Unveiling Vulnerability: Mariah the Scientist and Kali Uchis Ask “Is It a Crime“
On July 31, 2025, Mariah the Scientist released a captivating slow burner, “Is It a Crime,” the second single from her upcoming fourth studio album, Hearts Sold Separately.
The track is an exquisite collaboration with Kali Uchis, blending Mariah’s smooth, R&B sensibilities with Kali Uchis’s ethereal, soulful tone.
With minimalist, Latin-tinged production from Matt1k and Nineteen85, the song creates a moody atmosphere perfect for late-night reflection.
Lyrically, the song tackles the delicate and sometimes forbidden nature of falling in love again, focusing on the vulnerability inherent in giving a second chance.
The central question posed by the artists, echoing themes of complex, unapologetic love, has resonated deeply with listeners.
The track is recognized as a contemporary R&B gem, praised by critics for its sultry production and the emotionally layered performances from both vocalists.
Its strong performance on the charts, including reaching number eleven on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a testament to the song’s widespread appeal.
The narrative of longing and intimate confession was further extended with the release of the cinematic music video on October 2, 2025.
“Is It a Crime” reinforces the artists’ reputations for honest songwriting and lush, genre-blending sound, standing as a highlight of 2025’s musical collaborations.
Quotable Lyrics:
Sometimes I look around for someone who might understand it
I seen it in they eyes that they’ll, they’ll never get it
I think I lost my patience and now I can’t contain it
They, they were wrong about us, I hate the way they paint it
I, I love the way that you walk and the air you breathe
I just let ’em talk, but it bothers me ’cause
It ain’t love, it ain’t love, it ain’t love they see
But it ain’t nothin’ to discuss ’cause it is to me
And so what?
I fell, you fell in love a couple times
Tell me, what’s it to ya? Tell me, is it a crime
To fall, to fall in love, in love a couple times?
Tell me, what’s it to ya? Tell me, is it a crime to fall?
Is it a crime? How’s it a crime? No
‘Cause if loving me is jail, then you’re my prisoner
So let me throw away this key ’cause you won’t give me up
Let ’em know we don’t give a f**k
All they want is to see us breaking up (Ooh)
You can search the Seven Seas and never find, no
A heart like mine
Better yet, can’t forget my mind, no
Some may say a girl shouldn’t lay her cards on the table
Well, I’m a woman, l’m not a girl
Is that a crime in this cruel world?
