In 2009, Keri Hilson’s remix of “Turnin’ Me On” ignited controversy due to lyrics perceived as disses toward fellow artists Beyoncé and Ciara. The backlash from fans, particularly Beyoncé’s dedicated Beyhive, was swift and intense, casting a long shadow over Hilson’s burgeoning solo career. Despite her talents as a singer and songwriter, the incident led to a significant decline in her public image and professional opportunities. For years, Hilson remained relatively silent on the matter, but recent interviews have shed light on the circumstances surrounding the remix and its lasting impact on her life and career.
In the competitive landscape of the music industry, female artists are frequently pitted against one another, a dynamic that often stems from societal tendencies to compare and contrast women in the spotlight. This phenomenon has been observed across various eras, with media-fueled rivalries such as Mariah Carey vs. Whitney Houston, Beyoncé vs. Rihanna, and more recently, Nicki Minaj vs. Cardi B. These comparisons can overshadow the individual artistry of each performer and create unnecessary tension within the industry.
Moreover, when female artists make missteps, they often face harsher public scrutiny and less forgiveness compared to their male counterparts, reflecting a broader issue of gender bias in societal perceptions and media portrayals.
Take a look below for a timeline of key moments:
March 2009: Release of “Turnin’ Me On” Remix
A remix of Keri Hilson’s song “Turnin’ Me On” surfaced online, featuring lyrics perceived as disses toward Beyoncé and Ciara. Lines like “She can dance, she can sing, but she need to move it to the left” were interpreted as references to Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable.” The controversy sparked significant backlash against Hilson.
April 2009: Hilson Addresses the Controversy
Hilson publicly denied targeting any specific artists in the remix, stating that the lyrics were misinterpreted and not intended as disses. She emphasized her respect for fellow artists and clarified that the song was meant to address her critics in general.
2020: Hilson Discusses the Remix on Fox Soul
In a 2020 interview on Fox Soul, Hilson opened up about the controversy, revealing that she did not write the contentious lyrics and felt compelled to record them due to industry pressures. She expressed regret over the situation, stating that it tarnished her debut album experience and led to long-standing misconceptions about her intentions.
April 2025: Hilson’s Interview on The Breakfast Club
In a candid interview, Hilson revealed that she did not write the controversial lyrics and was pressured by her producer, Polow da Don, to record them. She expressed regret over the situation, stating that she felt coerced and feared her album’s release would be jeopardized if she refused.
April 2025: Ester Dean’s Public Apology
Following Hilson’s interview, songwriter Ester Dean, who co-wrote the remix, initially stood on her involvement. After immense backlash, she issued a public apology on social media. Dean acknowledged her role in writing the contentious lyrics, describing them as “childish” and admitting they “didn’t age well.” She took shared accountability, with Keri, for her part in the controversy and expressed remorse for any harm caused.
April 2025: Hilson Responds to Dean’s Apology
Hilson responded to Dean’s apology, clarifying that her contribution to the remix was minimal. She stated that she only rewrote three lines of the verse and had strongly disagreed with the negative sentiments directed toward other women. Hilson also noted that Dean had remained silent on the matter for 16 years and questioned the timing of her apology.
April 2025: Ester Dean Pens an Open Letter to Keri Hilson
Ester Dean posted a lengthy note reflecting on her journey as a songwriter and how she became involved in the “Turnin’ Me On” remix. In the post, she explicitly outlined the lines she wrote and the ones she believed Keri Hilson contributed, offering clearer context around the extent of both artists’ involvement. Her message ultimately served as an apology, acknowledging her role in the controversy and expressing regret for her participation.
