Brown was a star football quarterback at Mount Vernon High School in New York, but rejected an athletic scholarship to the University of Iowa to pursue a music career. In 1987, Quincy Jones selected Brown as the first winner of the Sony Innovators Talent Search. Subsequently, Brown went on to work with Jones on several projects, most notably the platinum single "Secret Garden" from Jones' double platinum album Back on the Block. On this recording, Brown was one of a quartet with Barry White, El DeBarge, and James Ingram.
His debut album from 1988, In Effect Mode, sold more than two million copies, topping the Billboard R&B chart for seven straight weeks. The album included his memorable single "Nite and Day", which topped the R&B singles chart and reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. He received numerous Grammy and American Music Award (AMA) nominations, and won an AMA for Best New R&B Artist. He also received several Soul Train Award nominations, and won the award for Best New Artist. He also won several New York Music Awards. In addition, Al's 900 phone line was third in generating revenue, following those for New Kids on the Block and Run-DMC.
As a writer and producer, Brown introduced the multi-platinum group Jodeci and teen R&B performer Tevin Campbell (also one of Quincy Jones's former protégés), as well as Faith Evans, Dave Hollister, Case, and Usher to the music scene.
On June 23, 2009, Al released his fourth studio album, Honey I'm Home. It features the hit song, "I Love It (Papi Aye Aye Aye)." The single peaked at #77 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart and at #22 Adult R&B.
Miss Understanding
Al B. Sure! Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why is it everytime I see your face
It's only when I got gas in my Chevy?
There's something strange about that...
What's up!!? (It's just a...)
Hook:
Missunderstanding I'm not so demanding
Missunderstanding I don't know
What you're planning
Never will you tear me apart
I know I must be dreaming,
All these brand new friends
And I've never seen such clever ways
To make amends
You never know who's scheming...
...Is she out for self?
Nowadays you've got to be protected
And it's not for health
Don't you know she drives me crazy...
...Does she like my walk
Or maybe all she knows is that money talks
(Money, money, money!)
It's a shame the way it is,
I really like her smile
I'd like to get to know her
'Cause she drives me wild!
Bridge:
Can you tell me why (hey) you need diamonds,
You need pearls
And I gotta buy 'em, oh I've got to buy 'em
Don't you know (don't you know) to be my lady
(To by my lady)
Drive my Mercedes (Drive my Mercedes)
Start giving me that lovin' hey
Hook (repeat)
Can't you read between the lines?
I never go for self
Should I try to sleep the lady
And misuse my wealth?
I don't know the times have changed,
I can't sell out
I grew up doing right and I won't throw it out!
Bridge (repeat)
Hook (repeat)
Yo Eddie F. are you in here? (Yeah!)
Ha ha ha yeah I thought so
Sounding swell you know what I'm saying? (Yeah!)
You know what time it is now right?
Nevelle...get funky!!!
Missunderstanding, missunderstanding
Missunderstanding, that's all it is
Hook (repeat)
The lyrics of Al B. Sure!'s "Miss Understanding" are about the confusion and uncertainty that comes with pursuing a woman. Al B. Sure! is unsure about the intentions of the woman and worried about getting his heart played with. He is also wary of her materialism and the possibility of someone scheming against him. Despite this, he cannot resist the woman's beauty, and he desires to get to know her better. The chorus, "Missunderstanding, I'm not so demanding, never will you play with my heart" reflects his hope that the woman is genuine and not trying to take advantage of him.
Throughout the song, there is a tension between the desire for love and the fear of being hurt. Al B. Sure! is searching for someone to be his "lady" and give him love, but he is also aware of the risks involved in relationships. The bridge emphasizes the woman's materialism and the expectations placed upon him as a man. However, he also asserts his own values and refuses to "sell out." The chorus is repeated throughout the song to emphasize the theme of misunderstanding and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Why is it everytime I see your face
It's only when I got gas in my Chevy?
I can't help but notice that you only show up when you think I have money or something else you want, which is suspicious...
Missunderstanding I'm not so demanding
Never will you play with my heart
Missunderstanding I don't know
What you're planning
Never will you tear me apart
I want you to know that I'm not asking for much, just some honesty and integrity because I can't handle being led on or hurt by you.
I know I must be dreaming,
All these brand new friends
And I've never seen such clever ways
To make amends
You never know who's scheming...
It's surreal to have so many new people in my life and they always seem to have an ulterior motive, which can make me paranoid...
...Is she out for self?
Nowadays you've got to be protected
And it's not for health
I'm questioning whether or not you really care about me or if you're just using me like everyone else seems to be doing. I have to be mindful now because this kind of treatment can be damaging.
Don't you know she drives me crazy...
...Does she like my walk
Or maybe all she knows is that money talks
(Money, money, money!)
It's a shame the way it is,
I really like her smile
I'd like to get to know her
'Cause she drives me wild!
She captivates me and I wonder if it's because of my physical appearance or my financial stability, which feels degrading to me. Nonetheless, I am drawn to her and want to know her better because of her charming demeanor.
Can you tell me why (hey) you need diamonds,
You need pearls
And I gotta buy 'em, oh I've got to buy 'em
Don't you know (don't you know) to be my lady
(To by my lady)
Drive my Mercedes (Drive my Mercedes)
Start giving me that lovin' hey
I don't understand why you need material possessions that I have to provide for you to be with me. Can't you just love me for me and not what I can give you?
Can't you read between the lines?
I never go for self
Should I try to sleep the lady
And misuse my wealth?
I don't know the times have changed,
I can't sell out
I grew up doing right and I won't throw it out!
I am not a selfish person and I question whether or not I should use my financial status to manipulate her to sleep with me, but I refuse to compromise my values and do the right thing instead of taking advantage of her.
Missunderstanding, missunderstanding
Missunderstanding, that's all it is
It appears that everything is just a misunderstanding and perhaps with some communication and clarity, we can resolve any issues between us.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALBERT JOSEPH III BROWN, ALBERT BROWN III, EDWARD O. FERRELL II, NEVELLE HODGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jay Wad
This should have been another hit on the billboard hot 100, pop charts & American top 40.
juniouswooley
This was a jam! Brings back good memories!
MARK WRIGHT
Love this jam.
Dale Traverso
THIS is the song that Quincy should have covered ..Night and Day deserved better
Gyo Martin
I wish I was 20 again
juniouswooley
I remember him losing weight for this video or come back.
Kiki
RIP Kim Porter. Beautiful Angel.... you were absolutely gorgeous in this video and in your life🌹🙏🏾
K. Delpino
That was her?!
Wow.
RIP🙏
Veronica N
Still in shock over Kim. The resemblance between the twins and her really show in this video. Kim loved all her kids and I pray that they get through this tragic loss 💔🌹.
Aliyah Christina
R.I.P Kim Porter🙏🏽❤️ such a beautiful angel