"Problem" is an uptempo dance-pop and R&B song with influences of funk music, which comprises a melody based on drums, saxophone loops, and trumpets.

The song later peaked at number two, becoming Grande's highest-charting single and Azalea's second-highest after "Fancy", which blocked "Problem" from the top spot.

As of 2024, the single has sold 3.7 million copies in the US and has been certified octuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

[2] In January 2014, recording sessions for the album officially began and Grande confirmed she was working with new producers Ryan Tedder, Savan Kotecha, Benny Blanco and Max Martin.

[3][4] It was announced on March 3, 2014, that Grande would be featured on the fifth single from Chris Brown's upcoming sixth studio album X titled "Don't Be Gone Too Long".

[5] The single was originally set for release on March 25, 2014, but it was postponed due to Brown being sent to jail awaiting trial on assault charges.

[7] Two days later, Grande revealed that due to the song's delay, she would be releasing the first single from her upcoming sophomore studio album earlier instead.

[28][29] A Spanglish version of the song was also released featuring Colombian rapper J Balvin for the Hispanophone market, making it the second collaboration between the two artists.

[30] On August 11, a remix version by DJ Boss in Drama was released in Brazil featuring Brazilian pop singer Gretchen.

[31] Musically, "Problem" is an uptempo dance-pop and R&B song[32][33][34][35] that incorporates elements of jazz, contemporary '90s R&B, hip hop and funk[35][36] which comprises the instruments like drums, saxophones and trumpets.

The song was written by Grande, Azalea, Savan Kotecha, Ilya Salmanzadeh and Max Martin, and produced by the latter two along with Shellback.

[36][40][41][42] The song's melody constantly builds toward something that "should be explosive", before Azalea brings it back down with her verse "Smart money bettin' I'll be better off without you/ In no time I'll be forgettin' all about you/ You sayin' that you know but I really, really doubt you/understand my life is easy when I ain't around you.

"[35][40][42] A writer from Rap-Up describes the track as an "infectious horn-heavy jam" which features a "carefree" Ariana "declaring her independence" which also includes "an empowering verse from Iggy Azalea and a whispering Big Sean on the hook.

"[41] Mike Wass of Idolator described the song as "an odd blend of '90s pop and current urban trends but there's no denying that it's catchy.

"[34] Entertainment Weekly called the song a "dramatic reinvention," and also notes, "The idea that Grande was collaborating with bad girl du jour Iggy Azalea prompted all kinds of speculation, and the result is more or less what everybody expected: Grande's enviable pipes are still the centerpiece, but she also invites a sax-drunk loop, sexy whisper tracks, and Azalea's Jay Z-referencing high-speed verse to the party as well.

"[45] Music Times commented that "the saxophone-filled track continues the pattern set by Grande's 2013 debut album Yours Truly by being heavily influenced by the '90s R&B scene.

"[36] In addition, 4Music said "Ariana's sweet-sounding vocals contrast brilliantly with Problem's sexy sax and Iggy's gritty rap.

The cranky sax, the whispered chorus, the airy harmonies and Iggy's snarky feature all tied in with a juicy modern beat."

Lindner continued by calling it "the freshest pop song of the moment", commending the song's production for its "more than a few unexpected throwbacks", comparing the saxophone loops to Jennifer Lopez's 2004 single "Get Right" saying "It's the same notes over and over, but its attitude doesn't let you zone out", while the whispers in the chorus echoes to the Ying Yang Twins' 2005 single "Wait.

[50] At the time of the single's release, Problem became Grande's highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at the number 2 spot.

[65][66] In addition to its sales, which accounted for the majority of its debut chart points on the Hot 100, "Problem" began receiving early radio support.

[104] The video was inspired in Sweet Charity (1969), set with a retro style from 1960s art movement containing a black, white, and old-fashioned aesthetic.

[105][106] The video opens on a sparkling figure where Grande appears in a sequined minidress and white go go boots with her dancers backed by a spiral backdrop.

Iggy Azalea is shown in front of a colorful background, and, as Jason Lipzshuts from Billboard noted, her hairstyle is reminiscent of Barbarella,[107] while Chima Simone of E!

[108] The video contains intercepted scenes of Grande lying atop a giant spiral on a pink floor wearing a white sweater and high socks.

[117] Grande has since also performed "Problem" at the 2014 iHeartRadio Music Awards on May 1, 2014,[118] on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on May 6, 2014,[119][120] and at the Born Free Africa Mother's Day Family Carnival on May 11.

[128] She performed "Problem" at the 2014 iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party, and a piano version on the one-day revival of Total Request Live.

On September 12 she performed a medley version of Problem and Break Free in the Japanese TV Show Music Station.

"Problem" was included on the setlist for Grande's 2015 The Honeymoon Tour as a closing song with the lyric video playing in the background.

[134] On January 9, 2015, "Problem" was covered by Naya Rivera, Heather Morris, Dianna Agron and Kevin McHale in "Homecoming", an episode of Glee.