Mariah Carey throws artful shade at Jennifer Lopez in new memoir
This is *chef's kiss*.
Mariah Carey‘s new memoir look set to be a lesson in the art of shade, given its artfully vague reference to Jennifer Lopez.
The book – iconically named The Meaning of Mariah Carey – is out 29 September 2020.
In an early review of the release, the LA Times‘, writer Rich Juzwiak observes: “[Mariah] is frequently funny, never more so than when refusing to print Jennifer Lopez’s name, instead referring to her rival as “another female entertainer on [Sony] (whom I don’t know)'”.
Juzwiak explains this as “a winking reference to the definitive meme of diva shade, a 2003 interview in which Carey was asked about Lopez and responded, “I don’t know her.”
Can you believe that moment is 17 years old – and surely one of the earliest examples of a meme ever?!
Elsewhere in the review, Juzwiak says: “Carey’s life story has the sweeping arc of fiction: a literal rags-to-riches tale that turns into a poor-little-rich-girl dirge, then cascades into self-actualization and artistic emancipation.
“‘I had no frame of reference for normal’,” writes Carey. “What sounds tough to live through is riveting to read about.”
View this post on InstagramThe Meaning of Mariah Carey 🦋 Out Sept 29 🦋 Pre-order: smarturl.it/TheMeaningOfMariah
Speaking about the famous “I don’t know her” quote in 2018, Mariah told Pitchfork: “I really was trying to say something nice or say nothing at all. I really was.”
Mariah – known for hits like ‘We Belong Together’ and ‘Always Be My Baby’ – added of memes and GIFs she’s inspired generally: “Some of them [I’ve seen], yes. It is what it is. You have to embrace it.”
Gay icon Mimi was previously announced as this year’s Brighton Pride headliner, until the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
As consolation, and because it’s never too early, we suggest you watch this.