Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading global music publisher, announced the signing of multi-platinum R&B star Mariah the Scientist to an exclusive worldwide music publishing agreement.
An Atlanta-native songwriter, artist and performer, Mariah is a powerful and distinctive voice in modern R&B and beyond. One of the most talked-about artists of her generation, her recent album Hearts Sold Separately debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart, No. 11 on the Billboard 200, and No. 8 on Top Streaming Albums.
Mariah’s breakout run has continued with major industry recognition. She earned three 2026 American Music Awards nominations, including Breakthrough R&B Artist, Favorite R&B Song for “Burning Blue,” and Favorite R&B Album for Hearts Sold Separately. The nominations underscore a breakthrough period for the Atlanta-born artist, whose distinctive songwriting and genre-blending sound have quickly established her as one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary R&B. She was also named Rising Star at Billboard’s Women in Music Awards, an honor widely regarded as signaling the next wave of global superstars.
The lead single from Hearts Sold Separately, “Burning Blue,” propelled Mariah further into the mainstream, becoming her first Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 hit. The song topped Apple Music’s chart and is now RIAA® Platinum-certified, marking her third record to reach that milestone, while the music video has surpassed 33 million views.
Additional singles from the album also charted strongly, including “Sacrifice” and “Is It a Crime?” featuring Kali Uchis, which reached No. 1 at both Urban and Rhythmic radio. Mariah also collaborated with Summer Walker on the single “Robbed You,” which reached No. 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Beloved for her ability to connect deeply with fans, Mariah’s other standout tracks include “Always N Forever” featuring Lil Baby and “All For Me” from RY RY WORLD, which earned her fifth RIAA® Gold certification.
Mariah’s Hearts Sold Separately Tour spanned four continents, and sold out every date in North America, Europe, Australia and South Africa, underscoring her rapidly growing global fan base. In May she will join Kali Uchis for a major U.S. tour, and her 2026 appearances at leading festivals and major stages will include Governors Ball Music Festival, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, Afro Nation (South Africa), Ottawa Bluesfest, Roots Picnic and Afro Nation Portugal.
Omar Teagle, Senior Director of A&R at UMPG, said, “Mariah is one of the most compelling songwriter-artists working today. Her music is intimate, fearless, and incredibly relatable, and she has a gift for capturing emotions in a way that instantly connects with listeners. She’s building something very special, and we’re thrilled to support her next chapter.”
