considered impactful. Reviewing Buttefly in 2003, Rich Juzwiak of Slant Magazine stated Carey's embrace of hip-hop with the song served to advance her musical development. In 2017, a writer for Vibe said the song solidified "Carey's transition into the world of hip-hop soul". According to journalist Elaine Welteroth, "Breakdown" compelled African Americans to begin thinking of Carey as Black. Credits and personnel Credits adapted from the Butterfly liner notes. Mariah Carey – vocals, background vocals, composer, lyrics, producer Dana Jon Chappelle – engineering Sean "Puffy" Combs – producer Ian Dalsemer – assistant engineering Anthony Henderson – background vocals, lyrics, vocals Steven Jordan – composer, keyboards, keyboard and drum programming, producer Tony Maserati – mixing Herb Powers Jr. – mastering Charles Scruggs – background vocals, lyrics, vocals Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications Notes References Books 1997 singles 1998 singles Mariah Carey songs Bone Thugs-n-Harmony songs Music videos directed by Diane Martel Music videos directed by Mariah Carey Songs written by Mariah Carey Songs written by Stevie J 1997 songs Columbia Records singles Sony Music singles Songs about heartache Songs written by Wish Bone Songs written by Krayzie Bone Contemporary R&B ballads 1990s ballads