Mariah Carey discusses new music, Rihanna, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, reveals lost grunge album
Famous singer Mariah Carey experienced a downturn in her career after her film “Glitter” flopped and her subsequent album, “Charmbracelet,” received a lukewarm reception in 2002. However, her fortunes changed dramatically when she released “The Emancipation of Mimi” in 2005. The album marked a significant shift in sound for Carey, melding R&B-pop with hip-hop elements and delivering catchy, enduring hits that showcased her vocal prowess without excessive belting.
As the 20th anniversary of “The Emancipation of Mimi” approaches, Carey is preparing to launch deluxe editions of the album on May 30. These editions will feature bonus tracks, fresh remixes, and the long-awaited official release of “When I Feel It,” a track initially intended for the original album but delayed due to sample clearance issues involving The Dynamic Superiors’ “Here Comes That Feeling.”
Carey expressed excitement about the upcoming reissue, describing the additional material as “new gems” that she finds personally thrilling. Reflecting on the impact of “The Emancipation of Mimi,” Carey fondly recalled the positive reception it received upon its release, noting that it introduced her to a new generation of fans while also retaining the essence of her musical style that she has always cherished.
Discussing her recent nomination for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Carey humbly acknowledged the honor but refrained from getting overly excited, acknowledging the uncertainties of the nomination process. She emphasized that the nomination was unexpected, underscoring the significance of the recognition for her illustrious career.
Carey also touched upon the evolving landscape of music genres and the broadening acceptance of diverse styles within the music industry. Drawing a parallel to Missy Elliott’s induction into the Rock Hall in 2023, Carey highlighted the shift towards a more inclusive approach to recognizing artists across genres, irrespective of traditional boundaries.
Looking ahead to potential future projects, Carey hinted at the possibility of releasing her long-awaited ’90s grunge album, a project that has generated immense anticipation among her fans. Regarding her children’s musical talents and the prospect of a family rock ‘n’ roll album, Carey expressed enthusiasm but emphasized the importance of allowing her children the freedom to pursue their own interests rather than imposing her musical aspirations on them.
The conversation shifted to a memorable encounter with Rihanna at Carey’s Christmas Time tour, where Rihanna playfully requested Carey to autograph her breast, resulting in a light-hearted moment between the two artists. Reflecting on the future, Carey hinted at working on new music, teasing an upcoming project without divulging specific details but confirming that something exciting is in the works.
As Carey continues to innovate and captivate audiences with her music, her enduring legacy as a music icon remains undeniable, solidifying her status as one of the industry’s most influential and celebrated artists of her generation.