Keri Hilson has addressed the controversy surrounding her 2009 remix “Turnin’ Me On,” which sparked speculations of a Beyoncé diss. On April 9, during The Breakfast Club radio show, Keri candidly expressed regret over the track, clarifying, “It’s a regret, but not in the way people would think because that’s a song I actually didn’t write. Those are not my words.”
The “Pretty Girl Rock” singer explained that the controversial verse was written by Ester Dean and initially introduced to her by producer Polow da Don, alongside Timbaland. Despite the track’s catchy appeal, the lyrics didn’t sit well with Keri. “Automatically, I was like, ‘I’m not saying that,’” she recounted, emphasizing her opposition to the words.
Breaking down the disputed lyrics unveils lines many interpret as targeting Beyoncé, suggesting a need for her to step back from the limelight. The verse highlights, “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 / She need to go have some babies. She needs to sit down, she fake / I ain’t turning it off, I’m stay turning it on. Go ‘head and tell these folks how long I’ve been writing your songs.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges entertainers face when dealing with artistic collaborations and public perceptions. As Keri reflects on the past, the focus shifts toward understanding the experience’s lasting impact. The situation underscores the delicate balance artists must navigate in maintaining authentic expression while managing unintended controversy, particularly involving prominent figures like Beyoncé.
