Just a Friend 2002

Updated on Dec 29, 2023

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Recorded August 2001 Length 3:34		Genre R&B, hip hop soul Label J Records
Released February 21, 2002 (2002-02-21) Format CD single DVD single Digital download

"Just a Friend 2002" is a R&B single by Mario. It is the first single from his first studio album Mario which was a loose cover of Biz Markie's hit, "Just a Friend". Mario's version is quite different, as the story is changed from a man who discovers his girlfriend has been cheating on him, to a story about unrequited love. The single was released in February 2002. The single was produced by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell and written by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell, Harold Lilly, John Smith and Biz Markie. It outperformed Markie's 1989 version on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #4, while Markie's peaked at #9.

Song information

The song's chorus interpolates Biz Markie's "Just A Friend," although the stories in the two songs are different. Whereas in Markie's version, the song is about a cheating girlfriend, Mario's version is rather about unrequited love. 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 given to Mario.

Music video

The video was directed by Diane Martel, which was shot on location in Mario’s hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. The video has Mario seeing this girl while with his friends and wants to know her. While following her down the street, they lead to a movie theater where she is found and Mario excites her with dance. Biz Markie can be seen in parts of the theater and heard in the beginning of the video. Cassie is also featured briefly in this video.