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.
Workin
Dwele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're my baby, I only act shady
But it's time to cut an hour
Girl
and you know I'm (Workin' on it)
I said I'm (Workin' on it)
And I want right here in
My world being withchu all
Alone is so inspiring
With that said I'm on my
Way back to the ab to get (Workin' on it)
You claim that you need me
Girl you tryna play me
And you I'm gonna want
You back in my arms
But you know that (Only on can win)
So you betta think twice cause
You may never find
(I never felt a love like this)
On the forever beat don't get it
Twisted cause "be" stands for baby.
In Dwele's song "Workin On It," the singer starts by admitting that even though he has been acting shady, the woman he is addressing is his baby. He acknowledges that it's time to make a change, and he is working on it. The song is about his commitment to their relationship and how he wants to be with her. The chorus emphasizes that he is working on it and she knows that.
He then goes on to describe how being with her is inspiring, and he wants her in his world. He emphasizes that he is on his way back to the "ab" (a slang term for home) to continue working on himself and being the best partner he can be for her. The woman he is addressing has claimed that she needs him, but he feels like she is trying to play him. He warns her that only one person can win, and she better think twice because she may never find a love like this again.
Overall, the song is a testament to the ups and downs of a relationship and the effort that both parties must put in to make it work. Dwele's smooth vocals and catchy beat make the song a joy to listen to, while the lyrics provide a thoughtful message about the importance of communication and commitment.
Line by Line Meaning
You know
Acknowledgment of shared understanding.
You're my baby, I only act shady
Admission of fault in the past, emphasis on devotion.
But it's time to cut an hour
Urgency to change and improve the relationship.
Girl
Endearment.
and you know I'm (Workin' on it)
Confirmation of ongoing efforts to make things better.
I said I'm (Workin' on it)
Reiteration of previous statement.
You know (Workin' on it)
Reiteration of ongoing efforts.
And I want right here in
Desire to be present and committed.
My world being withchu all
The artist's world revolves around being with their partner.
Alone is so inspiring
Acknowledgment of the benefits of solitude for self-improvement.
With that said I'm on my
Acknowledgment of the previous statement and intent to work harder.
Way back to the ab to get (Workin' on it)
Determination to return to work on the relationship.
You claim that you need me
Asserting partner's dependence.
Girl you tryna play me
Perceived deceitful behavior by partner.
And you I'm gonna want
Recognition that desire for the partner persists.
You back in my arms
Hope for reconciliation.
But you know that (Only on can win)
Realization that only one person's effort may not be enough for success.
So you betta think twice cause
Warning to partner to consider carefully.
You may never find
Suggestion that the relationship is special and rare.
(I never felt a love like this)
Declaration of the unique love experienced with the partner.
On the forever beat don't get it
Reassurance that their love will endure.
Twisted cause "be" stands for baby.
Clarification of a possible misinterpretation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
nagbo13
1. I wish this song were longer.
2. Dwele should have blown up. The fact that he didn't makes me know R&B didn't quite go in the direction it should have.
3. Dwele, come back!!!!!!!!
beanznkornbread
Yessir!!!! R.I.P. Dilla. Dwele did an awesome job with this....a great way to pay homage to a legend.
mochalata86
I love this track!! and he is looking soo sexy as usual!! keep doin your thing Dwele!! Love You!!
solteria14
How about I didn't know the beats, bridges, & hooks are all creations of Jdilla? Outstanding synergy!
DwayneTHESTOCKjohnson
dopest tribute ever
JM
He reminds me of Raheem Devaughn on this track. Both brotha's are the truth. Love em both!!!!!
Lisa Mixx
I love this so much!! #JDILLA #DETROIT
장세영
dwele x dilla = dope
JazzE-Lounge
GOING OUT TO EVERYONE IN THE LAB... WORKING ON IT!!!!!
PDOG313
this is dope as hell! Im going 2 cop this 1st thing 2mrrow.