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.
Millionaire
Musiq Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So I would never have to wait at the gate
I could've checked in a five-star palace
And would've got the whole floor for my stay
And if I really, really, really wanted to
Print my own money, with my own face, in my own state, like Prince Akim
Living like a king, but my heart said...
(Wait) - don't settle for whatever, just
(Wait) for someone that can bring me everything I want and need
[Chorus]
(If I had) a dollar every time I heard a 'yes', I would be
(A millionaire), but I'd settle for whatever as long as I could get with (you)
I'll settle for a maybe (from you)
Even an 'I'll think about it, baby' ('cause you)
Looking at you got me acting all crazy
But I'd settle for whatever as long as I could get with (you)
I could have had some drawls on call, y'all
I'm talking one for every day of the week, even on Mondays
Would have been crazy and stayed the same up till Friday (don't forget the weekends)
I mean, really, really honestly and true could have been someone you'd love to hate
But it's okay (girl, I'm not that way)
'Cause every time I'd try to be
Something just kept telling me...
(Wait) for something just a little better
(Wait) - don't settle for whatever, just
(Wait) for someone that can bring me everything I want and need
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
(I mean) I mean it, baby
(For less) I'd settle for less
(Don't need) I'm so serious, lady
(A 'yes') said, I don't need a yes
(Maybe) maybe you should give this
(A try) a try
(You never know)
'Cause you never know, and I'm tryin' to find out with you 'cause
[Chorus]
In Musiq's song Millionaire, the artist reflects on the material possessions and luxuries he could have attained with his success, such as owning a G4 plane or staying in a five-star hotel. However, he decides to wait for something better, specifically a meaningful relationship that can fulfill his wants and needs. Musiq highlights the importance of not settling for anything less than what one deserves, even when it comes to love, and trusting one's heart to guide them towards what is best.
The chorus of the song introduces the concept of being a millionaire, but Musiq plays with the idea and changes it to being a millionaire in love, which is something he desires more than monetary success. He mentions that even a simple "maybe" from the person he loves is enough for him to be content.
Overall, Millionaire is a commentary on society's obsession with wealth and material possessions, and how true happiness can only be found in meaningful relationships and genuine connections with others.
Line by Line Meaning
I could've bought me a G4 by now
I could have purchased a luxury private jet by now
So I would never have to wait at the gate
So that I would bypass standard air travel procedures
I could've checked in a five-star palace
I could have booked a five-star hotel suite
And would've got the whole floor for my stay
And secured the entire floor for my exclusive occupancy during my stay
And if I really, really, really wanted to
And if I were to go further and take more extraordinary measures
Print my own money, with my own face, in my own state, like Prince Akim
Create my own money with my face on it, like a fictional, wealthy character from a popular movie
Living like a king, but my heart said...
Living an opulent lifestyle, but my conscience advised me
(Wait) for something just a little better
Delay decisions until an improved opportunity arises
(Wait) - don't settle for whatever, just
Wait and not compromise when making a choice
(Wait) for someone that can bring me everything I want and need
Wait for the right person who can fulfill my desires and necessities
(If I had) a dollar every time I heard a 'yes', I would be
If I received a dollar every time someone responded positively, I would be
(A millionaire), but I'd settle for whatever as long as I could get with (you)
A person with a net worth of over a million dollars, but willing to accept anything as long as I am with you
I'll settle for a maybe (from you)
I'll accept a potential positive response from you
Even an 'I'll think about it, baby' ('cause you)
Even a response of contemplation, because you
Looking at you got me acting all crazy
Your presence triggers irrational behavior
But I'd settle for whatever as long as I could get with (you)
However, I am willing to compromise as long as we can be together
I could have had some drawls on call, y'all
I could have had multiple women readily available
I'm talking one for every day of the week, even on Mondays
I'm referring to a different woman for every day of the week, even on Mondays
Would have been crazy and stayed the same up till Friday (don't forget the weekends)
If I had pursued the idea, I would have been wild until Friday, and through the weekends
I mean, really, really honestly and true could have been someone you'd love to hate
I could have been someone incredibly impressive, and you would have loved to have resentment for me
But it's okay (girl, I'm not that way)
But, it's alright because that is not my disposition
Every time I'd try to be
Whenever I tried to become
(Wait) for something just a little better
Delay decisions until an improved opportunity arises
(Wait) - don't settle for whatever, just
Wait and not compromise when making a choice
(Wait) for someone that can bring me everything I want and need
Wait for the right person who can fulfill my desires and necessities
(I mean) I mean it, baby
I am sincere, my dear
(For less) I'd settle for less
I am willing to accept an inferior option
(Don't need) I'm so serious, lady
I'm profound about this, ma'am
(A 'yes') said, I don't need a yes
If you responded positively, I wouldn't require it
(Maybe) maybe you should give this
Perhaps, you should give this a chance
(A try) a try
An attempt
(You never know)
The possibilities are vast
('Cause you never know, and I'm tryin' to find out with you 'cause)
(Because, you never know, and I am attempting to discover together with you)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: THERON OTIS FEEMSTER, MARC JOSEPH GORDON, HAROLD SPENCER JR LILLY, HAROLD LILLY JR, MUSIQ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind