Background

“It’s Not Right but It’s Okay” by Whitney Houston is right and is definitely more than okay.

“It’s Not Right but It’s Okay” was released on January 1999, as the third single from Whitney Houston’s fourth studio album, My Love Is Your Love. The song was produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and written by Jerkins, LaShawn Daniels, Fred Jerkins III, Isaac Phillips, and Toni Estes.

I’ve Been Through All This Before

Compared to the 80s and early 90s music that Whitney is known for, her late 90s output was a major stylistic departure. Earlier in her career, the sound she made catered to a traditional adult contemporary audience, while “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” transitioned her into a more R&B, hip-hop-influenced era. She aabandoned the softer, romantic image she had built for more than a decade, and a sassier, emboldened, and more empowered woman took over.

Like her peers who’ve had longevity, she demonstrated her ability to adapt to a rapidly changing musical landscape after an eight-year hiatus from studio albums. She started competing and thriving alongside younger hip-hop and R&B artists like Aaliyah and Mary J. Blige. And she was reintroduced to a new generation of listeners, myself included. And despite her revered status in the R&B community, she won her first and only Grammy in the R&B genre with “It’s Not Right but It’s Okay”.

I’d Rather Be Alone than Unhappy

There’s growth and maturity in the song’s ethos. Many can recognise when a situation has gone wrong, and they start a smear campaign and subject the other to a public lashing. But not everyone comes to the conclusion that it’s okay. Things don’t always work out. And I think that’s powerful.

The production is feisty but not bitter. Her vocals are powerful but not dramatic. The instrumentation is exquisite but not exaggerated. Rage was a choice but she opted for restraint.

So Why Did 213 Show Up on Your Caller ID

I was a Math nerd. I studied accounting in university. And I ADORE how Whitney recognises that the numbers aren’t adding up. The math ain’t mathing. She clocked his tea and I live for it.

The numerical lines are just iconic and timeless. The caller ID reference, while dated, transports me to a specific period that’s fun to reminisce and be nostalgic about. Triangulating the time he went home, with the plans he’s made, is giving detective energy. And reviewing and calculating items on a credit card receipt would put forensic analysts out of work.

She proves that we can be in love, but it doesn’t mean we have to be dumb.

The Thunderpuss Mix

Sasha Velour killed the Drag Race Finale lip sync alongside Peppermint. Queer clubs continue blasting the remix. And I can easily switch versions on Spotify and not mind the difference.

Whitney drew a line in the sand, and moved from pop to R&B with the release of her fourth studio album. But with the Thunderpuss mix of “It’s Not Right but It’s Okay”, she also traversed to dance. She was a chameleon and this track is arguably Whitney at her most versatile.

Conclusion

Whitney may have packed her bags and left this world. But her legacy remains. No matter the genre, people always come to her.

Was the song really worth it going out like that? Yes. And I’m happy she refused to turn back.