Jean Grae (real name Tsidi Ibrahim, also known as What? What? & Da Easter B… Read Full Bio ↴Jean Grae (real name Tsidi Ibrahim, also known as What? What? & Da Easter Bunny, born November 27, 1976) is a hip hop artist from New York.

Born in Cape Town, South Africa on November 26, 1976, the daughter of South African jazz musicians (her father and mother are the celebrated musicians Sathima Bea Benjamin and Abdullah Ibrahim), she studied Vocal Performance at the LaGuardia School of Music & Art before majoring in Music Business at New York University. She also did some modelling during her teen years.

Ibrahim initially worked under the names Major Woody & Da Easter Bunny because she thought it would be funny to hear those names announced at shows. After working with groups including Ground Zero, she joined a hip hop music group called Natural Resource in the mid-1990s, along with rapper Ocean. In 1996 they released a pair of 12-inch singles called Negro League Baseball b/w "Bum Deal" b/w "They Lied," and "Bum Deal(remix)" b/w "They Lied(remix)" b/w "I Love This World" on their own label Makin' Records. She also appeared on singles by fellow Makin' Records artists Pumpkinhead and Bad Seed, and on the O.B.S. (Original Blunted Soldiers) double 12-inch single alongside crew members Pumpkinhead, Bad Seed, and Meat-pie, and produced much of the material released on the label under the pseudonym Run Run Shaw. During this period she established strong ties with the Brooklyn Academy crew, with which she would appear throughout her career.

Solo career (1998-2004)

Natural Resource dissolved in 1998, after which Ibrahim changed her stage name from What? What? to Jean Grae, a reference to the X-Men character Jean Grey. Under her new moniker, she released her first LP—Attack of the Attacking Things—in 2002, and followed it in 2004 with This Week. Throughout her career she has also recorded tracks with numerous major hip hop artists, Atmosphere, The Roots, Talib Kweli, The Herbaliser, Da Beatminerz, Phonte, Mr. Len, Masta Ace, Vordul Mega, C-Rayz Walz, Mos Def, and Immortal Technique among them.

Jean has recorded an unreleased album with celebrated North Carolina producer 9th Wonder, of Little Brother fame, entitled Jeanius. This unfinished record was leaked on the internet, and subsequently work was stopped on this album. However, at the release party for 9th Wonder's Dream Merchant Volume 2 album she stated that Jeanius was still going to be released. This album was eventually released first through Zune Live Marketplace two weeks before its disc release on July 8, 2008. The album features the track "My Story", about the abortion she had as a teenager. Her rapping on the album was described by Robert Christgau as "remarkable for its rapidity, clarity and idiomatic cadence. The writing has a good-humored polysyllabic literacy.". Elsewhere, it's been reported that her proposed fourth album, provisionally titled Phoenix has gone into production. It has been reported by several camp insiders that 9th Wonder will handle the lion's share of the production duties with unknown UK producer Passion hifi and NY resident Clinikal providing a beat each.

Blacksmith Music (2005-present)

Previously signed to Babygrande Records, she signed a deal in 2005 with Talib Kweli's Blacksmith Records. On 28 April 2008, Jean Grae posted a blog on her MySpace page saying goodbye to her fans.[9] She later cited disenchantment with the music industry and desire to start a family as the reasons behind the 'retirement' and said that she was working on new material and still wanted to continue in music: "You know what? I need that Grammy. I think I might be able to stop after that". In July 2008, Talib Kweli posted a blog explaining Grae's album, mentioning that she was not retiring. The blog ends encouraging fans to purchase the album, referring to Grae as "one of the last true MCs left." Grae returned to doing live performances later that year.

On September 18, 2008, Jean Grae posted a Craigslist ad offering her creative services for $800/16 bars. On her MySpace blog entry, she states, "I don't wanna complain anymore, I just wanna change some things about the way artists are treated and the way you guys are allowed to be involved, since it IS the digital age."

Don't Rush Me
Jean Grae Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

9th, 9th's got them beats that you just sing to for no reason
Sometimes you got to get to know yourself
You gotta travel a little bit
Look at yourself from another perspective
So I try to do that
Come on

Listen, there's nothing like knowin' yourself

Like the way I know that smokin's kind of broken my health
Like the way I know my flow don't make appropriate wealth
I can't change that
But funny I'm sayin' that when it's money I'm aimed at
I give a fuck if you frame that or quote it (shit)
I meant what I said 'cause I wrote it, point noted
I know I'm overly sensitive when it comes to, well
Just about everything
And I'm so hardheaded, I don't need your help
Like no advice for these records 'less it's me, myself
Like I don't ever want to breathe if it requires assistance
Just, just shut down my system
I'm a victim of choosin' bad love, bad luck Lucy
Every man touched seems to be a doozy and plus
I'm attached to this looseleaf, stand on my two feet
So it's hard enough to even have to physically move me
Go ahead and try

I know I'm on the right path
To who I'm gonna be at last
Don't rush me nigga
I know I'm wrong and right
At the same time, both I'm the dark and light
And they say life needs everything to live
At the same time I got everything to give
Just don't rush me
Don't rush me

I gotta be more disciplined
I'm listenin' more to straight logic
Blockin' random shit that's driftin' in
Age is a motherfucker (damn right)
Find myself starin' at the little kids
Thinkin' "I can beat 'em like a stepmother"
Creepin' on a come up at thirty soon
But lookin' twenty ooh
The food catches up to you now plenty
Attendin' christenin's of my best friend's children
And then askin' who's next
And I'm wishin' for six more wishes for Christmas or
Kids on the wish list
Or time machines to be in existence
I'm a team player, not
The dry wit is similar to Arizona weather
Say it, nigga, hot
Patent leather sole, tappin' at my bowl
If the album's not platinum then I'll have to rack a gold
This rappin' ain't for nothin'
Unless I hold plaques so I can sit up on a boat like Colin, roll that
And you know that

I know I'm on the right path
To who I'm gonna be at last
Don't rush me nigga
I know I'm wrong and right
At the same time, both I'm the dark and light
And they say life needs everything to live
At the same time I got everything to give
Just don't rush me
Don't rush me

See this here is the most serious that I've ever been
The most clear headed
My gear fetish clearly needs an accountant
So if I need I'll smoke 'em all like Dennis Leary in a mountain
Beef's great though, thanks for addin' more insecurities
Just as I was findin' my level of maturity
Just as I was mindin' my business
Tried to murder Jean's confidence
But lucky for me, you're all incompetent
Road block in this, yes
I see him try to put a stop to my obnoxiousness but
I stay long winded like sayin' George Papadopoulous
I know but I write from this heart with this
So I've got some things to work on
My moodiness like masturbation gets its jerk on
My fascination with the fast pace
Money's encapsulated in my mind space like what a thrill
Past dated and I know I'm not in last place
But it's hard to work through it with this masked face
And maskin' tape on all the windows keeps the cold out
And every time I'm layin' down my back breaks because it's old now
I yell too much, get stressed too quick
But the best thing about it, I can change that shit
And still remain who I came down to Earth to be
It's not Jean Grae, that's just a name, you'll see

I know I'm on the right path
To who I'm gonna be at last
Don't rush me nigga
I know I'm wrong and right
At the same time, both I'm the dark and light
And they say life needs everything to live
At the same time I got everything to give
Just don't rush me
Don't rush me

I don't need to go to jail right now
I got things to do
I can't be locked up man
My momma, my momma
No momma, no, no
Anyway, yo thanks man
Thank you 9th
And we had a beautiful lunch
Don't be afraid to talk in the back
Thanks everybody for coming out tonight
Justice League! What up Flames?
What up though!
Flames, you're dope
You the man Flames

You the man
We out

Overall Meaning

The song "Don't Rush Me" by Jean Grae is an exploration of the artist's inner self and her journey towards self-discovery. The song starts with a reference to 9th Wonder, the rapper and producer, and how he creates beats that can make you sing without any reason. Jean Grae emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself and how it takes a little bit of traveling and looking at oneself from a different perspective to achieve this. She acknowledges her weaknesses and strengths, the mistakes she has made in the past, and how they have shaped her as a person. Jean Grae also acknowledges that she is overly sensitive, stubborn, and doesn't like taking advice from others, including the making of her music.

In the second verse, Jean Grae reflects on her recent experiences, including getting older, attending christenings of her best friend's children, and how time seems to be moving fast. She also talks about her obsession with success and how she would like to achieve platinum album sales or hold plaques to be able to sit on a boat-like Colin. However, she realizes that her moodiness and fascination with the pace of life keep her from achieving her goals. She reflects on her personal struggles, including her insecurities, which she blames on others' influence on her.

Throughout the song, Jean Grae expresses her desire not to be rushed towards her journey of self-discovery while acknowledging her conflicting layers of identity. The song ultimately reveals Jean Grae's growth as an artist and an individual.

Line by Line Meaning

9th, 9th's got them beats that you just sing to for no reason
9th Wonder produces beats that have such a captivating quality that you can't help but sing along, even if there's no reason to do so.

Sometimes you got to get to know yourself
There are moments when you need to take the time to truly understand who you are as a person.

You gotta travel a little bit
To gain a new perspective, it's necessary to explore and venture outside of your comfort zone.

Look at yourself from another perspective
Take a step back and examine yourself from a different vantage point to gain a deeper understanding of who you are.

So I try to do that
I make an effort to engage in this introspection.

Come on
Let's embark on this journey together.

Listen, there's nothing like knowin' yourself
Understanding yourself is an unparalleled experience.

Like the way I know that smokin's kind of broken my health
I am fully aware that smoking has negatively impacted my well-being.

Like the way I know my flow don't make appropriate wealth
I acknowledge that my artistic style doesn't generate substantial financial success.

I can't change that
I can't alter these circumstances.

But funny I'm sayin' that when it's money I'm aimed at
Ironically, I'm stating this while my focus is still on pursuing financial opportunities.

I give a fuck if you frame that or quote it (shit)
I couldn't care less if you choose to highlight or reference my words.

I meant what I said 'cause I wrote it, point noted
I stand by my words because I wrote them with intention, so your critique is duly noted.

I know I'm overly sensitive when it comes to, well
I am fully aware that I have a tendency to be excessively sensitive in most situations.

Just about everything
I am sensitive to almost everything.

And I'm so hardheaded, I don't need your help
I am stubborn and don't require assistance from others.

Like no advice for these records 'less it's me, myself
I don't want any advice regarding my music unless it comes from my own perspective.

Like I don't ever want to breathe if it requires assistance
I don't want to depend on anyone for my basic needs, as if I would rather not breathe at all.

Just, just shut down my system
I'd rather shut down completely than rely on others.

I'm a victim of choosin' bad love, bad luck Lucy
I repeatedly find myself in destructive relationships and unfortunate circumstances.

Every man touched seems to be a doozy and plus
Every man I become involved with turns out to be difficult and problematic.

I'm attached to this looseleaf, stand on my two feet
I am emotionally connected to my music, and I am independent and self-reliant.

So it's hard enough to even have to physically move me
It takes a significant effort to motivate or persuade me to take physical action.

Go ahead and try
Feel free to attempt to change my mind or challenge me.

I know I'm on the right path
I am confident that I am heading in the correct direction.

To who I'm gonna be at last
I am progressing towards becoming the person I am destined to be.

Don't rush me nigga
Don't pressure or hurry me, my friend.

I know I'm wrong and right
I have the capacity to be both incorrect and correct simultaneously.

At the same time, both I'm the dark and light
I embody both darkness and light within myself at the same time.

And they say life needs everything to live
Life requires a multitude of experiences and emotions to thrive.

At the same time I got everything to give
I possess an abundance to offer to others.

Just don't rush me
Please refrain from pressuring or hurrying me.

See this here is the most serious that I've ever been
This is the most focused and determined I have ever been.

The most clear headed
I am in the most mentally lucid state.

My gear fetish clearly needs an accountant
My excessive obsession with fashion requires financial management.

So if I need I'll smoke 'em all like Dennis Leary in a mountain
If necessary, I will eliminate all my obstacles with great determination and intensity.

Beef's great though, thanks for addin' more insecurities
Conflict and opposition provide valuable opportunities for personal growth, despite the added insecurities they may bring.

Just as I was findin' my level of maturity
Precisely when I thought I was reaching a higher level of maturity.

Just as I was mindin' my business
Right when I was focusing on my own affairs and not causing any harm.

Tried to murder Jean's confidence
Someone attempted to destroy my self-assurance.

But lucky for me, you're all incompetent
Fortunately, those individuals who tried to undermine me lacked the ability to succeed.

Road block in this, yes
There is indeed an obstacle in my path.

I see him try to put a stop to my obnoxiousness but
I observe someone attempting to halt my audacity, but their efforts are in vain.

I stay long winded like sayin' George Papadopoulous
I have a tendency to be verbose and talkative, much like the act of pronouncing 'George Papadopoulous'.

I know but I write from this heart with this
I am aware of this characteristic, but I still write my lyrics with passion and sincerity.

So I've got some things to work on
I have areas of personal growth and improvement that I need to address.

My moodiness like masturbation gets its jerk on
My fluctuations in mood are akin to the pleasurable act of masturbation, as it has its own rhythm and intensity.

My fascination with the fast pace
I have a strong attraction towards a fast-paced lifestyle.

Money's encapsulated in my mind space like what a thrill
The concept of money is deeply ingrained in my thoughts and emotions, bringing both excitement and satisfaction.

Past dated and I know I'm not in last place
Although my success may not be the greatest, I am aware that I am not at the bottom.

But it's hard to work through it with this masked face
However, it is challenging to overcome these obstacles while concealing my true emotions and identity.

And maskin' tape on all the windows keeps the cold out
I use masking tape to seal my windows and prevent the cold weather from entering my space.

And every time I'm layin' down my back breaks because it's old now
Whenever I lie down, my back starts to ache due to the effects of aging.

I yell too much, get stressed too quick
I tend to raise my voice excessively and become stressed too easily.

But the best thing about it, I can change that shit
However, the most positive aspect is that I have the ability to change these behaviors.

And still remain who I came down to Earth to be
I can transform and grow while staying true to my authentic self.

It's not Jean Grae, that's just a name, you'll see
The name Jean Grae is merely a label, and there is more to my identity than just that.

I don't need to go to jail right now
I don't have any desire to be incarcerated at this moment.

I got things to do
I have important tasks and obligations to fulfill.

I can't be locked up man
Being confined behind bars is not something I can afford or tolerate.

My momma, my momma
I don't want my mother to have to experience the pain and worry of me being in jail.

No momma, no, no
I don't want her to suffer in that way.

Anyway, yo thanks man
In any case, I appreciate your assistance, my friend.

Thank you 9th
I am grateful to 9th Wonder for his contributions to my music.

And we had a beautiful lunch
We enjoyed a delightful meal together.

Don't be afraid to talk in the back
Feel free to engage in conversation amongst yourselves at the rear of the space.

Thanks everybody for coming out tonight
I want to express my gratitude to everyone who came to support me tonight.

Justice League! What up Flames?
Greetings to the members of the Justice League, specifically Flames.

What up though!
Hello!

Flames, you're dope
Flames, you are incredibly talented and impressive.

You the man Flames
You are highly skilled, Flames.

We out
We are leaving.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: CRAIG XAVIER BROCKMAN, MELISSA A. ELLIOTT, NISAN C. STEWART

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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