Breakdown

"Breakdown" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey for her sixth studio album Butterfly (1997). The track features rap verses by two members of the group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Krayzie Bone and Wish Bone. Columbia Records released it in January 1998 as the third single from Butterfly. The lyrics describe the emotions someone feels when their lover suddenly stops loving and leaves them, and the pain, or breakdown, it caused them. Critics perceived it to be about her separation from husband Tommy Mottola, which Carey denied. The song was well received by music critics. Carey directed the accompanying music video with previous collaborator Diane Martel. It presents her in various roles at a casino such as a showgirl and cabaret performer, the latter of which received comparisons to Liza Minnelli. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Jermaine Dupri and Redman also make appearances. "Breakdown" received heavy rotation on television channels BET and MTV and was issued as a video single. Clips accompanied Carey's live performances of the song during the Butterfly World Tour. Aside from the music video, "Breakdown" received limited promotion from Columbia. Carey took issue with the label for a perceived longstanding anti-R&B bias against her music after it did not issue a standalone commercial single in the United States. "Breakdown" was thus ineligible to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, instead peaking at number 53 on the Hot 100 Airplay component chart. It was later released as a double A-side with "My All" and reached number four on Hot R&B Singles. Internationally, "Breakdown" reached the top five in New Zealand. , it is certified Gold in the latter country and the United States. Background and recording In the early 1990s, Mariah Carey was regarded as a "studio-created bland pop diva" known for a middle of the road musical output. Eight of her songs reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 from 1990 to 1993, compared to three on the equivalent Hot R&B Singles chart. Stronger contemporary R&B influences became apparent after her 1993 single "Dreamlover". Carey's fifth studio album, Daydream (1995), contained some elements of hip hop music. It received the best critical reviews of her career up to that point. Coupled with separating from controlling husband Tommy Mottola, Carey felt confident to incorporate hip hop overtly in her follow-up album, Butterfly (1997).