Mariah Carey talks about new music, Rihanna, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and her unreleased grunge album
Mariah Carey’s career has seen its fair share of highs and lows. After facing a lull in her superstar status due to the commercial failure of her film “Glitter” in 2001 and the lukewarm reception of her 2002 album “Charmbracelet,” Carey found herself at a crossroads. However, everything changed with the release of “The Emancipation of Mimi” in 2005. This album marked a turning point for Carey, blending her R&B-pop style with hip-hop influences and delivering fun and enduring hits that showcased a more liberated and carefree version of the artist.
Fast forward to today, as “The Emancipation of Mimi” celebrates its 20th anniversary, Carey plans to release deluxe editions of the album featuring bonus tracks, new remixes, and the highly anticipated official release of the track “When I Feel It,” which was shelved in 2005 due to clearance issues. Carey describes these bonus tracks as new gems, expressing her excitement for this release.
In a recent interview, Carey reflected on the impact of “The Emancipation of Mimi” on her career, stating that it remains one of her favorite albums. She emphasized the creative freedom she felt while creating the album and credited it with revitalizing her career. Looking back on her self-titled debut album, which turns 35 this year, Carey expressed gratitude for her musical journey and the fulfillment of her lifelong dream of becoming a music artist.
Notably, Carey is also a nominee for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025. While humbled by the honor, she remains cautious about getting too excited until the final results are announced. Reflecting on the evolving nature of music genres, Carey notes that the Rock Hall has become more inclusive and open to diverse artists, exemplified by Missy Elliott’s induction in 2023.
As fans eagerly await new music from Carey, she hints at upcoming projects without revealing too much. While a new album may be in the works, Carey remains tight-lipped about the specifics. However, she teases the possibility of releasing a few songs from her long-rumored ’90s grunge album, much to the delight of her dedicated fan base.
In a lighthearted moment, Carey recalls a memorable encounter with Rihanna during her Christmas Time tour, where the pop icon requested Carey to sign her breasts. Despite the humorous mishap, Carey expresses interest in working with Rihanna in the future. Additionally, reflecting on her children’s musical talents, Carey expresses the desire to collaborate on a family rock ‘n’ roll album but affirms the importance of allowing her children to pursue their own interests.
While Carey’s last album of original music, “Caution,” was released in 2018, fans can rest assured that the iconic diva is working on something new, hinting at exciting musical endeavors on the horizon. Whether it’s a new album, singles from her grunge project, or collaborations with fellow artists like Rihanna, Mariah Carey continues to captivate audiences with her enduring talent and creativity.