Celebrating 'Mimi': Mariah Carey's 'The Emancipation of Mimi' at 19

I never pass up a chance to write about this album.

I will never pass up an opportunity to write about Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi, which was released 19 years ago today and is the focal point of Mariah’s new Las Vegas residency, The Celebration of Mimi, opening tonight at Dolby Live at the Park MGM Grand. I’ve even written about it before: In 2020, I wrote about the soul music that drives much of the album, and in 2017 I highlighted the extras that didn’t make the standard edition of the album. 

I remember the weather on April 12, 2005. It was a typical, gorgeous spring day. Slightly cool morning with that dewy air, making way for a warm, breezy day. I was a freshman in high school. After school, one of my parents drove me to Best Buy to secure my copy. I poured over The Emancipation of Mimi like it was my job. The artwork and accompanying photos were mesmerizing, and the music still has me in a vice-grip nearly 20 years later. 

Posters promoting the album in the early months of 2005 promised “The Return of The Voice,” and when release day came, it was evident that they did not lie or exaggerate.

‘The Voice’ in question hadn’t gone anywhere, either, but she had certainly been more conservative at moments on 2002’s Charmbracelet, and in some ways, in the wake of 2001’s Glitter, her voice had doubted. In spite of all that, she does some of her hardest singing across The Emancipation of Mimi, and look no further than my favorite track on the album, “Stay The Night,” (a fantastic Kanye West production) for evidence of that. 

 Song after song, Mariah shines, and shows out. Her vocals are out of this world on songs like the soul-drenched trio of “Mine Again,” “Circles,” and “I Wish You Knew.” 

 As a fan living this album release in real time, it was so gratifying to watch the album shoot to number one, and then watch “We Belong Together” absolutely soar. Week after week, it held that number one spot on the charts, seemingly unmovable. It even blocked the album’s third single, “Shake It Off,” from hitting number one. 

Mariah came armed with heavy hitters for each single’s remixes (with the exception of “Get Your Number,” which was not remixed). She enlisted Fat Joe, Styles P and Jadakiss, Jay Z and Young Jeezy, Bone Thugs n Harmony and Juelz Santana, Styles P and Fabolous, and Dem Franchize Boyz for the rap remixes. She also re-teamed with David Morales for two classic dance mixes featuring re-arranged and re-recorded vocals, and enlisted producers including Peter Rauhofer, Tony Moran and Warren Rigg, and Ralphi Rosario and Craig J for additional dance mixes. A few of my favorites:

Of course, there are a few gems from the era as well. One song didn’t make the album due to sample clearance issues. “When I Feel It” is a monster of a record originally intended to be track 13 that finally surfaced in July 2007. It’s a shame it had to be cut from the album, but at least it’s out there for us to enjoy.

There were also remixes of “Fly Like A Bird” commissioned but never officially released. The internet tends to have a way though…

Emancipation also sparked ‘The Adventures of Mimi’ tour, which became my first-ever Madison Square Garden concert the following year in August 2006. With DJ Clue and Suss One on the one’s and two’s and Da Brat, Styles P and Jadakiss, Diddy, and Jay-Z as surprise guests, it was a night that I will truly never forget. 

Jay-Z bowing down to Mariah Carey as she hits a high note during “Heartbreaker.” photo by me. 😁

One final fun aside, the Dolby Atmos mix of the album features Mariah uncensored on “One And Only.” Hearing her sing those curse words for the first time nearly 19 years later has been nothing short of sweet and gratifying. 

I could go on and on and on, but I’ll save it for the 20th anniversary next year. 

Buy & stream Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi

 And check out the Mimi merch from Mariah’s new Vegas show. 

Finally, be sure to pre-order a copy of The97’s inaugural zine, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Mariah’s Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse. I’m thrilled to be contributing an updated version of my retrospective, and three new essays! Use code ‘heavenly’ for $2 off (and to give me a cute little commission).