The Emancipation of Mimi is the tenth studio album by American singer and songwriter Mariah Carey, released through Island Records on April 12, 2005. The Emancipation of Mimi was considered Carey's "comeback album" by critics and became her highest-selling release in the US in a decade. In composing the album, the singer collaborated with many songwriters and producers throughout 2004, including Jermaine Dupri, Snoop Dogg, Twista, Nelly, Pharrell Williams, and James "Big Jim" Wright, many of whom appeared as featured guests on select tracks.
Carey opted to use her personal nickname 'Mimi' in the title, revealing a more intimate side of the singer, as seen in the album's declarative theme of emancipation from her personal and commercial setbacks. Although it has similar vocal production to her previous works and an inclination towards her signature ballads, the album encompasses dance-oriented and uptempo styles in keeping with its celebratory motif. Critics noted the theme of independence and lack of restraint, dubbing the album a "party" record. In contrast to the R&B and pop-rock music styles that framed her previous releases, The Emancipation of Mimi showcases a wider range of genres, exploring R&B-related styles, such as 1970s retro gospel and soul.
The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 with the highest first-week sales of Carey's career at the time. It entered in the top five on the albums charts in Canada, Denmark, France and Japan. The Emancipation of Mimi was the best-selling album of 2005 in the US, and the second-best seller worldwide. By April 2008, it had sold 12 million copies.
"It's Like That" became one of her highest-charting songs in years, reaching the top twenty in several countries. "We Belong Together" accumulated 14 weeks at number one in the US, and was later hailed "song of the decade" by Billboard. It reached number one in Australia, number two in New Zealand, and achieved top-five positions in several European countries. To promote the album, Carey performed at the 48th Grammy Awards, the MTV Movie Awards 2005, the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards and the American Music Awards of 2005. In 2006, she embarked on her sixth concert tour, The Adventures of Mimi.
