They aren't just remaking movies anymore.
Brandy and Monica's 1998 mega-hit “The Boy Is Mine” is getting a modern “reimagining” courtesy of original producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, who told HITS Daily Double that he's enlisting “Bang Bang” collaborators Ariana Grande and Jessie J for the unenviable task of trying to live up to the original:
“Next year is my 20-year anniversary and I'm doing a very special project,” Jerkins told the site. “Some originals as well as reimagined hits. So for example, I'll do the 'The Boy Is Mine' with Ariana and Jesse [sic] J.”
So how does the internet feel about this? Well…not great.
“The original 'The Boy Is Mine' is basically untouchable, and the last thing anyone needs is Jessie J's caterwauling overpowering a classic R&B track,” snipes Spin.
“Can Ariana Grande and Jessie J Not Remake 'The Boy Is Mine',” eye-rolls Jezebel.
“HNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGH,” agonizes Bustle. And so on.
Reaction on Twitter also tended toward the negative:
I don't want no #TheBoyIsMine remix, HELL NO. Show some RESPECT & leave the @4everBrandy/@MonicaBrown CLASSIC alone! Fools–
– ***Branislav (@Branislav_BGD) November 12, 2014
Why remake a song that is already perfection?! I'm afraid Jessie J and Ariana Grande will ruin what's already a classic! #TheBoyIsMine
– JP (@JPBullaoit) November 12, 2014
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I dont know why they remaking The song #TheBoyIsMine Some songs need to be left alone
– Shelia Wilson (@_Cocoa_Goddess_) November 11, 2014
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Rodney Jenkins dafuq you gone mess up a Brandy and Monica classic? #TheBoyIsMine Arianna & Jessie J? The song ain't broken #LeaveItYeah ????
– Toks MamaBear Timson (@OrignalBabydoll) November 11, 2014
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@Cybersoulja @ArianaGrande @JessieJ @VibeMagazine please Lord, no. Just no. Make it stop. #TheBoyIsMine
– Imo Nse Imeh ΑΦΑ (@ImoImeh) November 11, 2014
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The thing is: artists cover songs by other artists all the time, so I'm a little perplexed by all the outrage. While “The Boy Is Mine” was indeed flawlessly executed the first time around, it won't suddenly disappear just because Jerkins has decided to UNREPENTANTLY CRAP ALL OVER ITS BELOVED MEMORY. See? Everything's fine.
Less breathlessly important but still notable: Jerkins' 20th anniversary project will also see U.K. crooner Sam Smith covering Whitney Houston's “It's Not Right It's Okay.” Not as much umbrage on this one.
Original “The Boy Is Mine” music video below. We'll keep you updated on the progress of this musical travesty.
What do you think of remaking “The Boy Is Mine”? Let us know in the comments.