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."
Gotta Have It
Jean Grae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets bloody
Somebody's gotta get their hands dirty
Yo, it's a fucked up job but somebody's gotta do it
Somebody's gotta come up with a plan
And be there when the shit hits the fan
I hope ya'll out there understand
Yeah ya'll, ideal for a lyrical perfectionist
Raw, that's what every soldier in my collective is
Thought, control level is that of a gold medalist
My level headedness make it come off so effortless
The rebel is a opposite extreme of devilish
Back setting it with the answer to your deficit
My track record is hot shit, consecutive
Smug, I got game just like a record executive
A kiss to the feminine girls loving a gentlemen
A genius slash gangsta with a skill for swindling
Bet on black, bet these cats that's all gelatin
Will fall back spittin' them raps that's unintelligent
Raps that cap, rabid rattlin' out the gattlin'
Crippling rhymes whistlin' past, blow you back in
Smellin' your blood now I'm huntin'
Blowin' your front in for frontin' what up cousin?
Oh, now it's nothin'
Yo, you can't go beyond a point of no returning
I flip like my name Turner
That's for certain nigga, Ted Turner, Nat Turner, nigga Ike Turner
The raw sojourner for truth, the mic burner, yeah
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets ugly
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets bloody
Somebody's gotta get their hands dirty
Yo, it's a fucked up job but somebody's gotta do it
Somebody's gotta come up with a plan
And be there when the shit hits the fan
I hope ya'll out there understand
Look man it's a fucked up job, but somebody's gotta do it
Mic malevolence defies violence I inherited
Others just rentin' it like rooms at the Sheraton
I gotta jones like Vanessa in the devil in
And y'all cold like a show in the Netherlands
Cold shoulders and frozen aortic valves
So I don't form pals, conform to norms, morals different
Gifted, use it to shift shit
A mutant shape shifter when I spit it I'm liquid
You could lick a million shots at the character of the body shell
They'll just richochette nigga aura's hard as hell
Before there was ain't hard to tell
The mic's cycle coincided right with mine as well
Since a minor I walked with the spine upstraight
I learned to rhyme to feed the dinner plate
I scraped barrel, even dined up on wine and steaks
'cause in the bone same marrow that apartheid chased
The narrow margin with the haves and the have nots
Will get smaller as I approach, so watch your stash box
Fox logo if your fave is local
Get bruised till you're the color of the Laker's logo, this is work niggas
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets ugly
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets bloody
Somebody's gotta get their hands dirty
Yo, it's a fucked up job but somebody's gotta do it
Somebody's gotta come up with a plan
And be there when the shit hits the fan
I hope ya'll out there understand
Look man it's a fucked up job, but somebody's gotta do it
I made it, ain't nobody believe in me
But this rap game is like selling coke legally
Ain't no innovations, that takes concentration
Nigga's celebrating not knowing the time they wasting
Killin' mics is one of my aesthetics
Rip very live so I'm an entertainer like Cedric
Shit they play on radio's now give me a headache
Can't slow me down I know where I'm headed
The profit on kill if you let it nigga's feeling energetic
Wanna rumble, guns will come out here come the paramedics
I'm just trying to live like I've Devin tired of my people failin'
We all sin, the devil, what did I tell 'em
Somebody gotta get their hands dirty and shoes muddy
I see things vividly, ya'll vision is blurry
Even if you hate, through my music you gone love
Everybody with me and they was with me when it was ugly
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets ugly
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets bloody
Somebody's gotta get their hands dirty
Yo, it's a fucked up job but somebody's gotta do it
Somebody's gotta come up with a plan
And be there when the shit hits the fan
I hope ya'll out there understand
Look man it's a fucked up job, but somebody's gotta do it
The lyrics of Somebody's Gotta Do It by Jean Grae feat. The Roots and Devin the Dude is a commentary on the harsh realities of life and the difficult tasks that someone needs to take on. The opening lines highlight the fact that there are times when things get ugly and bloody, and someone needs to be present to deal with it. The message is that it's a "fucked up job" but someone has to do it. The song's chorus stresses the importance of having a plan during a crisis and being present when shit hits the fan. The lyrics are meant to instill a sense of responsibility and duty to face the hardships of life.
In the following verses, the lead lyricist lays out their expert-level lyrical control, creative control, which allows them to make the difficult job sound effortless. They also highlight the importance of having a moral compass in the face of corruption and indifference. They also speak to their personal experiences, revealing how tough times have pushed them to be resilient and scrappy. Additionally, they reference prominent figures like power businessman Ted Turner, revolutionary Nat Turner, and abuser Ike Turner, to remind listeners of the different types of struggles people face daily. The song concludes with a hopeful message that, despite the harsh reality of the world, one can always find support from their friends.
Line by Line Meaning
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets ugly
There needs to be someone present during difficult or unpleasant situations.
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets bloody
Someone must be there when things become violent and chaotic.
Somebody's gotta get their hands dirty
A person has to be willing to engage in morally questionable actions.
Yo, it's a fucked up job but somebody's gotta do it
Acknowledging the unpleasant nature of the task at hand, but recognizing the necessity for someone to fulfill it.
Somebody's gotta come up with a plan
There needs to be an individual who devises a strategy or course of action.
And be there when the shit hits the fan
They should be present and prepared when a difficult or disastrous situation occurs.
I hope ya'll out there understand
I hope that the audience comprehends the importance of this role.
Look man it's a fucked up job, but somebody's gotta do it
Acknowledging the challenging nature of the task and reiterating the necessity for someone to fulfill it.
Yeah ya'll, ideal for a lyrical perfectionist
The song is well-suited for an artist who focuses on achieving lyrical excellence.
Raw, that's what every soldier in my collective is
The members of my group possess a raw and unfiltered talent.
Thought, control level is that of a gold medalist
Their ability to manipulate and guide their thoughts is comparable to that of an Olympic champion.
My level headedness make it come off so effortless
Due to my calm and composed demeanor, my performance seems natural and easy.
The rebel is a opposite extreme of devilish
The rebellious nature is in direct opposition to being malicious or evil.
Back setting it with the answer to your deficit
Providing the solution or response to the lack or deficiency you face.
My track record is hot shit, consecutive
I have a successful history of releasing impressive and consecutive records.
Smug, I got game just like a record executive
Confidently, I possess the skill and talent comparable to that of a music industry executive.
A kiss to the feminine girls loving a gentlemen
A gesture of affection to the women who appreciate a man who treats them with respect and kindness.
A genius slash gangsta with a skill for swindling
I am both highly intelligent and street-savvy, capable of deceiving others with finesse.
Bet on black, bet these cats that's all gelatin
Have confidence in me, because those who oppose me lack substance and are easily broken.
Will fall back spittin' them raps that's unintelligent
Those who challenge me will ultimately retreat, unable to match my intellectual and creative rap skills.
Raps that cap, rabid rattlin' out the gattlin'
My raps expose the falsehoods and chaos of others, like the rapid fire of a machine gun.
Crippling rhymes whistlin' past, blow you back in
My potent and impactful rhymes have the power to overwhelm and defeat my opponents.
Smellin' your blood now I'm huntin'
Detecting the vulnerability of my enemies, I am now ready to pursue and confront them.
Blowin' your front in for frontin' what up cousin?
I am exposing and challenging your false image and behavior. How are you going to respond?
Oh, now it's nothin'
Now that I have revealed the truth, your exaggerated persona holds no significance or power.
Yo, you can't go beyond a point of no returning
Once you cross a certain line, there is no possibility of going back or undoing the consequences.
I flip like my name Turner
I change and adapt rapidly, similar to the actions of a renowned artist or performer.
That's for certain nigga, Ted Turner, Nat Turner, nigga Ike Turner
Asserting the certainty of my actions and connecting them to influential historical figures who made significant impacts.
The raw sojourner for truth, the mic burner, yeah
As an honest and unflinching seeker of truth, I passionately express my thoughts and emotions through my music.
Mic malevolence defies violence I inherited
My malicious use of the microphone surpasses any physical violence I may have inherited.
Others just rentin' it like rooms at the Sheraton
While others merely borrow or utilize the microphone temporarily, I own and control it completely.
I gotta jones like Vanessa in the devil in
I have an intense craving or addiction similar to the character Vanessa in the movie 'The Devil Inside'.
And y'all cold like a show in the Netherlands
You are emotionally detached and distant, comparable to an unenthusiastic audience at a concert in the Netherlands.
Cold shoulders and frozen aortic valves
You exhibit indifference and lack of compassion, as if your hearts are frozen and incapable of warmth.
So I don't form pals, conform to norms, morals different
I do not easily establish friendships or conform to societal expectations because my values and beliefs differ from the norm.
Gifted, use it to shift shit
Having exceptional talent, I utilize it to provoke change and challenge the status quo.
A mutant shape shifter when I spit it I'm liquid
When I rap, I possess the ability to transform and adapt my style seamlessly, just like a liquid changing its form.
You could lick a million shots at the character of the body shell
You can attempt to attack or criticize me many times, but it will only affect the surface-level perception of me.
They'll just richochatte nigga aura's hard as hell
Your negativity or criticism will bounce off me because my presence radiates strength and resilience.
Before there was ain't hard to tell
Even in the past, it was obvious and evident that I possessed great talent and skill.
The mic's cycle coincided right with mine as well
The evolution and progression of my career closely aligns with the development and advancements in microphone technology.
Since a minor I walked with the spine up straight
From a young age, I carried myself with confidence and integrity, displaying good posture and moral character.
I learned to rhyme to feed the dinner plate
I developed my lyrical abilities in order to support myself financially and provide sustenance for myself and my loved ones.
I scraped barrel, even dined up on wine and steaks
I struggled and made do with limited resources, yet I still managed to enjoy moments of luxury and indulgence.
'cause in the bone same marrow that apartheid chased
The adversity and discrimination experienced during the apartheid era influenced and motivated me to persevere and succeed.
The narrow margin with the haves and the have nots
The gap between the wealthy and the less privileged is extremely small and continues to diminish.
Will get smaller as I approach, so watch your stash box
As I become more successful and influential, the disparity between the affluent and the disadvantaged will decrease, so be cautious with your wealth and possessions.
Fox logo if your fave is local
If you prefer local artists, it's like supporting a small and insignificant media company.
Get bruised till you're the color of the Laker's logo, this is work niggas
You will face defeat and humiliation to the point where you resemble the colors of the Los Angeles Lakers logo. This is a serious challenge, my friends.
I made it, ain't nobody believe in me
Despite lacking faith and support from others, I have achieved success and proven my abilities.
But this rap game is like selling coke legally
The music industry, particularly the rap genre, resembles the illegal drug trade but with some legal and regulated aspects.
Ain't no innovations, that takes concentration
There is a lack of new and groundbreaking ideas in the rap industry, as it requires focused effort and attention to bring about real innovation.
Nigga's celebrating not knowing the time they wasting
Artists are celebrating their limited achievements without realizing the valuable time they are wasting or squandering.
Killin' mics is one of my aesthetics
One of my artistic principles is to excel at destroying microphones with my exceptional rap skills.
Rip very live so I'm an entertainer like Cedric
Through my lively and captivating performances, I possess the qualities of an entertainer, much like Cedric the Entertainer.
Shit they play on radio's now give me a headache
The music currently dominating the radio waves frustrates and annoys me.
Can't slow me down I know where I'm headed
Nothing can hinder or impede my progress because I have a clear understanding of my goals and direction.
The profit on kill if you let it nigga's feeling energetic
By dismantling and surpassing my competitors, I gain both financial and emotional satisfaction, leaving others energized or motivated to match my prowess.
Wanna rumble, guns will come out here come the paramedics
If you provoke a conflict or challenge me, violence will ensue and medical professionals will be needed to attend to the resulting injuries.
I'm just trying to live like I've Devin tired of my people failin'
I am striving to achieve a better life for myself and my community, tired of witnessing the constant struggles and failures.
We all sin, the devil, what did I tell 'em
We are all prone to making mistakes and engaging in sinful behavior, confirming what I previously warned or predicted.
Somebody gotta get their hands dirty and shoes muddy
An individual must be willing to engage in unsavory or morally questionable actions and face the consequences associated with them.
I see things vividly, ya'll vision is blurry
I possess clear and accurate perception, while others have a distorted or unclear understanding of the situation at hand.
Even if you hate, through my music you gone love
Even if you initially dislike or harbor animosity towards me, you will eventually develop an appreciation and enjoyment for my music.
Everybody with me and they was with me when it was ugly
All the people who surround and support me have been there since the challenging and less glamorous phases of my journey.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: AHMIR THOMPSON, AHMIR K. THOMPSON, SYLVESTER STEWART, TARIK TROTTER, TARIK L. COLLINS, KARL WILLIAM PAMP JENKINS, TSIDI IBRIHAM, FLOYD CARSON, TAHIR CHEESEBORO JAMAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind