Did you know that Christina Aguilera’s iconic, boundary-pushing hit “Dirrty,” considered a pillar moment in pop of her career, wasn’t actually originally penned for her? That’s right. This chart-topping banger initially served other musical purposes before finding its destiny thanks to Aguilera’s voice.
The journey began long before glitter and dominatrix outfits defined “Dirrty.” Scott Storch, the notorious super producer, had concocted a track that aimed at channeling a hip-hop vibe. Initially, Shakira – with similar pop-princess credibility then – was thought to have had “something” with it. But for various reasons Shakira ultimately refused.
Meanwhile Christina Aguilera was experiencing massive post-“Genie in a Bottle’’ hype but was grappling artistically against expectations placed on her by the music industry’s definition of palatable pop. That’s where “Dirrty” entered her universe perfectly framed! In those conversations with her producers and songwriting collaborators, she knew that this track wasn’t meant for the “My Favorite Things ” world. It pushed boundaries in tone towards a darker, more overtly sensual territory unheard of at the time among female American pop superstars – at least in such a raw form.
By choosing to embrace “Dirrty,” Aguilera audaciously redefined herself and her expectations amongst fans and industry critiques alike . The risky decision propelled her beyond the bubblegum-pop mold into the realms accepted across generations for pop icons known for risk, experimentation, evolving artistry.
A final layer adds fascinating dimension: “Dirrty’s” lyrical influence comes from the female gaze of writer-slash-collaborator, Linda Perry. Known for writing hits that often had social or personal bite (Like Gwen Stefani’s “What You Waiting For”), Perry penned “Dirrty’s” verses – ones full of playful rebellion and a distinct assertion of female power in pop lyrics. She was pushing back against the more innocent tones women in popsongs always had to sing about.
In retrospect, it is fascinating how “Dirrty,” originally an experiment intended for another artist under a somewhat restrictive expectation framework, found its true home with Christina Aguilera; redefining what pop-female empowerment was at the cusp of the aughts. “What happens after you see ‘the light,’? – Well that was the moment we all felt ‘DIRRTY’!” is something I’m willing to bet Christina thought about.
