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."
FUCKERY LEVEL 3000
Jean Grae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dr. Manhattan, tatted atom circa tabaca-ing goer
Circle tobacco ring blower
I'll murk you black. Get sewn up
My work is black
I got diplomas in the back
That are bursting over the sack that I hold em in
Cause its folder was folding over
But since I'm going in again, it's like drop and bend over
Over and over, with no lube
Get that veteran in embedded in yo stools
Yokels, locals
Slow cruise to yo demise, know it in the vocals
I got no couth, no lies; I'm dedicated, focused
Opposite of Bette Davis oculars, waiting for the apocalypse
Strapped with a cape in case I get popular, so I can drop it, bitch
The clock ticks. Y'all concerned with crotch sticks
I'm concerned with moxie, Take your Oxycontin, and your rocks
I'm The Great Gatsby initials, the Casebasket epistle
The last greatest apostle, the baddest damie
The combination of Gladys Knight and Pips in one place
And a Robert Blake fan
I'll keep you in a basement
While chained to a day bed
With the door blocked with a Maytag
And at four o'clock I'll let snakes in
And stand in the door sipping a tall boy
Coors light and giggle in your face then
Sociopath, with a golden flask
And I'll fill with it gasoline to throw at yo ass
And then fill it up back again with some of your pieces
Your liver, your back, your face a bit of your penis
Double hands with a W
Better do whatever you can to cover you
Jean Lang came to clubber you
Pain, whatcha gonna do
[Verse 2]
Fuckery level 3000, in jeans and a green blouse
With a crimson stain from a beat down
At a business meeting in a tea lounge
Like "nah I'm cool, please sit down
Proceed" bleeding out
The whole team freaking out, text-ing each other under the table
I'm office space calm, I offer face palms
Comma face balm for after on my dot com; I'm basically batshit
You basic bastard I never pace it
I crave action, I transform like I'll save y'all
But then I stay Ratchet
I'll bash your face in the baseboards of a burning building
With the passion of a pastor passing plates and getting back millions
Dash in a race and abandon smashing the tape at the last second
Then beckon to children on the sidelines who'd all step in and start blasting
Bach, Sebastian, or Rachmaninoff or Handel playing
When I'm candle lighting and man handling I'm saying, I'm classy
Dokken and Sebastian Bach blaring
When I'm mass murdering turned to decibels
Certain to drown the tears, it's nasty
On the Pulaski bridge, trunk full up with the shotgun, shotgun
Tongue dripping with vodka, dripping on my lap on a map of Alaska
In October, in a black dress and blasting Frank Zappa
The consummate top assassin
The consulate tracking after
And flipping the birds to diplomats out the whip
With an Andy Richter mask on
Cause I passed on getting a sidekick
Cause everybody ain't ready to die for this
I'll drive on dialysis, I'll drive over your dialysis
And keep in mind that I don't even drive; I like challenges
Roseannadanna fan, fan of Dan from Roseanne but not a fan of Prozac
And I don't care how you find them
Wanna know what I'm like, fine then
I'll like fine men, smart men, where the fuck do you find them
No, seriously, I'm actually asking you where can find them
I'm into crime and environments that you cry in
I don't imply it, I vividly give you my end
You'll think I'm lying 'til shivering in a lion's den
In an abandoned zoo naked covered with flies and
Strapped to Kobe beef steaks
Ya don't believe me, for Pete's sake
Man, what the fuck do I have do to convince you
I'm the Freeway villain
Kiefer Sutherland
I love when people suffering
It feels like I'm on reefer when they're blubbering
I'm serious
I'm FCC's damn problem, and
At best Tsidi's man problems
I guess could be the one thing I wanna work on
I'm glad that we're getting this work done
Guess i would have never thought to talk, but who knew
Getting this out could be cool
We should totally do this next week
You're good you
You look testy
The lyrics of "Fuckery Level 3000" by Jean Grae comprises two lengthy verses of dense, witty, and metaphor-rich wordplay. The song begins with a nod to Alan Moore's comic book character, Dr. Manhattan, and then moves into a series of violent and subversive fantasies. Grae talks about her intelligence and diplomas and juxtaposes them with her willingness to hurt people. She boasts about her sadism, disregard for human life, and sociopathic tendencies while simultaneously referencing pop culture, literature, and classical music. The second verse is equally as bizarre and impressionistic, describing her love of suffering, disdain for medication, appreciation of fine men, and self-mocking acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
Dr. Manhattan, tatted atom circa tabaca-ing goer
I am a skilled and powerful force, like a tattooed Dr. Manhattan, who enjoys smoking tobacco and has an air of sophistication.
Circle tobacco ring blower
I am so good at smoking tobacco that I can create perfect circles with the smoke.
I'll murk you black. Get sewn up / My work is black
I will hurt you badly and leave you needing stitches. My work is violent and dangerous.
I got diplomas in the back / That are bursting over the sack that I hold em in / Cause its folder was folding over
I have many qualifications and achievements, which I keep in a folder that is so full it is bursting at the seams.
I know what they been told ya / But since I'm going in again, it's like drop and bend over / Over and over, with no lube
I am aware that people have said bad things about me, but I am not afraid to confront them aggressively and without mercy. I will continue to do so, even if it means causing pain over and over again.
Get that veteran in embedded in yo stools / Yokels, locals / Slow cruise to yo demise, know it in the vocals
I will cause you extreme pain and discomfort, targeting even the most vulnerable among you. I will take my time and enjoy it, and you will hear my malicious laughter even as you suffer.
I got no couth, no lies; I'm dedicated, focused
I have no sense of social etiquette or morality, but I am driven and single-minded in my pursuit of my goals.
Opposite of Bette Davis oculars, waiting for the apocalypse
Unlike Bette Davis, who was famous for her expressive and dramatic eyes, I am cold and emotionless, eagerly anticipating the end of the world as we know it.
Strapped with a cape in case I get popular, so I can drop it, bitch
I am always prepared for success, even as I insult those around me. If I become famous, I will immediately discard my cape as a sign of disdain.
The clock ticks. Y'all concerned with crotch sticks / I'm concerned with moxie, Take your Oxycontin, and your rocks
While you are preoccupied with petty desires, I am focused on having courage and determination. I reject the allure of drugs and other distractions.
I'm The Great Gatsby initials, the Casebasket epistle / The last greatest apostle, the baddest damie
I see myself as a literary and religious figure, with an air of mystery and intrigue. I am the ultimate badass.
The combination of Gladys Knight and Pips in one place / And a Robert Blake fan
I am a unique and eclectic mix of cultural influences, combining the soulful style of Gladys Knight and the Pips with the dark and unsettling aura of Robert Blake.
I'll keep you in a basement / While chained to a day bed / With the door blocked with a Maytag / And at four o'clock I'll let snakes in / And stand in the door sipping a tall boy
I will imprison you in a dark and terrifying basement, preventing you from escaping. I will then torture you with snakes and alcohol, delighting in your fear and pain.
Coors light and giggle in your face then / Sociopath, with a golden flask / And I'll fill with it gasoline to throw at yo ass
I will taunt you with a cheap beer and a cold smile, reveling in your powerlessness. I am a sociopath, and I will use gasoline as a weapon against you.
And then fill it up back again with some of your pieces / Your liver, your back, your face a bit of your penis
After I have harmed you, I will use your body parts as fuel for my twisted desires. Your liver, back, face, and even a part of your penis will be consumed by my sadistic tendencies.
Double hands with a W / Better do whatever you can to cover you / Jean Lang came to clubber you / Pain, whatcha gonna do
I will use both of my hands to strike you with a powerful blow. You will need to protect yourself by any means necessary, as I am coming to hurt you. Will you be able to withstand the pain?
Fuckery level 3000, in jeans and a green blouse / With a crimson stain from a beat down / At a business meeting in a tea lounge
I am ready to engage in extreme deception and manipulation, dressed in an unassuming outfit that hides the evidence of my violent tendencies. I will act in a civilized setting, masking my true intentions.
Like "nah I'm cool, please sit down / Proceed" bleeding out / The whole team freaking out, text-ing each other under the table
Even as I am injured and bleeding, I maintain my composure and insist that everyone carry on with the business at hand. Those around me are panicking and texting each other in fear.
I'm office space calm, I offer face palms / Comma face balm for after on my dot com; I'm basically batshit
I remain cool and collected, despite the chaos around me. I use a face palm gesture to convey my disbelief and frustration. On my website, I offer a face balm product to help soothe the stress caused by my craziness.
You basic bastard I never pace it / I crave action, I transform like I'll save y'all / But then I stay Ratchet
I insult you for being ordinary and unimaginative. I desire excitement and adventure, and I will become a hero-like figure to help others. But ultimately, I remain crude and unrefined.
I'll bash your face in the baseboards of a burning building / With the passion of a pastor passing plates and getting back millions
I will commit acts of extreme violence, fueled by a fervent belief in my abilities and ambition. I will hurt you with the same zeal that a religious leader has when collecting donations.
Dash in a race and abandon smashing the tape at the last second / Then beckon to children on the sidelines who'd all step in and start blasting
I will engage in competition and sabotage, abandoning the victory just as it seems within reach. I will then manipulate innocent bystanders, convincing them to help me harm others.
Bach, Sebastian, or Rachmaninoff or Handel playing / When I'm candle lighting and man handling I'm saying, I'm classy
I appreciate classical music, and I use it as a backdrop for my sexual and violent tendencies. I try to maintain a sense of refinement and elegance, even as I act in a depraved manner.
Dokken and Sebastian Bach blaring / When I'm mass murdering turned to decibels / Certain to drown the tears, it's nasty
I listen to heavy metal music as I commit mass murder, reveling in the loud and intense volume. The violence is overwhelming and causes others to cry and suffer.
On the Pulaski bridge, trunk full up with the shotgun, shotgun / Tongue dripping with vodka, dripping on my lap on a map of Alaska / In October, in a black dress and blasting Frank Zappa
I am armed and dangerous, driving over a bridge with a shotgun in my trunk. I am also intoxicated, with alcohol dripping from my tongue and clothing. I wear a black dress and listen to Frank Zappa as I travel to the remote and desolate region of Alaska.
The consummate top assassin / The consulate tracking after / And flipping the birds to diplomats out the whip / With an Andy Richter mask on
I am the ultimate killer, always one step ahead of those who would try to stop me. I mock diplomats and those in power, wearing a mask of comedian Andy Richter to further insult them.
Cause I passed on getting a sidekick / Cause everybody ain't ready to die for this / I'll drive on dialysis, I'll drive over your dialysis / And keep in mind that I don't even drive; I like challenges
I am a loner and will not have a partner in my missions. I recognize that not everyone is willing to die for my cause. I will bravely face any challenge, even if I am ill and driving over the medical needs of others. I am not even a good driver, but I enjoy the test of my abilities.
Roseannadanna fan, fan of Dan from Roseanne but not a fan of Prozac / And I don't care how you find them / Wanna know what I'm like, fine then
I enjoy classic comedic characters like Roseannadanna and Dan from Roseanne, but I reject the use of medication like Prozac. I am indifferent to how others view me and my actions.
I'll like fine men, smart men, where the fuck do you find them / No, seriously, I'm actually asking you where can find them / I'm into crime and environments that you cry in
I am attracted to handsome and intelligent men, but I am unsure where to find them. I am drawn to dangerous situations that cause others to cry.
I don't imply it, I vividly give you my end / You'll think I'm lying 'til shivering in a lion's den / In an abandoned zoo naked covered with flies and
I am not subtle in my intentions, making it clear that I intend to cause harm. Even as you doubt me, you will find yourself in danger, surrounded by lions in a desolate zoo and covered in flies.
Strapped to Kobe beef steaks / Ya don't believe me, for Pete's sake / Man, what the fuck do I have do to convince you
I will use meat from a prized beef breed to hold you in place, but even then you will doubt my intentions. I am frustrated with your skepticism and find it difficult to prove my cruelty.
I'm the Freeway villain / Kiefer Sutherland / I love when people suffering / It feels like I'm on reefer when they're blubbering
I am the quintessential bad guy, like the ones found on the freeway or played by Kiefer Sutherland. I get a thrill from causing others to suffer, likening it to a drug high.
I'm serious / I'm FCC's damn problem, and / At best Tsidi's man problems / I guess could be the one thing I wanna work on
I am not joking, and my actions have potential legal consequences. I am the bane of the FCC, and even Tsidi's personal life does not compare to my issues. I realize I need to work on becoming a better person.
I'm glad that we're getting this work done / Guess i would have never thought to talk, but who knew / Getting this out could be cool / We should totally do this next week / You're good you / You look testy
I am pleased that we are having this conversation, even though I did not anticipate it. I find it refreshing to discuss my twisted thoughts and behaviors. We should continue this dialogue in the future. You seem uncomfortable.
Contributed by Julia F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.