Brooke Hogan's New Aaliyah Cover Sparks Controversy
Brooke Hogan, 38, has recently made a return to the music scene following the passing of her father, WWE legend Hulk Hogan. However, her latest endeavor has sparked a wave of criticism from fans and listeners alike. Specifically, her cover of Aaliyah’s iconic 2000 single “Try Again” has drawn backlash from some online users who believe that the original track should not be remade.
The controversy began after she promoted her new single, which is a reimagined version of Aaliyah’s classic. Many netizens flooded her social media with negative comments, arguing that Aaliyah’s music is sacred and shouldn’t be altered. Some even suggested that her decision was disrespectful, especially given the emotional weight surrounding the loss of her father.
In response to the criticism, Brooke addressed her Instagram followers directly. She explained that she had been eager to return to music after the release of her 2006 and 2009 albums, “Undiscovered” and “The Redemption.” According to her, the decision to cover “Try Again” was deeply personal. She felt that the song’s lyrics resonated with her current life experiences.
“Obviously, I have talked about this whole debacle with ‘Try Again,’ right?” Brooke said in one of her videos. “It’s like, literally, ‘Dust Brooke off and have her try music again’ is the theme. So we did.”
Brooke also mentioned that the producers working on her latest project encouraged her to embrace an old-school sound. This led her to experiment with different covers, including “Try Again,” which she feels aligns with her current vibe and emotions.
The Backlash and Misunderstandings
Brooke released her version of “Try Again” on May 15, but she had already teased the R&B track days before its official release. Despite her excitement, the reaction from some fans was harsh. In the comments section of one post, a user wrote, “Brooke, please read the room. We’re going through a lot right now already, we don’t need this, okay?” Another comment stated, “As much as I like Brooke and her music, Aaliyah’s music should never be redone. There is no need to remake a classic. Mad fan of both ladies.”
In her video addressing the criticism, Brooke expressed surprise at the intensity of the backlash. She jokingly remarked, “You’d think I was, like, dropping the American flag on the ground.”
Some people reportedly told her that her latest move wasn’t “cool,” while others allegedly accused her of “trying to be Black.” Brooke clarified that while she is not Black, she still has a deep admiration for Black culture. “Doesn’t mean I can’t be an Aaliyah fan. It doesn’t mean I can’t do a cover,” she said.
A History of Cultural Appreciation
Brooke has faced scrutiny over her appreciation for Black culture for years. In a previous interview, she revealed that she has spent the last 15 years being “tormented” for her love of Black culture. “But you know — can’t help it. Love what I love. Like what I like. I was raised on hip hop, funk, you name it. Some people are raised on country music. I was not,” she said.
This sentiment echoes a past controversy involving her father, Hulk Hogan. In 2015, an audio clip of Hulk using the N-word to describe Brooke’s then-boyfriend surfaced online. He later apologized, acknowledging that his words were inappropriate and reflecting on how they affected his family.
In a 2026 Netflix documentary (filmed before his death), Hulk expressed regret over his actions, stating that he “didn’t man up” at the time. “I used a word. Yeah, I regret it, because even under that heavy, crazy fire, I should have remained still and kept my mouth shut,” he said.
A Legacy of Struggles and Growth
Hulk passed away in July 2025 after suffering a heart attack. He was 71. Before his death, there were reports that he had tried to mend relationships with those closest to him, including his daughter. However, a source indicated that their differences were too great to overcome.
“The last few months of Hogan’s life had a lot more ups than downs,” the insider said. “There was a little strain with his daughter and their relationship that had taken quite the emotional toll, but he always thought he would eventually be able to rectify that.”
Brooke continues to navigate the challenges of her career and personal life, all while staying true to her artistic vision. Her recent work with “Try Again” may have sparked controversy, but it also highlights her passion for music and her desire to express herself creatively.
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