"breakdown" is a slow and sultry song, which blends hip-hop and contemporary r&b genres. it incorporates drum notes, including heavy beats and grooves. the song features rap verses from two of the five members of bone thugs-n-harmony, krayzie bone and wish bone. as part of "layering the song," background vocals are featured throughout the chorus and sections of the bridge. it is set in the signature common time, and is written in the key of e major. it features a basic chord progression of a-f-. carey's vocal range in the song spans from the note of b to the high note of f; the piano and guitar pieces range from f to g as well. the song contains choral lyrics written by carey, who produced the song's melody and chorus as well. aside from assisting with its writing and chord progression, combs and stevie co-arranged and produced the track as well.