RENAISSANCE has found itself entangled with a number of controversies since its release. From the “ableist” slur in ‘Heated’ to the whole fiasco over the Kelis sample, the temperature just doesn’t seem to drop.
This Monday, Diane Warren known for writing songs like “Because you loved me,” “If I could turn back time,” and “I don’t want to miss a thing,” took to Twitter to throw shade on Beyonce weirdly regarding the number of songwriters involved in penning down a song:
“How can there be 24 writers on a song?”
How can there be 24 writers on a song??
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) August 1, 2022
Her tweet was referring to the 24 people that contributed to the 28-times Grammy winner Beyonce’s most recently released song, “Alien Superstar.”
Followed by another tweet stating, “That’s 23 more than on mine.” Although the tweet was deleted later on, the jab received an outpour of backlash the artist surely wasn’t expecting as the Beyhive came to defend their beloved singer.
With the tide of backlash coming her way, Warren tried doing damage control but in vain. She tweeted, “this isn’t meant as shade, I’m just curious.” Unfortunately, the damage was done.
This isn't meant as shade, I'm just curious
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) August 1, 2022
One of the major collaborators for RENAISSANCE who produced The Dream taught Warren a lesson: “You mean how’s does our (Black) culture have so many writers, well it started because we couldn’t afford certain things starting out, so we started sampling and it became an Artform, a major part of the Black Culture (hip hop) in America. Had that era not happen who knows. U good?”
You mean how’s does our (Black) culture have so many writers, well it started because we couldn’t afford certain things starting out,so we started sampling and it became an Artform, a major part of the Black Culture (hip hop) in America.Had that era not happen who knows. U good?
— MUSIC ICON THE-DREAM (@TheKingDream) August 1, 2022
The-Dream wasn’t holding back in the least and said: “Btw I know it’s not a one on one writing contest you looking for from no one over here…… you don’t want that smoke And you know I love you, but come on. Stop acting like your records haven’t been sampled.”
Btw I know it’s not a one on one writing contest you looking for from no one over here…… you don’t want that smoke And you know I love you, but come on. Stop acting like your records haven’t been sampled ???
— MUSIC ICON THE-DREAM (@TheKingDream) August 1, 2022
Once Warren realized what was exactly wrong with her tweet. She replied, “I didn’t mean that as an attack or as disrespect. I didn’t know this, thank U for making me aware of it. No need to be mean about it.”
I didn't mean that as an attack or as disrespect. I didn't know this, thank U for making me aware of it. No need to be mean about it.
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) August 1, 2022
Later on, Warren formally issued a mea culpa by saying:
“Ok, I meant no disrespect to @Beyonce, who I’ve worked with and admire. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.”
Ok, I meant no disrespect to @Beyonce, who I've worked with and admire. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) August 1, 2022
The-Dream wrapped the conversation by saying that there were no hard feelings between them, however one shouldn’t be so brash about the younger generations of writers, artists, and producers. He also went on to point out that judging them on making art one way will only discourage others who might not be as lucky as the ones who got to contribute.
@Diane_Warren All G. But don’t do that, it’s young writers, producers and artist that need to know whatever way they make it and however they contribute is worth it. We all aren’t as fortunate at first. Every idea is art. It’s more fun together,in my opinion and I could be wrong
— MUSIC ICON THE-DREAM (@TheKingDream) August 1, 2022
The-Dream then ensured they reset the vibes by tweeting, “It’s about Art, not one artist or writer me or them. With all due respect and love for those who came before and will come after. Im truly Sorry if I disturbed the force today that’s not my purpose.”
It’s about Art, not one artist or writer me or them. With all due respect and love for those who came before and will come after. Im truly Sorry if I disturbed the force today that’s not my purpose. Peace
— MUSIC ICON THE-DREAM (@TheKingDream) August 1, 2022
And also, “ITS ALWAYS ALL LOVE. ALWAYS. Ok now flip the slander back to me and let’s get back to some normalcy.”
ITS ALWAYS ALL LOVE. ALWAYS. Ok now flip the slander back to me and let’s get back to some normalcy. ?
— MUSIC ICON THE-DREAM (@TheKingDream) August 1, 2022
Talking about the recent Twitter spat with Rolling Stone, Warren stressed upon her sentiments in that moment, “I meant no disrespect by my tweet. I love Beyoncé’s new album. She’s an amazing groundbreaking artist who I’ve worked with and admire immensely.”
Haven’t heard the fun and badass “Alien Superstar” yet? Do it right now!
The song was released with the rest of the album RENAISSANCE on July 29th. The songwriters that contribute their part in the making were listed as:
Beyoncé, Luke Francis Matthew Solomon, Denisia Andrews, Christopher Lawrence Penny, Honey Redmond, Dave Hamelin, Brittany Coney, S. Carter, David Debrandon Brown, Timothy Rami Yacoub, Lee Mckenzie, Leven Kali, Robert Francis Anthony Manzoli, Danielle Balbuena, Atia Boggs P/k/a Ink, Saliou Diagne, Mike Dean, Levar Coppin, Christopher Abbott Bernard, Fairbrass Richard Peter John Fairbrass, John Michael Holiday, Peter Rauhofer, Barbara Ann Teer, and Kim Cooper
According to Beyonce’s website, the track interpolates and samples songs Barbara Ann Teer’s “Black Theatre” speech, Right Said Fred’s “I’m Too Sexy,” Danube Dance’s “Unique” and Foremost Poets’ “Moonraker.” Hence, all of these artists are credited as well as co-writers for “Alien Superstar.”
Beyonce is a well-known singer that has had the pleasure of winning the Grammy’s 28 times, no wonder Beyhive came to her defense straightaway. Catch any of her winning moments on the Grammy’s in case you missed it.
You can also watch the 2022 Oscars right here, and don’t forget to grab a bucket of popcorn to enjoy the show and all the drama that came with it.
Chris Mack
