Keri Hilson Revisits 'Beyoncé Diss Track' That Derailed Her Career: 'It's A Regret'
Back in 2009, Keri Hilson found herself at the center of controversy following the release of her 'Turnin' Me On (Remix),' which stirred much speculation. Many listeners believed the lyrics took jabs at Beyoncé—an interpretation that would slow down Hilson's career for years to come.
In a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, Hilson got candid about that time in her life. The award-winning artist explained how the truth behind the song is far more complicated, and is a regret she still carries to this day. 'It's a regret. But not in the way people think,' she admitted. 'That's a song I actually didn't write. Those are not my words.'
According to Hilson, the remix was orchestrated by super-producer Polow Da Don, who was eager to capitalize on the momentum of her hit single while she was still on tour with Lil Wayne. 'He wanted me to do a remix to 'Turnin' Me On,'' she explained. 'He produced the record. Because I was on tour with Lil Wayne, I wasn't able to lay anything down. He had been on me for a couple of weeks, [saying] we need to do a remix.'
The lyrical substance of the remix came as a surprise when she finally returned to record it. 'He had another writer in our camp at the time … he had her write this,' she recalled. 'He played it for me— meanwhile I'm thinking I was coming in to write a remix to 'Turnin' Me On.' Automatically, I was like, 'I'm not saying that.' That was my position. I'm an athlete. I am competitive. But I'm not nasty, I'm a finesse player. I don't look at things like that.'
What actually made her release the track—knowing its malicious nature—was the 'pressure' she claimed to have received from producers. 'My album wasn't out yet, I was told it's not coming out if you don't do this,' she revealed. 'I was super young. I felt I had no choice. I'm still protecting everyone involved. I've been eating that for years.'
Despite the toll the moment took on her career and public image, the 42-year-old said she's reached a place of forgiveness—for herself, at least. 'I've forgiven myself,' she said. 'But I'll never forget what that moment cost me.'
Take a look at Keri Hilson speaking on the detrimental 'Turnin' Me On (Remix)' below and revisit the song above.
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