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."

Dont 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

[Verse 1]
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, try

[Chorus]
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

[Verse 2]
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

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
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

[Chorus]

Please don't make me kill you, I don't want to
I don't need to go to jail right now
I got things to do
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
Justus 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 featuring 9th Wonder, starts with 9th's signature beats that leave the listener singing with no reason. Grae talks about knowing oneself, the flaws, and the strengths that make a person who they are. She admits to being overly sensitive, hardheaded, and wanting to do things all by herself, but she's trying to work on that. Grae raps about how money and fame are important to her, but she won't compromise who she is to get them. She enjoys being a team player, using dry wit, age being just a number, the beauty of life, and looking for ways to be a better person. Grae acknowledges her flaws, her load of work, and her wish to remain true to herself without rushing.

In the second verse, Jean Grae talks about the most serious stage she has been in her life. She's currently clearheaded and needs an accountant to deal with her gear fetish. Grae raps about her insecurities, her level of maturity, where she gets her inspiration to write her music, her fast pace life, and being a team player. In the last verse, she talks about her some of her flaws, stress, and annoying traits. She acknowledges these and is ready to make lifestyle changes to improve herself. Grae ends the song by thanking 9th Wonder, her fans, and everyone who made "Don't Rush Me" a success.

Line by Line Meaning

9th, 9th's got them beats that you just sing to for no
Jean Grae admires 9th Wonder's ability to produce beats that are so good that you could enjoy them for no particular reason.

Reason
Jean Grae emphasizes the previous statement by saying "reason," as if to indicate that having a reason is not necessary when enjoying 9th's beats.

Sometimes you got to get to know yourself
Jean Grae makes the point that it's important to really understand oneself.

You gotta travel a little bit
Traveling can help provide new perspectives and ways of looking at oneself.

Look at yourself from another perspective
Jean Grae suggests that it's important to examine oneself from a different viewpoint in order to gain clarity and insight into oneself.

So I try to do that
In acknowledging the importance of self-reflection and introspection, Jean Grae makes a conscious effort to engage in this kind of reflection.

Come on
Jean Grae uses this phrase to conclude the opening section of the song and signals the start of the first verse.

Listen, there's nothing like knowin' yourself
In this first verse, Jean Grae reflects further on the importance of self-knowledge as a form of personal liberation and growth.

Like the way I know that smokin's kind of broken my health
Jean Grae gives an example of how knowing oneself can lead to insights and changes for personal betterment.

Like the way I know my flow don't make appropriate wealth
By acknowledging a perceived inadequacy in her rapping skills, Jean Grae shows her willingness to honestly assess her own strengths and weaknesses.

I can't change that
Jean Grae acknowledges that some aspects of oneself cannot be changed, but can still be understood and accepted.

But funny I'm sayin' that when it's money I'm aimed at
Jean Grae acknowledges the tension between pursuing material wealth and knowing oneself on a deeper level.

I give a fuck if you frame that or quote it (shit)
Jean Grae is uninterested in how her words are perceived or how they may be used in future contexts.

I meant what I said cause I wrote it, point noted
Jean Grae emphasizes her sincerity in her words by pointing out that they were written by her and therefore are an expression of her true feelings.

I know I'm overly sensitive when it comes to, well
Jean Grae acknowledges her tendency to be overly sensitive and reactive in certain situations.

Just about everything
Jean Grae implies that this sensitivity extends to many areas of her life.

And I'm so hardheaded, I don't need your help
Jean Grae recognizes her stubbornness and reluctance to accept help from others.

Like no advice for these records 'less it's me, myself
Jean Grae prefers to rely on her own instincts and insights when creating her music.

Like I don't ever want to breathe if it requires assistance
Jean Grae demonstrates her preference for independence and self-sufficiency.

Just, just shut down my system
Jean Grae would rather not exist at all than depend on others for her survival.

I'm a victim of choosin' bad love, bad luck Lucy
Jean Grae acknowledges that her history of poor romantic relationships has played a role in her perceptions of herself and the world.

Every man touched seems to be a doozy and plus
Jean Grae suggests that most men she has been involved with have not been good partners.

I'm attached to this looseleaf, stand on my two feet
Jean Grae values her independence and creativity, which are represented by her writing on looseleaf paper.

So it's hard enough to even have to physically move me
Jean Grae is resistant to change and can be stubborn in the face of new experiences.

Go ahead, try
Jean Grae is challenging others to try to move her from her position.

I know I'm on the right path
The chorus of the song reiterates Jean Grae's steadfast belief in her own direction and journey.

To who I'm gonna be at last
Jean Grae is confident that she will reach her goals and become the person she is meant to be.

Don't rush me nigga
Jean Grae is pushing back against external pressure or criticism that may be directed at her regarding her life choices.

I know I'm wrong and right
Jean Grae acknowledges that there are times when she is wrong or makes mistakes, but also knows when she is right.

At the same time, both I'm the dark and light
Jean Grae recognizes that she has both positive and negative aspects within herself.

And they say life needs everything to live
Jean Grae is referring to the adage that life requires both good and bad experiences in order to fully exist.

At the same time I got everything to give
Jean Grae believes that she has a lot to offer others and to the world.

Just don't rush me
Jean Grae reiterates her plea to be allowed to pursue her own journey at her own pace.

See this here is the most serious that I've ever been
Jean Grae is getting to the heart of her feelings and is speaking directly from her soul in this third verse.

The most clear headed
Jean Grae is feeling especially aware and lucid in this moment.

My gear fetish clearly needs an accountant
Jean Grae acknowledges her love of fashion and her desire to have a better handle on her finances in order to support her expensive tastes.

So if I need I'll smoke 'em all like Dennis Leary in a mountain
Jean Grae suggests that she is capable of overcoming financial difficulties by asserting her willpower.

Beef's great though, thanks for addin' more insecurities
Jean Grae is sarcastically thanking those who have caused her pain or doubt in the past.

Just as I was findin' my level of maturity
Jean Grae is acknowledging that she is still growing and evolving as a person, but has made significant strides in maturity.

Just as I was mindin' my business
Jean Grae was focused on her own life and goals when someone else interfered, causing unnecessary conflict.

Tried to murder Jean's confidence
Someone else's actions caused Jean Grae to doubt her own abilities and worth.

But lucky for me, you're all incompetent
Jean Grae is unimpressed with the person who tried to bring her down, and is confident in her own abilities and strengths.

Road block in this, yes
Jean Grae acknowledges that there have been obstacles in her life that have impeded her progress.

I see him try to put a stop to my obnoxiousness but
Someone is trying to quash Jean Grae's confidence and self-expression, but she will not be silenced.

I stay long winded like sayin' George Papadopoulous
Jean Grae is defiant, stating that she will continue to speak up and make her presence known.

I know but I write from this heart with this
Jean Grae prioritizes her honesty and authenticity in her artistic pursuits and songwriting.

So I've got some things to work on
Jean Grae acknowledges that there are areas of her life where she needs to grow and improve.

My moodiness like masturbation gets its jerk on
Jean Grae is transparent in her challenges with mood swings and sensitivity, likening it to masturbation as it is something done in private and can be difficult to control.

My fascination with the fast pace
Jean Grae acknowledges a desire for excitement or stimulation in her life.

Money's encapsulated in my mind space like what a thrill
Jean Grae acknowledges the power and temptation of money, recognizing that it occupies an outsized role in her mind.

Past dated and I know I'm not in last place
Jean Grae is aware that her priorities and perspective have evolved over time, and while she may not have everything figured out, she is still in a good position.

But it's hard to work through it with this masked face
Jean Grae acknowledges that it can be difficult to face challenges and work through personal issues when she feels like she has to put up a facade or mask in public.

And maskin' tape on all the windows keeps the cold out
Jean Grae continues the metaphor of her being trapped indoors, with her desire to keep the cold (i.e. pain, negativity) out.

And every time I'm layin' down my back breaks because it's old now
Jean Grae is acknowledging that her body is no longer young and supple, and the consequences of aging are starting to show themselves.

I yell too much, get stressed too quick
Jean Grae is reflective about her own tendencies towards anger and anxiety.

But the best thing about it, I can change that shit
Jean Grae acknowledges that she is capable of self-improvement and growth, and is confident in her ability to change for the better.

And still remain who I came down to Earth to be
Jean Grae believes that although she can improve certain aspects of herself, she will still remain true to her core identity.

It's not Jean Grae, that's just a name, you'll see
Jean Grae ends the song by suggesting that her true self goes beyond her stage name, and that there is more to her than what meets the eye.

Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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