NEW YORK — If you were surprised when Mariah the Scientist’s “Burning Blue” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s rhythmic airplay chart, you weren’t alone. “It’s shocking. It’s almost like impostor syndrome, feeling, ’I have a number one song on the radio? This is crazy,’” said the 27-year-old with a bright smile. “It makes me feel like somebody – multiple people – like my music, I guess. It’s flattering.”
Reaching No. 25 on the Billboard 200 and named by Rihanna as her go-to karaoke song, “Burning Blue” has created high anticipation for Mariah’s new album, “Hearts Sold Separately.” Available now, it’s the fourth album from the R&B singer-songwriter who’s crafted huge records like “From a Woman” and “Spread Thin,” which has more than 190 million Spotify plays.
Following 2023’s “To Be Eaten Alive,” the 10-track project, with Kali Uchis as the sole feature and new age 80s R&B synth sonics, pensively explores love and relationships, themes synonymous with the former St. John’s University scholarship student. Her stage name was first a nickname earned when studying biology before dropping out her junior year to pursue music.
While she’s attracted dedicated fans with her alternative R&B sounds and unapologetic vulnerability, she’s also the girlfriend of rapper Young Thug. The Grammy winner was indicted in a sprawling Georgia gang and racketeering case in 2022. He pleaded guilty in October 2024 to gang, drug and gun charges. He also entered a no contest plea to other charges. He was sentenced to time served and 15 years of probation.
Mariah did not know Young Thug during the time of the accused crimes. “There’s just so many different facets to love. I feel like it’s so romanticized, which is cute – I wish it was that great every single day, but that’s not the case. Most days it is great, but it is really the collective journey,” said Mariah. “Everybody has their own individual growing and evolution and journey, and then it’s a totally separate thing where you’re doing it together. Most people will grow apart, so, it’s like an active effort grow with somebody.”
