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.
Rule
Amerie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life, they wonder, can they take me under?
Nah, never that, nah, yo, yo
I come from the housing tenement buildings
Unlimited killings, menaces marked for death
Better known as the projects where junkies and rock heads dwell
Though I owe to it my success
I would think I'm a part of U.S.A. and be proud
Confronted with racism, started to feel foreign
Like, the darker you are the realer your problems
I reached for the stars but I just kept slipping
On this life mission, never know what's next
Ancient kings from Egypt, up to Julius Cezar
Had a piece of the globe, every continent
Yo, there's Asia, Africa, Europe, France, Japan
Pakistan, America, Afghanstan
Yo, there's Protestants, Jews, Blacks, Arabics
Call a truce, world peace, stop acting like savages
No war, we should take time and think
The bombs and tanks makes mankind extinct
But since the beginning of time it's been men with arms fighting
Lost lives in the Towers and Pentagon, why then?
Must it go on, we must stop the killing
Tell me why we die, we all God's children
World is hating, that's forever (uh, c'mon)
It's time that we stand together (yeah, for the world)
Everybody wants to rule the world (what, what, what, what, what, c'mon)
World (peace), world (peace), world (peace), world
Yo, there's brothers on the block, posted up like they own it
That's they corner, from New York to California
Got blocks locked down
Like, "dog you safe whenever you with me, see this is my town"
So the youngsters, grows in ghettos, goes to prison
At an early age, already know it's against him
So in order for him to survive, one day he must
Open up his eyes to the set backs and rise
'Cause, everybody wants a shot, in this land of opportunity
Look at what this country's got
There shouldn't be nobody homeless
How can the president fix other problems when he ain't fixed home yet
The earth wasn't made for one man to rule alone
To all colors increases, to home it belongs
I want land, mansions, banks and gold
The diamonds in Africa, oil in my control
The world's natural resources, all it's residuals
But then comes foes, I have to guard it with missiles
And I become the most wanted
But is it worth hearing a million people problems and followed by Secret Service
I guess, attempts at my life with loaded barrels
So move over Colin Powell or just throw in the towel, yo
World is hating, that's forever (uh, c'mon)
It's time that we stand together (yeah, for the world)
Everybody wants to rule the world (what, what, what, what, what, c'mon)
World (peace), world (peace), world (peace), world
Y'all know that's my style, to hit you at the right time
No other compares to what Nas write down
Tell you my dreams, show you my pain is yours
You could get what you love, be a chain in cause
You alive right now
There's so many that's dead or locked up inside the beast, I'm a hot light now
It's whatever man think of manifest to the real
The plan is to wake up 'cause time reveals
All this hate can't forever last
All my ghetto heroes in Heaven, it's like you right here and never passed
You just transcend, I know I'm goin' see you again
Hoping I reach the world leaders and win
Ain't nothing without struggle, listen up, it's critical
We used to fear arms, now the weapons are chemical
In Hip-Hop, the weapons are lyrical
To be the best you challenge the best, then the blessings are spiritual
Top of the world for the kid and unless
Popping any rapper's head off his shoulders no contest
I know the Most High hear me, so fly you can't near me
You scared of a mirror, my theory is that - knowledge is power
To every projects and every street corner, we gotta get ours now
World is hating, that's forever (uh, c'mon)
It's time that we stand together (yeah, for the world)
Everybody wants to rule the world (what, what, what, what, what, c'mon)
World
Yo, niggas ain't forget shit, know what I'm saying?
Niggas ain't forget nothing
Men, women and children killed by the police and shit
Niggas ain't gon' forget that, you know what I mean?
Yo, what this war just show me is like, whatever you want out of life
Whatever you feel is rightfully yours, go out and take it
Even if that means blood and death
You know, that's what I was raised up on, that's what this country's about
This is what my country is, and my country's a motherfucker
The song "Rule" by Amerie featuring Nas touches on a number of important social and political issues. Throughout the song, the two rappers discuss racism, poverty, war, and the struggle for power and control. Nas asserts that he comes from the housing tenements, where there are unlimited killings, and the residents are often marked for death. Despite the harsh realities of his upbringing, he remains determined to succeed and be a part of the U.S.A. These lyrics speak to the idea of the American Dream and the notion that anyone can rise to success, but it also acknowledges the harsh reality that many face on a daily basis.
Line by Line Meaning
Life, they wonder, can they take me under?
People question if I can be defeated or brought down.
I come from the housing tenement buildings
Unlimited killings, menaces marked for death
Better known as the projects where junkies and rock heads dwell
Though I owe to it my success
I come from a neighborhood with high crime rates and poverty. It is often associated with drug addiction and violence. Despite the challenges I faced, I credit my upbringing for shaping me.
With survival of the fittest, everyday is a chal'
I would think I'm a part of U.S.A. and be proud
Confronted with racism, started to feel foreign
Like, the darker you are the realer your problems
Every day is a struggle, and I used to feel proud to be American. However, when I faced racism, I started to feel like an outsider. It seemed that the darker your skin, the more profound and intense your difficulties.
Ancient kings from Egypt, up to Julius Cezar
Had a piece of the globe, every continent
Yo, there's Asia, Africa, Europe, France, Japan
Pakistan, America, Afghanstan
Yo, there's Protestants, Jews, Blacks, Arabics
Call a truce, world peace, stop acting like savages
Throughout history, powerful rulers like the pharaohs of Egypt and Julius Caesar sought to conquer and possess various parts of the world. They influenced every continent, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and specific countries like France, Japan, Pakistan, America, and Afghanistan. We should learn from this past and put an end to conflict, embracing world peace instead of acting violently.
No war, we should take time and think
The bombs and tanks makes mankind extinct
But since the beginning of time it's been men with arms fighting
Lost lives in the Towers and Pentagon, why then?
Must it go on, we must stop the killing
Tell me why we die, we all God's children
Instead of engaging in war, we should take the time to consider the consequences. The use of bombs and tanks can lead to the extinction of the human race. However, violence and conflict have been present throughout history, resulting in the loss of lives, such as in the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. It is crucial that we put an end to this cycle of killing and reflect on why we, as God's children, continue to perish.
World is hating, that's forever (uh, c'mon)
It's time that we stand together (yeah, for the world)
Everybody wants to rule the world
The world is filled with hatred, and it seems like it will always be this way. However, it is high time that we unite and stand together for the betterment of the world. Everyone desires power and control.
Yo, there's brothers on the block, posted up like they own it
That's they corner, from New York to California
Got blocks locked down
Like, 'dog you safe whenever you with me, see this is my town'
There are people in the neighborhood who claim ownership of certain areas, such as street corners. This is a common phenomenon from New York to California, where these individuals assert control over their blocks. They provide a sense of safety to those around them, making it known that being with them ensures protection.
So the youngsters, grows in ghettos, goes to prison
At an early age, already know it's against him
So in order for him to survive, one day he must
Open up his eyes to the set backs and rise
Young individuals who grow up in impoverished neighborhoods often end up in prison. They know from an early age that the system is stacked against them. To overcome these challenges and thrive, they must become aware of the obstacles and work to overcome them.
'Cause, everybody wants a shot, in this land of opportunity
Look at what this country's got
There shouldn't be nobody homeless
How can the president fix other problems when he ain't fixed home yet
In a country that promises opportunities for everyone, everyone desires a chance to succeed. However, the existence of homelessness indicates that some people are left behind. It is perplexing that the president focuses on solving other issues while neglecting problems within the country.
The earth wasn't made for one man to rule alone
To all colors increases, to home it belongs
I want land, mansions, banks and gold
The diamonds in Africa, oil in my control
The earth was not created for a single individual to assume complete control. It belongs to people of all races and backgrounds. The desire for power leads some to crave wealth and possessions, such as land, mansions, banks, gold, diamonds from Africa, and control over oil resources.
The world's natural resources, all it's residuals
But then comes foes, I have to guard it with missiles
And I become the most wanted
But is it worth hearing a million people problems and followed by Secret Service
Controlling the world's natural resources and its residual benefits comes with enemies and the need to protect them with missiles. This places the person in the position of being highly sought after. However, is it worth it when they have to listen to the problems of millions of people and constantly be followed by the Secret Service?
I guess, attempts at my life with loaded barrels
So move over Colin Powell or just throw in the towel, yo
There have been multiple attempts on my life by people with loaded guns. It is time for the likes of Colin Powell to step aside or give up altogether.
Y'all know that's my style, to hit you at the right time
No other compares to what Nas write down
Tell you my dreams, show you my pain is yours
You could get what you love, be a chain in cause
My style is to deliver impactful messages at the perfect moment. No other artist can match the depth and significance of my lyrics. I share my dreams and reveal that my pain is relatable to others. You have the power to pursue what you love and make a difference by joining a common cause.
You alive right now
There's so many that's dead or locked up inside the beast, I'm a hot light now
It's whatever man think of manifest to the real
The plan is to wake up 'cause time reveals
Being alive in the present moment is a privilege, considering the number of people who are dead or incarcerated. I am currently in the spotlight and drawing attention. Our thoughts have the power to manifest into reality. The ultimate goal is to awaken from ignorance, as time will eventually reveal the truth.
All this hate can't forever last
All my ghetto heroes in Heaven, it's like you right here and never passed
You just transcend, I know I'm goin' see you again
Hoping I reach the world leaders and win
Hatred cannot persist indefinitely. My heroes from the ghettos may no longer be physically present, but I feel their presence as if they are still here. They have transcended earthly limitations, and I have faith that I will see them again. My aspiration is to influence world leaders and achieve victory.
Ain't nothing without struggle, listen up, it's critical
We used to fear arms, now the weapons are chemical
In Hip-Hop, the weapons are lyrical
To be the best you challenge the best, then the blessings are spiritual
Nothing worthwhile can be achieved without going through challenges. It is essential to understand that the use of physical weapons has transformed into chemical weapons, posing a new threat. In the realm of Hip-Hop, the most potent weapons are lyrical skills. To become the best, one must compete against the best, and the rewards that follow are spiritual in nature.
Top of the world for the kid and unless
Popping any rapper's head off his shoulders no contest
I know the Most High hear me, so fly you can't near me
You scared of a mirror, my theory is that - knowledge is power
I'm at the pinnacle of my career, and unless something unforeseen happens, I will remain on top. I have the ability to effortlessly outshine any rapper. I have faith that a higher power listens to me, and I possess such confidence that others can't even come close. When you are frightened by your own reflection in a mirror, it is because you lack self-assurance. My theory is that knowledge equates to power.
To every projects and every street corner, we gotta get ours now
It is imperative that individuals from every housing project and street corner strive to achieve their goals and acquire what is rightfully theirs in the present moment.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SAMUEL BARNES, JEAN OLIVIER, ROLAND ORZABAL, IAN STANLEY, NASIR JONES, CHRIS HUGHES, AMERIE ROGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind