Carey talks about music, Rihanna and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

It may be hard to conceive of now, but there was once a lull in Mariah Carey’s superstar career. In 2001, her film “Glitter” was a commercial flop; the album that followed, 2002’s introspective “Charmbracelet,” was met with a muted response. She was at a crossroads. And then everything changed. Carey released “The Emancipation of Mimi” in 2005. It joined her athletic R&B-pop with synth-y hip-hop and fun, flirty, enduring hits — she was now only belting when she wanted to, thank you very much. She sounded free, as the title suggested, and the world embraced her for it once again.

On Saturday, the album turns 20. To celebrate, Carey is gearing up to release deluxe, expanded editions of the album on May 30, featuring bonus tracks, new remixes and much more - including the official release of “When I Feel It,” a song fans have been waiting for since 2005. It was originally planned for “The Emancipation of Mimi” but was ultimately shelved because of clearance issues with its sample of The Dynamic Superiors’ “Here Comes That Feeling.” “These are new gems, as far as I’m concerned,” Carey says. “It’s exciting to me.” Carey discussed “The Emancipation of Mimi,” her recent nomination to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Rihanna and plans for new music with The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. Has your relationship to ‘The Emancipation of Mimi’ changed over the years?

It’s still one of my favourite albums that I’ve done. And, you know, back then when it first came out, everybody was calling it a comeback album. ... I didn’t really agree, because you never think you’ve gone anywhere. You know what I mean? I just always really loved the songs and the performances. People seem to really be into it. And new fans came from that album.

I hear a lot of creative freedom on that album. Do you think it revitalised your career?

I do think it’s got a fun feeling to it and it definitely feels free. I guess it sort of revitalized my career. I spent a while making that album ... working with some great people, some great collaborators. ... It was an experience that I’ll never forget, creating that album.

In June, you’ll celebrate another anniversary. Your self-titled debut turns 35. When you think back on that time, did you envision this career?

I don’t know. I really was just so involved and entrenched in making the music and this new career that I was embarking on. And it was amazing. I mean, it’s what I had wanted to do for my whole life. And then I was doing it.

You’re also a 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee.

That’s a huge honour. I don’t know if I’m going to win it, so I don’t want to get too excited about it. So, I just want to say that, again, it’s a huge honor and I guess I didn’t expect it. I wasn’t really thinking about it. And here we are.

And at your final date in Brooklyn, Rihanna was in the front row of the audience. Would you ever work with her?

I would love to. Did you see what happened? She wanted me to sign her breasts. I was trying to do it neatly, and it didn’t come out right. So, I tried.

Your last album of original music, “Caution,” came out in 2018. It’s been a minute! Are you working on a new album?

I’m not supposed to talk about it. ... But I’m working on something. We won’t say what it is, but something new.

Associated Press