Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Keri Hilson Addresses Beyoncé Feud Controversy and ‘Turnin’ Me On’ Remix Regret
R&B artist Keri Hilson is clarifying the narrative surrounding a contentious song that placed her at odds with superstar Beyoncé, an episode she describes as a damaging experience for her career. The singer is opening up about the infamous “Turnin’ Me On” remix and the ensuing fallout.
The 2009 Remix and Speculation of Beyoncé Diss
In 2009, the then 42-year-old vocalist released a remix of “Turnin’ Me On,” a track that quickly ignited rumors of lyrical jabs aimed at Beyoncé and fellow singer Ciara. The lyrics in question fueled intense debate among fans and media outlets.
The controversial verse included lines: “Your vision cloudy if you think that you’re the best / You can dance, she can sing / But she need to move it to the left, left,” directly referencing Beyoncé’s 2006 chart-topper “Irreplaceable.” It continued with, “She need to go have some babies / She needs to sit down, she fake.” These lines were widely interpreted as direct criticisms.
Hilson’s Account: Producer’s Influence and Regret
Now, Hilson is candidly discussing her reservations about the track, expressing “regret” regarding its release. In a revealing interview on “The Breakfast Club,” she explained that the controversial lyrics were not her own and detailed the circumstances surrounding the song’s creation. Hilson stated she was not the originator of the perceived “diss track.”
“Those are not my words,” she asserted, detailing that while touring with Lil Wayne, her producer at the time, Polow da Don, strongly encouraged her to record a remix. According to Hilson, Polow da Don brought in another songwriter to pen the verse laden with critical lyrics.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
“I tried to argue against it and started writing my own verse,” she recounted. “But he—I want to choose my words carefully—he was quite insistent.”
Ester Dean’s Role as Lyricist
While Hilson initially withheld the lyricist’s name, she mentioned that the individual “went on to achieve fame.” It was later revealed that Ester Dean was the songwriter behind the contentious verse. Dean acknowledged her involvement following Hilson’s interview, even celebrating the song as a “hit” on social media platforms.
Interestingly, Dean later collaborated with Beyoncé, co-writing “Start Over” and “Countdown” for her critically acclaimed 2011 album, “4.”
Damage Control and Lasting Impact
Reflecting on the episode, Hilson emphasized that while she possesses a competitive nature, she never intended to be malicious or underhanded. “I’m not a dirty player,” she affirmed to “The Breakfast Club” hosts, adding that Polow da Don adhered to a “shock-jock mentality,” prioritizing sensationalism.
However, the repercussions of the perceived diss track were significant. Hilson conveyed that the negative consequences lingered for years and continue to affect her reputation. “I had to bear the brunt of that, and I am still facing it today,” she admitted. “Because I’m still questioned about it fifteen, sixteen, seventeen years later—it feels like I’ve been branded,” referencing the scarlet letter of public shame.
Further Tensions and Magazine Snub Incident
Speculation of a feud intensified in 2011 when Hilson seemingly avoided acknowledging Beyoncé by declining to hold a magazine featuring the superstar on its cover. This incident further fueled rumors of animosity between the two artists.
“I didn’t want to hold any magazine with her on it,” Hilson confessed regarding the incident. “I simply froze; I was just taken aback whenever anyone mentioned it.”
“It’s a topic I prefer not to discuss publicly because I don’t want to upset anyone,” she elaborated. “I don’t want to make the situation even more complicated than it already was. I just wanted it to disappear.”
Reiterating Her Position Years Later
As recently as 2022, Hilson reiterated her stance, maintaining that the entire situation was manufactured to portray her negatively. “It wasn’t my lyrics, it wasn’t my writing, it wasn’t my doing,” she stated. She added that as a nascent artist pursuing her aspirations, she ultimately suffered professionally. “Then, I’m in a dilemma. Do I reveal the truth? Do I expose them early in my career? I’m incredibly young, very new to the industry. This [is] my debut album. It tarnished my entire ambition.”
Career Trajectory and Hiatus
Over a decade prior, Hilson appeared poised to become a leading figure in R&B and pop music. She collaborated with prominent figures in the music industry, including Timbaland, Lil Wayne, Akon, Kanye West, Nas, Chris Brown, Fabolous, and numerous others.
However, by 2011, she retreated from the limelight. For nearly a decade, Hilson maintained a low profile to prioritize her mental well-being. This period marked a significant shift in her public presence and career momentum.
Path to Reconciliation and Forgiveness
Despite the challenges, Hilson conveys that she has found peace with herself and the past events. “I’ve forgiven myself,” she shared with “The Breakfast Club” hosts. “But I will never forget the cost of that moment.”
Fortunately, relations between Hilson and Beyoncé have improved over time. In a 2021 interview with Persia Nicole, Hilson disclosed that she and Beyoncé eventually shared a private moment of reconciliation. “I believe she understood what transpired, what had occurred, and there was a degree of healing in that encounter when we met,” Hilson explained. “I perceive her as a very intuitive person, as I am myself.”
“She’s incredible. I’ve always felt that way, truthfully, but many might find that hard to believe,” Hilson concluded, aiming to dispel lingering misconceptions about her true feelings towards Beyoncé.