"Just a Friend 2002" is a song by American R&B singer

Mario is a character created by Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. He is the title character of the ''Mario'' franchise and the mascot of Japanese video game company Nintendo. Mario has appeared in over 200 video games since his creat ...

, written by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell, Harold Lilly, John Smith, and

Biz Markie Marcel Theo Hall (April 8, 1964 – July 16, 2021), known professionally as Biz Markie, was an American rapper, singer, songwriter, DJ, and record producer. Markie was best known for his 1989 single "Just a Friend", which became a Top 40 hit in ...

. It is a loose cover of Markie's hit "

Just a Friend "Just a Friend" is a song written, produced and performed by American hip hop artist Biz Markie. It was released in September 1989 as the lead single from his album, ''The Biz Never Sleeps''. It is Markie's most successful single, reaching nu ...

" and was the first single released from Mario's self-titled debut album. 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. Produced by Campbell, the song was released in April 2002 and outperformed Markie's 1989 version on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart, peaking at number four on August 24, 2002, while Markie's peaked at number nine.

Background

Although the song's chorus interpolates Biz Markie's "Just a Friend," the stories in the two songs are different. Whereas in Markie's version, the song is about a cheating

girlfriend A girlfriend is a female friend, acquaintance or partner, usually a female companion with whom one is platonically, romantically, or sexually involved. In a romantic context, this normally signifies a committed relationship where the indi ...

, Mario's version is rather about

unrequited love Unrequited love or one-sided love is love that is not openly reciprocated or understood as such by the beloved. The beloved may not be aware of the admirer's deep and pure affection, or may consciously reject it. The Merriam Webster Online Dic ...

. The song also contains an instrumental sample from Run–D.M.C.'s " Sucker M.C.'s." Usher was given the song and it was to be on his unreleased album ''All About U'' but when the album was shelved, he passed on the song and it was then given to Mario.

Music video

The video was directed by

Diane Martel Diane Martel (also known as Bucky Chrome) is an American music video director and choreographer. Awards Diane Martel was nominated for the Video of the Year for her work in "Blurred Lines" – Robin Thicke feat. Pharrell & T.I. in 2013. Film ...

, which was shot on location in Mario's hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. The video features Mario 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.

can be seen in parts of the theater and heard in the beginning of the video.

Cassie Ventura Casandra Elizabeth Ventura (born August 26, 1986), known professionally as Cassie, is an American singer, songwriter, model, actress and dancer. Born in New London, Connecticut, she began her career as a result of meeting record producer Ryan Le ...

is also featured briefly in this video.

Track listings

US CD single # "Just a Friend 2002" (radio edit) # "Just a Friend 2002" (Old School mix featuring Biz Markie) # "Just a Friend 2002" (album version) US 7-inch single :A. "Just a Friend 2002" (radio edit) – 3:34 :B. "Just a Friend 2002" (Biz Markie version) – 4:36 UK CD and 12-inch single # "Just a Friend 2002" (radio edit) – 3:35 # "Just a Friend 2002" (5AM mix) – 3:39 # "

Braid My Hair "Braid My Hair" is a Contemporary R&B, R&B single by Mario (singer), Mario. It is the second single from his first studio album ''Mario (album), Mario''. The single was released in October 2002. The single was produced and written by Warryn Campbe ...

" – 4:06 European CD single # "Just a Friend 2002" (radio edit) – 3:35 # "Just a Friend 2002" (Old School mix featuring Biz Markie) – 4:36

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Release history

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Just A Friend 2002 Mario (singer) songs 2001 songs 2002 debut singles J Records singles Song recordings produced by Warryn Campbell Songs written by Biz Markie Songs written by Harold Lilly (songwriter) Songs written by Warryn Campbell