After hearing the "reference track" where Busta sang the parts to give her an idea of the melody, Mariah insisted he keep his own vocals on the final version.
The storyline was so iconic that it was finally continued nearly 20 years later in the music video for their 2021 follow-up collaboration, "Where I Belong." Cultural Impact Mariah Carey I Know What You Want
Directed by , the music video was shot in Malibu and drew inspiration from graphic novels like 100 Bullets . After hearing the "reference track" where Busta sang
It became his highest-charting single to that point. Following a difficult professional period after the Glitter
Following a difficult professional period after the Glitter era, "I Know What You Want" was hailed as a major "return to form" and a precursor to her massive 2005 comeback with The Emancipation of Mimi . A Cinematic Music Video
At the time, it was uncommon for rappers to sing on their own tracks, but Carey found Busta's soulful delivery perfect for the song’s vibe. Chart Success and "Return to Form"
The song was an international smash, peaking at on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying in the top 40 for 21 weeks.