Mariah the Scientist is one of the newest artists in my rotation. I’ve previously heard a few singles by her, but never really dug into her discography until recently. Aside from her art, her name stood out to me and I instantly wanted to know the meaning behind “the scientist” part if there even was one. After reading articles and watching a few interviews I learned that she attended Saint John’s University in Queens on a biology scholarship, and after three years she dropped out to pursue music. Hence, “Mariah the Scientist.”
The Atlanta native released her ten-track debut album with RCA Records titled Master in the late summer of 2019, one that I am now revisiting over a year later. Mariah the Scientist’s songs are specific, with lyrics that seem very relevant to her personal love life – you can feel the emotion and realness in the music. As I listen to this project, I hear a new perspective on storytelling that isn’t too common in R&B music. Although she is talking about life as it surrounds love, she has a way of observing and critiquing her experience with male behavior that is above surface level. Her sound reminds me of a few different artists, specifically Rihanna and Jhene, all while still maintaining her own unique sound and ways of songwriting. I can hear her Frank Ocean inspiration within the way she writes – I love being able to hear where artistic influence comes from and actually seeing it come to fruition in their work.
Unfortunately, she hasn’t been able to go on an official headlining tour, as I am sure she was planning on announcing one soon before the global pandemic hit, at least to a few different cities around the country. I am eager to see how she performs and engages with a live audience when and if that time will come soon.
My top 3 tracks on this project are Note to Self, 7Am, and In My Nightmares :) Don't sleep!
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