My Prerogative – Bobby Brown | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#1) and R&B (#1 for 2 weeks); 1989
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
Whereas Motownphilly was an aural arrival announcement for Boyz II Men, My Prerogative was Bobby Brown‘s on-record renouncement of drug-use rumors. According to Teddy Riley (and contrary to the writing credits), he and Aaron Hall of Guy wrote My Prerogative with Bobby in mind.
Since his defection from New Edition, Brown had been the target of some particularly nasty professional and personal gossip. My Prerogative fired back at them, claiming that whatever Bobby does is his own business.
For the record, Bobby and Teddy worked on the New Jack Swing arrangement, Teddy played keyboards, and Teddy and Aaron sang backup. My Prerogative hit the street right after the title track from Bobby’s latest album, Don’t Be Cruel, wrapped up a two week stay at #1 on the rhythm list. My Prerogative matched that feat, then went Cruel one better by topping the pop chart as well.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Teddy Riley
Lyrics Written by:
- Bobby Brown
- Gene Griffin
- Teddy Riley
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).