Chart Rewind [Hot 100]: ‘Friend of Mine’ Became Kelly Price’s First Top 20 Hit This Week in 1998

Readers of That Grape Juice know what avid music lovers we are – especially of hits past.

So, as our retrospective segments, ‘From the Vault’ and ‘TGJ Replay,’ allow us the chance to re-spin the gems and jams of yesterday of one artist, our latest feature – Chart Rewind – serves as a variation of our Retro Rewind assay to salute an entire era of music history.

This week, we have the mind to throw back to ‘Friend of Mine’ – the inaugural chart-topper of R&B veteran songstress Kelly Price.

Tik Tok users may be enjoying the “call him up” trend on the video-based social media platform with no clue the famous line stems from Kelly Price’s 1998 major-label debut single ‘Friend of Mine.’

Found aboard her Platinum-certified debut album, ‘Soul of a Woman,’ released in August of the same year, ‘Friend’ came as the powerhouse vocalist’s long overdue time to shine after years of singing background on the hits of other music superstars like Mariah Carey, Ma$e, Notorious B.I.G., and others.

Delivered courtesy of Island Records in May that year, ‘Friend’ quickly rose to chart prominence thanks to a remix and Hype Williams-directed music video featuring the legendary Isley Brothers frontman Ron Isley and R&B royal R. Kelly (who produced the revamp alongside Stevie J).

By this week 25 years ago, ‘Friend’ had not only topped the R&B chart but it crept to #17 on the Hot 100 – marking the first time Kelly had cracked the tally’s top 20. Eventually cresting five spots higher, the #12 Hot 100 peak of ‘Friend’ also came as the last time she reached a mark as high as a song’s lead act. At writing, her personal best remains the 1999 #2 peak of ‘Heartbreak Hotel‘ (led by Whitney Houston and Faith Evans).

Yet, despite going on to enjoy an illustrious career filled with memorable R&B hits, ‘Friend’ remains a fan favorite in her prized discography. Look below to see who joined Kelly in the top 20 this week in 1998.

Hot 100 Top 20 This Week in 1998

Hot 100 This Week

Click here to see the week’s full Hot 100 recap.