Musiq Soulchild was born and raised in Philadelphia and grew up with his family--including eight brothers and sister]. As a teenager, he began plans for a career in music. He released his debut album, ''Aijuswanaseing'' (read: "I Just Want to Sing"), in 2000, which was well-received by critics and audiences. Musiq did much of his own songwriting, and most of the record was produced and co-written by Ivan "Orthodox" Barias and Carvin "Ransum" Haggins, then of the A Touch of Jazz production company headed by Jazzy Jeff, now of Karma Productions. The singles "Just Friends (Sunny)", "Love", and "Girl Next Door" received exposure in America mainly on the more underground music video network, MTV2, as well as on BET. His singles also received a good amount of airplay on urban and urban contemporary radio stations.
In 2002, he released his sophomore album, ''Juslisen'' (read: "Just Listen"), as simply ''Musiq''. He had continued urban and MTV2 success with its singles, "halfcrazy" and "dontchange", the former of which was one of the most played music videos on MTV2 in the summer of 2002 and during the year overall. Both videos also got substantial play during the year on VH1 Soul. The singles had heavily amounts of airplay on both urban and urban contemporary radio sations in 2002. He also gained exposure during that year by opening concerts for Alicia Keys.
In late 2002, Musiq contributed guest vocals to "Break You Off", the first single from The Roots' ''Phrenology'' album. Once again, its video got heavy play on MTV2 and VH1 Soul, as well as on MTV Jams. He also appeared in Santana's song "Nothing at All" which is featured in his 2002 album ''Shaman''.
In 2003, the singles and videos "forthenight" and "whoknows" from his third LP, ''Soulstar''. "forthenight" was one of VH1 Soul's most played videos of 2004, and also had a very successful run on American urban radio stations.
Recently, Musiq Soulchild (who has added the "Soulchild" to his moniker again) has parted ways with Def Soul and has signed with Atlantic Records. A new Musiq Soulchild album is slated for a spring 2007 release. He will be making guest appearances on rapper Lloyd Banks's ''Rotten Apple'', Talib Kweli "Eardrum", Black Ice "The Death of Willie Lynch", pay tribute to Soul music legends Earth Wind and Fire and appear on the soundtrack "Daddy's Little Girls".
Musiq Soulchild released his debut album, Aijuswanaseing (I Just Want to Sing), in 2000, which included the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop single, "Just Friends (Sunny)". Musiq's second single, "Love", spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Musiq’s sophomore album, 2002's Juslisen (Just Listen), debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Charts and went platinum; "Halfcrazy" and "Dontchange". In 2003, Musiq released his 3rd album, Soulstar. It included the singles "Forthenight" and "Whoknows".
After a four year break and changing his management to Solqi Management and his record label to Atlantic Records, in 2007, Musiq's released his fourth album Luvanmusiq (Love and Music) which included the singles "B.U.D.D.Y.", "Teachme", and "Makeyouhappy". His fifth album OnMyRadio was released on December 2, 2008. The lead single, "Radio" has posted on both Musiq's MySpace page and official website.
Musiq Soulchild has had 2 platinum albums, 2 gold albums and 7 hit singles. He has received awards from Billboard, BET, ASCAP, BMI, and Soul Train. Musiq has also earned award nominations from MTV, American Music Awards, NAACP, and 9 Grammy nominations, including 3 for his 2007 album Luvanmusiq. Besides being a successful recording artist, Musiq is notable for his creative and unique way of titling his albums and songs by ignoring the rules of capitalization, punctuation and spelling.
He recently performed at the Antigua & Barbuda first Romantic Rhythms Music Festival in the Caribbean which was held from June 12-15,2008 which features legendary artists such as Kenny Rogers, Brian McKnight, Lionel Richie, Keyshia Cole, Maxi Priest, Destra, Heather Headly, Shaggy and many other local artist from the island including The Burning Flames.
He has also made guest appearances on rapper Lloyd Banks's album Rotten Apple, Talib Kweli's Eardrum, The Roots's Phrenology (album), Black Ice's The Death of Willie Lynch and pays tribute to soul music legends Earth Wind and Fire, appearing on the soundtrack to Tyler Perry's movie Daddy's Little Girls. And Ice Cube announced that Musiq will appear on his upcoming album, Raw Footage. He also lent a song from his latest album Luvanmusiq to the soundtrack for Perry's later movie Why Did I Get Married?. He then recorded a remake of Arrested Development's song "People Everyday" with British rapper Estelle for the soundtrack to Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns entitled "People Everyday (Metamorphosis Mix)".
Outside of music, he has been featured in television and print ads for McDonald's, Nike, Inc., Coca-Cola, Levi Strauss & Co. and The Gap. He also made a special appearance in The CW's #1 comedy The Game on Monday, October 29, 2007.
If I Woulda Knew
Musiq Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And asked me what was up with you
(What's going on girl?)
And I never thought in my wildest dreams
That I'd be bumping into you
(Like this, like this)
You're still glowing like a ray of light
I must say you look fine, so fine
Maybe someday we'll share sometime
That's if you don't mind
If I would've knew
The girl next door would've been you
I would've been nice to you and kind to you
Would've shared my world
'Cause by now we'd be in love, yeah
If I would've knew
The girl next door would've been you
I would've been nice to you and kind to you
Would've shared my world
'Cause by now we'd be in love, yeah
Just the other day my girl mentioned your name
And asked me what was up with you
(So what's been up with you?)
And I never thought I'd see you again
Ever since I heard you move
[Incomprehensible]
Yes, they're rolling like a paradise
Plus I had a crush on you since junior high
I can't forget, you looked fly, so fly
Just let me know the day in time
When things will be alright
'Cause if I would've knew
The boy next door would've been you
I would've been nice to you and kind to you
Would've shared my world
'Cause now by now we'd be in love, yeah, yeah
If I would've knew
The boy next door would've been you
I would've been nice to you and kind to you
Would've shared my world
'Cause by now we'd be in love, yeah, yeah
I'm kinda glad that I had a chance to see you again
So before we bounce, I hope that, huh
We can be more than just friends
Without a doubt I'm sure
That you and I can work something out
So here's the number to the crib
Why don't you call me tonight
If I would've knew
The girl next door would've been you
I would've been nice to you and kind to you
Would've shared my world
'Cause by now we'd be in love, yeah
If I would've knew
The boy next door would've been you
I would've been nice to you and kind to you
Would've shared my world
'Cause by now we'd be in love, yeah, yeah
If I would've knew
The girl next door would have been you
I would've been nice to you and kind to you
Would've shared my world
'Cause by now we'd be in love, yeah
If I would've knew
The boy next door would've been you
The song "If I Woulda Knew" by Musiq is a reflection on missed opportunities and the possibility of what could have been. The opening lines describe a chance encounter with someone the singer used to know, and the lyrics go on to express regret for not being kinder to this person in the past. The chorus repeats the idea that if the singer had known who this person would become, they would have treated them differently and possibly even fallen in love with them. The second verse echoes this sentiment, with the singer describing their own admiration for this person and expressing a desire to see them again. The song ends on an optimistic note, with the singer giving their phone number and hoping they can start something more than just friendship.
Overall, "If I Woulda Knew" is a heartfelt exploration of the idea of missed chances and the lingering emotional impact of our past interactions with others. The lyrics touch on themes of regret, desire, and the hope that things can still work out despite past mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
Just the other day my man mentioned your name
Recently, my male friend brought up your name in conversation.
And asked me what was up with you
He inquired about how you've been doing.
(What's going on girl?)
(He asked me, 'What's going on, girl?')
And I never thought in my wildest dreams
I never imagined or anticipated that I would come across you again or have a chance to interact with you.
That I'd be bumping into you
I never expected to run into or encounter you.
(Like this, like this)
(In this manner, unexpectedly)
You're still glowing like a ray of light
You continue to radiate beauty and warmth like a beam of light.
Gotta a little thicker in your hips and thigh
Your physique has undergone some changes and you've gained a bit more weight in certain areas.
I must say you look fine, so fine
I have to compliment you and reiterate how attractive you appear.
Maybe someday we'll share sometime
Perhaps we might have the opportunity to spend time together or get to know each other better.
That's if you don't mind
Of course, only if it's alright with you or if you're interested.
If I would've knew
If only I had known or been aware.
The girl next door would've been you
If I had realized that you were my neighbor and lived close by.
I would've been nice to you and kind to you
I would have treated you with more warmth, kindness, and respect.
Would've shared my world
I would have opened up more and allowed you to be a part of my life, letting you see who I truly am and what I care about.
'Cause by now we'd be in love, yeah
If things had gone differently and I had acted differently, there's a chance that we might be in a romantic relationship by now.
Just the other day my girl mentioned your name
Recently, my female friend brought up your name in conversation.
And asked me what was up with you
She inquired about how you've been doing.
(So what's been up with you?)
(She asked me, 'What's been up with you?')
And I never thought I'd see you again
I never anticipated having the chance to encounter you or interact with you again.
Ever since I heard you move
After you relocated or the last time you shifted locations.
[Incomprehensible]
Yes, they're rolling like a paradise
Your eyes are moving or rolling like a serene and beautiful place, like a paradise.
Plus I had a crush on you since junior high
I've harbored feelings of admiration and attraction towards you since our teenage years or since we were in junior high school.
I can't forget, you looked fly, so fly
I'll never forget or let go of the memory of how stunningly attractive and captivating you appeared back then.
Just let me know the day in time
Please inform me or give me details of when we can meet or spend time together.
When things will be alright
When the situation or circumstances will be favorable, convenient, or comfortable for both of us.
'Cause if I would've knew
Because if I had only known or been aware.
The boy next door would've been you
If only I had realized that the neighbor who lived next to me was you all along.
I would've been nice to you and kind to you
I would have treated you with more warmth, kindness, and respect.
Would've shared my world
I would have opened up more and allowed you to be a part of my life, letting you see who I truly am and what I care about.
'Cause now by now we'd be in love, yeah, yeah
If things had gone differently and I had acted differently, there's a chance that we might be in a romantic relationship by now.
I'm kinda glad that I had a chance to see you again
I'm feeling somewhat grateful or pleased that I've had the opportunity to come across you again or interact with you after all these years.
So before we bounce, I hope that, huh
Before we leave or go our separate ways, I'm hoping that, well,
We can be more than just friends
We have the potential or possibility to be romantically involved or to share something deeper and more meaningful than just friendship.
Without a doubt I'm sure
I am completely and absolutely certain or confident.
That you and I can work something out
I believe that we have the potential or ability to come to an agreement or arrangement that will benefit both of us.
So here's the number to the crib
Here's my phone number or contact information so that you can reach me.
Why don't you call me tonight
Would you like to give me a call later today or this evening?
If I would've knew
If only I had known or been aware.
The girl next door would've been you
If I had realized that you were my neighbor and lived close by.
I would've been nice to you and kind to you
I would have treated you with more warmth, kindness, and respect.
Would've shared my world
I would have opened up more and allowed you to be a part of my life, letting you see who I truly am and what I care about.
'Cause by now we'd be in love, yeah
If things had gone differently and I had acted differently, there's a chance that we might be in a romantic relationship by now.
If I would've knew
If only I had known or been aware.
The boy next door would've been you
If only I had realized that the neighbor who lived next to me was you all along.
I would've been nice to you and kind to you
I would have treated you with more warmth, kindness, and respect.
Would've shared my world
I would have opened up more and allowed you to be a part of my life, letting you see who I truly am and what I care about.
'Cause by now we'd be in love, yeah, yeah
If things had gone differently and I had acted differently, there's a chance that we might be in a romantic relationship by now.
If I would've knew
If only I had known or been aware.
The girl next door would have been you
If I had realized that you were my neighbor and lived close by.
I would've been nice to you and kind to you
I would have treated you with more warmth, kindness, and respect.
Would've shared my world
I would have opened up more and allowed you to be a part of my life, letting you see who I truly am and what I care about.
'Cause by now we'd be in love, yeah
If things had gone differently and I had acted differently, there's a chance that we might be in a romantic relationship by now.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CARVIN HAGGINS, TAALIB JOHNSON, JILL H. SCOTT, MARK D. DEBARGE, ETTERLENE JORDAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind