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."
Gold Purple Orange
Jean Grae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody gettin' money had a game plan
Every truth seeker dropped by a hit man
Everybody alt-right gotta be white
Everybody disagree gotta be wrong
Everybody black dick gotta be long
Every mixtape dropped gotta be free
Everybody from the hood gotta be G
Every Jew, golden rule, gotta save bills
Every young nigga got a deadbeat daddy
Every independent lady attitude trashy
Anybody ain't lit gotta be old
If you dressed like that, you gotta wanna fuck
If I got locs, then they gotta stay blowed
And if it ain't fronto it gotta be a blunt
And if I cop squares, why they gotta be 'Ports?
Either keep it real or you Unc' Tom buggin'
If two ain't the same, why one gotta be broke?
You can play the game, I ain't gotta be nothin'
For you, but me
From the head nappy to feet
Can't hurry somethin' so complete
Took time like duck confit
If spaceships too far from your reach
It's weightless way down in the deep, yeah
You ain't 'bout to have me losin' no sleep 'cause I'm grindin'
You ain't 'bout to see me snoozin', no sleep
Same time, man
Young girl, side ponytail, thrift store garb
Frizzy hair, bookworm, but street smart
Immigrant children watchin' Buckwheat late night
Listen to Depeche Mode, Big Audio-o Dynamite
Identity crisis, coming later, vices
Are coming even later, prices for a life lived
Without life built, for the right price, guilt
'Cause you can be the things they say to be and get killed
With difficulty comes learnin'
Where typically those less exposed to those burdens
Can flourish without knowin' themselves
Without growin' themselves, without the moments of doubt
Moments of bells all ringin', singin', low self-esteem
Jean walk a hundred feet tall, walk mean
Talk obscene, craw guffaw, cross scenes
Never cross on the green, 'cause I ain't got to be nothing for you but me (but me)
From my 3B down to feet (to feet)
Can't fathom how it's so complete (complete)
Take ya time like duck confit (ahh shit)
Spaceships, they ain't never out of reach (outta reach)
I'm up high and down, down the deep (down deep)
You ain't bout to have me losin' no sleep, 'cause I'm grindin'
You ain't bout to see me snoozin', no sleep
Same time, man
For the ten feet short
Hunnid degrees cold
Ridin' high on summit low
Mighty weak, light as stone
Pretty ugly, faded glow
Hold on tight, I'm letting go
One million dollars poor
Live to die, dyin' to grow
For the ten feet short
Hundred degrees cold
Ridin' high on summit low
Mighty weak, light as stone
Pretty ugly, faded glow
Hold on tight, I'm letting go
One million dollars poor
Live to die, dyin' to grow
For the ten feet short
Hundred degrees cold
Ridin' high on summit low
Mighty weak, light as stone
Pretty ugly, faded glow
Hold on tight, I'm letting go
One million dollars poor
Live to die, dyin' to grow
For the ten feet short
Hundred degrees cold
Ridin' high on summit low
Mighty weak, light as stone
Pretty ugly, faded glow
Hold on tight, I'm letting go
Hold on tight, I'm letting go
Hold on tight, I'm letting go
The lyrics of "Gold Purple Orange" by Jean Grae and Quelle Chris touch on themes such as identity, stereotypes, and societal expectations. Through a mix of clever wordplay and cultural references, the song explores how individuals are judged by their appearance, background, and beliefs. The opening lyrics, "If you two-wheelin', tryna chill, get a kickstand // Everybody gettin' money had a game plan // Every truth seeker dropped by a hit man", suggest that even simple actions like riding a bike or seeking truth can be perceived as strange or dangerous by others. The song goes on to talk about stereotypes of race, gender, and class, highlighting how people are often judged based on these factors rather than their individuality. In the chorus, the lyrics proclaim, "I ain't gotta be nothin' for you but me // From the head nappy to the feet".
The second verse references the idea of an identity crisis and how it can affect people, especially those who are less exposed to different cultures and experiences. The lyrics mention listening to bands like Depeche Mode and Big Audio Dynamite, which suggest a desire to connect with different musical styles and cultures. The verse also talks about the struggle to find one's true self and to appreciate who they are without comparing themselves to others. Overall, the song stresses the importance of individuality and the need to break free from societal expectations and stereotypes.
Line by Line Meaning
If you two-wheelin', tryna chill, get a kickstand
If you're trying to relax while biking, get a kickstand to make it easier.
Everybody gettin' money had a game plan
Successful people have a plan for achieving financial success.
Every truth seeker dropped by a hit man
Those seeking the truth are often met with violence or opposition.
Everybody alt-right gotta be white
The alt-right movement is primarily associated with white people.
Everybody disagree gotta be wrong
Just because someone disagrees doesn't mean they're wrong.
Everybody black dick gotta be long
Stereotypes about black men's anatomy are harmful and untrue.
Every mixtape dropped gotta be free
Mixtapes are often released for free by artists.
Everybody from the hood gotta be G
People from underprivileged areas aren't automatically associated with gang activity.
Everything in the news gotta be real, right?
News outlets should strive to report accurate information.
Every Jew, golden rule, gotta save bills
Many Jewish people prioritize saving money and following the 'golden rule'.
Every young nigga got a deadbeat daddy
The stereotype that young black men have fathers who are uninvolved in their lives is untrue and hurtful.
Every independent lady attitude trashy
The stereotype that independent women are unbecomingly assertive is unfounded and damaging.
Anybody ain't lit gotta be old
People who aren't considered 'cool' are often labeled as 'old-fashioned'.
If you dressed like that, you gotta wanna fuck
Assuming someone's clothing choices reflect their sexual preferences is objectifying and inappropriate.
If I got locs, then they gotta stay blowed
Jean Grae wants to maintain her locks in a certain style.
And if it ain't fronto it gotta be a blunt
If she's smoking, Jean Grae prefers to use fronto or a blunt wrap.
And if I cop squares, why they gotta be 'Ports?
If she buys cigarettes, there's no reason for them to be a specific brand.
Either keep it real or you Unc' Tom buggin'
People should be honest and true to themselves, rather than pretending to be something they're not.
If two ain't the same, why one gotta be broke?
Just because things are different doesn't mean one is better or worse than the other.
You can play the game, I ain't gotta be nothin' for you
Jean Grae doesn't need to conform to others' expectations or standards.
But me
From the head nappy to feet
Can't hurry somethin' so complete
Took time like duck confit
Jean Grae accepts herself wholly, from her hair to her toes, and recognizes that becoming a complete person takes time, effort, and care.
If spaceships too far from your reach
It's weightless way down in the deep, yeah
Even if something seems out of reach, it still has value and significance.
You ain't 'bout to have me losin' no sleep 'cause I'm grindin'
You ain't 'bout to see me snoozin', no sleep
Same time, man
Jean Grae is focused on her work and determined to succeed, regardless of other people's opinions or demands.
Young girl, side ponytail, thrift store garb
Frizzy hair, bookworm, but street smart
Young girls can be fashionable, intelligent, and streetwise, regardless of whether they have access to high-end clothing.
Immigrant children watchin' Buckwheat late night
Listen to Depeche Mode, Big Audio-o Dynamite
People from all walks of life can have diverse interests and backgrounds.
Identity crisis, coming later, vices
Are coming even later, prices for a life lived
Without life built, for the right price, guilt
People who lack a sense of self or purpose may try to fill the void with unhealthy habits or material possessions, often leading to feelings of regret or guilt.
'Cause you can be the things they say to be and get killed
Stereotypes and societal pressures can be harmful and dangerous.
With difficulty comes learnin'
Where typically those less exposed to those burdens
Can flourish without knowin' themselves
Without growin' themselves, without the moments of doubt
Moments of bells all ringin', singin', low self-esteem
People who face obstacles or challenges often learn more than those who don't, and individuals who haven't faced adversity may struggle to understand themselves or their purpose.
Jean walk a hundred feet tall, walk mean
Talk obscene, craw guffaw, cross scenes
Never cross on the green, 'cause I ain't got to be nothing for you but me (but me)
From my 3B down to feet (to feet)
Can't fathom how it's so complete (complete)
Take ya time like duck confit (ahh shit)
Spaceships, they ain't never out of reach (outta reach)
I'm up high and down, down the deep (down deep)
You ain't bout to have me losin' no sleep, 'cause I'm grindin'
You ain't bout to see me snoozin', no sleep
Same time, man
Jean Grae is confident and unapologetic about who she is, from her physical appearance to her language and behavior. She recognizes the value in taking time to achieve completeness, and knows that even difficult goals are within reach with patience and determination.
For the ten feet short
Hunnid degrees cold
Ridin' high on summit low
Mighty weak, light as stone
Pretty ugly, faded glow
Hold on tight, I'm letting go
One million dollars poor
Live to die, dyin' to grow
The singer has faced difficult personal circumstances and feels conflicted or uncertain, but recognizes the potential for growth and change.
Hold on tight, I'm letting go
Hold on tight, I'm letting go
The singer is facing a difficult or uncomfortable situation and is preparing to let go of something or someone they have been holding onto.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Tsidi Ibrahim, Gavin Christopher Tennille
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mellomusicgroup
Jean Grae & Quelle Chris "Everything's Fine"
iTunes https://tinyurl.com/ydhyawge
Bandcamp https://tinyurl.com/y7stxy9t
Vinyl https://tinyurl.com/y7muqotd
CD https://tinyurl.com/y8a8qx6d
@Yewell81
in da house
@rubinpowelliii216
Mello Music Group are you secretively Thundercat
@perspicaciouscritic
Purchased on Amazon :)
@massappeal
this is so crazy creative! bravo!
@buddwell4419
Look up the rapper Quazimoto
@IFeelSoTongueTied
this is mad corny mass appeal fuck outta hea lmaooooooo
@vollsticks
@アンダーソン If by "mad corny" you mean "incredible, innovative hip-hop" then yes, it is.
@IFeelSoTongueTied
vollsticks dumbass I was talking about the comment not the music, I’ve been listening to both of them for years, two of the best in the game
@vollsticks
@アンダーソン I wouldn't have known that you were referring to the comment and not the video in a million years if you hadn't cleared that up. No need to call me a dumbass either, did I personally insult you? No, I didn't.