In 1992, Harris got a big break when she won the grand prize in a local rap contest sponsored by Yo! MTV Raps. For the prize, she got to meet Kris Kross, and they in turn introduced her to their producer, Jermaine Dupri, who signed her to his So So Def label. Dupri cultivated Da Brat's image as a "female Snoop Doggy Dogg", and she became one of the first female "reality-based" rappers.
Da Brat's debut album Funkdafied was released in 1994 and entered the rap albums chart at Number #1. The album went platinum, which made her the first female solo rapper to sell one million units. The single also entitled "Funkdafied" reached #1 on the rap singles chart and #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. She had a follow-up hit from the same album, "Give It 2 You", which reached #26 on the Hot 100.
In 1996, Da Brat released her second full-length album, Anuthatantrum, which included the single "Ghetto Love" featuring T-Boz of TLC.
During the rest of the '90s, Da Brat came to be known more for her "featured" appearances on other rappers' and R&B singers' albums rather than for her own solo work. She contributed a rhyme to the hip hop remix of Mariah Carey's hit, "Always Be My Baby". She also made her feature film debut that year in Kazaam with Shaquille O'Neal. During the summer of 1997, Da Brat appeared along with Dupri on a remix of Carey's "Honey (So So Def mix)" and recorded the hit remix of "Ladies' Night (Not Tonight)" with Lil' Kim, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Angie Martinez and Missy Elliott. Da Brat was also featured with Kris Kross on their track "Da Bomb" on the album Da Bomb, as well as on their third album Young, Rich and Dangerous.
In 1997, she was featured on "Sock It 2 Me", a track on Missy Elliott's debut album, Supa Dupa Fly. In 1999, she appeared, alongside Krayzie Bone, on the remix to Mariah Carey's cover of Brenda K. Starr's "I Still Believe". She also appeared as a guest artist with Elliott on Carey's remix of "Heartbreaker", and on the remix of Brandy's "U Don't Know Me (Like U Used To)". That year, she was also featured on a remix of the Destiny's Child single "Jumpin', Jumpin'".
In early 2000, Da Brat released her third full-length album Unrestricted, which produced the moderately successful singles "That's What I'm Looking For" (U.S. #56) and "What Chu Like" (U.S. #26), featuring soul singer, Tyrese. The album was not well received compared to Brat's earlier work. However, the new album and new millennium did inspire an image makeover for Da Brat. Abandoning her "gangsta" persona, she decided to follow the trend in popular music and attempted to add to her sex appeal; the video for "What Chu Like" featured Da Brat and Tyrese rolling around naked on a beach.
In 2001, Brat continued her trend of being featured on other artist's remixes, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart along with rapper Ludacris on the main remix of Mariah Carey's "Loverboy" and being featured artist on Destiny's Child's "Survivor" remix. Da Brat also appeared as Louise in Carey's 2001 movie Glitter. In 2003, Brat released her fourth album, titled Limelite, Luv & Niteclubz, and appeared on the 4th season of VH1's The Surreal Life.
In 2001, Da Brat pleaded guilty to misdemeanor reckless conduct after she had beaten a woman with a gun during a dispute over VIP seating in a Buckhead, Georgia, nightclub in 2000. The victim in that incident received six stitches for a head wound. Harris ended up serving a year's probation, performed 80 hours of community service and paid a $1,000 fine.
In 2005, she made a comeback of sorts when she was featured on the remix to the song "I Think They Like Me," by Dem Franchize Boyz, which also featured Bow Wow and Jermaine Dupri. The song peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart and #15 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2006, she was an onstage guest on Mariah Carey's The Adventures of Mimi Tour in Atlanta, New York City, Long Island, Washington DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles performing her rap verses on the "Heartbreaker" and "Honey" remixes. She was also featured on Kelly Rowland's "Gotsta Go", a bonus track from her 2007 album Ms. Kelly and is also featured on a bonus track from Carey's E=MC² on a track entitled "4real4real". She also co-wrote a song with Mariah Carey called "O.O.C." which appears on E=MC² and contributes backing vocals on the track.In 2007, she participated in the fifth season of the VH1 reality series Celebrity Fit Club.
On October 31, 2007, she was involved in the altercation that ended in assault at a Halloween party at Studio 72 nightclub in Tucker, Georgia. Harris sparred verbally with a hostess, and later, when the hostess proceeded to talk to her manager, Harris attacked her from behind, striking her in the face with a rum bottle. Harris entered a guilty plea to aggravated assault charges. She was sentenced to three years in prison, seven years of probation, and 200 hours of community service. In May 2010 she was released from prison after serving 21 months.
Chuch
Da Brat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I keep em jumpin jumpin stayin funky funky for you.
Whether prada, gucci, versacci, my coochie drain in la pera.
Got watches like liberacci.
From my head to my stockings,
I promise to rock this and keep it poppin.
Ain't no stoppin me, naw, 'cause I'm on fire like a cigarette.
Get higher when the beat quick nigga we hit.
Recently, I've been eliminating haters hippocrits.
When they see on the street with the screaming whip.
It's hard to not hate, so don't even trip, 'cause I'm chuch.
[Chorus:Cee-lo and Da Brat]
If you see me when I come around (That's Chuch!)
Breakin all these hoes down (That's chuch!)
Got Cadillacs and Bentlys ahh (That's chuch!)
Got Money to the ceiling ya'll (That's chuch!)
Everywhere I go they scream (That's chuch!)
Everybody say it now. (That's chuch!)
[Verse 2: Da Brat
I'm Chuch, I'm smokin, I'm sharp, I'm hot. I'm sexy, I'm bangin, I'm sickening, I rock! I'm the hottest a hard act to follow. Never bite off more than I can chew up and swallow. If you got a problem, holla at me tomorrow 'cause I'm too busy bein the leader you follow. Nigga I'm cold blooded in a mustard color farrari. Somebody showl love me. I hope a nigga won't come out ugly shit I ain't buyin em. That's chuch! Whatever work for you. I'm so tough that I just lay all my coo. I'm so much that I only give a little to you and show you how these niggas up in Chi-town do.
[Chorus]
[Verse 3:]
Like catties and furs. (Chuch!)
House in the suburbs. (chuch!)
Big ass rings and chains. (chuch!)
Big trucks sittin on thangs. (chuch!)
Daimonds and jewels. (chuch!)
Shining down on you fools is (chuch!)
Rhyming the way I do that's (chuch!)
Blindin em when I come through (chuch!)
Bling Bling that's right! Everything Da Brat-tat-tat do, you could identify that as chuch, not Church! That don't mean to da flo! That's chuch! When you got the muthafucking hat to match, nigga, That's chuch!
[Chorus 2x]
The song "Chuch" by Da Brat is an upbeat, high-energy track where the artist confidently expresses herself and asserts her place as a leader in the music industry. In the first verse, Da Brat emphasizes her fashion and luxury brand choices, boasting about her expensive watches and designer clothing while also maintaining her signature funkiness. She places herself on a pedestal, suggesting that she cannot be stopped and is set ablaze like a cigarette when the beat drops. The chorus emphasizes that Da Brat is "Chuch," a term she has coined to mean cool, fly, and on top of her game. She repeats the phrase throughout the song and encourages her listeners to call out the same when they see her.
The second verse sees Da Brat taking on a more assertive tone, declaring herself to be a hard act to follow while also staying true to her roots in Chicago. She mentions her car and the need to be loved while remaining true to who she is, and she encourages others to find what works for them, even if that means diminishing her own status. The third verse brings back the chorus's call and response of "that's chuch," as Da Brat speaks about her wealth and success, emphasizing her lavish lifestyle and expensive jewelry.
Line by Line Meaning
I come through stompin in my big black boots.
I enter the scene making a statement with my imposing boots.
I keep em jumpin jumpin stayin funky funky for you.
I keep the party going and maintain a fun, funky atmosphere for my audience.
Whether prada, gucci, versacci, my coochie drain in la pera.
I have expensive taste and can afford luxury brands like Prada, Gucci, and Versace. My vaginal area is extremely fancy, even down to the brand of my lingerie (La Perla).
Got watches like liberacci.
My collection of watches is as notable as the famous performer Liberace's.
From my head to my stockings, I promise to rock this and keep it poppin.
I am confident in my style and will maintain this energy throughout my entire outfit.
Ain't no stoppin me, naw, 'cause I'm on fire like a cigarette.
I am unstoppable and electric, much like a burning cigarette.
Get higher when the beat quick nigga we hit. Shittin on niggas to heeze on em just to eat quick.
My flow intensifies with the faster tempo of the music. I outperform and surpass others to gain success and riches quickly.
Recently, I've been eliminating haters hippocrits.
I have been removing negative individuals from my life who may pretend to be my friend, but are actually hypocritical haters.
When they see on the street with the screaming whip.
When people see me driving my flashy car on the streets, they become excited and shout in admiration.
It's hard to not hate, so don't even trip, 'cause I'm chuch.
It's difficult for others not to feel envious, but they should not worry because I am a confident, successful, and aspirationally powerful individual.
If you see me when I come around (That's Chuch!) Breakin all these hoes down (That's chuch!)
My captivating presence and charisma immediately signal my confidence and power. I leave a lasting impression on people and dominate in all aspects of life, including relationships.
Got Cadillacs and Bentlys ahh (That's chuch!) Got Money to the ceiling ya'll (That's chuch!)
My wealth is vast and reliable. I have expensive cars and abundant finances, which I display with pride.
Everywhere I go they scream (That's chuch!) Everybody say it now. (That's chuch!)
My fame precedes me, and wherever I go, people recognize my status and yell out compliments in admiration.
I'm Chuch, I'm smokin, I'm sharp, I'm hot. I'm sexy, I'm bangin, I'm sickening, I rock!
I am confident, attractive, stylish, sexy, and amazing in all ways, and my energy is captivating.
I'm the hottest a hard act to follow. Never bite off more than I can chew up and swallow.
I am confident in my abilities and attract attention wherever I go. I also ensure that I do not take on more than I can handle.
If you got a problem, holla at me tomorrow 'cause I'm too busy bein the leader you follow.
If someone has an issue with me, they should wait to talk about it tomorrow because I am currently preoccupied with leading and setting an example for others to follow.
Nigga I'm cold blooded in a mustard color farrari. Somebody showl love me. I hope a nigga won't come out ugly shit I ain't buyin em. That's chuch! Whatever work for you.
I am a confident and impressive individual who can even rock a mustard-colored Ferrari. Others should admire me, and I hope no one tries to sabotage my success. My success is defined by my standards, so others should pursue their own path to success.
I'm so tough that I just lay all my coo. I'm so much that I only give a little to you and show you how these niggas up in Chi-town do.
I am tough and am not afraid to let my confidence shine. I only give a small part of myself to others, and demonstrate the style and behavior typical of successful individuals in my hometown of Chicago.
Like catties and furs. (Chuch!) House in the suburbs. (chuch!) Big ass rings and chains. (chuch!) Big trucks sittin on thangs. (chuch!) Daimonds and jewels. (chuch!) Shining down on you fools is (chuch!) Rhyming the way I do that's (chuch!) Blindin em when I come through (chuch!)
My luxurious life includes expensive and flamboyant accessories such as fur, rings, chains, and big trucks. My jewelry is made of diamonds and other precious gems, which represent my wealth and success. I am so dazzling that I am blinding in my presence - this is all representative of 'chuch.'
Bling Bling that's right! Everything Da Brat-tat-tat do, you could identify that as chuch, not Church! That don't mean to da flo! That's chuch! When you got the muthafucking hat to match, nigga, That's chuch!
My style is defined by its flashy and luxurious qualities, which you can identify as 'chuch,' not the church. It does not signify humility or being low-key, and this is OK. If you can afford to match expensive hats to your outfit, then you too can embody the confidence and energy of 'chuch.'
Chorus 2x
The chorus is repeated twice to emphasize the overall theme of the song, which is that Da Brat is a powerful and impressive individual who is defined as 'chuch.'
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LENTON TEREILL HUTTON, SHAWNTAE HARRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind