The Story Behind Kelly Price's Classic Track 'Friend of Mine' | R&B Music History

The Story Behind Kelly Price's Song 'Friend of Mine'

The R&B hit song 'Friend of Mine' by Kelly Price featuring Ronald Isley was released in 1998 and quickly became a fan favorite. With its infectious beat and powerful vocals by Price and Isley, the track tells the story of a woman who discovers her partner has been unfaithful. The lyrics describe her confrontation with the other woman, often referred to as simply "that friend of mine."

The Background

'Friend of Mine' appears on Price's debut studio album 'Soul of a Woman' which was released on Island Records. The album was a commercial success, reaching number one on the US R&B chart. Price wrote the song along with Warryn Campbell and Veda Simpson. The production by Campbell blended hip hop beats with classic soul music elements to create a contemporary R&B sound.

The distinctive intro features Ronald Isley crooning the line "That was no friend of mine" before Price comes in powerfully with the confrontational lyrics. Isley was a music industry veteran who had multiple hits with The Isley Brothers. His involvement helped bring attention to the talented newcomer Kelly Price.

The Message of the Lyrics

The lyrics tell the story of a woman who has discovered her partner's infidelity. She angrily confronts the other woman, rejecting her claims that "we're just friends":

"You tried to play it off like it was nothing at all
You said, "Me and your man are just friends, no need to fuss and fight."
But see I know different, cause my man kept telling me them lies."

The woman accuses her love rival of sneakily spending time with her man and trying to hide it. The chorus lays it out bluntly:

"Girl, don't you know that he belongs to me, yeah
And girl, I know that you were just being friendly
But this is where our friendship has to end."

Reception and Impact

'Friend of Mine' was the lead single released from the album in April 1998. It became a major radio hit, spending multiple weeks at number one on the R&B charts. The track peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Its crossover success helped introduce Kelly Price's talent to pop audiences.

The release of the song and its risque video also generated some controversy. The frank sensuality of the lyrics and imagery was considered bold, earning Price both praise and some criticism from more conservative corners. However it resonated with many listeners who appreciated the realness and emotion in the story.

Over the years 'Friend of Mine' has remained one of Price's signature songs that she still performs live regularly. Covers have also been done by artists like Keke Wyatt and Tweet. In 2010, Price recorded a new version with updated production and rapper Snoop Dogg for her album 'Kelly.'

Impact on Pop Culture

Beyond just the popularity of the track itself, 'Friend of Mine' entered pop culture through its iconic music video. The vivid visuals brought the heated confrontation between the two women to life. It memorably depicts them singing face-to-face, delivering the accusations and refusals that reveal the friend's betrayal.

The song is widely recognized as helping establish the "no more being friends with the side chick" attitude. The fierce denial of the other woman's claims about "just being friendly" resonated with female fans. It emphasized not tolerating cheating or being treated as the backup option.

The phrase "that was no friend of mine" uttered by Isley also became ingrained in the cultural lexicon. It succinctly and sarcastically sums up the rejection of the fake friend who crossed a line with someone's man. The line is still quoted today in reference to any revealed "frenemy."

Legacy

Over 20 years later 'Friend of Mine' by Kelly Price featuring Ronald Isley remains a beloved R&B single. It cemented Price as a force in 90s and 2000s soul music. The song's widespread popularity and honest lyrics about relationship betrayal also connected with audiences. It gave voice to the experience of many women at the time.

Beyond the story told in the song, 'Friend of Mine' also influenced contemporary R&B's sound and attitude. Price's no-nonsense brand of soul blended hip hop and traditional styles that impacted many artists that followed. The track's boldness also opened the door for more frank female perspectives in R&B and pop music going forward.

So that fun, frank classic "that was no friend of mine" helped make Kelly Price a household name. It also gave the world an anthem about self-respect and standing up to shady "friends" who overstep boundaries. The song's lasting impact is a testament to Price's resonant songwriting and powerful performance that brought the lyrics to life. Over 20 years later, we still have no time for fake friends trying to get too friendly with our men!

FAQs

Who originally sang the hit song "Friend of Mine"?

"Friend of Mine" was originally released in 1998 by R&B singer Kelly Price featuring Ronald Isley on the chorus. It appeared on Price's debut album Soul of a Woman.

What is "Friend of Mine" about?

The lyrics tell the story of a woman who discovers her partner has been cheating on her with another woman who claims they are "just friends." She angrily confronts the other woman about trying to steal her man.

Why was the song so popular?

"Friend of Mine" connected with listeners through its infectious beat and the raw, emotional vocals by Price and Isley. The frank storyline about cheating resonated with many fans.

Did the song win any awards?

Yes, "Friend of Mine" won the Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single, Female in 1999. It was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

How did the song impact Kelly Price's career?

The crossover success of "Friend of Mine" helped introduce Kelly Price's talents to mainstream audiences. It became her signature hit and a high point of her career that she still performs live regularly.