The track was widely viewed as a response to Eminem’s "Bagpipes from Baghdad," in which he taunted Carey and her then-husband, Nick Cannon. Mariah’s lyrics took a playful yet sharp approach, questioning why someone would lie about a relationship that "everybody knows" never happened. The Iconic Music Video
The video, directed by , brought the "shade" to life. Filmed at New York City’s Plaza Hotel , it features Carey playing two roles: herself and a male stalker. Mariah Carey - Obsessed (Official Audio)
The song famously opens with the line, "I was like, 'Why are you so obsessed with me?'" —a direct nod to the 2004 film Mean Girls . While Carey publicly maintained the song was inspired by the movie and childhood experiences with "hair-pulling" bullies, the media quickly identified a more specific target: . The track was widely viewed as a response
Mariah Carey - Obsessed: The Ultimate "Shade" Anthem Released on June 16, 2009, served as the lead single for Mariah Carey’s twelfth studio album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel . Produced by Carey alongside Tricky Stewart and The-Dream , the track is a masterclass in R&B-pop crossover, blending a thumping bassline with handclaps and Carey’s distinctively Auto-Tuned vocals. The Inspiration: Mean Girls and "Mininem" Filmed at New York City’s Plaza Hotel ,