Mariah the Scientist has carved out a lane in modern R&B by blending academic precision with emotional vulnerability. Born Mariah Amani Buckles in Atlanta on October 27, 1997, the singer-songwriter once envisioned a future in medicine. She studied biology at St. John’s University on a scholarship and followed a pre-med track before music took center stage. Her stage name, inspired by her scientific pursuits, now serves as a fitting metaphor for the way she dissects love, heartbreak, and self-discovery in her songs.
Her debut album, Master, introduced listeners to a writer unafraid of raw confession. Released in August 2019, the project established her diaristic style and moody sonic palette. Two years later, she expanded that vision with Ry Ry World, released through RCA Records in July 2021. The album deepened her reputation as a storyteller capable of capturing emotional complexity in hushed tones and slow-burning production.
In October 2023, she delivered her third studio album, To Be Eaten Alive, through Buckles Laboratories and Epic Records. The project featured collaborations with Vory, 21 Savage, and Young Thug, broadening her reach while maintaining the introspective edge that defines her work. Even with high-profile guest appearances, the emotional core remained firmly hers.
Her momentum continued into 2025, when the Associated Press reported that her single Burning Blue climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart. The achievement marked a commercial milestone and heightened anticipation for her fourth album, Hearts Sold Separately. The 10-track project, featuring Kali Uchis as its only guest, signals a focused creative direction rooted in intimacy rather than excess.
Critics often position Mariah the Scientist within contemporary and alternative R&B, praising her ability to make private emotions feel universal. Her music leans into soft-spoken honesty and shadowy production, creating a space where vulnerability becomes strength. With each release, she continues to refine a sound that is equal parts introspective and quietly commanding.