A native of Los Angeles, California's San Pedro community, Miguel Jontel Pimentel was involved at the age of 16 with the production company Drop Squad. Three years later, he was offered a slot in Fatty Koo, and appeared on the R&B group's BET reality show, but he turned the position down and eventually signed a solo deal with distribution from major-label Universal. In 2005, "Getcha Hands Up!" was issued as a promotional solo single, and its accompanying video -- showcasing Miguel's dancing skills -- aired on BET. An album, Young & Free, was planned for release, but it was never issued. By that point, Miguel was becoming increasingly known in the underground through his collaborative work with Blu, Exile, and Daz-I-Kue.
Miguel signed a solo deal with Jive in 2007 and continued to work with underground and major-label artists. By the end of the decade, he placed songs on albums by Musiq Soulchild and Asher Roth. He experienced major growth during 2010. Jaheim's "Finding My Way Back," a song he co-wrote, reached number 12 on Billboard's R&B/hip-hop hit (and was subsequently nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best R&B Song). Miguel also co-wrote a pair of the Jam & Lewis-produced songs that appeared on Usher's Raymond v. Raymond, which topped the Billboard 200 just before Miguel made his proper solo debut with the atmospheric hip-hop soul of "All I Want Is You," a Top Ten R&B/hip-hop hit. The parent album, All I Want Is You, followed that November and reached the Top Ten of the R&B/hip-hop albums chart, as well as the Top 40 of the Billboard 200, boosted by "Sure Thing" (number one R&B, number 36 Billboard 200) and "Quickie" (number three R&B). Once Wale's Miguel-assisted Top 40 pop hit "Lotus Flower Bomb" was well on its way to platinum certification, Miguel resumed his solo output in early 2012 with a trilogy of three-song EPs dubbed Art Dealer Chic.
The intermediate releases led to Kaleidoscope Dream, which entered the R&B/hip-hop chart at number one and crossed into the Billboard 200 Top Five in October 2012. The RCA-issued full-length was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Urban Contemporary Album, while "Adorn," Miguel's second number one R&B/hip-hop single, was nominated for three awards and won for Best R&B Song. The following year, the album's "How Many Drinks?" was nominated as well. Stardom notwithstanding, Miguel remained available for outside work. "#Beautiful," a collaboration with Mariah Carey, was issued in May 2013 and went platinum. Miguel also devoted time between albums to sessions for J. Cole, Janelle Monáe, Big Sean, Jessie Ware, A$AP Rocky (the gold "Everyday"), Mac Miller (the platinum "Weekend"), and Hudson Mohawke.
Miguel's third album, Wildheart, was released in June 2015. Like his previous full-length, it debuted within the Top Five of the Billboard 200, reaching number two and landing in the same spot on the R&B/hip-hop chart. Less melodic than what preceded it, Wildheart emphasized sensual slow jams and was acknowledged with a Grammy nomination in the Best Urban Contemporary Album category. Another round of collaborations, including a duet with Dua Lipa, and singles highlighted by "2 Lovin U" (produced by DJ Premier) and the platinum-certified "Sky Walker" (featuring Travis Scott), preceded the December 2017 release of the urgent War & Leisure. Another R&B/hip-hop chart topper, it also entered the Billboard 200 at number nine. Miguel continued his extracurricular activity through 2018 with Kygo's "Remind Me to Forget" among his most commercially successful featured appearances. His next solo release was the Spanish-language EP Te Lo Dije, which peaked at number 11 on Billboard's Top Latin Albums chart in 2019. Also that year, Alicia Keys' Miguel-assisted "Show Me Love" began its ascent to gold status.
A mix of smaller-scale solo output and featured appearances followed during the first few years of the 2020s. Early in the decade, Miguel was featured on tracks such as Jhené Aiko's platinum "Happiness Over Everything (H.O.E.)." The Art Dealer Chic series of EPs resumed in 2021 with a fourth volume containing the grinding "Funeral." After he was featured on Diplo's "Don't Forget My Love," Miguel saw "Sure Thing" become more popular than ever in 2023 -- thanks to TikTok -- and a re-release of the single consequently reached number 14 on the Hot 100, thereby surpassing "Adorn" as his highest-charting pop single. The singer responded that April with the smoldering slow jam "Give It to Me." ~ Andy Kellman & David Jeffries
Criminal
Miguel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I need a lunatic just like me
Paint the sky with a brush fire, yeah
Like la la la la, la
I got a mind like Colombine
Yeah, a vigilante I'm volatile uh
I pick and choose like duck duck goose
I just want someone that I can trust
Baby is that you, is that us?
I know it's dicey
Oh, so good it feels criminal, ha
So it's gotta be criminal, ha
The way I keep killing you
So dangerous
So good it feels criminal, ha
This shit it's gotta be criminal, uh
The way I keep killing you
Plain as heaven call it nine eleven
She say, hello, how you such a blessing
I know, we're too round now I'm finessing
Huh Just plead the fifth, if you ever questioned, girls
You see, I just want someone that I can trust
Baby is that you, is that us?
I know I'm dicey
Oh, so good it feels criminal, ha
So it's gotta be criminal, ha
The way I keep killing you
So dangerous
So good it feels criminal uh
This shit it's gotta be criminal, uh
The way I keep killing you
Conversations elevated when she fell in love
Sippin' on her, say he did her like a dirty rug
Feeling played underpaid, like she was Matthew Paige
Every day she had to find a way to find a way
Self esteem is what emotions feed
Dry land and get the travel to seven seas
Kaepernick of my city lil homie take a knee
Taking you to places selfies get taken the least
Criminal thoughts, an angel in the flesh
It feels like we floating when we really having sex (yes)
Her words be so potent scribbled them on my chest
Motivation is morning shorty, and I confess
I'm holding you closest that's till the day I rest
I gave her a hundred stuffed it all in her dress
Motion picture, we the young mobile niggas
Here's a toast to the ones who knew us before the riches
Love like gun fire grand theft stolen motor
Fifty one fifty in Lola's heart
Raging and reckless
She don't know love at last
Someone that's wanna stay, really with the getaway
Fifty one fifty in Lola's heart
Who could stop us babe
The world is ours yeah
I just want someone that I can trust
Is that you, is that us?
I know I'm dicey
It's so good it feels criminal yeah
She's gotta be criminal uh
The way I keep killing you
So dangerous
So good it feels criminal, uh
This shit it's gotta be criminal, uh
The way I keep killing you
Oh, my love
The lyrics to Miguel's song "Criminal" explore the singer's dangerous and unpredictable nature as he searches for a companion who is equally spontaneous and uninhibited. The song opens with the line, "Got a mind full off TNT," a metaphor for the explosive thoughts and impulses that run through his mind. He admits to being a "vigilante" with a "mind like Colombine," indicating a willingness to take matters into his own hands and potentially cause harm. However, he also expresses a desire for a partner who he can trust and who shares his wild tendencies.
Throughout the song, Miguel acknowledges the risks and potential consequences of his behavior. He describes the relationship as "dicey" and "dangerous," but also undeniably thrilling. The chorus repeats the refrain, "So good it feels criminal," emphasizing the idea that passion can often be mistaken for wrongdoing. Despite this, the singer seems determined to continue down this path, even as he acknowledges that he may be hurting his partner.
The song's bridge and final verse introduce the character of Lola, described as someone who has been mistreated in past relationships but finds solace and excitement in Miguel's company. He claims that they share a connection that feels like "gunfire" and "grand theft," both intense and thrilling experiences. The song ends with a declaration of love and a final repetition of the chorus.
Overall, "Criminal" explores the complexities of desire and morality, emphasizing the blurred lines between "good" and "bad" behavior when it comes to matters of the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Got a mind full off TNT
My mind is explosive and unpredictable.
I need a lunatic just like me
I'm looking for someone who's as unpredictable as I am.
Paint the sky with a brush fire, yeah
Let's create chaos and destruction together.
Like la la la la, la
With carefree abandon.
I got a mind like Colombine
I have a dark and dangerous mind.
Yeah, a vigilante I'm volatile uh
I'm a rebel and a danger to society.
I pick and choose like duck duck goose
I'm selective about who I associate with.
I'm close ties that you should cut loose
I have connections to people who are no good.
I just want someone that I can trust
I'm searching for a genuine connection with someone.
Baby is that you, is that us?
Are we meant to be together?
I know it's dicey
I recognize that I'm unpredictable and maybe dangerous.
Oh, so good it feels criminal, ha
Our connection is so intense and exhilarating that it feels forbidden.
So it's gotta be criminal, ha
It's so intense it must be wrong.
The way I keep killing you
I'm overwhelming you with my love and attention.
So good it feels criminal, ha
Our connection is so intense and exhilarating that it feels forbidden.
This shit it's gotta be criminal, uh
It's so intense it must be wrong.
Plain as heaven call it nine eleven
Our connection is explosive and overwhelming.
She say, hello, how you such a blessing
She sees me as special and amazing.
I know, we're too round now I'm finessing
I'm trying to navigate our relationship carefully.
Huh Just plead the fifth, if you ever questioned, girls
Don't ask questions about our relationship.
Conversations elevated when she fell in love
Our conversations became more meaningful when she fell for me.
Sippin' on her, say he did her like a dirty rug
She's been with guys who have treated her poorly.
Feeling played underpaid, like she was Matthew Paige
She feels undervalued and disrespected like a celebrity who's relatively unknown.
Every day she had to find a way to find a way
She had to struggle to find a way out of her situation.
Self esteem is what emotions feed
Her confidence is important to her emotional well-being.
Dry land and get the travel to seven seas
I want to take her on adventures and help her explore the world.
Kaepernick of my city lil homie take a knee
I'm a rebel and a leader in my community, like Colin Kaepernick.
Taking you to places selfies get taken the least
I want to take her to unique and off-the-beaten-path locations.
Criminal thoughts, an angel in the flesh
I have dark thoughts, but I see her as an angelic influence in my life.
It feels like we floating when we really having sex (yes)
Our connection is so intense that it feels like we're floating, even during sex.
Her words be so potent scribbled them on my chest
Her words and influence are so strong that I want to remember them forever.
Motivation is morning shorty, and I confess
I'm inspired and motivated by her, and I'm confessing my feelings for her.
I'm holding you closest that's till the day I rest
I want to hold her close and be with her until I die.
I gave her a hundred stuffed it all in her dress
I gave her a lot of money and gifts as a show of my love.
Motion picture, we the young mobile niggas
Our life together is like a movie, and we're young and restless.
Here's a toast to the ones who knew us before the riches
Let's celebrate the people who supported us before we became successful.
Love like gun fire grand theft stolen motor
Our love is intense and dangerous, like a robbery or car theft.
Fifty one fifty in Lola's heart
Lola is emotionally unstable or insane.
Raging and reckless
Our love is wild and out of control.
She don't know love at last
She's never experienced true love before.
Someone that's wanna stay, really with the getaway
I want someone who's committed to staying with me, even during hard times.
Fifty one fifty in Lola's heart
Lola is emotionally unstable or insane.
Who could stop us babe
No one can come between us.
The world is ours yeah
We're in control and can do anything we want.
It's so good it feels criminal yeah
Our connection is intense and exhilarating.
She's gotta be criminal uh
It's so intense it must be wrong.
The way I keep killing you
I'm overwhelming you with my love and attention.
So dangerous
Our connection is risky and potentially harmful.
So good it feels criminal, uh
Our connection is intense and exhilarating.
This shit it's gotta be criminal, uh
It's so intense it must be wrong.
The way I keep killing you
I'm overwhelming you with my love and attention.
Oh, my love
An expression of affection and devotion.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Andrew Sitek, Miguel Jontel Pimentel, William Roberts
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Ja3Ogun
Duck duck goose LMAO!! (^_^)
I couldn't agree any more with Mandi's Motif. I been a fan since before Miguel became so mainstream and still love the creativity and character he brings to every show along with that contagious energy in performances. Can't wait to finally see him in a show here in NYC at the Barclay or Garden.
Keep doing ya thing bro. Many blessings and continued humbleness and positive energy which automatically brings the continued success.
Much love,
Jae
@maxi3495
Got a mind full of TNT
I need a lunatic just like me
Paint the sky with a brush fire, yeah
Like la la la la, la
I got a mind like Columbine, yeah
A vigilante, I'm volatile
I pick and choose like Duck Duck Goose
I'm close ties that you shouldn't cut loose
I just want someone that I can trust
Baby, is that you—is that us?
I know it's dicey
Oh, it's so good it feels criminal, ha
This shit's gotta be criminal, ha
The way I keep killing you
Though I'm dangerous, ha, yeah
It's so good it feels criminal, ah
This shit's gotta be criminal, ah
The way I keep killing you, yeah
She say, "Hello, hell, you're such a blessing"
I know, way too well, now I'm finessing, her
Just plead the fifth if you're ever questioned, girl
You see, I just want someone that I can trust
Baby, is that you—is that us?
I know I'm dicey
Oh, it's so good it feels criminal, ha
This shit's gotta be criminal, ha
The way I keep killing you
Though I'm dangerous, ha, yeah
It's so good it feels criminal, ah
This shit's gotta be criminal, ah
(Sometimes you just gonna lean on it)
The way I keep killing you, yeah
Conversations elevated when she fell in love
Stepping on her, said he did her like a dirty rug
Feeling played, underpaid, like she was Satchel Paige
Every day she had to find a way to find a way
Self-esteem is what emotions feed (Facts)
Dry land and get to travel the Seven Seas
Kaepernick of my city, little homie, take a knee
Taking you to places selfies get taken at least
Criminal thoughts (Boss), an angel in the flesh (Yes)
It feels like we floating when we really having sex (Yes!)
Her words be so potent, scribbled 'em on my chest (Yes)
Motivation is morning, shorty, and I confess
I'm holding you close, that's 'til the day I rest
I gave her a hundred, stuffed it all in her dress
Motion picture, we them young mogul niggas
Here's a toast to the ones who knew us before the riches
Gunplay, gunfire, grave death, stolen moments (Cheers)
5150 and lawless hearts
Raging and reckless
You know, love at loss
Summer nights summer stay ready with the getaway
5150 and lawless hearts
Who could stop us, babe?
The world is ours, yeah
I just want someone that I can trust
Is that you—is that us?
I know I'm dicey
Oh, it's so good it feels criminal, yeah
This shit's gotta be criminal
The way I keep killing you
You say I'm dangerous, ha, yeah
It's so good it feels criminal, ah
This shit's gotta be criminal, ah
The way I keep killing you, yeah
Miguel, it's going down in history once again (Oh, my love)
Oh, my love
Oh, my love
(Ooooah ooo, Ooooah ooo)
@ANTPHRESSH89
Conversations elevated when she fell in love
Sippin' on her, say he did her like a dirty rug
Feeling played underpaid, like she was Matthew Paige
Every day she had to find a way to find a way
Self esteem is what emotions feed
Dry land and get the travel to seven seas
Kaepernick of my city lil homie take a knee
Taking you to places selfies get taken the least
Criminal thoughts, an angel in the flesh
It feels like we floating when we really having sex (yes)
Her words be so potent scribbled them on my chest
Motivation is morning shorty, and I confess
I'm holding you closest that's till the day I rest
I gave her a hundred stuffed it all in her dress
Motion picture, we the young mobile niggas
Here's a toast to the ones who knew us before the riches
@stephanie1662
Got a mind full off TNT
I need a lunatic just like me
Paint the sky with a brush fire, yeah
Like la la la la, la
I got a mind like Colombine
Yeah, a vigilante I'm volatile uh
I pick and choose like duck duck goose
I'm close ties that you should cut loose
I just want someone that I can trust
Baby is that you, is that us?
I know it's dicey
Oh, so good it feels criminal, ha
So it's gotta be criminal, ha
The way I keep killing you
So dangerous
So good it feels criminal, ha
This shit it's gotta be criminal, uh
The way I keep killing you
Plain as heaven call it nine eleven
She say, hello, how you such a blessing
I know, we're too round now I'm finessing
Huh Just plead the fifth, if you ever questioned, girls
You see, I just want someone that I can trust
Baby is that you, is that us?
I know I'm dicey
Oh, so good it feels criminal, ha
So it's gotta be criminal, ha
The way I keep killing you
So dangerous
So good it feels criminal uh
This shit it's gotta be criminal, uh
The way I keep killing you
Conversations elevated when she fell in love
Sippin' on her, say he did her like a dirty rug
Feeling played underpaid, like she was Matthew Paige
Every day she had to find a way to find a way
Self esteem is what emotions feed
Dry land and get the travel to seven seas
Kaepernick of my city lil homie take a knee
Taking you to places selfies get taken the least
Criminal thoughts, an angel in the flesh
It feels like we floating when we really having sex (yes)
Her words be so potent scribbled them on my chest
Motivation is morning shorty, and I confess
I'm holding you closest that's till the day I rest
I gave her a hundred stuffed it all in her dress
Motion picture, we the young mobile niggas
Here's a toast to the ones who knew us before the riches
Love like gun fire grand theft stolen motor
Fifty one fifty in Lola's heart
Raging and reckless
She don't know love at last
Someone that's wanna stay, really with the getaway
Fifty one fifty in Lola's heart
Who could stop us babe
The world is ours yeah
I just want someone that I can trust
Is that you, is that us?
I know I'm dicey
It's so good it feels criminal yeah
She's gotta be criminal uh
The way I keep killing you
So dangerous
So good it feels criminal, uh
This shit it's gotta be criminal, uh
The way I keep killing you
Oh, my love
@thatgirlmani6894
This song came on in the car while I was driving with family in the city. One of the best experiences. Listening to this song in good weather with the windows down and the wind blowing in my face is something truly euphoric.
@christopherlewis7115
This song is so good it feels criminal. Miguel never lets us down.
@lankastai
I slept on Miguel since 2010,till
I heard this hot and infectious track
@laurened1978
I slept on him when he did his first album. I woke up when he did lotus w/ *wale*. To me, a child of the 80's, he's feeding me Prince vibes with his own touch. 😍😍
@lincolnoliveira3041
indepence
@mariahjasmine4626
Miguel deserves so much more recognition!
@dreamerof93
Mariah Jasmine he loves the music too much to be recognized. Most of these “artists” are sellouts
@thegreat8662
I love how he incorporates guitars into his music. The guitar in this song is so addictive
@Kali_7_41
I remember seeing him last year in March and the whole vibe was everything at his concert. Everybody was happy and relaxed.
@sixteen.candles.4644
I need to see him.