Brandy & Monica Look Back on ‘The Boy Is Mine’ After 26 Years 🎶

26 years ago, Brandy and Monica delivered a timeless hit with “The Boy Is Mine.” Crafted by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and Dallas Austin, the track became the highest-selling song of the year in the US, with 2.6 million copies sold, while reigning supreme atop the US Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive 13 weeks.

In a conversation with PEOPLE, Brandy and Monica discussed their reunion nearly 30 years later. They also expressed their feelings about contributing to Ariana Grande’s rendition of “The Boy Is Mine” (Remix).

“Reconnecting was nothing short of a blessing for Brandy and me, especially in working on this innovative version of ‘The Boy Is Mine,’” Monica shared. “We hadn’t seen each other in many years, which allowed us to not only touch on the song but also on life as a whole.”

Brandy emphasized that the reunion transcended “just music,” explaining it “transported us back to such a transformative and explosive period in our lives and careers.”

Both Brandy and Monica praised Ariana for adding her unique interpretation to their original song featured on her album Eternal Sunshine.

“I appreciate how she didn’t attempt to recreate it in the style that Brandy and I did, but instead crafted something personal that incorporated nostalgic elements from our record,” Monica remarked. “That made it such an easy choice for me because it resonated so well.”

“Ariana is genuinely a kind and gifted artist; nobody does what she does with more elegance and gratitude,” Brandy noted.

Upon hearing that the song had received a Grammy, she was overwhelmed with gratitude.

“For this record to still be recognized as it is, and for a brand new generation to be performing their version influenced by our song, is truly remarkable,” Monica explained. “I was incredibly surprised but filled with immense gratitude, joy, and excitement.”

Brandy reminisced about the time she and Monica were nominated for a Grammy, which they won for Best R&B Performance, an award that still holds a special place on her piano.

“Creating something that has lasted through the years and being able to revitalize that creation in a fresh way while still honoring the original is such a gift,” Brandy added.

After collaborating on “It All Belongs to Me” in 2012, both artists expressed interest in recording another duet to complete the trilogy.

“Absolutely,” Monica affirmed.

“It feels like magic when Monica and I collaborate,” Brandy said. “Who knows what future surprises await us?”