Whitney Houston, It’s Not Right But It’s Okay | Bangerz N Bopz

In the 14th edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2025), we highlight “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” performed by the late musical icon, Whitney Houston.  

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 14^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2025), we break down “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” performed by Whitney Houston.

“It’s not right, but it’s okay / I’m gonna make it anyway / Pack your bags, up and leave / Don’t you dare come runnin’ back to me.” Ooh-wee! The late, great Whitney Houston (1963 – 2012) released the biggest hits of her career in the 1980s and 1990s. “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” arrived as the opening track from her fourth studio/comeback album, My Love Is Your Love, released in 1998.  My Love Is Your Love debuted modestly at number 13 on the Billboard 200, but was eventually certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA. “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” was a big hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999. In 2019, the single was certified platinum.  Houston won her sixth and final Grammy award for the song (Best Female R&B Vocal Performance) at the 42^nd Annual GRAMMY Awards. Toni Estes, Isaac Phillips, Fred Jerkins III, Rodney Jerkins, and the late LaShawn Daniels penned the gem. Rodney Jerkins produced it.

“It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” gave Houston a contemporary R&B record. Although firmly planted in R&B, but, like so many Whitney songs, had pop crossover written all over it.  On the spirited third single from  My Love Is Your Love, Houston confronts her man’s infidelity.  Suspicious, she asks of his night out with the boys, “If six of y’all went out, ah / Then four of you were really cheap, yeah / ‘Cause only two of you had dinner / I found your credit card receipt.” Oh, snap! In the second verse, he gets in even deeper trouble when his phone rings: “You said it was one of your friends, down on 54^th street, boy / So why did 213 show up on your caller I.D.?” Whitney is not going to take his BS.  After determining “[He was” making a fool of [her],” she tells sends his trifling ass out the door in the unforgettable chorus. Excerpted earlier, she adds, “I’d rather be alone than unhappy.” Amen, sis! As always, Houston sounds remarkable singing this song.  The melodies are tuneful, and she adds her own spice with her nuances and celestial runs.  The musical accompaniment is classy (it’s the mallet percussion for me). It’s tailored for her once-in-a-lifetime voice – a voice gone far too soon.  Pushing 30 after its release, “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” remains fresh – a bop for the ages!

Whitney Houston // My Love Is Your Love // Arista // 1998

Whitney Houston, It’s Not Right But It’s Okay: Bangerz N Bopz No. 14 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista; Bigshow Lamar Campton, Daniel Duarte, Eduardo López from Pexels; AcatXIo, djexpectations, OpenClipart-Vectors, Thai Zeo from Pixabay]