The-Dream had some comebacks for songwriter Diane Warren, who appeared to take a not-so-subtle jab at Beyoncé’s new album Renaissance.
On Monday, Warren took to Twitter, writing, “How can there be 24 writers on a song?” In a second tweet, she wrote, “This isn’t meant as shade, I’m just curious.” (And went on to clarify she “meant no disrespect to @Beyonce, who I’ve worked with and admire.”)
The-Dream contributed to the majority of Renaissance, including on “I’m That Girl,” “Cozy,” “Break My Soul,” and “Alien Superstar,” which indeed has two dozen writers. Many of the tracks also feature samples and interpolations of classic songs. Warren has written hits for Cher and Celine Dion, among many more.
The super-producer took Warren’s tweets as an educational opportunity, telling her, “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?”
He continued, “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.”
She responded later, writing, “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.”
Warren also followed up with another tweet and apologized.
He replied, “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.”
He continued, though this time tweeting to his fans and followers at large, rather than just Warren—and explained his point of view.
“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.”