"Breakdown" is a critically acclaimed 1997 R&B song from Mariah Carey's album Butterfly , featuring Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. It is noted for its vulnerable lyrics about emotional distress and a unique vocal style that matches the group's rhythmic delivery.
The track, produced by Carey, Stevie J., and Sean "Puffy" Combs, features a melancholic musical structure and includes ambient sounds, reflecting a shift toward a more hip-hop-oriented sound. Despite limited US chart impact due to release rules, the song was a successful radio single.