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Mariah Carey
A songstress possessing
a remarkable eight-octave vocal range who in the
early '90s excelled to become one of the top female
vocalists of the decade, Mariah Carey's rocky
transition from musician to actress played a key
role in fueling a much-publicized nervous breakdown
in late 2001.
With her unique talent and signature vocal abilities,
Mariah Carey commanded the world’s attention when she
made her musical debut in the early nineties. In less
than a decade, Mariah Carey emerged as one of the most
popular and widely acclaimed talents in music. As a
singer and songwriter, Carey has been recognized with
the most prestigious accolades in the industry including
two Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards,
Billboard's “Artist of the Decade" Award and the World
Music Award for “World's Best Selling Female Artist of
the Millennium" to name a few.
As the best-selling
female performer of all time, Mariah Carey has
continuously raised the bar and set the standard of
excellence within the music industry worldwide.
With a mother who shared both talent and a love of
music, Carey was destined for a life of song having been
named after “They Call the Wind Mariah” a melody from a
popular Lerner and Loewe musical.
From an early age,
Carey demonstrated extraordinary musical abilities. She
started singing at the tender age of four and her innate
talent quickly progressed. While attending middle
school, Carey began honing her songwriting skills and
upon high school graduation she immediately left for New
York City to pursue a lifetime ambition - her dream of a
musical career.
From the beginning, Carey’s luminous talent quickly
distinguished her in New York and her vocals were in
demand by a variety of artists. Her major break came
while singing backup for Brenda K. Starr, who gave
Mariah’s demo tape to then Sony Music Entertainment
Chief Tommy Mottola. Soon afterwards, Mottola signed
Mariah to her first recording contract with Columbia
Records.
With a fresh-face and angelic allure Mariah exploded on
the scene with a signature style that displayed a vocal
intensity that had never been seen before. Released in
1990, Carey’s self-titled debut was an immense hit,
firmly establishing her as one of the most talented
artists in the industry. The album which spawned an
extraordinary four #1 singles: “Vision of Love,""Love
Takes Time,""Someday," and "I Don't Wanna Cry," led to
two Grammy Awards for Best New Artist and Best Female
Vocalist. Carey continued her success with a series of
singles from Emotions and MTV Unplugged albums that
consistently placed her at the top of the charts.
With the 1993 release of Music Box, which included the
chart-topping hit singles "Dreamlover" and "Hero," Carey
produced her most commercially successful album to date
going an astounding ten-times platinum. Carey soon hit
yet another career milestone with the release of her
first holiday album Merry Christmas, which contained the
instant classic "All I Want for Christmas is You." Over
the next two years, Carey continued her relentless chart
domination with the album Daydream (1995).
Daydream’s
“Fantasy” single debuted at number one, making Mariah
the second artist in history and the first female
performer to accomplish that feat. The album’s other
single, "One Sweet Day" (recorded with Boyz II Men),
stayed at the top of the charts for a mind-blowing 16
weeks. Carey followed with the Hip-Hop and R&B infused
Butterfly which introduced a new chapter in Mariah’s
career teaming her with the hottest names in the music
business such as Sean Combs and Missy Elliott.
A true testament to her longevity, Carey released #1’s,
a compilation of her chart-topping hits in 1998. The
album also included a new song, "When You Believe" (from
the film “The Prince of Egypt”), a duet with Whitney
Houston, pairing two of the most successful female
recording artists in Pop history.Rainbow, with its
chart-topping hit "Heartbreaker," followed in 1999 with
startling success.
Always at the top of her game, the ever-thriving Carey
sparked the interest of the Universal Music Group's
Island Def Jam Records who in May 2002 signed her to an
exclusive recording contract. Later that year, Carey
made her Island Def Jam debut with the release of the
multi-platinum Charmbracelet.
After more than a decade of hits that include the
staggering success of 15 #1 singles, Carey will release
her most revealing album to date, The Emancipation of
Mimi, in April 2005. Entirely written and co-produced by
the gifted Carey, her tenth studio album is an intimate
portrayal of both the challenges and successes that she
experienced during her rise to unparalleled fame. Carey
explains the inspiration behind her new album, “With
this album, I am embracing my independence and
celebrating the person that I have become.
Over the
years, I have evolved into a better person and an even
better artist. For the first time in my life, I am proud
and unafraid to be who I really am, and that's what the
music of this album and its title reflect. By naming my
album The Emancipation of Mimi andreferencing ‘Mimi’ a
nickname only used by those closest to me, I am inviting
my fans into my life.”
A brilliant artist who has co-written every song on each
of her albums since 1990, Mariah Carey has consistently
shown her willingness to express herself both as a
remarkable vocalist and an acclaimed songwriter. The
Emancipation of Mimi offers more than a glimpse into
Mariah’s world featuring tunes like the heartfelt
“Circles” and “Fly Like a Bird,” with their positive
messages of affirmation and hope. While being honest and
vulnerable in expressing her emotions through songs like
“I Wish You Knew” and “Joyride,” Mariah leaves no doubt
that she is a woman who speaks her mind.
The infectious,
edgy “It’s Like That,” co-produced by Jermaine Dupri is
the album’s first hit single and a definitive statement
of where Mariah stands at this point in her life, and
isher fastestclimbing single in five years.
Mariah and executive producer, Antonio “L.A.” Reid
(Island Def Jam Music Group Chairman), approached the
creation of The Emancipation of Mimi in a very specific
way delivering ballads like “We Belong Together” (which
pays homage to the Bobby Womack classic “If You Think
You’re Lonely Now”) that her fans have come to expect
while evoking a new sound that will surely broaden her
appeal and capture an entirely new audience.
The Emancipation of Mimi marks “the return of the
voice.” As an artist who has paved the way for a host of
emerging talent throughout the years, Mariah is set once
again to redefine the heights of musical success with
her incomparable talent and timeless appeal. With a
refined and sophisticated new look indicative of her
artistic evolution, she is poised to conquer new
territory. Consistently evolving musically, personally,
and creatively Mariah will re-assert her claim as the
best-selling female performer of all time with The
Emancipation of Mimi.
As an artist revered worldwide,
her boundless talent and success is unmatched across the
globe.
Apart from her musical achievements, Mariah Carey’s
depth of person stems from her love and support of
children in need; evident through her continuous
involvement in a host of charities dedicated to ensuring
their happiness and well being. Mariah is devoted to
such charities as The Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Fresh
Air Fund, Save the Music, and The National Adoption
Center to name a few.
With an unwavering effort through
appearances, concerts, and donations to these
organizations, Mariah has raised millions of dollars.
Her generous involvement and on-going support of the
Fresh Air Fund resulted in Camp Mariah, the fund’s first
camp named in honor of an individual. Always willing to
offer her “best” self to others, Mariah has not only
established herself as a talented artist, but also as a
sincere kind-hearted individual worthy of the world’s
acclaim.
Mariahisms > Words Mariah Carey Uses, and what they
mean.
(I) APPRECIATE YA, ENJOY YA, AND I
LOVE YA:
Mariah’s way of saying "Thanks"
BAG:
An Austin Powers characteristic that Mariah uses. She
often says "it’s not my bag" to state "it’s not my
thing"
BANGING:
A word for "cool" or another word for "stellar".
BE A LAMB:
Same as "could ya help me out" see "lamb"
BE GOOD:
Two words Mariah ends conversations with.
BING BONG!:
Used to quickly end an argument or conversation while
still able to be funny
BOO:
Mariah’s phrase for people fond of her.
CHOPS:
A derivative of 'lamb' - e.g. 'Hi Chops!'- the male
variation on the same theme. This does not mean you can
not call a girl 'chops', or a boy 'lamb', they're
unisex.
COLLABO:
A slight abbreviation for "collaboration", word usage
originated in 1999
COMBO-PLATE:
Mariah uses this term to describe her Rainbow album,
which mixes different musical styles, influences,
techniques, etc.
COMPLETE AND TOTAL JOKE:
A variation of "Complete joke" and "Complete mess."
COMPLETE AND TOTAL MESS:
A classic phrase at this point - refers to anything
getting on one's nerves or just said as a casual
throwaway when the explanation is too long.
COMPLETE NONSENSE:
Said in the same accent as 'Complete joke' or 'Complete
mess' with emphasis on the consonants and a slight
whistle effect on the end 'se'.
DRAMA:
Basically, meaning a whole bunch of "nonsense" and a big
"mess."
DRAMATICKING:
The verb describing the action of drama
(I) DON’T KNOW, AND NEITHER DO YOU:
A coy phrase used when Mariah wants to be secretive
about a particular subject.
EAT, DRINK, DANCE, WHATEVER:
Mariah’s way of stating that people are free to do what
they like.
ENSEMBLE:
Same as "outfit" (e.g. "Do you like the ensemble?")
FREAKIN’:
Mariah uses this all the time in place of a swear word
such as you-know-what.
HOLLA:
Mariah’s way of saying "hi!" or telling her fans that
she will be sending another message soon i.e. "I’ll
holla back soon."
HONEY B. FLY:
Mariah’s secret nickname that became not so secret. Used
in the Honey So So Def remix by Da Brat.
IF THAT'S GONNA MAKE YOU HAPPY:
Basically said in a sarcastic manner - i.e. who am I?
It's all about you! e.g. When someone is clearly only
interested in their own point of view. For instance,
"Please, try the halibut, I insist." You could respond
with, "Hey...might as well - if that's gonna make you
happy." (even if you hate halibut!) And then proceed to
order something else!
IN FACT:
MC uses this phrase at the end of statements to say
"just so you know."
LAMB:
A term of endearment - e.g. 'You're my lamb' or 'Hey,
lamb!' - when addressing a loved one or close friend. My
use of this term originated from a story told to me by
the "Grammy nominated Trey Lorenz" dating back a few
years which would not be politically correct to repeat!
LAMBY:
Same as above but used when one is a little more
familiar with you.
HEY, MIGHT AS WELL...IF YOU GOT A LITTLE EXTRA:
Said in the same accent as "yeah...and hey" with a tad
more zest - e.g. A waiter approaches with the question,
'Would you care for something to drink?' Your response
could be, "Hey - if they got a little extra in the back
and ain't nobody else drinkin' it... might as
well...fill me up a glass" - or something of that
nature.
MESS:
Used often as "that whole mess," which refers to a
weird/ difficult situation. Note "mess" is pronounced
with an "sh" at the end.
MUTT:
A word Mariah calls herself meaning multiracial a cute
way to say it. Note: originated on an appearance on
Rosie when she brought her dog, Guam
O:
Means "of".
OKIE DOKIE SMOKEY:
Used in place of "okay, what’s next?" Mariah said this
during the Chicago Rainbow concert in 2000
OKAAAAAAY:
Used with sarcasm when Mariah is unsure of the situation
in other words "you do what you want, but whatever."
OH DEAR:
Used when at a loss for words. It's basically a safe
haven - you may choose to add a quick vibrato on the end
of 'dear' depending on how deep the situation is.
OH MY:
Another form of "Oh Dear."
PAPOW!:
Used while making effects with hands, in order to
enphasize a point. Note: seen in the All Access Family
Channel special.
PIP!:
A phrase used to describe something really cool for
example "Those jeans are very Pip!"
POW!:
Used when you make something happen i.e. " I just signed
the contract the deal is done, POW!"
" " (Quotations made with hands):
Just a funny thing to do to emphasize certain words or
phrases.
SING SING:
Code name for Mariah’s old mansion double pun because
Sing Sing is a New York State prison, and she was always
asked to "Sing! Sing!"
SPIRAL (Spiraling):
Originally used in Crybaby, this word describes a
situation or idea that one is lost in or is not clear
STELLAR:
A word in place of "great" or "good" Rolling Stones
magazine wrote "she pronounces [it], as she does certain
words and phrases, a la Dr. Evil [from the movie Austin
Powers]."
THINGS OF THAT NATURE:
A common phrase Mariah uses often meaning "things like
that."
WHAT UP, PLAYA:
This is the way Mariah and her friend/ backup singer
Trey Lorenz sometimes say hi to each other.
WHY?:
Said in a rhetorical sense as if asking "Why me? What
did I do to deserve this?" Meant to be comical.
YA KNOW:
Mariah likes to imitate Jay-Z with this phrase (used at
the Toronto Rainbow Concert)
YEEAAH:
Mariah often starts her online voice messages with this
greeting.
YEAH, AND HEY...:
Said together as a verbal pause in the following ways:
1. Sometimes while resigning due to the realization that
you can't change something or someone - i.e. whatever -
not said angrily, though. 2. A random transition (said
slowly) - i.e. 'yeah...and hey---'. Here 'yeah' is a
tone or two higher than 'hey'. It is necessary to pause
between the 'yeah' and the 'and'. 3. When a hush falls
upon a crowd of two or more people, it is also
appropriate to say. We all know why!
YOU LOVE ME:
All-purpose, anytime phrase. A greeting, a goodbye, or
just something to throw into a pause in the conversation
or to interject loudly while someone is speaking. |
