Synopsis
Brian McKnight and Mase perform the upbeat R&B and hip-hop crossover in a polished late-1990s setting filled with stylish interiors, party energy, and performance shots. McKnight delivers his plea to a woman trapped in an unsatisfying relationship, while Mase adds a confident rap verse that reinforces the song's message. The visual balances McKnight's romantic presentation with Mase's flashy Bad Boy-era attitude, creating a light, celebratory companion to a song about leaving an inattentive partner behind.
Factoids & Trivia
- Released in 1997, the song was the lead single from McKnight's third studio album, *Anytime*.
- "You Should Be Mine (Don't Waste Your Time)" became one of McKnight's strongest early crossover singles, reaching No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
- The production combines McKnight's smooth adult R&B style with the contemporary Bad Boy sound associated with Mase and Sean "Puffy" Combs.
- The track samples James Brown's 1972 recording "I Got Ants in My Pants."
- Kelly Price contributes backing vocals, adding extra weight to the call-and-response feel of the chorus.
- The song's credits bring together McKnight, Mase, Sean Combs, Stevie J, Ron Lawrence, Kelly Price, and James Brown, reflecting the meeting point between polished R&B songwriting and late-1990s hip-hop production.
- The video is part of a notably busy 1997 period for McKnight, which also included the videos for "Anytime" and "The Only One for Me."