Mariah Carey Obsessed Achieves 500 Million Streams on Spotify
Mariah Carey’s “Obsessed” Surpasses 500 Million Streams on Spotify: A Milestone in Music History
Mariah Carey’s hit single “Obsessed” has reached a remarkable milestone, surpassing 500 million streams on Spotify. It is her third song to reach this milestone and this achievement further cements the enduring popularity of the song, which originally debuted in 2009 as the lead single from her twelfth studio album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel. Mariah Carey’s Obsessed has become synonymous with not only the song’s commercial success but also its cultural impact. With its catchy hooks, bold lyrics, and iconic music video, “Obsessed” remains a standout track in Carey’s illustrious career.
The Origins and Initial Reception
Written by Mariah Carey alongside The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, “Obsessed” was released on June 16, 2009. The song was produced to blend pop and hip-hop influences, showcasing Carey’s versatility. Although its lyrics have never been explicitly confirmed to target a specific individual, widespread speculation linked the song to rapper Eminem. This was fueled by its lyrics and the music video’s portrayal of a white rapper with a goatee, a role humorously played by Carey herself, leading many to believe the song was a pointed response to rumors of a past relationship between the two artists.
Eminem, in turn, responded with his own track, “The Warning,” where he directly addressed Carey with lines like, “I’m obsessed now, oh gee / Is that supposed to be me / In the video with the goatee? / Wow Mariah, didn’t expect you to go balls out.” Despite the controversy, Carey has maintained that the song was not specifically about him, although the video’s imagery suggests otherwise.
Diving into Obsessed’ lyrics
In the lyrics of “Obsessed,” Mariah Carey uses fun language and cultural references to add humor and personality to the song. Right from the start, the lyric “Why you so obsessed with me?” became a playful homage to one of Mariah’s favorite movies, Mean Girls, quoting Regina George’s famous phrase.
Other twists and turns include the line “It must be the weed, it must be the E” which hints at possible habits of the person she’s singing about, with “E” often meaning ecstasy. Coincidentally this could also subtly suggest that the person’s name starts with the letter “E”…
The song also mentions the Napoleon complex, which is a term for when shorter people act aggressively or bossy to make up for feeling insecure about their height. This idea adds a funny touch, especially since Eminem, who is often linked to the song, is again, coincidentally, 1.72 meters tall.
Mariah also uses easy-to-understand metaphors to make the song more relatable. For instance, mentioning Windex, a popular glass cleaner, is a way of saying the person’s actions are obvious or “see-through,” which aligns with the song’s overall theme. Mentioning George Foreman, however, is a more American reference. Foreman, a boxer who later became famous for his commercials selling a line of grills, inspires the phrase “all up in my George Foreman,” which essentially means “all up in my grill.” These clever lines and references highlight Mariah’s ability to mix humor with storytelling, making “Obsessed” a fun and creative song.
Chart Success and Cultural Impact
Upon its release, “Obsessed” debuted at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually peaked at number seven. This marked Carey’s 27th top-ten hit on the chart, further solidifying her dominance in the music industry. The song also performed well internationally, reaching the top ten in countries such as Canada and France. Its catchy chorus and confident delivery resonated with listeners, making it an anthem of empowerment and self-assurance.
Over time, the song’s influence has grown significantly. It has been certified four times platinum by the RIAA in the United States as of December 6, 2024, representing over 4 million certified units. In Brazil, the song has achieved triple platinum status, while in New Zealand, it has been certified platinum. These certifications underscore the global appeal and continued relevance of “Obsessed.”
The Role of Streaming in “Obsessed”’s Legacy
The rise of streaming platforms has played a significant role in keeping “Obsessed” in the public consciousness. With its 500 million streams on Spotify, the song has generated the equivalent of 3.33 million equivalent single sales from this platform alone. This streaming success is complemented by 2 million single-equivalent sales generated from YouTube, including remixes and alternate versions. Furthermore, worldwide digital downloads for the song have surpassed 3,522,500, while physical sales amount to an additional 50,000 units. Adding these to all remaining streaming and download platforms, these figures contribute to an estimated total of over 10 million equivalent single sales worldwide.
According to Spotify’s payout scheme, which varies across countries and subscription types, the song has earned Mariah and her team at least $1.4 million on Spotify alone. YouTube, with its contribution of 2 million single-equivalent sales, has added approximately $750,000 to these earnings. Together, these platforms highlight the significant financial success “Obsessed” has brought in the streaming era.
Years after its initial release, “Obsessed” regained significant popularity on TikTok, where its catchy lyrics and memorable beat became a favorite for trends and challenges. This resurgence not only introduced the song to a new generation of listeners but also turned it into Mariah’s biggest daily streamer on Spotify, averaging over 500,000 streams per day. The TikTok phenomenon breathed new life into the track, proving its timeless appeal.
The Music Video: A Visual Statement
The music video for “Obsessed” further amplified the song’s impact. Directed by Brett Ratner (who also directed Heartbreaker and Touch My Body), it features Carey portraying both herself and a male stalker who follows her throughout New York City. This dual role allowed Carey to showcase her acting skills while adding a layer of humor and satire to the narrative. The portrayal of the stalker, widely interpreted as a parody of Eminem, became a key talking point that boosted the song’s visibility.
The video’s visual appeal, coupled with its narrative intrigue, contributed to its massive popularity on platforms like YouTube, where it continues to rack up millions of views. With close to 300 million worldwide views, the video remains a key element of the song’s legacy. The combination of a compelling storyline and Carey’s charisma ensured that the video became an integral part of the song’s success.
The Controversy That Fueled Popularity
While the song’s catchy hook and relatable themes of obsession and self-confidence were enough to make it a hit, the controversy mentioned above surrounding its supposed connection to Eminem undoubtedly added to its allure. The public’s fascination with the alleged feud kept the song in headlines, generating buzz that translated into increased streams and sales.
Although Carey has never directly confirmed the inspiration behind “Obsessed,” the speculation has only heightened its mystique. The song’s ability to spark conversation and debate has been a testament to its cultural significance and enduring appeal.
A Modern Classic – here to stay
In recent years, Mariah Carey has embraced the growing success of her 2009 hit “Obsessed,” frequently including it in her live performances. The song’s resurgence in popularity, fueled by its impact on platforms like TikTok and its timeless relatability, has made it a fan favorite. Mariah’s live renditions have brought the song’s humor and boldness to life, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences through both her voice and her stage presence.
One of the most iconic performances of “Obsessed” took place at LA Pride in the Park in 2023. Mariah began the performance with a playful twist, displaying a Grindr interaction on the screen between a persistent “hi, hello” stalker and a meme of Mariah herself responding with the now-famous line, “Why are you so obsessed with me?” This clever addition not only celebrated the song’s enduring cultural relevance but also highlighted Mariah’s sense of humor and her connection to the LGBTQ+ community, making it a standout moment in her live performance history.
More than a decade after its release, “Obsessed” continues to resonate with fans old and new. The song’s streaming milestones and enduring popularity are a testament to its timeless appeal. By blending humor, controversy, and undeniable talent, Mariah Carey crafted a track that remains relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of music.
Mariah Carey ‘s Obsessed is now synonymous with the song’s success and cultural impact. As it surpasses 500 million streams on Spotify, “Obsessed” solidifies its place as not just a hit single but a defining moment in Carey’s career. With its catchy hook, bold narrative, and enduring appeal, the song stands as a testament to Mariah Carey’s ability to create music that transcends time and trends.
