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The evolution of Mariah Carey (110,191) by BFF from United States Do black artists not sing pop music? Are black and white the only types of people in the world? Last time I checked Mariah has devoted fans across many continents and of many different backgrounds other than "white" and "black". I'm not an OG fan. I became a fan in the 1997-2000 period and my first Mariah album was "Rainbow", so I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the way Mariah integrated hip-hop into her music. I think it worked best on songs like "The Roof" and "Crybaby" and the remixes for "My All" and "Thank God I Found You". And I also love the stuff from 1990-1996 - the ballads ("Can't Let Go"), the gospel-inflected tunes ("Any Time You Need a Friend"), the house and disco influenced uptempo songs ("Emotions", "Now that I Know", etc). Last time I checked, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross, Donna Summer, and many, many other African-American/black artists have put out music that most people would categorize as "pop". Pop isn't a genre - it is shorthand for "popular" and encompasses a wide range of styles and idioms. And "pop" music isn't synonymous with "white". Country songs go to #1 on the "pop" charts. R&B and Hip-Hop songs have gone to #1 on the "pop" charts. House tracks have gone to #1 on the "pop" charts. Alternative rock songs go to #1 on the "pop" charts. In 2003, Liz Phair caught a lot of flack for "going pop" on her self-titled album, but she brilliantly pointed out that it's dishonest for recording artists (and critics) to pretend that they aren't in business when they are. Having a career as a recording artist means that you're often (out of necessity) trying to appeal to the widest possible audience - it has nothing to do with "race" and everything to do with capitalism. Sometimes you need a "pop" hit to pay your bills, get out of debt, to build your clout, etc. There's no shame in it. I actually think the main reason that Mariah began to feel the need to pander a bit was due to music critic Nelson George labelling her "a white girl trying to sing black", which is itself a racist statement because it conflates skin color with singing ability. This was a misnomer because she was already singing gospel, R&B, and house-influenced songs on the debut album in 1990 and the "Emotions" album in 1991. Last time I checked Adele is a more impressive vocalist than Janet Jackson, but this reductive thinking would have us believe that somehow "race" automatically correlates with singing ability. It doesn't. Mariah being called a "white girl trying to sing black" by music critics became such an issue that she had a press conference/sit down with many of them early on to tell them to cut it out. The reality is that Mariah never denied being mixed race, and I don't agree with the argument that Tommy tried to hide that aspect of her. Critics like Nelson George were ones who created this issue because their color struck, racialist thinking disallowed the idea that someone who looked like Mariah could sing and write so brilliantly. Sorry for getting on my soapbox, but it makes me angry that Mariah has felt pressured into pandering to this nonsense. Maybe we should stop trying to label music with such simplistic "racial" categories and just enjoy the music? (Tuesday 29 July 2025; 15:21) this is a reply to message 110,159

The evolution of Mariah Carey (110,159) by Terna from Nigeria You get it, and I'm glad you addressed it from this angle, I just didn't want to get into it. Part of the main problem "OG's" have is Mariah's leaning towards black music and succeeding at it too - R&B/Hiphop specifically. That's why they will always have a problem with this "New Mariah", so to speak, because that Tommy version was molded to cater to a white audience. Let's call it as it is. However, that's not the real her, never really was to begin with - check "Vision of Love", that's a singer who's main and only influence is black music, gospel, R&B and hip-hop (check the debut album, isn't she rapping on "Prisoner"). What's mind boggling about these OG fans is that new Mariah (true Mariah) has now been out so to speak, much longer (all caps) than hairbangs Mariah (Music Box and Daydream) and she has pretty much remained the same since, yet they're still hooked on the curated Tommy's vision of her and think that somehow, someday she's gonna go back to pop and that image. Smh. (Tuesday 29 July 2025; 05:12)

The evolution of Mariah Carey (110,092) by BFF from United States For me, my favorite Mariah was from the 1997-2000 period. She had her freedom from the marriage but also seemed very happy and carefree. The bad experience with “Glitter” changed things for the worse in my opinion. In my opinion, that was really the point at which she became more remote, seemed less relatable, and less focused on her voice and the music. That marriage to Tommy really screwed her over in a lot of ways and its aftermath derailed her professional and personal life in the early 2000s. (Saturday 26 July 2025; 15:10) this is a reply to message 110,075

The evolution of Mariah Carey (110,075) by Jamie from UK Whilst I love that Mariah is still putting out music I can't help but wonder what went wrong for Mariah. I've just heard Without You on an Instagram post which to me is the pinnacle of Mariah in 1993, you couldn't get much better than that. To now her latest single Sugar Sweet (which I don't mind) but let's be honest she can barely sing this tune and it isn't very taxing on the voice as a were her earlier hits. When I hear old school Mariah I can't help but feel sad at where we are now. A complete transformation of personality and a huge degrading of vocals. What happened? Was it self inflicted or is it just natural wear and tear of a once untouchable voice. I would love to rewind to 1993 when her career took off internationally and just remind her to stay grounded and focus on what's important. I've said this multiple times but I just don't get how we went from Mariah to MC it's such a contrast of personalities. Her early cross over stuff was cool but as I've said countless times she took it too far and I think the partying etc took a toll on her vocals and ate away at her wholesomeness. She might say and pretend that she's always been hood but I remember those early days and there was no pretence, just a natural girl living her best life. Yes we all change but we're still recognisable, I think Mariah took it too far and now she doesn't even recognise herself. Her appearance last night on Jimmy Kimmel is a far cry from who she once was, I would love to sit 1993 Mariah down and show her 2025 Mariah. I don't even think she would relate to that. I'm speaking from the heart and probably don't understand the ins and outs of the celebrity lifestyle and how it affects you both physically and mentally. But part of me wants to understand what went wrong and what happened to Mariah and why she's so affected now and her voice has taken such a turn. It's great she's still giving us music but vocally and especially personality she's a far cry from what she was. I don't even think Mariah knows herself anymore she's that affected. I reminisce of her dancing on the beach with "to be around you" playing out to her now barely able to focus or speak and can't but help to want to say to her it's ok to be Mariah again. (Saturday 26 July 2025; 01:14)

Sugar Sweet (110,042) by BFF from United States I'm a little underwhelmed by the song, but I understand that its release is strategic as means for Mariah to stay contemporary. I don't blame Mariah for trying to stay current, but I think the songwriting, production and guest artists are a bit beneath her. The uptempo songs on "Caution" worked a lot better than this one in my opinion. Who knows? Maybe it grow on me. I'm looking forward to hearing the songs she produced with just Daniel Moore, the Paul/Linda McCartney cover, and the collaboration with The Clark Sisters. (Friday 25 July 2025; 13:13) this is a reply to message 110,032

Sugar Sweet (110,032) by TJ from Norway I'm not sure what I think. It's too much head voice in the beginning for my taste. The song works ok from the second verse. But much better than the horrible AI version presented by Eddie. After playing it on repeat for like 30 minutes, I enjoy it a little bit more than what I wrote above. Sweet sound, but no number one. Unlike some people, I do not think she will get another #1 Hot 100, but that's ok. (Friday 25 July 2025; 10:11)

Jimmy Kimmel (110,039) by BFF from United States I wasn't a fan of that interviewer. All she did was talk about Mariah's breasts and superfluous things that had nothing to do with the album or single. I was actually a creeped out on Mariah's behalf for all of the weird comments about Mariah's body. (Friday 25 July 2025; 12:49) this is a reply to message 110,035

Jimmy Kimmel (110,035) by Jamie from UK I didn't feel Mariah was looking her best on Jimmy Kimmel, she looked a bit cheap and not glamorous. Just my opinion. I've seen her looking better. I think it was the hair and earrings made her look a bit street. (Friday 25 July 2025; 11:50)

Here For It All (110,010) by BFF from United States I hope "Here For It All" performs well. "Type Dangerous" has already out-performed all of the singles from "Caution", so that is a good sign. It saddens me that Mariah's team in 2018 botched the rollout for the "Caution" album. It was a solid album, and she was correct in her criticism of the "instant grats" approach. And they should not have released it so close to Christmas. It seems like Larry Jackson and the Gamma people have it together for this album's launch though. Hopefully "Sugar Sweet" benefits from the hype built by "Type Dangerous". (Thursday 24 July 2025; 17:42) this is a reply to message 110,009

Here For It All (110,009) by Bobby A from United States I understand better today the reason why just 11 tracks because of the hype statement on Record Store Day's website. The hype statement says: "Here For It All is Mariah Carey's new forthcoming project with Gamma. This album marks the start of a bold new era for Mariah. It balances her legacy with fresh cultural relevance and pop significance." MC hasn't had an album you can listen to without any skips since Butterfly. Here For It All is going to be that no skips album. (Thursday 24 July 2025; 17:13)

Here For It All (109,957) by BFF from United States You know, in retrospect, I don't think seven years has been that much of a wait in comparison to some longer breaks that other artists have taken. Janet Jackson hasn't had a proper studio album since Unbreakable in 2015. Toni Braxton took eight years between Pulse (2010) and Sex & Cigarettes (2018). Maybe Mariah will be able to get more music out now that the twins are teenagers and with Larry Jackson and the Gamma team supporting her. I'm looking forward to hearing the new music, and I'm really excited for this "Live and Let Die" cover. I love it when Mariah pulls off a random 70s/80s rock cover for us. It seems like some of the songs selected for the album were recorded earlier in the process than others, and it's clear that there were multiple sets of sessions for the album as we heard about during her interviews for the last few years. The collaboration with the Clark Sisters and the songs with just Daniel Moore seem to have been completed before the sessions with Anderson .Paak. This summer has been super hard for me personally, but having a new Mariah album to look forward to has seriously brightened up my day(s). Happy to have people like Bobby A keeping me in the loop with his X research skills (Wednesday 23 July 2025; 18:35) this is a reply to message 109,937

Here For It All (109,937) by Bobby A from United States My impatient self just couldn't trust MC, her team, and Gamma. Her team via Mariah Alerts on X played a game with Lambs today to find Here For It All billboards around L.A. this afternoon. Everything seems to be coming together. Type Dangerous had its biggest streaming increase in awhile on Spotify today. (Tuesday 22 July 2025; 23:19)

Here For It All / Paul McCartney cover (109,927) by BFF from United States Based on the songwriting credits, the song will be something that Paul and Linda McCartney wrote together. So maybe something from the album "Ram" which they recorded together or something from one of the eight albums recorded by the band Wings, for which Paul and Linda wrote a lot of songs together. Wings had a lot of hits in the 1970s, so there are quite a few possibilities. (Tuesday 22 July 2025; 17:59) this is a reply to message 109,911

Here For It All / Paul McCartney cover (109,911) by Dove from United States I love Paul McCartney. I wonder what song it will be. (Tuesday 22 July 2025; 11:29)

Here For It All / Paul McCartney cover (109,902) by BFF from United States Looks like she might be covering a song by Wings, Paul and Linda McCartney's band in the 70s? Can you imagine Mariah singing "Live and Let Die"? (Tuesday 22 July 2025; 02:58) this is a reply to message 109,896

Here For It All / Paul McCartney cover (109,896) by Pedro from Brazil I saw the track credits of the album that is going around on X, and one of the songs was solely written by Paul McCartney and his wife. I'm guessing Mariah’s covering it. Which song do you think it is? Plus, The Clark Sisters are on a track. Duet maybe? I can’t wait. (Tuesday 22 July 2025; 00:52)

Here For It All (109,889) by BFF from United States I just looked the album up on Apple Music. It's listed as having eleven tracks with "Type Dangerous" being the third track followed by "Sugar Sweet" as the fourth track. (Monday 21 July 2025; 20:34) this is a reply to message 109,876

Here For It All (109,876) by BFF from United States I like the title. Hopefully the 9/26 release date doesn't make the album conflict too much with whatever Mariah has planned for the holiday season. I remember "Caution" being released in mid-November 2018, which may have contributed a bit to its low performance. I like the album cover, the pose reminds me a bit of the "Glitter" album cover except with eyes open. (Monday 21 July 2025; 16:36)

Here For It All (109,876) by BFF from United States I like the title. Hopefully the 9/26 release date doesn't make the album conflict too much with whatever Mariah has planned for the holiday season. I remember "Caution" being released in mid-November 2018, which may have contributed a bit to its low performance. I like the album cover, the pose reminds me a bit of the "Glitter" album cover except with eyes open. (Monday 21 July 2025; 16:36) this is a reply to message 109,873

Here For It All (109,873) by Bobby A from United States Here For It All will drop on 9/26. I love the album title and cover. It sums up MC's extraordinary career for the past 30 years. (Monday 21 July 2025; 16:06)

Special guests (109,835) by BFF from United States I honestly wish the Usher collaboration single had happened with "How Much". I really liked the So So Def Remix version we got on the Anniversary Version of "Rainbow". That could have been a big git considering Usher was pretty big at the time as well. Fingers crossed that Mariah hits a home run with the second single. "Type Dangerous" kind of fizzled out. (Saturday 19 July 2025; 23:46) this is a reply to message 109,823

Special guests (109,823) by Bobby A from United States Shezz, I have 10 notebook pages of research, analysis, and X posts right now. Lol. I don't think the 2nd single will have any rappers as special guests. That is not the trend right now for a pop R&B hybrid song. My top 5 special guests are: 1. Justin Bieber - We need another MC and Justin collaboration. 2. Sza - Every song she releases and is a guest on does extremely well on the Hot 100. 3. Leon Thomas - His song Mutt is a hit on the Urban and Urban AC charts right now. 4. Summer Walker - Her fan base is crazy and her vocals add something great to any song. 5. Usher - He would definitely give MC those female listeners who love some Usher. Plus, his clear and rich vocals make your head bob to his songs. (Saturday 19 July 2025; 12:23)

New snippet (109,794) by BFF from United States I thought I saw something earlier today indicating that "Type Dangerous" would re-enter the Hot 100? Perhaps due to streaming from the remixes? I honestly would prefer she moves on to the next single. I don't really care for any of the TD remixes, and it feels like the moment has passed. (Thursday 17 July 2025; 18:03) this is a reply to message 109,789

New snippet (109,789) by Bobby A from United States MC is so funny. She knows how to get us all excited. We might get three huge announcements today or Friday. The video will seem pointless if she doesn't say something significant today or Friday. July is almost over and TD won't make it back into the Hot 100 now. (Thursday 17 July 2025; 15:27)

We Belong Together (109,431) by BFF from United States I think the initial excitement over new non-holiday music from Mariah has worn off a bit. I must admit that I haven't really been listening to "Type Dangerous" that much since the initial release. It's marginally better than "GTFO" but really feels a lot like "Dedicated" from the "Me I Am Mariah" album. It doesn't seem to add anything new to Mariah's repertory. Hopefully they have a solid second single lined up and "Type Dangerous" was just a means of generating initial buzz for better songs on the forthcoming album. (Saturday 21 June 2025; 23:52) this is a reply to message 109,427

We Belong Together (109,427) by Bobby A from United States They are saying that Type Dangerous is not anything new because it sounds like many of her other songs. Also, there are a lot of negative comments about MC's heavy use of lip syncing. (Saturday 21 June 2025; 12:17)

TD second week chart stats (109,421) by BFF from United States Looks like #95 might be the peak for "Type Dangerous" unless we get some more promotion and momentum from Mariah's camp. I don't really follow current music, so I have no point of reference. Does anyone know how well we are doing with streams, downloads, radio airplay, etc? I heard the song one time on the local R&B radio station when it first dropped, but that's about it. (Friday 20 June 2025; 19:15)

Emotions (109,265) by BFF from United States I love the "Emotions" album. It's my second favorite behind "Butterfly". "Can't Let Go" absolutely deserved to go to #1, and it is one of my favorites from Mariah's early ballad output. "If It's Over" and "Til the End of Time" are also favorites. The "Emotions" album was really special because it marked the first time Mariah had full creative control. I think it strikes a nice balance between the uptempo songs with David Cole + Robert Clivilles and the soul-inflected ballads she recorded with Walter A. and Carole King. (Friday 13 June 2025; 13:43) this is a reply to message 109,263

Emotions (109,263) by Jamie from UK I've been reflecting on the Emotions album this morning and how it didn't perform as well as Mariah Carey. I personally love this album and the lead single is a total smash. The soul and depth on the album is something I love. It surprises me that it didn't get to number one one on the Billboard 200. Columbia even held back sales of Can't Let Go stopping it going to number 1, to help increase sales of the album. I wonder now had they let Can't Let Go (which I love) go to number one would sales of the album have increased naturally. Maybe initially Columbia didn't put as much money in to the albums promotional release hoping they could spend less and just rely on the success off Mariah Carey. Just surprises me with such a strong lead single and the quality of the tracks on Emotions, that it didn't sell better. It's full of very strong power ballads which were very popular then, and mixed with some great pop songs, I love To Be Around You no and Till The End Of Time. Interested to hear peoples take on it, especially my American friends that were there at the time. (Friday 13 June 2025; 09:58)

Type Dangerous Billboard stats (109,229) by BFF from United States Any word on where "Type Dangerous" might end up on the Hot 100 chart? I saw a tweet that mentioned a "Top 80 debut", but that is quite unspecific. (Wednesday 11 June 2025; 20:01)

Type Dangerous and new record deal (109,115) by BFF from United States Amen. Glad to see people putting some R-E-S-P-E-C-T on Ms. Carey's name. Paul McCartney and crew better watch out. Mariah's coming for y'all. (Friday 6 June 2025; 16:20) this is a reply to message 109,110

Type Dangerous and new record deal (109,110) by Carlos from Brazil I am beyond excited for this new era. Mariah seems to be finally treated with respect by the company gamma. Type Dangerous is really good. I don't think she needs to be stretching the vocal cords on every song especially when no one in the music business is doing it. (Friday 6 June 2025; 15:17)

Type Dangerous (109,098) by BFF from United States This definitely hits harder than "GTFO" from Caution. I love the Eric B. and Rakim sample, and I love the sassy send ups of Tommy, Nick, and company. It's not quite on the level of "#Beautiful" with Miguel, but it definitely feels fresh and current. I haven't really listened to much current music recently, so I do not know where it fits in the current pop ecosystem. I know we cannot focus on getting a hit, but I'd really love to see Mariah unseat The Beatles. (Friday 6 June 2025; 12:47)

MC16 (109,023) by BFF from United States I'm so excited for this. I think hooking up both professionally and personally with Anderson .Paak is going to be really great for Mariah. He seems like a genuinely caring and fun guy - great energy for Mariah. It has been seven years since "Caution", but I'm glad she took the time she needed with this album. She clearly felt rushed with "Caution", and it did not seem that her management team executed the launch of that one to ensure success. Hopefully, the timing of "Type Dangerous" and the accompanying album around "The Emancipation of Mimi" anniversary will help provide the momentum Mariah needs. I'm rooting for her. Maybe she came across as exhausted in these recent shows and interviews just from all of the personal and professional stress - two recent deaths, tour, album re-release, new album launch, probably prepping some stuff for Christmas. She clearly had a lot going on in the background. (Wednesday 4 June 2025; 17:12) this is a reply to message 109,019

MC16 (109,019) by Shezz from Pk 100% agreed Edward. It's so good to see all the lambs excited again for something big. This month we're going to have 2 exciting days. First on the 6th for the all weather lambs with T:D which obviously will be an uptempo banger - most probably with A. .Paak's production and writing (Bobby A is that official?) and secondly a Walter A. produced ballad for the old school lambs on the 27th. June is going to be good. It will be interesting to see which of the 2 the lambs and the general public respond more to. I've gotta say she has taken her time but planned this well. Releasing the new single right after reminding everyone of and celebrating TEOM was a smart move. (Wednesday 4 June 2025; 13:47)

Show some humanity (108,836) by BFF from United States Mariah comes across as absolutely exhausted - physically, emotionally, psychologically - in the interviews and on stage. I wonder sometimes if she just feels creatively stifled on the writing and recording side of things and maybe opts to do the tours instead because she's afraid of disappointing the fans. Or maybe she's overspending and knows that touring is the only way to keep the lifestyle she is used to? It also cannot be easy to cope with the end of her relationship with Bryan and the loss of her mom and sister within the same relative time frame. She also has a lot of people on payroll, and they have a vested interest in telling her "Yes, keep going" rather than "You need to stop and take care of yourself." She definitely doesn't seem physically, emotionally or psychologically well right now. But she's obviously committed to more shows for the Mimi anniversary, and then there will, of course, be the annual holiday shows before long. (Friday 23 May 2025; 12:29) this is a reply to message 108,833

Show some humanity (108,833) by Jamie from UK We're not talking about how she wants to live, we're talking about her health decline and how as someone who's loved her for a long time are upset to see her like this. It is allowed, it's not hate, it's love for someone. (Friday 23 May 2025; 09:03)

TEOM 20 (108,565) by BFF from United States I really don't agree with people who call TEOM her "magnum opus". The magnum opus is "Butterfly", people. Get with the program. I find TEOM slightly overrated/over-celebrated because it was a commercial comeback. I like a decent number of songs, but there are definitely more skips than other albums. I'm excited for the re-release, but TEOM is nowhere near my favorite Mariah album. (Sunday 13 April 2025; 00:20) this is a reply to message 108,550

TEOM 20 (108,550) by Shezz from Pk Apparently she's doing it a song at a time or so. I liked the remix. Hoping for something a little more major in the next few releases. (Friday 11 April 2025; 11:14)

TEOM 20 (108,549) by BFF from United States It looks like we are getting the full 20th anniversary release on Saturday, April 12 for the actual 20th anniversary of the original release date. I checked Apple Music, and it looks like the re-release is a two-disc set. Disc two, the one with all of the bonus material, has 21 tracks on it. We will be getting lots of goodies on 4/12/25. Please let "When I Feel It" be on the set. I love that song. (Friday 11 April 2025; 10:59) this is a reply to message 108,548

TEOM 20 (108,548) by TJ from Norway I thought it was going to be a big release this morning? All I can see is the remix of DFAU. I used to be blonde, so I might have misunderstood. (Friday 11 April 2025; 06:33)

TEOM announcement (108,511) by BFF from United States Are we about to get a deluxe anniversary edition of the album? I wonder if there are any other songs left over from those sessions that we don't know about. So exciting. This year is also Daydream's 30th anniversary. (Saturday 5 April 2025; 14:12)

Favorite Mariah Hip-Hop collaborations (108,485) by BFF from United States Totally fair. I just find the Fantasy Remix very "cut and paste" in terms of Mariah's remixes whereas the hip-hop remixes for songs like My All, Always Be My Baby, Heartbreaker, Thank God I Found You and Honey (So So Def) were re-sung, re-recorded, and re-written with new samples in an incredibly creative way. I also just find Wu-Tang Clan and ODB a bit overrated in comparison to other hip-hop acts from the 1990s. I particularly appreciated Mariah pulling in Missy Elliott and Da Brat on the Heartbreaker remix for an answer to Snoop Dogg's "Ain't No Fun". (Saturday 29 March 2025; 18:02) this is a reply to message 108,482

Favorite Mariah Hip-Hop collaborations (108,482) by Zachariah from Croatia I don't even listen to original Fantasy, only O.D.B. version. But I a lamb who stopped liking old Mariah and is a fan of after Butterfly Mariah so I am not the one to ask. (Saturday 29 March 2025; 15:43)

Favorite Mariah Hip-Hop collaborations (108,481) by BFF from United States I was talking to someone the other day about how I felt the ODB version of "Fantasy" is a bit overrated and played out. It's the one that everyone knows - I actually quite like the original version and the House remix more. Though I do appreciate the "Me and Mariah go back like babies and pacifiers" line. I use that one a lot. What do you all think? Favorite Mariah hip-hop collaborations/remixes? These would be my 10 favorites 1. My All/Stay Awhile (So So Def Remix) 2. The Roof (Mobb Deep Extended) 3. Breakdown (Mo Thugs Version) 4. Crybaby 5. Always Be My Baby (So So Def Remix) 6. Underneath the Stars (Drifting Remix) 7. I Still Believe/Pure Imagination 8. Honey (So So Def Remix) 9. Thank God I Found You (Make It Last Remix) 10. Heartbreaker (DJ Clue Remix) I never really cared for "I Know What You Want" with Busta Rhymes. And I still feel like Mariah's golden period for these collaborations was that 1997-2000 period. (Saturday 29 March 2025; 14:29)

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