"Just a Friend 2002" is a song by American
R&B singer
Mario, written by Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell, Harold Lilly, John Smith, and
Biz Markie. It is a loose cover of Markie's hit "
Just a Friend" 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 peaked at number four on the US
Billboard Hot 100 chart in August 2002.
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, meanwhile Mario's version is 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 recorded the song and was due to record a music video for the song, 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.[1]
Music video
The video was directed by
Diane Martel, which was shot on April 7–8, 2002 [2] in Mario's hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.[3] 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.
Biz Markie can be seen in parts of the theater and heard in the beginning of the
video.[4]Cassie Ventura is also featured briefly in this video.
^Just a Friend 2002 (US CD single liner notes).
Mario.
J Records. 2002. 80813-21219-2.{{
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^Just a Friend 2002 (US 7-inch single vinyl disc). Mario. J Records. 2002. 80813-21212-7.{{
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^Just a Friend 2002 (UK CD single liner notes). Mario. J Records. 2002. 82876508082.{{
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^Just a Friend 2002 (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Mario. J Records. 2002. 82876508081.{{
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^Just a Friend 2002 (European CD single liner notes). Mario. J Records. 2002. 74321-96190-2.{{
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link)