (Instrumental) | N/A | - | - |
Cassette single
The US cassette single duplicated tracks across sides for convenience, focusing on the vocal and instrumental versions.| Side | Track 1 | Track 2 |
|---|---|---|
| A | My Prerogative | My Prerogative (Instrumental) |
| B | My Prerogative | My Prerogative (Instrumental) |
Credits and personnel
Songwriters- Bobby Brown[1]
- Gene Griffin[1]
- Teddy Riley[1]
- Producers: Gene Griffin, Teddy Riley[9]
- Lead vocals: Bobby Brown[1]
Weekly charts
| Country | Chart | Peak | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Billboard Hot 100 | 1 | 14 |
| United States | Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 1 | 12 |
| United Kingdom | UK Singles Chart | 6 | 10 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (Year) | Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 (1989) | 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]| Format | Tracks | Duration | Release 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] |
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- Bobby Brown[51]
- Gene Griffin[51]
- Teddy Riley[51]
- Producers: Bloodshy & Avant (Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg)[51]
- Arrangers: Bloodshy & Avant, Steve Lunt[51]
- A&R direction: Steve Lunt[51]
- Recording engineers: Bloodshy & Avant[51]
- Sound engineer: Tobias Lindell[51]
- Digital editing: Bloodshy & Avant[51]
- Lead vocals: Britney Spears[51]
- Background vocals: BlackCell, Britney Spears, Emma Holmgren[51]
- Keyboards: Bloodshy & Avant[51]
- Guitar: Henrik Jonback[52]
- Programming: Bloodshy & Avant[51]
- All other instruments: Bloodshy & Avant[51]
- 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]| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart | Entry Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles | 1 | 1 | October 23, 2004 |
| United Kingdom | Official Singles Chart | 3 | 16 | November 13, 2004 |
| Australia | ARIA Singles Chart | 7 | 8 | November 14, 2004 |
| Italy | Italian Singles Chart | 1 | 12 | November 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.| Country | Certifying Body | Certification | Units Sold/Shipped | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RIAA | Gold | 500,000 | October 24, 2023 |
| United Kingdom | BPI | Gold | 400,000 | 2005 |
| Australia | ARIA | Platinum | 70,000 | N/A |
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]| Region | Format | Date | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Radio airplay (promotional) | October 2004 | Jive Records |
| United States | Digital download | November 8, 2004 | Jive Records |
| Worldwide | CD single | November 15, 2004 | Jive Records |
| Europe | CD single (regional) | December 2004 | Jive Records |
| Worldwide | Compilation re-release | 2012 | Jive Records |