The clip guest stars Karrahbooo
Mariah The Scientist has released the highly anticipated new music video for her latest hit single, the Kali Uchis-featured “Is It a Crime?” via Epic Records. The new feature, directed by Claire Bishara, stars both artists.
“Is It a Crime” is found on Mariah’s chart-topping new album, Hearts Sold Separately.
The “Is It a Crime?” video picks up where the album trailer left off, as Mariah deals with the fallout from the events of the trailer, which included a shooting involving rapper Karrahbooo that marked the early stages of the “war on love.” In “Is It a Crime?,” Mariah plays the role of Karrahbooo’s lawyer, as she pleads and negotiates with authorities on her client’s behalf, leaning fully into the metaphor of the refrain that paces her hit song: “Is it a crime to fall in love, to fall?”
Uchis performs her verse as a prominent defense team member, joining Mariah in her desperate efforts to save Karrahboo from her impending legal demise.
The “war on love” has been the central theme of Mariah’s Hearts Sold Separately campaign, which began with the release of “Burning Blue” and its corresponding military-themed music video. The music and visuals following that statement have only solidified the validity of Mariah’s claim, as she has boldly tackled themes of love found, love lost, and unrequited love with two hit singles and music videos, and an album dedicated to exploring everything in between.
The “Is It a Crime?” video is the latest chapter in a blistering recent stretch for Mariah. “Burning Blue,” the album’s lead single, was certified platinum alongside “Always N Forever,” the standout Lil Baby collaboration released in 2020. The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart and No. 11 on the Billboard 200.
