"Just a Friend 2002" is a song by American singer Mario. It was written by Warryn Campbell, Harold Lilly, and John "Jubu" Smith and recorded for Mario's self titled debut album (2002). Produced by Campbell, the song is a loose cover of Biz Markie's hit single "Just a Friend" (1989). Due to the interpolation Markie is also credited as a songwriter on "Just a Friend 2002." Mario's version is different, as the story is changed from a man who discovers his girlfriend has been cheating on him to a story about unrequited love.
The song was released by J Records in April 2002 as the first single released from the album. "Just a Friend 2002" peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in August 2002, also reaching number three on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, number five on the UK Hip Hop/R&B Chart, and number eight on the Canadian Singles Chart. In promotion of the song, J Records released a music video which had been filmed by director Diane Martel in Mario's hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.
Background
"Just a Friend 2002" was written by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell, Harold Lilly, and John "Jubu" Smith and initially recorded by R&B singer Usher during the production of his unreleased third studio album All About U.[2] Though he was due to film a music video for the song, the album was eventually shelved and Usher passed on the song. It was instead given to Mario after Campbell convinced J Records head Clive Davis that "Just a Friend" would fit the singer's debut album, though Davis requested Campbell to "add another part, like a breakdown" to the song.[2] The chorus of "Just a Friend 2002" contains interpolations from rapper Biz Markie's 1989 song "Just a Friend."[3] The song also contains an instrumental sample from American hip hop group Run–D.M.C.'s "Sucker M.C.'s" (1983).[3]
Critical reception
Billboard remarked that Mario's "smooth, confident vocals mesh well with the sparse breakbeat provided by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell." The magazine felt that "the combination of old-school nostalgia and new-school flavor makes the single click."[4] In his review of parent album Mario, Dan LeRoy from AllMusic stated that "while it misses out on the humor of the original, the cover of Biz Markie's "Just a Friend" proves a shrewd update of the unwillingly platonic classic, and serves as a gateway to better originals."[5] LeRoy ranked the song among his favorites on the album.[5] In a retrospective review, Tom Breihan from Stereogum, alluding to the Markie original, wrote: "The whole idea of a smoothly, sweetly sung version of "Just a Friend” seems utterly absurd. Like: why? But that hook still worked even in Mario’s hands."[6]Rolling Stone listed it as the 61st best R&B song of the 21st century.[7]
Chart performance
"Just a Friend 2002" debuted at number 88 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in the week of May 25, 2002.[8] It eventually peaked at number four in the week ending August 24, 2002, spending 21 weeks on the chart.[8]Billboard ranked it 34th on the chart's 2002 year-end ranking.[9] "Just a Friend 2002" also reached number three on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number eight on the Rhythmic chart.[10][11] Elsewhere, the song entered the top ten in Canada, peaking at number eight on the Canadian Singles Chart,[12] while also reaching number 15 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and number 18 on the UK Singles Chart.[13][14] "Just a Friend 2002" also became a top five hit on the UK Hip Hop/R&B Chart.[15]
A music video for "Just a Friend 2002" was directed by Diane Martel.[16] It was shot on April 7–8, 2002 in Mario's hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.[17][18] The visuals feature Mario, wearning in a Baltimore Ravens jersey, visiting a girl while his friends want to see her as well. While following her down the street, they lead to a movie theater where she is found, and Mario excites her with dance.[6]Biz Markie can be heard in the beginning of the video and is seen in parts of the theater sequeneces, which were filmed at the Senator Theatre, a historic Art Deco movie theater on York Road in the Govans section of Baltimore.[19] American singer-dancer Cassie Ventura is also featured briefly in this video.[16]
^Just a Friend 2002 (US CD single liner notes). Mario. J Records. 2002. 80813-21219-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Just a Friend 2002 (US 7-inch single vinyl disc). Mario. J Records. 2002. 80813-21212-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Just a Friend 2002 (UK CD single liner notes). Mario. J Records. 2002. 82876508082.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Just a Friend 2002 (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Mario. J Records. 2002. 82876508081.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Just a Friend 2002 (European CD single liner notes). Mario. J Records. 2002. 74321-96190-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
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