Although Dwele has had somewhat of a short career as a commercially avaliable artist, he has a vast catalogue of material currently unreleased that die-hard fans revere as some of his best work, considerably superior to his material released as a signed artist that showcases the true depth of his artistic and diverse talent, displayed without constraint.
Gardner was raised on the west side of Detroit in a musical family. He played piano from the age of six, later taking up trumpet, bass and guitar. He was deeply affected by the fatal shooting of his father outside his home when he was age ten, later stating "I learned to put my emotions into music; it was my therapy."
He cites Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Roy Ayers, Miles Davis, and Freddie Hubbard as favorite artists, and took inspiration from hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest, becoming an MC, and working with Slum Village. Gardner recorded a demo in his bedroom, called, The Rize, and sold it out of the trunk of his car. He had about 100 copies, which sold out within a week. He caught the ears of local heroes Slum Village and more specifically their world-renowned producer J Dilla. Slum Village invited Dwele to sing the hook of the song "Tainted" for their album Trinity (Past, Present and Future). It became an instant classic and led to more high profile work with female rapper Bahamadia, the all-star group Lucy Pearl and London's New Sector Movement. Dwele signed to Virgin Records in 2003, who released his debut album, Subject, which mixed neo soul and hip hop. In a 2005 review in The Independent, his style was summed up: "Dwele's rooted in vintage soul but isn't stuck in the past, overly reverential or an exercise in pastiche - there's a major hip-hop edge which betrays his original incarnation as a rapper." A second album, Some Kinda..., followed in 2005. He then later signed with RT Music Group and KOCH records in March, 2008. He is coming out with his fourth album titled, W.W.W. (W.ants. W.orld. W.omen) coming out June 29, 2010. Dwele was recently featured on the first single off of Kanye West's fifth studio album, Good Ass Job. The song was entitled "Power" and was leaked on May 28, 2010.
What You Gotta Do
Dwele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like a 19 again
When love was so naive
Before pass relationships built the wall of bricks and
Head you when you're back when you're asleep
When she was rocking dookie braids
And time wasn't obvious
That the whole day pass away
I know you feel me, I know you hear me
So keep the baby happy that's what you need to do
That's what you wanna do, what you need
It's what you gotta do to keep that woman
Hard to keep that woman open
It's what you want, (it's what you want)
It's what you need man yeah
It's what you gotta do to keep that woman
Hard to keep that woman open
Eyes go crush on the phone call, no no
Now two way interrupting you
And pureness and innocence when love was so rich and fair
Before broken heart and type of feelings
When it was a thing to do
On a park bench caught you
But she was waiting with the ponytail
And bad move with earrings
Standing at the bus stop second on lollipop
And a rather way type of girl
I know you feel me, I know you hear me
To keep baby happy that's what you need to do
That's what you wanna do, what you need
It's what you gotta do to keep that woman
Hard to keep that woman open
It's what you want, (it's what you want)
It's what you need man yeah
It's what you gotta do to keep that woman
Hard to keep that woman open
That's what you wanna do, what you need
It's what you gotta do to keep that woman
Hard to keep that woman open
It's what you want (it's what you want)
It's what you need man yeah
It's what you gotta do to keep that woman
Hard to keep that woman open
Keep your baby try this oh yeah
What you gotta do to keep that girl
Keep that woman, gotta do to keep that woman
What you want, what you want, what you want
Gotta to to keep that woman,
Gotta do to keep that woman open,
What you want, what you need, open
You gotta do, you wanna do
What you want, what you need, open
You gotta do, you wanna do
The lyrics to Dwele's song "What You Gotta Do" reflect on the importance of maintaining a strong and healthy relationship with a significant other. The song takes the listener back to the early stages of love when everything is innocent and pure. Dwele reminisces about a time when he and his partner were new to each other, before the walls that previous relationships had built up had taken hold. The lyrics suggest that, in order to keep a relationship open and strong, one should focus on making sure their partner remains happy and fulfilled.
Dwele acknowledges that relationships can be difficult, but insists that it is necessary to put in the effort required to keep the spark alive. The song reinforces the idea that although love can be complicated, it is important to remember the beautiful simplicity of it.
Overall, "What You Gotta Do" is a romantic ode to the efforts needed to sustain a loving relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of youthful love and encourage the listener to work hard to maintain that same level of innocence, trust, and devotion.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey sip on some white cool us
Take a sip of some white wine like we did when we were 19 and love was new and innocent.
Like a 19 again
Reminisce about the time when love was young and naive.
When love was so naive
Think back to a time when love was fresh and unspoiled by past relationships.
Before pass relationships built the wall of bricks and
Before previous relationships caused hurt and built emotional barriers.
Head you when you're back when you're asleep
Betray you or hurt you while you're unaware or vulnerable.
When she was rocking dookie braids
Remember a time when she sported a funky hairstyle that you found attractive.
And time wasn't obvious
When time didn't seem to pass as quickly because you were so absorbed in each other's company.
That the whole day pass away
The entire day would pass by without notice because you were so happy spending time together.
Rest in peace out of day
A peaceful end to a day filled with fond memories of love.
I know you feel me, I know you hear me
I know you understand the sentiment I'm conveying through this song.
So keep the baby happy that's what you need to do
Make sure your significant other is happy in the relationship, as that's the key to keeping it healthy and strong.
That's what you wanna do, what you need
Fulfilling your partner's needs and desires should be your top priority if you want to maintain a happy relationship.
It's what you gotta do to keep that woman
Meeting her emotional and physical needs is essential in keeping her happy and satisfied in the relationship.
Hard to keep that woman open
It can be challenging to keep her emotionally open and communicative in the relationship, but it's necessary for its success.
Eyes go crush on the phone call, no no
You're distracted and infatuated by her when she calls, and you don't want any interruptions or distractions when you're talking to her.
Now two way interrupting you
You don't want to be interrupted or have anyone else on the line when you're talking to her on the phone.
And pureness and innocence when love was so rich and fair
A time when love was pure, unspoiled, and full of possibilities.
Before broken heart and type of feelings
Before the pain of heartbreak and the emotional scars that come with it are experienced.
When it was a thing to do
When it was popular or trendy to do something together as a couple.
On a park bench caught you
Caught in a moment of intimacy on a park bench.
But she was waiting with the ponytail
She's waiting for you with her hair styled in a ponytail, just the way you like it.
And bad move with earrings
She made a fashion faux pas by wearing the wrong earrings, but you still find her adorable.
Standing at the bus stop second on lollipop
Waiting for the bus and enjoying a lollipop in each other's company.
I know you feel me, I know you hear me
Reiterating the understanding between the two of you about the importance of making your partner happy.
Keep your baby try this oh yeah
Do everything in your power to keep your partner happy and satisfied in the relationship.
What you gotta do to keep that girl
Fulfill her romantic and emotional needs to maintain a happy and loving relationship.
What you want, what you want, what you want
Do what your heart desires to ensure your happiness and the happiness of your partner.
Gotta do to keep that woman
Actions you must take to keep your significant other happy and content in the relationship.
Gotta do to keep that woman open
Maintaining open communication and a healthy level of emotional intimacy is required to keep your partner happy and satisfied in the relationship.
You gotta do, you wanna do
The things you need to do to make your relationship succeed are the same things you want to do for your partner.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tricia L. Robinson
Dwele and Raheem DeVaughn both have slick vocal skills and smooth and silky track tells the brothers to wake up and do what they got to do to keep that special woman in their life happy I know I enjoy being pampered by the radiant sounds of Dwele and Raheem .
Mrs. Mack
I love this song. Dwele needs to make some more joints like this. R&B needs Dwele more than it ever did before
Janelle Grimes
Been a Dwele and Raheem devaughn for the longest. These are such dope artists.💞💞💞👊😘😘😘😘
Remnant Few ministries ministry
Me too🥰
Dread and Butter Show
Me too
Sonshine Singz
You have #maturewomanears
SophisticatedShorty
Now THAT would be a great concert!! I'd pay about $150 to see it
Rare Onyxx
Word to The Brothas✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿🎶🎼🔥💖💞💗🤴🏿🤴🏿🤴🏿🤴🏿🤴🏿
Joanne Hines
About a mature man unconditionally loving, pleasing & serving his Queen!! Continue to teach & educate these brothas, Dwele & Raheem! 💘
Bryan Small
These brotha's bringing that FIRE!!