What do biology and R&B have in common? For Mariah the Scientist, they are both passions that have shaped her musical journey.
The Atlanta-born singer-songwriter has gone from studying science at a prestigious university to releasing two acclaimed albums and an EP and starting her own label in the span of three years.
In this article, we will analyse how Mariah the Scientist’s song Spread Thin and its lyrics reflect her personal and professional experiences, from dropping out of college to pursuing a music career and starting her own label.
The Meaning and Context of Spread Thin
The song Spread Thin and its lyrics are about a breakup with someone who was dishonest, selfish, and insecure.
The singer expresses her frustration and disappointment with her ex, who was chasing fame and fortune in Hollywood and neglected their relationship.
The song was produced by Blue Jetta, who also co-wrote it with Mariah.
The song has a melancholic and atmospheric vibe, with piano chords and synths creating a contrast with Mariah’s powerful vocals that are raw and emotional.
Some of the lyrics of Spread Thin are:
And now I cannot trust you And I’m forced to let you go That’s what spreading thin on us do (Baby, you’re the reason) Hate to see you lose control
The chorus is catchy and relatable:
Baby, you’re the reason You always think the only one who needs any attention is you Don’t be so conceited Hope you learned honesty was the only thing that could keep me from leaving
The title of the song, Spread Thin, refers to how the singer felt that her ex was not giving enough time, energy, and attention to their relationship.
He was spreading himself too thin among his various pursuits and interests, leaving her feeling neglected and betrayed.
She also felt that he was lying and hiding things from her, which made her lose trust and respect for him.
She decided to end the relationship and move on with her life, hoping that he would learn from his mistakes.
The Relation to Mariah’s Decision to Leave College
The song Spread Thin also relates to Mariah the Scientist’s decision to leave St. John’s University, where she was studying biology on a scholarship, to focus on music.
Mariah was born on October 27, 1997, in Atlanta, Georgia. She is currently 25 years old.
Her real name is Mariah Amani Buckles. She graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School a year early and attended college in New York City in hopes of becoming an anesthesiologist.
However, she soon realised that music was her true passion and dropped out of school in 2018.
She explained in an interview:
I always knew I wanted to do music, but I didn’t know how serious it would get or how much I would love it until I got into it. I started writing songs for my boyfriend at the time as a Valentine’s Day gift. He loved them so much he told me I should put them out. So I did, and people started listening.
She also said:
My parents were really upset when I dropped out because they wanted me to be a doctor. They didn’t understand why I would give up a scholarship and a career for something so uncertain. But I had to follow my heart and do what made me happy.
Her stage name, Mariah the Scientist, comes from her love of science and her desire to combine it with her music.
She said:
I love science because it’s all about discovering new things and understanding how things work. I think music is similar in that way. You can experiment with different sounds and styles and create something unique and beautiful.
The Reflection of Mariah’s Challenges and Achievements in the Music Industry
The song Spread Thin also reflects Mariah the Scientist’s challenges and achievements in the music industry.
After dropping out of college, she released her debut EP, To Die For, on SoundCloud in 2018, which was one of her first songs.
She was discovered by Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, who signed her to his label One Umbrella Records and RCA Records in 2019.
She released her debut on the label, the nine-track album Master, on August 23, 2019, executive produced by Tory Lanez.
The debut single, Beetlejuice, made NPR’s Heat Check weekly roundup in August 2019, and the video for the track Reminders premiered on Complex on August 21.
The album received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. NPR praised her vocal ability and emotional delivery, saying:
Mariah the Scientist’s debut album Master is a stunning showcase of her vocal ability and emotional delivery, as she sings about love, heartbreak, and self-discovery over moody and atmospheric production.
However, she faced some difficulties and disagreements with her labels, which led her to leave RCA Records and One Umbrella Records in 2020.
She decided to start her own label, Buckles Laboratories, distributed by DistroKid, in 2021.
She said:
I wanted to have more creative control and freedom over my music. I felt like I had a vision that wasn’t being fully supported or understood by my previous labels. I wanted to do things my way and not compromise on my artistry.
She released her second album, RY RY WORLD, in July 2021, which featured guest appearances from Young Thug and Lil Baby.
The album was a commercial and critical success, debuting at number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart and receiving rave reviews from publications like Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and The Fader.
The album showcased Mariah’s growth and versatility as an artist as she experimented with different sounds and styles, from trap to pop to soul.
She also released a five-track EP, Buckles Laboratories Presents: The Intermission, on March 11, 2022.
The EP included the song Spread Thin as well as other songs like Church, Only Human, and Boys Don’t Cry. The EP was a gift to her fans, who had been supporting her throughout her career.
One of the most honest and soulful songs on Buckles Laboratories Presents: The Intermission is Spread Thin.
Mariah the Scientist is known for her R&B and alternative R&B styles and her lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and honesty.
She has been praised for her vocal ability and emotional delivery. She has also been compared to artists like SZA and Summer Walker.
However, she has also developed her own unique voice and identity in the music scene, drawing inspiration from various genres and influences.
She said in an interview:
I listen to a lot of different music, from rock to rap to jazz to gospel. I love artists like Amy Winehouse, Frank Ocean, Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, Drake, Beyoncé, and many more. I try to incorporate different elements from different genres into my music and make it my own.
Conclusion
Mariah the Scientist’s song Spread Thin and its lyrics are a powerful expression of her personal and professional journey, from leaving biology to pursuing R&B and starting her own label.
The song reveals her feelings of betrayal and disappointment with her ex-lover, who was dishonest and selfish with her.
The song also relates to her decision to drop out of college and follow her passion for music, despite the challenges and risks involved.
The song also reflects her challenges and achievements in the music industry, such as signing with different labels, releasing two albums and an EP, and starting her own label.
Mariah the Scientist’s story shows how one can follow their dreams and overcome obstacles with courage and honesty.
She is not only a talented singer-songwriter and producer but also an inspiration for anyone who wants to chase their passion and find their voice.
