Mims graduated High School and enrolled at Nassau Community College. He left the institution after a mere two months of classes to pursue a career in rap music. He began spending time in Harlem with Cam'ron as an acquaintance. In 2001, he was discovered by Quincy S/Duq Entertainment and soon after featured on a Canadian compilation entitled Private Party Collectors Edition Vol. 2, by Baby Blue Soundcrew. His guest appearance on the single "Love Em' All", alongside Choclair, enabled him to be recognized in Canada. The music video was nominated for a MMVA award. This song was never officially released in the United States. Mims also released his own single entitled "L.O.V.E." which was commercially unsuccessful.
Soon after his recognition in Canada, he would gain connections with Blackout Movement. He would release his first U.S. Single, "I Did You Wrong" gaining modest momemtum across the United States. This would not be enough to finalize a legitimate record deal for the artist. In 2006, He began to record tracks for Latin hip hop label Urban Box Office. He decided that it would be in his best interests to structure his own label situation. He would create American King Music alongside business partners Corey Llewellyn & Erik Mendelson.
Mims released "This Is Why I'm Hot" which gained respectable momemtum across the country as a direct result of his immediate camp and company. This created much attention for Mims as labels that had previously turned him down began to show interest. Following meetings with EMI mainly Capitol Records, Mims decided to sign his American King Music imprint with the company in November of 2006.
He immediately began to work on his debut album, Music Is My Savior emphasizing that Capitol Records understood him and his aspirations. During the summer of 2007, Mims released his second single, "Like This. The song became a minor hit on the radio. Also released from the album was "Just Like That.
Mims released his second effort on April 7, 2009, titled "Guilt". In October 2008, "Move (If You Wanna)" became the first official single from Mims' new album, peaking at #63 on the Hot 100 charts. The second single was released to radio alongside his album on April 7, 2009, entitled "Love Rollercoaster" featuring LeToya Luckett.
This Is Why I'm Hot
Mims Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is why I'm hot (hot) (yeah)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (uh)
This is why I'm hot (hot)
This is why I'm hot (hot) (woo)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (hot)
You ain't 'cause you not (not)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (hot)
I'm hot 'cause I'm fly (fly)
You ain't 'cause you not (Mims)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (hot)
This is why I'm hot, I don't gotta rap
I could sell a mil' sayin' nothin' on the track
I represent New York, I got it on my back
Niggas say that we lost it, so I'ma bring it back
I love the Dirty Dirty, 'cause niggas show me love
The ladies start to bounce as soon as I hit the club
But in the Midwest, they love to take it slow
So when I hit the H, I watch 'em (get it on the flo')
And if you need it hyphy, I'll take it to the Bay
'Frisco to Sac-Town, they do it everyday
Compton to Hollywood, soon as I hit LA
I'm in the low-low, I do it the Cali way (woo)
And when I hit the Chi', people tell me that I'm fly
They love the way I dress, they like my attire
They love how I move crowds from side-to-side
They ask me how I do it and simply I reply
This is why I'm hot (hot)
This is why I'm hot (hot) (yeah)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (uh)
This is why I'm hot (hot)
This is why I'm hot (hot) (woo)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (hot)
I'm hot 'cause I'm fly (fly)
You ain't 'cause you not (not)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (hot)
I'm hot 'cause I'm fly (fly)
You ain't 'cause you not (Mims)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (hot)
This is why I'm hot, catch me on the block
Every other day, another bitch, another drop
Sixteen bars, twenty-four a pop
Forty-four a song, nigga gimme what you got
I'm into drivin' cars, fresh up off the lot
I'm into shuttin' stores down just so I could shop
If you need a bird, I could get it chopped
Tell me what you need, you know I get 'em by the flock
I call my homie Black, meet me on the Ave
I hit Wash' Heights with the money in the bag
We into big spendin', see my pimpin' never drag
Find me with different women that you niggas never had
For those who say they know me, know I'm focused on my cream
Playa, you come between, you better focus on the beam
I keep it so mean, the way you seen me lean
And when I say I'm hot, my nigga this is what I mean
This is why I'm hot (hot)
This is why I'm hot (hot) (yeah)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (uh)
This is why I'm hot (hot)
This is why I'm hot (hot) (woo)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (hot)
I'm hot 'cause I'm fly (fly)
You ain't 'cause you not (not)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (hot)
I'm hot 'cause I'm fly (fly)
You ain't 'cause you not (Mims)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (hot)
This is why I'm hot, shorty see the drop
Asked me what I paid, and I say, "Yeah, I paid a guap"
And then I hit the switch, that take away the top
So chicks around the way, they call me Cream of the Crop
They hop in the car, I tell 'em, "All aboard"
We hit the studio, they say they like how I record
I gave 'em "Black Train" and "I Did You Wrong"
So every time I see them, they tell me that's their song
They say I'm the bomb, they love the way the charm
Hangin' from the neck and compliments the arm
Which compliments the ear, then comes the gear (woo)
So when I hit the room, the shorties stop and stare
Niggas start to hate, rearrange they face
But little do they know, I keep them thangs by waist side
I reply, nobody got to die
Similar to Lil' Weez' 'cause I got the fire
This is why I'm hot (hot)
This is why I'm hot (hot) (yeah)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (uh)
This is why I'm hot (hot)
This is why I'm hot (hot) (woo)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (hot)
I'm hot 'cause I'm fly (fly)
You ain't 'cause you not (not)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (hot)
I'm hot 'cause I'm fly (fly)
You ain't 'cause you not (Mims)
This is why, this is why
This is why I'm hot (hot)
The song "This is Why I'm Hot" by Mims is a catchy track that celebrates the artist's rising success in the music industry as well as his dominance in New York City. The song is also a subtle diss track aimed at other rappers in the game who have not achieved the same level of success as Mims. The chorus of the song, "I'm hot 'cause I'm fly, you ain't 'cause you not," serves as a message to those who cannot replicate Mims' success. The lyrics are cleverly written, capturing Mims' unique rhyme style, which is a fusion of New York rap and Southern rap, while the chorus is repeated throughout the song to create an unforgettable hook.
The first verse of the song is a boastful declaration of Mims' talent, success, and love for New York. Instead of rapping about the usual topics in the rap game, Mims raps about his ability to sell a million records without even rapping. He implies that his music is so good that he doesn't even need to showcase his lyrical prowess to be successful. He also proudly represents New York City and vows to bring back the city's rap scene, which he feels has lost its touch. In the second verse, he talks about his success in various other cities, including the Midwest, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles. He maintains that his popularity is not just limited to New York but extends throughout the country.
In terms of the significance of the song, "This is Why I'm Hot" is Mims' biggest hit to date and is considered a classic party anthem. The song was released in 2006 and quickly gained popularity, especially on radio stations across the US. The track became so popular that it charted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Mims the first New York rapper to achieve this success since Jay-Z's hit single "Empire State of Mind." The song's success helped Mims secure a record deal with Capitol Records, leading to the release of his debut album, "Music Is My Savior."
Line by Line Meaning
This is why I'm hot (hot)
I am successful and popular.
This is why I'm hot (hot) (yeah)
I am successful and popular, unapologetically.
This is why, this is why
I am about to explain why I am hot.
This is why I'm hot (uh)
I am hot for the following reasons.
This is why I'm hot (hot) (woo)
I am hot, and it's exciting.
I'm hot 'cause I'm fly (fly)
I am hot because of my confidence and style.
You ain't 'cause you not (not)
You are not hot because you lack what I have.
You ain't 'cause you not (Mims)
You are not hot, in contrast to me.
This is why I'm hot, I don't gotta rap
I am hot because I have other ways of being successful than just rapping.
I could sell a mil' sayin' nothin' on the track
I am so successful that I could sell a million records without even rapping much.
I represent New York, I got it on my back
I am a successful representative of New York City, and I carry that responsibility with pride.
Niggas say that we lost it, so I'ma bring it back
People claim that New York City's music scene is not as good as it used to be, but I plan to bring it back to its former glory.
I love the Dirty Dirty, 'cause niggas show me love
I enjoy going to the southern U.S. states, because I am welcomed with love and respect.
The ladies start to bounce as soon as I hit the club
The women in the club immediately start dancing when I arrive.
But in the Midwest, they love to take it slow
In the Midwest U.S. states, people tend to be more relaxed and laid-back in their approach to music, dance, and life in general.
So when I hit the H, I watch 'em (get it on the flo')
When I go to Houston, I like to watch the women dance on the floor.
And if you need it hyphy, I'll take it to the Bay
If you need energetic and wild music and dance (hyphy), I can take you to the San Francisco Bay Area.
'Frisco to Sac-Town, they do it everyday
From San Francisco to Sacramento, the hyphy lifestyle is prevalent and celebrated every day.
Compton to Hollywood, soon as I hit LA
As soon as I arrive in Los Angeles, from Compton to Hollywood, people know who I am.
I'm in the low-low, I do it the Cali way (woo)
When I'm in California, I drive a lowrider car, and do things the California way.
And when I hit the Chi', people tell me that I'm fly
When I go to Chicago, people say that I am cool and stylish.
They love the way I dress, they like my attire
People appreciate my fashion sense and clothing style.
They love how I move crowds from side-to-side
People enjoy the way I perform and entertain them, making them dance from side to side.
They ask me how I do it and simply I reply
When people ask me how I am able to be so successful, I just tell them that it's easy.
This is why I'm hot, catch me on the block
This is why I am successful and popular, find me in the neighborhood.
Every other day, another bitch, another drop
Every other day, I have a new woman and a new car.
Sixteen bars, twenty-four a pop
I can write lyrics quickly and efficiently, making me more money per song.
Forty-four a song, nigga gimme what you got
I make a lot of money per song, so give me your best shot.
I'm into drivin' cars, fresh up off the lot
I enjoy driving new cars.
I'm into shuttin' stores down just so I could shop
I am so rich that I can close down stores just to buy their products in private.
If you need a bird, I could get it chopped
If you need drugs, I can arrange for them to be prepared for you.
Tell me what you need, you know I get 'em by the flock
Just tell me what you need, and I can get it for you in large amounts.
I call my homie Black, meet me on the Ave
I call my friend Black, and we meet on the avenue to do something together.
I hit Wash' Heights with the money in the bag
I go to Washington Heights, a neighborhood in New York City, carrying money with me.
We into big spendin', see my pimpin' never drag
We spend a lot of money, and I am always able to maintain my confident and stylish demeanor.
Find me with different women that you niggas never had
I date many women, and you have probably not met any as attractive as mine.
For those who say they know me, know I'm focused on my cream
For those who claim to know me, they are aware that I am working hard to make more money.
Playa, you come between, you better focus on the beam
If anyone interferes with my work, they need to be careful and stay focused.
I keep it so mean, the way you seen me lean
I am always confident, and people can see it in the way I lean and carry myself.
And when I say I'm hot, my nigga this is what I mean
When I describe myself as hot, this is what I am talking about.
This is why I'm hot, shorty see the drop
This is why I am successful and popular, people can see my nice car.
Asked me what I paid, and I say, "Yeah, I paid a guap"
Someone asked me how much I spent, and I replied that it was expensive.
And then I hit the switch, that take away the top
I can press a button to remove the roof of my car.
So chicks around the way, they call me Cream of the Crop
Women from my neighborhood think highly of me and call me the best.
They hop in the car, I tell 'em, "All aboard"
The women get into my car, and I invite them to enjoy the ride.
We hit the studio, they say they like how I record
We go to the recording studio, and the women like the songs I make.
I gave 'em "Black Train" and "I Did You Wrong"
I performed the songs "Black Train" and "I Did You Wrong" for the women.
So every time I see them, they tell me that's their song
Every time I see these women, they say that those songs remind them of me.
They say I'm the bomb, they love the way the charm
They think that I am amazing, and they love the way I talk to them.
Hangin' from the neck and compliments the arm
They are impressed by my jewelry, especially the necklace hanging from my neck.
Which compliments the ear, then comes the gear (woo)
My ear piercings match the necklace, and then I wear fashionable clothes.
So when I hit the room, the shorties stop and stare
When I enter a room, women are immediately attracted to me and stare at me.
Niggas start to hate, rearrange they face
Other men in the room become jealous and angry and make faces at me.
But little do they know, I keep them thangs by waist side
But those men do not know that I have weapons (guns) hidden by my waist.
I reply, nobody got to die
I reassure everyone that nobody will get hurt.
Similar to Lil' Weez' 'cause I got the fire
Just like rapper Lil Wayne, I am on fire (successful and popular).
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Charles Williams, Curtis Lundy, Danny Schofield, Darryl Mcdaniels, Earl Stevens, Jonathan Smith, Joseph Simmons, Leon Haywood, Shawn Mims, Thomas Simons Jr., Winston Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rockgod131
By far one of the most elevated works of the 21st century. The thesis of this piece is these two statements:
1) I am hot because I am fly
2) You ain't because you not*
*notice how he doesn't specify if you ain't (fly) because you ain't (hot) or you ain't (hot) because you ain't (fly). I think he's implying that flyness implies hotness and vice-versa, therefore the statement (hot)' <--> (fly)' is a tautology.
This of course immediately raises several philosophical questions.
-If someone is fly and no one is around to see it, are they still hot?
-Is this why penguins cannot fly, because they are not hot enough? If we became hotter, could we naturally develop the power of flight?
-How does one acquire flyness? Are they born with it? Is Mims saying that the categorization of people as "hot" or "not hot" is some form of new-age discrimination?
I am a mere mortal and will of course never understand the complexities of Mims' mind because he is on a higher plane of enlightenment than I. I can only marvel at the ingenuity of the absolute masterpiece of the ages. Well done, sir. Shakespeare would have put his pen down and never wrote again.
@CollinAbroadcast
He's hot cause he's fly? I ain't cause I'm not?
@MultiGotch
correct
@redbigapplefloppa302
thats what they say
@illskill6
Yes.
@witchcraftwill7576
Yup
@kardrey100
yeah thats what he said
@funnyfack9854
As a 28 year-old this was very nostalgic for me
@FLxAD
Same
@michelleworks415
Same
@LucianUmbrarescu1994
I just remembered that I will turn 28 this year and now I am the nostalgic one... emotional damage