Mariah Carey has recently received a new accolade from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her well-known 1999 single “Heartbreaker,” featuring Jay-Z, has been certified 2x platinum, signifying over two million equivalent units sold. Initially certified gold in October 1999, “Heartbreaker” was released just before its parent album, Rainbow.
This recognition coincides with Carey’s release of Rainbow: 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition on June 14. The special edition album includes 14 bonus tracks, one of which is “Rainbow’s End,” an energetic continuation of the “Rainbow (Interlude).” Reflecting on this, Carey shared on X (formerly Twitter), “When the Rainbow album was first released, the title track was a dream-like interlude that I felt was a hopeful ending to an emotional roller-coaster ride. I always hoped that one day I would get to find my rainbow’s end… I’m not sure if I have, but with #Rainbow25, I tried!”
The 25th-anniversary edition of Rainbow features a rich array of additional content, including a So So Def remix of “How Much” featuring Usher, various remixes, live recordings, acapella versions, and a rare track titled “There For Me.” This expanded edition offers fans new insights into the depth and versatility of Carey’s work.
Originally released on November 2, 1999, Rainbow debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was led by “Heartbreaker,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. The follow-up single, “Thank God I Found You”, featuring Joe and 98 Degrees, also achieved No. 1 status, underscoring the album’s success and Carey’s dominance in the late ’90s music scene.
Rainbow marked a pivotal moment in Carey’s career, showcasing her ability to blend pop, R&B, and hip-hop. The album’s success was driven by innovative collaborations and Carey’s powerful vocal delivery. Twenty-five years later, Rainbow continues to exemplify her musical prowess and adaptability.
Alongside celebrating Rainbow’s anniversary, Carey has been actively releasing new music. Last month, she dropped a remix EP for her 2018 ballad “Portrait” from the Caution album. The EP includes a house remix, a radio edit, and the original version of the song, co-written with Daniel Moore. This release highlights Carey’s ongoing creativity and her talent for reinventing her music.
Mariah Carey’s influence in the music industry remains strong, illustrated by her classic hits and her persistent innovation. The release of Rainbow: 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition allows both long-time fans and new listeners to experience the album afresh.
With the recent RIAA certification for “Heartbreaker” and the new expanded edition of Rainbow, Carey continues to affirm her legacy as a dynamic and influential artist in the music world. Experience the timeless allure of her music by streaming Mariah Carey’s Rainbow: 25th Anniversary Expanded Edition below.
