"Friends", like her previous single "Real Love", became a multi-format top-10 smash, reaching the top ten of the pop, R&B and dance charts in the U.S., as well as being her biggest single in the UK since her debut, "Looking for a New Love". The song was one of the first ever to feature a rap artist (Eric B. & Rakim) and a singer.
"Friends" appeared in the Top 10, peaking at number nine for one week on the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at number three on the Hot Black Singles chart and number seven on the Hot Dance Club Play chart.
In 2006, Watley remade the song for her release of The Makeover, on her Avitone Records label, uniquely titled "Friendz," featuring rapper Voshaun Gotti.
In 2024, during an appearance on the daytime talk show Sherri, Watley discussed the production of the song. She revealed that her label at the time, MCA Records, originally pushed for the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince to be featured on the track instead of Eric B. & Rakim. Watley refused the label's suggestion, doubling down on Eric B. & Rakim as her first and only choice, noting that their style was better suited for the song's lyrical themes of betrayal.[5]
