Case of the Ex
"Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)" is a song by American singer Mýa, released on August 28, 2000, as the second single from her second studio album, Fear of Flying.[1] An R&B and dance-pop track, it addresses the theme of an ex-lover persistently reentering one's life, questioning how to handle the situation.[1] The song was written by Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, Traci Hale, and Thabiso "Tab" Nkhereanyne, with production handled by Tricky Stewart.[2] It marked a significant breakthrough for Mýa, becoming one of her signature songs and achieving widespread commercial success.[1] In the United States, "Case of the Ex" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three consecutive weeks and reached number ten on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[3][4] Internationally, it topped the Australian Singles Chart for two weeks, earning platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association, and entered the top ten in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.[5][6][7] The accompanying music video, directed by Diane Martel, features Mýa performing in various stylish settings, emphasizing themes of empowerment and romance.[8] Released in July 2000, the video contributed to the song's popularity and cultural impact during the early 2000s R&B scene.[9]Development
Writing and Inspiration
"Case of the Ex" was written by Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Traci Hale, and Thabiso "Tab" Nkhereanyne in late 1999 or early 2000. The trio collaborated specifically to create a track tailored for Mýa, with Stewart handling most of the music composition and instrumentation, while Hale and Nkhereanyne focused on the lyrics.[10] The song's concept drew inspiration from Traci Hale's real-life experiences with relationship jealousy and tension involving an ex, infusing the narrative with themes of confrontation.[11] Hale's demo vocals captured the emotional core, emphasizing a woman's assertiveness in addressing interference from an ex.[10] Initially composed as an up-tempo track, "Case of the Ex" centered on empowerment amid romantic turmoil, blending catchy hooks with relatable storytelling to suit Mýa's sophomore album Fear of Flying.[10] Stewart aimed for a memorable sound in the chorus to underscore the song's bold message.[10]Recording and Production
"Case of the Ex" was recorded at Triangle Sound in Atlanta, Georgia, during late 1999 or early 2000.[12] The track was produced exclusively by Christopher "Tricky" Stewart for his Red Zone Entertainment imprint, with recording handled by engineer Brian "B-Luv" Thomas.[12] Mixing duties fell to Kevin "KD" Davis at Larrabee North in North Hollywood, California, while the song received backing vocals from co-writer Traci Hale.[12] Several remixes of the song were created post-recording, including the Sovereign Remix featuring additional production and keyboards by Sovereign. These versions incorporated varied hip-hop and electronic elements to expand the original R&B foundation while preserving Stewart's core arrangement. The production process emphasized clean vocal layering and rhythmic precision to support the album Fear of Flying's cohesive sound.[12]Musical Elements
Style and Instrumentation
"Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)" is an up-tempo contemporary R&B track infused with pop and hip-hop elements, performed at 98 beats per minute in the key of C♯ minor.[13] Produced by Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, the song features a kinetic sound typical of turn-of-the-millennium R&B.[14] The track includes stuttering keyboard effects that amplify its energy, blending smooth R&B melodies with subtle electronic flourishes to create an infectious vibe.[14] Critics have drawn parallels between "Case of the Ex" and late-1990s R&B staples like Destiny's Child's "Jumpin', Jumpin'," noting its similarly catchy rhythm and uplifting momentum that masks interpersonal drama with buoyant production.[15]Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics of "Case of the Ex" center on a narrative of confronting an ex-partner's persistent interference in a new relationship, capturing moments of suspicion and boundary-setting. In the first verse, Mýa sings about noticing her partner's hesitant tone during a late-night call, questioning, "Why is she calling now after so long?"—a line that underscores themes of jealousy and the need to establish clear limits with past flames.[16] This interpersonal drama unfolds through direct, conversational phrasing that highlights relational conflict without overt aggression.[17] At its core, the song explores themes of female independence and moving forward from romantic entanglements, embodying Mýa's confident persona in navigating emotional turmoil. The chorus challenges the partner with "Case of the ex, whatcha gonna do?" urging accountability and self-reflection amid the intrusion of an old lover.[18] This empowerment narrative reflects broader motifs of resilience in the face of relational sabotage, positioning the protagonist as assertive rather than victimized.[19] The song follows a conventional verse-chorus structure, with two verses building the scenario, a repeating chorus driving the confrontation, and a bridge that intensifies the dismissal of unresolved ties by affirming personal boundaries and self-worth.[17] Lines in the bridge, such as emphasizing the futility of entertaining the ex, reinforce a message of closure and growth. This subtle undercurrent of empowerment aligns with the album Fear of Flying's overarching motif of breaking free from life's constraints, including toxic dynamics in relationships, as Mýa metaphorically navigates personal evolution like overcoming fears.[20]Release and Promotion
Single Formats
"Case of the Ex" was released on August 28, 2000, by Interscope Records as the second single from Mýa's album Fear of Flying.[21][1] The single was issued in multiple physical formats, including CD singles, cassettes, and 12-inch vinyl records, to support its rollout across various markets.[21] In the United States, the primary CD single (catalog number 069497457-2) featured the radio edit alongside additional tracks, while promotional CD versions were distributed to radio stations.[21] Cassette singles (069497457-4) and 12-inch vinyl (069497457-1) were also available, often including instrumental and acapella versions for DJ use.[21] These formats catered to both retail consumers and urban radio promotion, aligning with Mýa's growing prominence following her debut album. Internationally, releases varied to suit regional preferences, with the UK CD single (497477.2) incorporating enhanced content and the 12-inch vinyl (4974771) featuring club-oriented mixes.[21] Australian and European maxi-singles (497415-2) included alternate versions such as the O.M.O. 2-Step Mix, a 2-step garage remix tailored for dance markets, alongside bonus tracks like "Take Me There" and "Ghetto Supastar."[21][22] UK garage remixes appeared on white label 12-inch pressings, further adapting the track for electronic music audiences.[23] Digital downloads of the single were introduced in later reissues, notably through anniversary editions of Fear of Flying, such as the 20th anniversary expanded release in 2020 and the 25th anniversary digital edition in 2025, making the track available on streaming platforms.[24][25]Marketing Strategies
The promotional strategy for "Case of the Ex" focused on securing heavy rotation on urban radio stations, where promo compilations distributed the track to DJs starting in August 2000, helping it gain traction in R&B and hip-hop playlists despite stronger initial pop crossover success.[26] The music video also benefited from extensive airplay on MTV, particularly on TRL, where it peaked in the top 10 during October 2000 and contributed to the song's visual-driven popularity among younger audiences.[27][28] This dual radio and video push amplified the single's visibility across urban and mainstream formats. Print advertisements in publications like Vibe and Billboard emphasized the track's infectious dance rhythm and themes of romantic independence, targeting core R&B demographics with visuals of Mýa in dynamic choreography. Internationally, the campaign extended to Europe and Australia via specialized club DJ packs containing remixes, such as the Sovereign version, alongside targeted TV appearances that propelled the single to number one on the Australian charts. Marking the song's 25th anniversary in 2025, Interscope/UMe launched a digital re-promotion tied to the Fear of Flying expanded edition, featuring Dolby Atmos remastering on streaming platforms and exclusive bundles through retailers like Complex, which included bonus tracks and merchandise until November 14. This effort coincided with viral TikTok content, including dance challenges inspired by Mýa's performance of the track at the BET Awards, reigniting interest among Gen Z users through nostalgic recreations of the original video's choreography.[29]Critical Response
Contemporary Reviews
Upon its release in 2000, "Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its catchy hook and Mýa's vocal delivery. NME described it as a jovial no-good boyfriend anthem, comparing it to Lauryn Hill's "Ex-Factor" but with a lighter tone, and noted the Sovereign remix's appeal to UK garage fans through its club bassline.[30] Overall, the song was seen as a breakthrough for Mýa, helping elevate her to mainstream success.Accolades and Recognition
"Case of the Ex" received notable recognition for its innovative choreography in the music video. Choreographer Tina Landon won the American Choreography Award for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography - Music Video (Hip Hop) in 2001 for her work on the video.[31] The song's lasting cultural impact was celebrated in 2025 during the BET Awards, where Mýa delivered a high-energy performance of "Case of the Ex" as part of a 25th anniversary tribute to BET's "106 & Park." This appearance underscored the track's enduring popularity and influence in R&B and hip-hop.[32][33]Commercial Performance
Chart Achievements
"Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)" achieved significant commercial success on international music charts following its release in 2000. In the United States, the single peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks during December 2000, marking Mya's highest-charting solo entry on the chart at the time. It also reached number 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song's strong performance contributed to its ranking at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart for 2000.[34] Internationally, the track topped the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia for two consecutive weeks in February 2001, becoming Mya's first number-one single there. It debuted and peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart in February 2001, while reaching number 1 on the Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart for one week. The song entered the top 10 in several other markets, including number 8 on the Dutch Single Top 100 and number 9 on the French SNEP Singles Chart. In New Zealand, it peaked at number 17 on the Recorded Music NZ chart. For year-end performance, it placed at number 11 on the ARIA Singles Chart of 2001.[35][36][37][38]| Chart (2000–2001) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | 1 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 3[35] |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 2[34] |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100) | 8 |
| France (SNEP) | 9[37] |
| New Zealand (RMNZ) | 17[38] |
| UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) | 1[36] |