It's Like That

About It's Like That

"It's Like That" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey for her tenth studio album, The Emancipation of Mimi (2005). Written by Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Manuel Seal, and Johntá Austin, and produced by Carey, Dupri, and Seal, the song borrows the hook "It's Like That Y'all" from the Run–D. M. C. tracks "Hollis Crew" and "Here We Go (Live)". Several other tracks were contenders for the album's lead single. However, plans were changed when Island Def Jam Music head L. A. Reid suggested to Carey she record a few more strong songs to ensure the album's success, therefore "It's Like That" was written and chosen as the album's lead single, being released on January 25, 2005. "It's Like That" is a R&B song with hip hop instrumentation that features ad-libs by Fatman Scoop and the song's producer Jermaine Dupri, while its lyrics (and Carey's vocals) discuss celebration and freedom, with Carey's alter-ego "Mimi" being emancipated. The song received generally favorable reviews from music critics, most of whom noted its catchiness and carefree message. It was also nominated for a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Commercially, the song charted well worldwide, becoming a top twenty hit in several countries, including the United States, while peaking inside the top-ten in over five other countries. more »