Christina Milian Silences Jennifer Lopez Beef Rumors, Addresses ‘Play’ Background Vocals Controversy
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Christina Milian is a fan of Jennifer Lopez “From Am to PM” as well as Beyond. Milian, 41, who co-wrote Lopez’s 2001 hit “Play,” tells Page Six exclusively that she has no beef with the song being included on J.Lo’s sophomore album although originally recorded it for her own LP. “She nailed it, hands down.” She’s fantastic. “I really like that song,” the singer adds while promoting her collaboration with Lysol Air Sanitizer. “And I couldn’t believe I wrote a song for J.Lo at the age of 19.” Milian explains that she created “Play” the same week she wrote her seminal first hit, “AM to PM,” during songwriting workshops in Sweden alongside Bloodshy & Avant, Anders Bagge, and other early-2000s music superstars. The pop diva recalls hearing “Play” in a couple of minutes, which was a pleasant surprise after a late night of partying.
Christina Milian shuts down Jennifer Lopez beef speculation over her background vocals being heard on “Play”:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 19, 2023
“I don’t need a feature credit. I’m on the credits for whatever nature, as a writer and for singing backgrounds. There is credit for that. I’m also just so happy that… pic.twitter.com/Jy9DyranVc
Although Christina Milian was fond with “Play,” she preferred “AM to PM” and reasoned that her then-label, Def Soul, would not want “two-party songs” on her self-titled album, which was eventually released internationally in January 2002. However, long before “Christina Milian” was finalised, Tommy Mottola, former CEO and chairman of Sony Music Entertainment, heard “Play” and quickly seized it for his artist Lopez, who was signed to Epic Records at that point in time. Even in 2023, fans frequently criticise Lopez for leaving Milian’s vocals on the final cut of “Play” — her sensuous tone can be heard on the chorus — without granting the latter a feature credit. The mother of three, who has Violet, 13, with ex-husband The-Dream & Isaiah, 3, and Kenna, 2, with her current husband, French musician Matt Pokora, still belts out “Play,” as well as her own hits, during family karaoke events.
Christina Milian debunked the long-standing rumor that Jennifer Lopez stole “Play” from her.
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) September 19, 2023
Milian revealed she chose “AM to PM” over “Play” because she figured that her then-label wouldn’t want to include “two party songs” on her self-titled record. pic.twitter.com/xSiqrlzGfP
Christina Milian Puts An End To Jennifer Lopez Beef Rumors Over The Song Titled “Play”
Christina Milian wishes you to comprehend that she has nothing against Jennifer Lopez. Milian co-wrote J Lo’s hit tune “Play,” which was originally intended for her debut album. “She nailed it, hands down.” She’s fantastic. “I really like that song,” the singer revealed while promoting her collaboration with Lysol Air Sanitizer. “And I couldn’t believe I composed a song for J.Lo at the age of 19.” Milian said that she wrote “Play” the same week she recorded her breakthrough track, “AM to PM,” while attending a songwriting camp in Sweden alongside Bloodshy & Avant. Milian stated that the song “Play” occurred to her after a night of partying and that she wrote it in around 15 minutes. Although Christina Milian was enamoured of the song, she preferred “AM to PM” and reasoned that her label wouldn’t want “two-party songs” on her debut album. Tommy Motorola then heard the song and quickly gave it to Lopez.
Even today, internet rumors of a feud abound, with fans frequently criticising JLo for leaving Milian’s vocals off the chorus of “Play” and failing to give her a feature credit on the track. When individuals say this is something about me singing the song with Jennifer, I laugh. “I mean, most of my songs do have backing singers,” Milian clarified. “It’s precisely the same as Michael Jackson as well as Britney Spears having background singers on their songs.” This is the foundation upon which music is created. You want a variety of voices. It improves songs for me.” “I don’t need a feature credit,” she says emphatically. “I’m on the credits for something of any kind, as a writer as well as for singing backgrounds.” That ought to be recognised. That deserves recognition. I’m also overjoyed that she did it since she’s an icon, and she’s incredible.” The mother of three, who has Violet, 13, with ex-husband The-Dream and Isaiah, 3, as well as Kenna, 2, with her current husband, French musician Matt Pokora, still belts out “Play,” as well as her own hits, while on family karaoke events.
