How Ariana Grande changed Brandy and Monica’s ‘The Boy Is Mine’ into a ‘bad girl anthem’

Ariana Grande has redefined a classic R&B hit for a new generation. Enlisting the legendary Brandy and Monica, Grande’s latest single, “The Boy Is Mine,” pays homage to the iconic ’90s track of the same name while giving it a fresh, bold twist. Released in early June, Grande’s version has quickly become a fan favorite, demonstrating her unique ability to honor the past while creating something entirely new.

A Classic Reimagined

The original “The Boy Is Mine,” released in 1998, featured Brandy and Monica as two women vying for the same man. The song’s memorable chorus—“You need to give it up / I had about enough / It’s not hard to see / The boy is mine”—captured the frustration and rivalry of the two protagonists. In contrast, Grande’s rendition shifts the focus from rivalry to empowerment and desire. Instead of competing with another woman, Grande’s lyrics center on her determination to pursue someone who hasn’t yet noticed her.

“Somethin’ about him is made for somebody like me / Baby, come over, come over (Oh my) / And God knows I’m tryin’, but there’s just no use in denying / The boy is mine / I can’t wait to try him / Le-let’s get intertwined,” she sings, transforming the song into a confident anthem of attraction and assertiveness.

A Star-Studded Video

To further honor the original, Grande brought Brandy and Monica into the music video for her version of “The Boy Is Mine.” Set against the backdrop of a rat-infested city, the video features Brandy and Monica as news reporters covering the crisis. The city’s mayor, played by Penn Badgley, proposes a unique solution: releasing hungry stray cats to tackle the rat problem. Grande, playing a character infatuated with the mayor, plans to seduce him, adding a playful and humorous twist to the storyline.

Dressed in a cat costume, Grande breaks into the mayor’s apartment intending to use a love potion, only to find that he’s already interested in her. This playful narrative is a stark contrast to the original music video’s rivalry theme, highlighting Grande’s fresh take on the song.

Fan Reactions and Critical Acclaim

Fans have been quick to praise the video and its surprise cameos. Comments on YouTube highlight the excitement of seeing Brandy and Monica together again. “Brandy and Monica as the news reporters!!! Iconic!!” one fan exclaimed, while another appreciated the homage to the original: “It’s brilliant that Ariana paid homage to the original ‘The Boy Is Mine’ by having Brandy and Monica make a cameo in this music video :).”

The Remix and Further Collaborations

Grande didn’t stop at just a music video. She also collaborated with Brandy and Monica on a remix of the song, adding a new bridge that hints at her relationship with her “Wicked” co-star, Ethan Slater. The lyrics, “Yeah, said he wanna make plans with me, but I don’t f— with affairs, you see (I know) / But listen what they say to me, (if it ain’t broke, then it can’t be broken) / Well, he better sort out his business, ‘cause I’ll never be nobody’s mistress,” have sparked much discussion and praise.

Fans and critics alike have lauded the remix. One fan commented, “Ariana, Brandy, and Monica are the trio we never knew we needed like this remix is a masterpiece omg THE VOCALS ARE PERFECTION.” Another highlighted Grande’s impactful lyrics: “The ‘Well he better sort out his business, ‘cause I’ll be nobody’s mistress’ is giving SLAYYYY.”

Brandy and Monica’s Praise

Both Brandy and Monica have expressed their admiration for Grande’s version of the song. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Monica shared her initial hesitations and eventual excitement about the project. “I’ve always said that the song should not be touched, right? And I said that because I felt that it did not need to be redone in the idea of, let’s say, actually doing it the exact way that it was,” she explained. “But … as soon as I heard this version, I fell in love with it.”

Monica also praised Grande’s humility and compassion, sharing a personal anecdote about receiving flowers and a heartfelt note from Grande on the day of recording. Brandy echoed these sentiments on social media, thanking Grande for her warmth and kindness.

A New Chapter for a Classic

Ariana Grande’s reimagining of “The Boy Is Mine” showcases her ability to blend reverence for classic hits with her distinct style. By transforming the song into a ‘bad girl anthem’ and involving the original artists in the project, Grande has created a piece that honors the past while resonating with today’s audience. The collaboration with Brandy and Monica not only celebrates the legacy of the original track but also introduces it to a new generation of listeners.