Milian was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, United States, to Cuban parents Don and Carmen. She has two younger sisters, Dannielle and Elizabeth. Her family moved to Waldorf, Maryland soon after her birth and she set her heart on an entertainment career at the age of four. Milian shot commercials for (Wendy's, Honeycomb) and played the lead role in the musical Annie before moving to Los Angeles at thirteen to pursue an acting career. Soon after the family's move, her father divorced her mother. Milian graduated from Westlake High School in Waldorf, Maryland; and also attended Matthew Henson Middle School in Indian Head, Maryland.
In 2000, Milian made her first official musical appearance on Ja Rule's second studio album Rule 3:36, performing guest vocals on his song "Between Me and You". Released as the album's lead single in 2001, the track managed to peak at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and in the top 30 of the UK singles chart, building Milian's reputation as a singer. Milian also appeared in Mýa's video for "Best of Me" playing a friend. In the meantime Milian co-wrote and provided extensive backing vocals for the track "Play" for Jennifer Lopez's 2001 album J. Lo which became another success. Milian would later pass down the song to Lopez because of already having a club song with "AM to PM" as promotion. She also went on to co-write "Same Ol' Same Ol", the first single from girl group PYT's debut album Down With Me.
In 2001, Milian eventually released her first solo single, "AM to PM", off her self-titled debut album. The song became a worldwide hit reaching the top 5 in the UK and Denmark, top 10 in the Netherlands, and top 30 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and in Australia. The success of "AM to PM" sparked the international release of the Christina Milian album which she co-wrote and produced, although not in the United States. The second single "When You Look At Me" was another international hit reaching the top 5 in the UK, Netherlands, and Ireland and making the top 40 in Denmark, Germany, Australia, and France. Although a music video for the album's third single "Get Away" (another collaboration with Ja Rule) was filmed in Paris, the single was not released officially.
Afterwards Milian also was featured on the track "It's All Gravy", a duet with British Rapper Romeo of the UK garage group So Solid Crew. While the song was another UK top ten hit single in 2002, Milian provided the theme song for the hit Disney series Kim Possible, "Call Me, Beep Me" later that year. In 2002, she also collaborated with Hilary Duff on her Christmas album Santa Claus Lane, on the song "I Heard Santa on the Radio."
In 2003, Milian started recording songs with Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Bloodshy & Avant and Cory Rooney for her first U.S. release, It's About Time (whose title is a direct reference to how long it had taken for one of her albums to be released domestically). The album was released to positive reviews on July 13, 2004, but failed to receive immense commercial success when it debuted at #21 in the UK and #14 on the Billboard 200 album chart, selling over 36,000 copies in the first week only. While It's about Time ended up with lackluster sales of 394,000 copies in the United States, it gained prominence when it received a Grammy nomination for "Best Contemporary R&B Album" in 2005.
The album's first single, "Dip It Low" (written by singer Teedra Moses and Black Eyed Peas producer Poli Paul) however, became Milian's biggest hit to date, when it peaked at #1 on a world composite dance chart (compiled on data from the U.S., UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Australia), simultaneously reaching #2 in the UK, #5 in the U.S., #7 in New Zealand and the top 20 in Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Norway and the Netherlands. The single was also certified Gold by the RIAA for digital sales. The album's second and final single, "Whatever U Want" (featuring Joe Budden) failed to reprise the success of the lead single, but again reached the top 10 in the UK as well as charting on the Billboard Hot 100.
Milian's third studio album So Amazin' was released on May 16, 2006. Milian worked with Cool & Dre on the majority of the production of the album, and the project was finished with additional help from Rich Harrison and executive producers Jay-Z and LA Reid. Christina mentions working with Cool & Dre for the entire album "made a more consistent, very real and personal album" compared to her other works. The record's first single "Say I" featured rapper Young Jeezy and was released in March 2006 as a single and video. The song made it to number 1 on iTunes UK Music Store and was number 1 on AOL music, but altogether saw moderate success only with peak positions on #21 in the United States, #4 in the UK and #45 in Australia.
While So Amazin' failed to reach the top 10 when it debuted at #11 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, the album saw minor international success only, peaking at #67 in the UK inter alia. With "Gonna Tell Everybody" a second single from the album was chosen, but Island Def Jam neither agreed to film a music video nor booked promotional appearances for Milian to promote the song. In June 2006, instead, Milian's representative confirmed that she had left the Island Def Jam record label due to "creative differences" - though disappointing album sales were believed to be the main factor, since the album sold less than 500,000 worldwide (over 130,000 in United States).
Due to the low sales of So Amazin', Milian released her first compilation album, titled The Best of Christina Milian on November 22, 2006. The album was released under the Universal International label. The album includes her hit singles and songs that she hand picked herself from her first three studio albums, Christina Milian, It's About Time, and So Amazin', though, only one track, Say I, was chosen from So Amazin', possibly due to the fact that it is her lowest selling album. The album was only released in Japan and some other Asian countries; but was not released in the U.S. or Europe. The album peaked at a disappointing #29 on the Japanese ORICON Albums Chart, and has sold only 38,078 copies to date.
Following her departure from Island Def Jam Music Group, Milian signed with MySpace Records in 2008. She began writing songs and recording in the studio with numerous different producers, including Cool & Dre, J. R. Rotem, The Runners, Danja, Madd Scientist, T-Pain, Jim Jonsin and Toby Gad. Milian was featured on the cover of Rap-Up's 2008 Winter issue, in which she announced that the album's title was Dream in Color. A single was released in October 2008, ballad "Us Against the World". It was written by Milian and produced by Madd Scientist. The single, described by Milian as a "cinematic power ballad", premiered via MySpace on October 6, 2008, and was made available by digital download the next day. Milian felt that Madd Scientist "brought the best out of me" while producing "Us Against the World", and "was really able to do some amazing things with my vocals".
After recording songs with the aforementioned producers, Milian took a break from music and started filming Bring It On: Fight to the Finish. When Milian returned to music, she concentrated on promoting her single "Us Against the World", and shot its music video. Since then, Milian said that she became "a little bit more meticulous with what I feel deserved to be on the album", and resumed recording. Songs recorded for the album included the 90's Madonna-styled ballad "Stay", Euro-club record "Tug of War" and the feel-good song "Diamonds", which featured Kanye West. Other features included Rick Ross on the Cool & Dre produced track "Blissful", and Pitbull.
In early 2009, Milian began working with The-Dream, Tricky Stewart, and L.O.S. Da Maestro, which led to her signing a deal with Radio Killa Records. Milian revealed that aside from "Us Against the World", The-Dream and Tricky Stewart would be producing all the songs on her album. In March 2009, Milian changed the album's title to Elope. Regarding the album's title change, Milian explained, "the definition of elope is to run away secretly with one's beloved. This next album is about taking responsibility for yourself and making your own decisions." In June 2009, The-Dream said that the album was finished. Upon completion of the album, Milian said it represented "independence, not having to answer to any type of 'authority', being a woman at her best and feeling very confident". She said that fans could expect an "edgy sound with lots of strong powerful anthems. Big up tempos, R&B and Pop at it's [sic] best and two big ballads".
In August 2009, Milian confirmed that she had signed a deal to release Elope through Interscope Records, with a 2010 release date. Originally scheduled to be released in 2009, Tricky Stewart explained the delay, saying "we just got our label deals done, so the reason why some of these projects got delayed had to do with technicalities and things of that nature". The album has been furthered delayed because of Milian's marriage to The-Dream and her pregnancy. In January 2010, Milian said that she was going back into the studio in the summer to record more material. Although the album had already been finished when Milian took a break for her pregnancy, she wanted to "go back and re-do some of the music and make some new songs and find my new inspiration". In October 2009, Tricky Stewart said that another single had yet to be chosen, and that it would be the first single off Elope. Reported choices for the first single include "Zipper", "I'm a Cheat", and "Supersonic".
On February 26, 2010, Milian gave birth to their daughter Violet, although in July 2010, The-Dream announced that he and Milian had separated. Milian was scheduled to resume recording in July 2010 to complete the album; however, after her separation from The-Dream, Milian opted to focus on her acting career. Despite the separation, Milian and The-Dream continued to "work together and write together". At the 2010 Los Angeles Fashion Week, Milian performed "Zipper" and "Dip It Low". At the 2010 American Music Awards, Milian announced that her untitled fourth studio album will be released in 2011.
Say I
Christina Milian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You like this (yeah)
You are now witnessin' (mmm)
The flyest shit in the world (oh)
I can't think of nothin' else to say
Christina Milian, Cool & Dre, come on
I got the urge to scream out
And I don't know about you
But I'ma get it poppin' like I'm supposed to do
Don't hold your breath, girls, breathe out
Sweat out your perm, pull your weave out
And tell the world it's time
That we gonna be heard, we gonna scream out loud, say
I'ma make it happen, I'ma make a way
If you got somethin' to prove and you feel the same way
Say I, I
I'ma keep it gangster, I'ma make it hot
If you feelin' like I do, then people, throw your hands up
And say I, I (I)
You wanna dance, then get down
You're tryna chill, then sit down
Do what you wanna do
Don't let nobody tell you what you're supposed to do
You on the corner, you grindin'
Tryna duck the feds, you ain't tryna do no time, and
I know you feel it's rough (ayy)
And if you with me, people, let me see your hands up and say
I'ma make it happen, I'ma make a way (yeah)
If you got somethin' to prove and you feel the same way
Say I, I (y'all heard the lady, haha, say I if you feel it, yeah)
I'ma keep it gangster, I'ma make it hot (you already know what it is)
If you feelin' like I do, then people, throw your hands up (TC, show me)
And say I, I (I) (I got it from here Chris, damn)
My nephew gettin' older and he startin' to talk (talk)
Now my moms got sick and she can't walk (damn)
No high school diploma, but I know math (yeah)
Ain't write one song and she still want half
"Deadbeat dad," that's what the media say (say)
"Best father in the world," that's what my son would say
"Won't stop 'til you broke," that's what his moms would say
But hey, them the types of games she play (ayy)
The media talk so bad about me
But the streets, they'll do so bad without me
Can't ban the snowman
This is Thug Motivation, just part of the program (yeah)
The first day of class (ayy)
And all you gotta do is stack cash to pass (yeah)
Don't mind me, I'm just thinkin' out loud (hey)
Purple haze got my head in the clouds
Get into it, let's just face it
We can do it if we try (We can make it if we try, make it if we try)
Ain't nothin' to it, let's just take it (ooh)
We can make it if we try (say oh oh, oh)
Let's just do it, we can make it
I know we'll make it if we try (say oh woah, oh)
I'ma make it happen, I'ma make a way (hey)
If you got somethin' to prove and you feel the same way
Say I, I (say I)
I'ma keep it gangster, I'ma make it hot (if you feel the same way)
If you feelin' like I do, then people, throw your hands up
And say I, I (hey, oh)
Get into it, let's just face it
We can do it if we try
Ain't nothin' to it, let's just take it
We can make it if we try
I'ma make it happen, I'ma make a way
If you got somethin' to prove and you feel the same way
Say I, I
The song 'Say I' by Christina Milian featuring Young Jeezy is an upbeat track about self-confidence and empowerment. The song opens with Christina hyping up the listener and daring them to scream out loud. She invites the listener to join her in doing what they want to do, even if it means going against societal norms or parental approval. Young Jeezy’s rap verse is a reflection on his personal experiences and media scrutiny. He encourages listeners to ignore naysayers and pursue their dreams. The chorus encourages the listener to say “I” if they feel the same way as Christina, which is essentially a declaration of empowerment.
The lyrics highlight self-confidence, and the need to go after one's dreams, regardless of what other people say or think. The use of repetition in the song emphasizes its central themes, including the importance of self-love and the power of confidence. The repeated phrase 'Say I' is particularly effective as it prompts the listener to vocalize their own empowerment.
In conclusion, the song 'Say I' is a catchy tune that encourages listeners to embrace their own strength and ability. It's all about positivity, ignoring haters, and putting oneself first. It's a feel-good empowering song for anyone who needs a boost to their self-confidence.
Line by Line Meaning
I got the urge to scream out
I am feeling the urge to express myself and let my voice be heard
Pull out the bird, it's me now
I am taking control of the situation and showing my true self
And I don't know about you
I am not sure how you feel, but this is how I feel
I'm got it popping like I'm suppose to do
I am doing what I am supposed to do and it's amazing
Don't want the rich girls scream out
I don't want to be like the rich girls who just scream and do nothing else
Sweat out the perm pull the weed out
I am letting go of any restrictions and embracing my true self
And tell the world this time and that we going to love you and hurry scream out loud
I want to spread love and positivity and encourage others to express themselves
I'm going to make it happen
I am determined and confident that I will achieve my goals
I'm going to make you wait
I am taking my time and doing things my way, you will have to wait for me
If you've go something to prove
If you have something to prove to yourself or to others
If you feel the same way
If you feel the same level of determination and confidence
I'm going to keep it gangster
I will stay true to my style and identity, even if it's unconventional
I'm going to make it hot
I will make sure that whatever I do is exciting and impressive
You want to go...you grinding
If you want to go out and party, you are working hard to make it happen
Tryna get me in bed
You are trying to pursue a romantic or sexual relationship with me
Tryna do the timing
You are trying to make sure that the timing is right for us to be together
I know you feel this rough
I know that you are also feeling intense emotions and determination
My nephew getting known and starting to talk
My nephew is starting to become famous and speak up for himself
No high school diploma But I know math
I might not have a traditional education, but I still have valuable skills and knowledge
Ain't write one song and she still want half
Someone is trying to take credit for my success and accomplishments
Best father in the world is what my son's saying
My son sees me as the best father in the world and that means a lot to me
We can do it if we try
If we put in effort and work together, we can achieve anything
Let's just take it
Let's go for it and make it happen
Getting to it, let's just face it
Let's start doing what we need to do and face the challenges head on
Ya heard the lady
Listen to me, I know what I'm talking about
Yeah you already know me Snowman
I am already well-known and respected in the music industry
Hey
An expression of excitement and enthusiasm
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andre Christopher Lyon, Marcello Valenzano, Jazmine Sullivan, Phil Hurtt, Bunny Sigler, Jay W. Jenkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kocoaberry7041
I love this song. I still cannot believe it wasn't a mega hit when it was released.
@stonkykong5239
So proud to be grown up through 90's/00's and hear the golden era of R&B and Hip Hop, sure dont make em like this no more 😢
@moisemensah8233
Likewise ♥️
@moisemensah8233
@Singingmonster 34 Me too. Turning 30 next year and accurate AF
@recklessmouthkinqq6343
You right we had the best and still got the best
@ciara6694
Yeah the music and the music videos are trash now. I miss this style...the vibe...everything.
@xxSydneyFox
Yeah I loved RnB but that went out of style sadly. Now it's rap and all its new variations.
@itsnoahonfire
This should have been a big hit. I remember this era during the MYSPACE days lol.
@Tee-fz4mf
It was
@RazvanMihai88
@@Tee-fz4mf not good enough, cause her record label dropped her, after this song.