Mariah the Scientist has teamed up with Kali Uchis for their first collaboration, the introspective track 'Is It a Crime,' released on July 31 ahead of Mariah's upcoming album HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY. The single blends R&B and Latin influences while exploring themes of love and vulnerability. It follows the success of Mariah's previous single 'Burning Blue,' which reached the Top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Release Details
The duet 'Is It a Crime' marks the first time Mariah the Scientist and Kali Uchis have worked together. Produced by Mat1k and Nineteen85, the song delves into the emotional complexities of falling in love multiple times. Mariah opens with reflective lyrics: "Sometimes I look around for someone who might understand it / I seen it in they eyes that they'll, they'll never get it." Kali Uchis follows in the latter verse: "Is it a crime? How’s it a crime? No / ’Cause if loving me is jail, then you're my prisoner / So let me throw away this key 'cause you won't give me up."
This release builds on the momentum from Mariah's May single 'Burning Blue,' which became her first Top 25 entry on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Gold certification from the RIAA. Addressing speculation about its meaning, Mariah clarified on Instagram: "Everybody’s trying to force me to have a specific meaning for it, and it just doesn’t. It’s what was on your heart in the moment."
Album Context
'HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY' is scheduled for release on August 22 and features just 10 tracks, aligning with Mariah's preference for concise albums, as seen in her previous full-length To Be Eaten Alive. The project continues her introspective sound following recent successes.
Upcoming Performances
Fans can see Mariah perform live at Lollapalooza 2025 on August 3, with another appearance planned for the Global Citizen Festival in September.