In a series of social media posts on Monday and Tuesday (June 2-3), Mariah Carey hints that she might have a new album in the works after a seven-year hiatus, while also teasing that a new single could be on the way. In one Instagram Reel, Carey is shown behind the wheel of a car while listening to a song on the stereo, with an untitled track displayed on the console screen, “T:D_MC16.mp3.” “To show my appreciation for your support, thank you DJs,” Carey’s voice says over the track, with the car’s license plate reading, “MC16.” The clip is captioned, “What’s your type?” suggesting that the forthcoming album may be her 16th project, “MC16,” a follow-up to 2018’s Caution.
The second Instagram Reel again features Carey in the car while music plays on the stereo, before cutting to black with a message reading, “June 6,” prompting excitement about a possible lead single from the project arriving this Friday. This tease comes on the heels of Carey celebrating the 20th anniversary of her 2025 Billboard No. 1 album, The Emancipation of Mimi, by releasing a special multi-disc anniversary edition of the project. (Billboard)
