Mariah Carey is officially back in album mode. The legendary songbird has confirmed that she’s wrapped up work on her long-awaited 16th studio album, marking her first full-length release since 2018’s Caution.
Speaking during a live broadcast with Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden at Apple Music Studios—celebrating the platform’s 10th anniversary—the five-time Grammy winner dropped hints about what’s coming while quoting her own lyrics from 2005’s It’s Like That.
“It’s a special occasion / Mimi’s emancipation” — Mariah teased, referencing a lyric that signals her return to form and freedom.
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Album Details: Ballads, Summer Vibes, and a Secret Tracklist
Though she’s keeping the full concept under wraps, Mariah confirmed that the album contains 11 or 12 tracks, with a healthy dose of her signature ballads.
“We got some Mariah ballads,” she said. “A second single is coming soon. I’m very excited about it. It’s very summery. I like the beat as well.”
The album’s lead single, Type Dangerous, dropped in May and made headlines for sampling Eric B. and Rakim’s 1986 classic Eric B. Is President. She revealed the inspiration struck during a dinner outing in Aspen when the song came on in the background.
“I’ve always loved Eric B. Is President… They played it in a restaurant and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! I love this song!’ We ended up in the studio a couple months later and we did it.”
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Anderson .Paak Collaboration Confirmed
Adding to the buzz, Anderson .Paak recently let slip that he’s also contributed to Mariah’s new project. The Leave the Door Open star revealed the collaboration during an appearance on Track Star, where he correctly identified her 1996 hit Always Be My Baby.
“This would be Mariah Carey. The Mariah Carey,” he said proudly. “We’re working on some music on her new album.”
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The Return of Mimi
With the album finished and a new single on the way, Mariah is set to re-embrace the spotlight in her own timeless style. This next chapter could be a major moment in her storied career—one that spans over three decades, more than 200 million records sold, and an enduring pop legacy.
Though she’s holding back the full reveal, one thing’s clear: Mariah Carey season is upon us—and this time, it’s not just for Christmas.
