"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.
"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–DMC'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 Singles & Tracks chart and number eight on the Rhythmic Top 40 chart.[10][11] Elsewhere, the song entered the top 10 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]
Music video
Portions of "Just a Friend 2002" were filmed at the Senator Theatre.
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, wearing 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]
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