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."
Live 4 U
Jean Grae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's kinda hard to explain
but I been thinkin, haven't come to a decision
Drinkin away the pain night after night, listen
It's like I'm caught in the rain, that never stops and only follows me
Wide hollow feelin of emptiness, nothing inside of me
Drama lays my head on the pillow, but still no sleep
Been walkin the Wonderland for 40 days and 7 weeks
to everything that's goin wrong, God, especially me
I want to let go, let my mind just finally be free
Breathe with no echo, tomorrow won't be less without me
I stay in wet though, only thing that keeps me on the side
of the living is you, said the same thing to me too
Otherwise, I'm just caught up in deception and lies
I have days of just wakin and hatin the sunshine
Hatin life itself, hatin death for takin it's time
Lovin you enough not to commit the ultimate crime
I sin in my mind though, visions of weaponry wettin me up
Payin people off for settin me up
Some crazy wild sick imagery, paintin pictures of bloody scenes
Seems the only peace of mind's in dreams
So I pray for never-ending sleep, but it never comes
So I pray for being so weak, and givin up
Friends say I live the party life, livin it up
One hand on the glass, other on the bottle, fillin it up
I want to leave so bad, but lovin you is enough
to make a slow exit to Hell, would never leave you here by yourself
Nobody else could keep me here but you
Nobody else could wipe away the tears but you
I love you too much
[Chorus]
I would, give my, life for you
If you asked me too
I would do, just anything for you
And the world if I could
I would give to you
But I don't have anything to give
So I sweat just to live for you
Live for you
[Jean Grae]
Are you dissapointed in me? Twenty-three, can't get it together
No money, no job, debt that seems to last forever
I just want to make you proud someday
Like acceptin awards that's in front of a crowd
and say "Thanks" in front of a million people
Tell you I've fallin victim to some evil things in the past
My road's been short but rough;
a lot of things you don't know even if you ask
I want to tell you all but I can't, you're too precious for that
Try and explain why your daughter is into rap
I'm like guilt with a guilty conscience
Emotional politics wild on me
Constantly pregnant with a rowdy problem child in me
I wonder if we switched places, changed the dial on me
Would you rather be somebody else's mommy? Divorced probably
Just show me, no apology needed, I understand the reason
It's the quality of livin, and what you want for children
I'm not givin it, but you're the kind of love that never gives up
[Chorus]
[Jean Grae]
I promised I'm gonna buy you that house on the beach
A whole damn street
And give you grandchildren, two maybe three
Build you a studio and get you back to recordin
and singin whenever you want, give you whatever you want
I know you miss the music too, you just put up a front
But I can see it in your eyes, musical echo soul cries to be free
Don't you worry about me
I'm gonna be alright, when I'm in darkness in my life
I just think different, like you taught me
The way you do, shine different, they all can see
I just want to tell you you're loved
And anything that I can ever do for you is never enough
It's never enough, it's never enough
[Chorus]
The song "Live 4 U" by Jean Grae deals with the complexities of life and the struggles that come with it. The song starts off with the admission that the singer is going through a tough time, and it seems like there is no end in sight. They express feelings of emptiness and a desire to let go, but are unable to do so. They also touch on themes of sin, guilt and self-harm. As the song progresses, the singer talks about their love for someone who is a constant source of strength and motivation for them. They feel that this person is the only thing that is keeping them from completely falling apart.
In the second verse, the singer talks about their fear of disappointing this person who has been such a positive influence in their life. They express feelings of guilt and regret about their past and their inability to live up to their potential. They also talk about wanting to make the people they love proud of them, and their desire to be successful in their chosen field.
Overall, "Live 4 U" is a powerful and emotional song that deals with some heavy themes such as depression, self-harm, and feelings of inadequacy. However, it also touches on themes of love, loyalty, and the importance of positive relationships in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
It's kinda hard to explain
I am having trouble expressing my emotions
but I been thinkin, haven't come to a decision
I have been considering my options but haven't made a choice yet
Drinkin away the pain night after night, listen
I am trying to numb my emotions with alcohol
It's like I'm caught in the rain, that never stops and only follows me
I feel like I am trapped in a never-ending cycle of sadness and pain
Wide hollow feelin of emptiness, nothing inside of me
I feel empty and hollow inside
Drama lays my head on the pillow, but still no sleep
My problems keep me up at night even though I am tired
Been walkin the Wonderland for 40 days and 7 weeks
I have been wandering aimlessly for a long time
Just wonderin how good it would be, to finally say goodbye
I am considering ending my life
to everything that's goin wrong, God, especially me
I want to escape all the problems in my life and especially my own faults
I want to let go, let my mind just finally be free
I want to be free from my problems and negative thoughts
Breathe with no echo, tomorrow won't be less without me
I want to be at peace and know that the world will continue without me
I stay in wet though, only thing that keeps me on the side
Drinking alcohol is the only thing that stops me from acting on my suicidal thoughts
Otherwise, I'm just caught up in deception and lies
Without alcohol, I am consumed by lies and negative thoughts
I have days of just wakin and hatin the sunshine
Some days I wake up and hate the world
Hatin life itself, hatin death for takin it's time
I hate existence and am angry that death has not yet claimed me
Lovin you enough not to commit the ultimate crime
My love for you is what prevents me from committing suicide
I sin in my mind though, visions of weaponry wettin me up
I have violent thoughts and fantasies
Payin people off for settin me up
I imagine scenarios where people betray me and plan revenge
Some crazy wild sick imagery, paintin pictures of bloody scenes
My mind generates violent and graphic images
Seems the only peace of mind's in dreams
I only find peace and escape in my dreams
So I pray for never-ending sleep, but it never comes
I hope for eternal rest but it never happens
So I pray for being so weak, and givin up
I pray for the strength to give up on life
Friends say I live the party life, livin it up
My friends think I am enjoying life and partying
One hand on the glass, other on the bottle, fillin it up
I am constantly drinking alcohol
I want to leave so bad, but lovin you is enough
I don't want to live anymore, but I love you too much to leave you behind
to make a slow exit to Hell, would never leave you here by yourself
I would rather slowly waste away than abandon you
Nobody else could keep me here but you
The only reason I am still alive is because of you
Nobody else could wipe away the tears but you
You are the only one who can comfort me
I love you too much
I love you more than anything and anyone else in the world
I would, give my, life for you
I would sacrifice my own life for you
If you asked me too
If you requested it
I would do, just anything for you
I would do anything to please you
And the world if I could
I would give you everything if it were in my power
I would give to you
I would give you anything
But I don't have anything to give
I have nothing to offer you
So I sweat just to live for you
I work hard every day just to stay alive for you
Are you dissapointed in me? Twenty-three, can't get it together
Do you feel let down by me? I am 23 and still struggling
No money, no job, debt that seems to last forever
I am financially unstable with a significant amount of debt
I just want to make you proud someday
My goal is to make you proud of me one day
Like acceptin awards that's in front of a crowd
I want to achieve great things and be recognized for them
and say 'Thanks' in front of a million people
I want to express my gratitude in front of a large audience
Tell you I've fallin victim to some evil things in the past
I have experienced trauma in my life
My road's been short but rough;
My life has been difficult, despite my young age
a lot of things you don't know even if you ask
There are many things about me that I don't share with anyone
I want to tell you all but I can't, you're too precious for that
I want to confide in you, but I don't want to hurt or worry you
Try and explain why your daughter is into rap
It's hard for me to explain why I am passionate about rap music
I'm like guilt with a guilty conscience
I am constantly burdened by feelings of guilt
Emotional politics wild on me
I am often overwhelmed by my emotions
Constantly pregnant with a rowdy problem child in me
I feel like I am carrying a burden and can't escape my problems
I wonder if we switched places, changed the dial on me
I wonder if you would understand my struggles if you were in my position
Would you rather be somebody else's mommy? Divorced probably
Would you rather not have me as your child? I feel like that's what you might prefer
Just show me, no apology needed, I understand the reason
You don't need to apologize, I understand why you might be disappointed in me
It's the quality of livin, and what you want for children
You want me to have a good quality of life and want the same for any future children I may have
I'm not givin it, but you're the kind of love that never gives up
Even though I am struggling to give you what you want, your love never falters
I promised I'm gonna buy you that house on the beach
I promised you that I will buy you a house on the beach
A whole damn street
I want to buy you an entire street
And give you grandchildren, two maybe three
I want you to have grandchildren, maybe two or three of them
Build you a studio and get you back to recordin
I want to build you a music studio and help you record music again
and singin whenever you want, give you whatever you want
I want to give you everything you want
I know you miss the music too, you just put up a front
I know you miss music but pretend you don't because you are worried about me
But I can see it in your eyes, musical echo soul cries to be free
I can see the longing in your eyes to create music again
Don't you worry about me
Please don't worry about me
I'm gonna be alright, when I'm in darkness in my life
I will be okay even when things are dark and difficult for me
I just think different, like you taught me
I have a different perspective on things because of what you have taught me
The way you do, shine different, they all can see
You have a special way of shining and standing out
I just want to tell you you're loved
I want to remind you that you are loved
And anything that I can ever do for you is never enough
I will always feel like I should do more for you
It's never enough, it's never enough
No matter what I do, it will never feel like enough
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LloydMolefe
Real ones, gather around 🤌🏾✌🏾
@almarcel7764
This banger almost made me cry
@fformfiller
Songs like this make Jean one of the GOAT, one of the dopest tunes i've ever heard.
@gelybear999
Lost my mom 5 years ago and I would sing this to her. Still hurts. Still living for her ❤
@zzzz12838
sorry for your loss, fly high, rip and god bless you ♥
@illahnoyz
Stand up strong female mc's......I love this track.... Do yer thing sister...So lyrical so real an expression of life's struggles..im speechless....
@AngelikaMiesak
No body else can keep me here but you ... No body else can wipe away the tears but you... I love You too much.
@nadinee323
Still bumping in 2021♥️🔥
@munibali2242
This track will forever live on for those who are lucky enough to find it
@Igotcha06
This gives me a picture of NYC late at night raining with the street lights shining through my car while driving..What a beat!