In 2005, Amerie burst back onto the music scene with her fourth single "1 Thing", which was used as the theme song for the Will Smith movie "Hitch". "1 Thing" went to the top of the charts in various international markets, including the US, UK and others around the world. It earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (the album "Touch" was also nominated for the "Best Contemporary R&B Album" Grammy ). The album sold an estimated 800,000 copies worldwide and went gold in the US and silver in the UK.
Amerie's third album 'Because I Love It' was released in the UK , Europe and Asia in 2007. The single "Take Control" was released in October 2006, and it enjoyed international success. The second single "Gotta Work" did not fare as well in the charts, despite receiving heavy airplay on UK and European music video channels. The album has sold a combined total of 310,000 copies worldwide and is her most critically acclaimed album.
In late 2007, was reported that Amerie had left her label Columbia Records, and signed with the Island Def Jam Music Group.
Amerie revealed the album title to be changed from 'Breakups To Makeups' to 'In Love & War'. Amerie also announced that her first single off the album will be titled "Why R U?" produced by The Buchanans. The single premiered online in the week of May 11th and received fairly mixed reviews. The track itself is even compared to Mary J. Blige's "What's The 411?" and "My Life" album, because of the old school feel.
Amerie changed her artist name to Ameriie (extra I) in 2010. She said that it gave her more positive energy as an artist. She changed her artist name back to Amerie (without the extra I) with the double EP releases '4AM Mulholland' and 'After 4AM' in 2018.
Right now her main focus is on books, youtube channel and her son and husband.
Life
Amerie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The rest of my life
The rest of my life
[Verse 1: Nas]
LIFE, dead presidents, devilish meant
Overthrow king thrones just 'cause of their negligence
DEATH, real shit'll start comin' to light
Kind and underminding, grimy, stiff corpse shapin'
Pork bacon, double-cross Satan
HEATHENS, non-god-fearing, lace thong wearing demons
But glory go to God, y'all BENEATH HIM
If y'all don't know that, rap with a old cat
He'll show you streets where them big dealers DROVE AT
Where low-key killers let the fo' clap
Blocka-blocka-blocka -- OH
The glow, the 'dro, the dough for shows
Everything a hood brother thing he needs -- YO
You'll find a goal in a ghetto superstar's roadmap
And I'ma use that for the
[Amerie singing]
For the rest of my life
For the rest of my life
[Verse 2: Nas]
Burnt-out, kicked to the curb
So I had to learn how to turn around a hundred thou' REAL FAST
In '95 that was my last, I went back to the ave thinkin'
rap's a thing of the PAST
Rest in peace E Money Bags,
no more cabs, got caught with the ratchet in the stash
Lawyer want CASH, my ba'y bro blast burners at cats who gell
They burnt a range with a mollet of COCKTAIL
My little man got fourteen-years for car-jackin' a undercover
Them cops SWEAR, my little nigga told on me
I'm thinkin, "Hello, where's the L-O, V-E"
Pigs play games, my little man'll never say names
Word to his pops with elephant veins
They both locked-up still, word to Will
I'll make it and chill for the
[Chorus: Amerie singing]
For the rest of my life
For the rest of my life
[Verse 3: Nas]
My man gave his mommy coke
So she wouldn't hit the block all crazy for the smoke
DAMN NIGGA, could you picture you supplyin' your own moms
so she don't have to bone for DIMES?
Or give dome for nicks' in the roofs of the projects
where dogs shit and PISS
Yeah, we all plan to get rich but it's all about how it's executed
Lexus coup-ed, brigettes from cubics
Mighta been stupid, but I got far from twenty-six BARS
To ten LP's, what can him tell me? Of them? Of y'all?
I'M NAS, on a track that's unorthodox
Like my life coulda been offed by THE COPS
Told y'all, Nas will prevail by the book when it's up for sale
About the rest
[Chorus: Amerie singing]
For the rest of my life
For the rest of my life
In these lyrics, Amerie and Nas reflect on the themes of life, death, struggles, and resilience. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the phrase "The rest of my life," hinting at a consciousness of the limited time they have on Earth. Nas begins the first verse by delving into the harsh realities of life, referencing money, power dynamics, and betrayal. He juxtaposes the allure of material wealth with the consequences of dishonest behavior, painting a vivid picture of inner-city life. The verse touches on themes of deception, violence, and the impact of past actions.
As Amerie's soulful vocals interject the chorus, the somber tone of the song is heightened. Nas continues in the second verse, sharing personal anecdotes of struggle and survival. He recounts past mistakes and losses, painting a picture of redemption and growth. The reference to a friend's incarceration and the complexities of loyalty in a harsh environment add layers to the narrative of resilience in the face of adversity. Nas's storytelling prowess shines through as he weaves a narrative of hardship and determination.
As the chorus resurfaces, Amerie's vocals provide a haunting yet melodic backdrop to Nas's introspective verses. The somber mood of the song intensifies as Nas delves deeper into the challenges faced by those in his community. The imagery of sacrifice, family bonds, and societal pressures adds depth to the lyrical content. Nas's reflections on loyalty, betrayal, and survival create a poignant narrative of resilience in the face of adversity.
In the final verse, Nas reflects on personal growth, sacrifices made, and the evolution of his life's journey. He acknowledges the harsh realities of inner-city life while expressing a sense of determination and self-awareness. The lyrics paint a vivid image of struggle, survival, and ultimately, triumph. The recurring chorus serves as a constant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of each moment. Nas's introspective storytelling, coupled with Amerie's emotive vocals, creates a powerful and poignant narrative that resonates with themes of resilience and the enduring spirit of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
The rest of my life
Amerie is talking about how the decisions and actions she takes now will shape the rest of her life.
The rest of my life
Reiterating the importance of the future and how it will impact the rest of her life.
LIFE, dead presidents, devilish meant
Life can be filled with corrupt and deceitful individuals who will do anything for money and power.
Overthrow king thrones just 'cause of their negligence
People can lose power and influence due to their own carelessness and lack of attention to detail.
DEATH, real shit'll start comin' to light
When faced with death, the truth about people and situations becomes clear and cannot be hidden.
Niggaz you ain't like dickin' your wife, WHAT?
Nas is calling out individuals who betray their loved ones behind their backs, questioning their integrity.
I'M NAS, on a track that's unorthodox
Nas is asserting his unique style and approach to music, going against the conventional norms of the industry.
Like my life coulda been offed by THE COPS
Nas reflects on the dangers and risks he faced in his past that could have led to a tragic end at the hands of law enforcement.
Told y'all, Nas will prevail by the book when it's up for sale
Nas promises that he will succeed and overcome obstacles by staying true to his values and principles, even when faced with temptations.
For the rest of my life
Continuing to emphasize the importance of the future and the lasting impact of current decisions.
For the rest of my life
Reaffirming the commitment to making choices that will shape the rest of one's life positively.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AYATOLLAHBEATS
And I Produced It.👍🎶Ayatollah.
@detroitMC313
Niceee. I just went to Wikipedia and glanced at your discography. I love Styles P - My Life AKA The Life, Inspectah Deck - Who Got It, and of course Mos Def - Ms. Fat Booty. All amazing work. Funny,, I wrote a verse to Ms. Fat Booty back when I first started rapping and that was one of the first verses I ever recorded. 👍👍
@mrjmorson
Bragging rights well earned dear sir!
@MrDcFh
Can we get the instrumental too, amazing work by the way I wanna hear the beats on its own
@robpayne2918
Sample during the verses is beautiful with those hard drums. Bought the best out of Royce
@iamphoenix6310
@@detroitMC313 brother you the man, between this and Secutiry easily the best of Royce.
@chrislotierzo7622
I was 14 years old when this came out. . . im 34 and this song still hits me the same way it did when i was little makes more sense now
@ArcykReborn
Yeah, same man
@detroitMC313
Same. I'm 33... Funny story. Me and a friend of mine who is now 34 -- we didn't know each other in high school but he was in one of my classes and the first time we spoke to each other was about rap. I think he let me borrow this CD and I ripped it into my computer. We ended up being close friends since then.
Music brings people together. Also the type of music someone listens to will show you where their mind is at. What movies/TV shows someone watches and what music they listen to tell you a lot about a person.
@jamariohewins5534
I was 17 when I heard this…I’m 37 now and man this song is so relatable now.