Signing to Sarah Stennett's label Turnfirst he has been developing his first debut album. After breaking a three-year silence with the explosive “Correct” snippet last month, his latest track, “New York Raining”, will be featured on the season finale of Fox’s Empire (he appears with Rita Ora)—airing March 18, 2015. The engaging anthem sees HAMILTON’s honest storytelling, clever wordplay, and mic prowess on full display in between a soulful and shimmering hook. It’s the perfect introduction to his next chapter.
This week, Charles Hamilton will be performing new music during an intimate show at Sayers Club in Los Angeles Wednesday February 18.
“Charles is back and the excitement for his return is immeasurable. The enthusiasm in the marketplace is overwhelming and we are thrilled to participate in the evolution of his career.” – Monte Lipman, Co-Founder & Chief Executive, Republic Records
“Charles is one of the world’s most prolific, proficient, and powerful MC's. He's also an accomplished musician who brings an organic musical element that has been missing in Hip Hop. I’ve been a fan for a very long time, and I’m honored to work with him on what’s bound to be his defining work to date. To put it simply, I can’t wait for the world to hear what he’s got on the horizon!” – Wendy Goldstein, EVP A&R, Head of Urban A&R, Republic Records
"Charles Hamilton's extra ordinary talent, courage and determination in overcoming the challenges of his condition have inspired not only everyone at Turnfirst but anyone who is privileged enough to see him perform and to understand the journey he has had. We are very excited about sharing his debut record with the world shortly." – Sarah Stennett, CEO, Turnfirst
CHARLES HAMILTON’s journey has been nothing short of triumphant. In 2009, he received the public endorsement of Eminem, scored a major label deal, appeared on the cover of XXL’s prestigious annual Freshmen issue, and had released a string of universally adored mixtapes and EPs. Behind the scenes, he faced the horrors of bipolar disorder and addiction, bravely going through treatment alone. Emerging with his condition under control, HAMILTON stands poised to finally make the impact he was born to make this year.
Outside
Charles Hamilton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Verse 1:]
See these ni**az don't get it till I spazz out
When I see a full moon and they assed out
Get a dutch get a light then grass out
More smoke more fire till I pass out
That's how ni**as get finished like popeye's spinach
Never cop out when the cops out
Do not doubt I got {clout} the {rapper's rappers rap about}
C-H-A-R spitting like an A-R
Fifteen my shits mean so get lean
The MVP in pink, no draft pick
Just drastic, get ya ass whipped
Don't gimme no help just gimme ya belt
So when you start feeling ya self, you'd be feeling the welt
Charles hamilton is back, Sha-leik on the track
This beat is so crack, I got jeezy in the back
[Chorus:]
On the outside looking and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
And I want in and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
And I want in and I want in
[Verse 2:]
Got ni**as holding they head whenever they cipher with me
Get rowdy like I got Roddy Piper with me
Ya bitch ass looking like a diaper, dig me
I might just hit until I strike ya kidney
And watchu gonna do (Not a god damn thing)
What ya man gon do (not a god damn thing) (yeah)
Step inside this god damn ring and watch ya ass leave with (not a god damn thing)
I never lost a battle so fuck u rap ni**as
All you do is double talk, I don't trust u rap ni**as
You rap with no class, so I cut u rap ni**as
Give you a pound?, the hell would I touch u rap ni**as?
It's me, Cassidy, and Weezy, the new class
You don't see yo name on the list, why you mad?
My ni**as my fam you don't get it my man
I'm hungry for the game little ni**a I- Am
[Chorus:]
On the outside looking and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
And I want in and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
And I want in and I want in
[Verse 3:]
See I was born out in cleveland, raised here in harlem
Money or not, I'm gon' stay here in harlem
Play here in harlem lay here in harlem
I'm already ghost, see my grave here in harlem
I stay clear of problems but it always finds me
So I sit on ni**as that say charles is grimy
A day in my life would make a hot picture
Not just 1 song like that jason fox ni**a
I'm way too sick for the chicken noodle soup
I make new hits and my ni***s do it too
Fuck outside the box, man I'm living through the roof
Living proof my condition ain't got shit to do with u
{The hits that they produce} isn't what you fools used to
I ate the apple from the tree and made it fruity loops
Cause I'm the true babe ruth of the booth stay true to my roots
Make music but you, {you}
[Chorus:]
On the outside looking and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
And I want in and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
On the outside looking and I want in
And I want in and I want in
[Bridge:]
I'm on the outside
I'm a get in
I can see through you
See your true colors
Inside you're ugly
Ugly like me
I can see through you
See in the real you
The lyrics of "Outside" by Charles Hamilton reflect a desire to be recognized and accepted for his talent as a rapper. In the song, he raps about his frustration with being an outsider in the music industry and his determination to prove himself to his peers. He uses aggressive language and imagery to convey his message, referencing violent acts and challenging other rappers to battle him. Hamilton asserts his superiority as a rapper, proclaiming that he is back and ready to dominate the game.
Throughout the song, Hamilton uses repetition to emphasize his point, repeatedly stating that he is on the outside looking in and that he wants in. The chorus serves as an anthem for those who feel marginalized or excluded, echoing the sentiment that everyone deserves a chance to prove themselves.
Overall, "Outside" showcases Charles Hamilton's lyrical ability and raw energy as a performer. It is a testament to the struggle that many artists face in trying to establish their careers and gain recognition in a competitive and often unforgiving industry.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on the outside... I'm on the outside...
The artist feels like he is excluded from the inner circle and is on the outside looking in.
See these ni**az don't get it till I spazz out
The artist feels like he has to lose control in order for others to understand his situation.
When I see a full moon and they assed out
The artist is implying that he is different than others and is able to recognize things that others cannot.
Get a dutch get a light then grass out
The artist uses smoking to cope and relax.
More smoke more fire till I pass out
The artist smokes excessively and finds comfort in this routine.
That's how ni**as get finished like popeye's spinach
The artist is referencing how people rely on things to give them strength, but in reality, these things will cause their downfall.
On a top five list, go cop my shit
The artist believes that he is one of the best and deserves recognition for this.
Never cop out when the cops out
The artist stays true to himself and does not change his behavior when confronted by the police.
Do not doubt I got {clout} the {rapper's rappers rap about}
The artist is confident in his abilities and knows that other artists look up to him.
C-H-A-R spitting like an A-R
The artist is clever and proud of his ability to rhyme and deliver bars effectively.
Fifteen my shits mean so get lean
The artist has been making music since the age of fifteen and is implying that his music is serious and meaningful.
The MVP in pink, no draft pick
The artist is implying that he is the Most Valuable Player even though he may not have been picked first.
Just drastic, get ya ass whipped
The artist is warning others that they will face consequences if they challenge him.
Don't gimme no help just gimme ya belt
The artist wants others to step up to the plate and face him head-on.
So when you start feeling ya self, you'd be feeling the welt
The artist is implying that he will physically punish anyone who tries to compete with him.
Charles hamilton is back, Sha-leik on the track
The artist is announcing his comeback and giving credit to his collaborator on the song.
This beat is so crack, I got jeezy in the back
The artist is saying that the beat is so good that it could rival a Jeezy song.
See I was born out in cleveland, raised here in harlem
The artist is giving background information about himself.
Money or not, I'm gon' stay here in harlem
The artist is saying that he is loyal to his hometown and will not leave for money or fame.
Play here in harlem lay here in harlem
The artist is implying that he will always be a part of the community and will give back by performing there.
I'm already ghost, see my grave here in harlem
The artist is saying that he has made a name for himself and his legacy will live on in Harlem.
I stay clear of problems but it always finds me
The artist tries to avoid drama but it still affects him.
So I sit on ni**as that say charles is grimy
The artist is saying that he will take down anyone who talks bad about him.
A day in my life would make a hot picture
The artist is saying that his life is interesting and exciting.
Not just 1 song like that jason fox ni**a
The artist is saying that he is more than just a one-hit wonder.
I'm way too sick for the chicken noodle soup
The artist is saying that he is too good for basic things and wants something more complex.
I make new hits and my ni***s do it too
The artist has a team of people who help him make new music.
Fuck outside the box, man I'm living through the roof
The artist does not think inside the box and goes above and beyond to be creative.
Living proof my condition ain't got shit to do with u
The artist is saying that his personal situation does not depend on anyone else.
{The hits that they produce} isn't what you fools used to
The artist is saying that his music is not what people are used to hearing and that he is unique and different.
I ate the apple from the tree and made it fruity loops
The artist is saying that he took something basic and made it into something great.
Cause I'm the true babe ruth of the booth stay true to my roots
The artist is comparing himself to Babe Ruth and saying that he will always stay true to his roots and who he is.
Make music but you, {you}
The artist is calling out other musicians and telling them that their music does not compare to his own.
I'm a get in
The artist is determined to become a part of the inner circle.
I can see through you
The artist believes that he can see through people and their intentions.
See your true colors
The artist is implying that others are not being true to themselves or to him.
Inside you're ugly
The artist is saying that others may look good on the outside but on the inside they are not.
Ugly like me
The artist is relating to others who may also feel like they are not good enough.
See in the real you
The artist wants others to be truthful with themselves and with him.
Contributed by Nolan Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joshua Thiel
Hes never had an album out but this is my favourite rapper of ALL TIME. and i dont give a fuck what anyone has to say about that. Anyone. Theres too much passion in his songs and genius in his head for charles to be ignored.
ClubHop
HE SHOULD OF BEEN BIGGER I BEEN A MASSIVE CH FAN SINCE 09 YOU RIGHT
Carlos Contreras
he' s the most lyrical out of everyone right now he reminds me of em
Asterisq
"you rap with no class so i cut you rap niggas" i've heard this song so many times and i JUST got that. jesus he STILL goes over my head
FourSixDOHC
Even his new stuff. Don't sleep
Sal Cervantes
I am dead serious when I say is there anything we could fukin do to get this nigga back on the game cause he is realllllly good and the rap game needs a nigga like this....from the freshmen of hip hop, i always thought he would be the standout....idk what the fuk happened
-scoop harris
Salvador Cervantes him(CH), and his garbage ass label mate,..better known as Soldier Boy,.. didn't get along..and Charles let it be known...but when Charles "T Pained" his ass, they dropped him and haven't been mainstream since...
sheldonthegiant
wow... i never heard him go so hard
Kevin Wade
finished watching his documentary. man wish he would still making music now. I wish his music was on itunes.
Creamy Vuitton
Shit is still fire