The-Dream has responded to veteran songwriter Diane Warren after she appeared to snub Beyoncé for listing 24 writers on one song.
Warren — who’s penned hits for Aerosmith, Mariah Carey, Cher, En Vogue, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé, among dozens of others — tweeted on Monday (August 1): “How can there be 24 writers on a song?” alongside an eye-rolling emoji. “This isn’t meant as shade, I’m just curious.”
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But that was all it took for the BeyHive to pounce and she was soon flooded with a cascade of comments both in her favor and viciously against.
The-Dream, however, took a more educational approach and decided to remind Warren how sampling works — albeit it with a healthy dose of attitude.
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“You mean how’s does our (Black) culture have so many writers,” he tweeted in response. “Well it started because we couldn’t afford certain things starting out, so we started sampling and it became an art form, a major part of the Black Culture (Hip Hop) in America. Had that era not happen who knows. U good?”
Warren 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.”
The-Dream, who collaborated with Beyoncé on the lead single “Break My Soul,” added one last jab: “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.”
Warren ultimately surmised: “OK it’s prob samples that add up the amount of writers,” before issuing an apology to Beyoncé and her rabid fanbase.
“OK, I meant no disrespect to @Beyonce, who I’ve worked with and admire. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.”
Many assumed Warren was initially referring to the single “Alien Superstar” on Beyoncé’s latest album Renaissance, which has exactly 24 writers. The album arrived on Friday (July 29) and in just a few days, has already stirred up plenty of controversy.
On Monday (August 1), Beyoncé and her team announced they were replacing one lyric on the song “Heated” after they were informed the word “spaz” is considered “ableist” language.
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“Spazzin’ on that ass, spazz on that ass,” Beyoncé sang on the original version of “Heated.” The word “spastic” is often used in the medical field to describe a disability that makes it challenging for people to control their muscles, especially in their arms and legs.
As confirmed by Variety, the lyric will now be removed from all digital versions of the album. “The word, not used intentionally in a harmful way, will be replaced,” Beyoncé’s team said in a statement.
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Lizzo faced similar backlash over the use of the word in her single “GRRLS.” She promptly removed the lyrics as well.
