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."
Love Thirst
Jean Grae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He goin' do very well, I'm fearin' for the farewell, stay awhile
We could just lay awhile, see me smile better
Lean your chest on me, make you my sweater, I want the rest of you
Pressin' me head-up, I need contact
Your windows reflectin' me back, later I ask where your memories at
Your face tellin' me that, you need a taste
Where the Hennessey's at? C'mon, blace me
I won't front baby, lady is sprung
And though relation is young, I feel us makin' a connection beyond
So that I like a chick in a saun', no lie, won't I
Take my time, let the bass unwind
Claymation couldn't mold a better mind, you're sick (sick)
And I'll be the nurse and you be the patient
Boy, how insane could it get? You so hot, baby
High (you're makin' me so)
High (you're gettin' me so)
High
C'mon
High (you're makin' me so)
High, baby I'm
So high off, your love
OK, turn the lights out, no, turn 'em back on
Want you to see my backbone and my black tone
Start minimal, raise it to animal, please
You're no amateur, please me I'm tangable
Knees be all tangled up, like the handles
Placed on the mantle, that romantic angles
We'll slow dance till tango and gets horizontal
I know you go longer that flow with no comma
I'm high on ya, ya like it don't cha?
Could survive, but it's bitin' on ya
Like those, high notes, nibble just a little bit
Everything I'm thinkin', you're already deliverin' it
Quiver, pleasure unheard, you ain't even done first, baby
When I done burst, crazy
I'm in love thirst, you are the quencher
Maybe we should be taping so you can remember, I'm just sayin!
High
You're makin' me so
Oh, erhm, Stop!
You're makin' me so, high
I'm gettin' so, high
Baby, high off
Why not?
Don't stop
It's loud, c'mon
Not there, not there
Oh, oh baby, don't do that
Don't do that
Need some tissue?
Naw, I'm good, nigga!
The song "Love Thirst" by Jean Grae is about an intense attraction and infatuation that the artist has towards a person. The song begins with the artist describing their partner as being their caramel mahogany fairy tale and being afraid of losing them. The artist then describes her desire to be close to her partner and feel their body against hers. She hints at wanting to be in a physical relationship with her partner, asking where the Hennessey is and suggesting that they drink together. The artist ends the song with a declaration of being high on her partner’s love and the desire to remember this moment forever.
This song explores the feelings of intense attraction and infatuation one can have towards a person. The artist's lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and desperation towards their partner. The repetition of the phrase "high on your love" emphasizes the artist's dependence on their partner's affection. Despite the mature themes in the song, Jean Grae's playful lyrics and delivery create a lighthearted atmosphere. The inclusion of intimate sounds like kissing and heavy breathing adds to the sensual atmosphere of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
My caramel mohagony fairy tale
My relationship with you is like a fairytale, dark and sweet.
He goin' do very well, I'm fearin' for the farewell, stay awhile
I'm afraid of our relationship coming to an end, even though you're doing great. Stay with me for a while.
We could just lay awhile, see me smile better
Let's lay down together and make each other happy.
Lean your chest on me, make you my sweater, I want the rest of you
Rest on me and let me hold you like a sweater. I want all of you.
Pressin' me head-up, I need contact
I want to make eye contact with you, so please look at me.
Your windows reflectin' me back, later I ask where your memories at
I see myself in your eyes, and I wonder where your memories are.
Your face tellin' me that, you need a taste
Your expression tells me that you desire something, perhaps a taste of me.
Where the Hennessey's at? C'mon, blace me
Let's drink together and get closer.
Replace the glasses with the tip of my tongue
Let's skip the glasses and drink straight from each other's mouths.
I won't front baby, lady is sprung
I won't lie, I have a strong affection for you.
And though relation is young, I feel us makin' a connection beyond
Even though our relationship is new, I feel like we're making a strong connection.
So that I like a chick in a saun', no lie, won't I
I'm really into you, and it's not a lie.
Take my time, let the bass unwind
Let's take our time and relax to the rhythm of the music.
Claymation couldn't mold a better mind, you're sick (sick)
You are highly intelligent and unique, and no one could replicate you.
And I'll be the nurse and you be the patient
I want to take care of you, and you can be vulnerable with me.
Boy, how insane could it get? You so hot, baby
Our connection is so intense, and you are very attractive to me.
High (you're makin' me so)
You are making me feel elevated and excited.
High, baby I'm
I am high on our connection.
So high off, your love
I am uplifted by your love.
OK, turn the lights out, no, turn 'em back on
Let's create a sensual atmosphere by turning the lights out and then back on.
Want you to see my backbone and my black tone
I want you to appreciate my strength and my beauty.
Start minimal, raise it to animal, please
Let's start slowly and build up to something more passionate.
You're no amateur, please me I'm tangable
You are skilled in pleasing me, and I am responding to your touch.
Knees be all tangled up, like the handles
Our bodies are intertwined and connected, like the handles on a bag.
Placed on the mantle, that romantic angles
We are creating a romantic atmosphere around us.
We'll slow dance till tango and gets horizontal
We will continue to take our time and move more intimately together.
I know you go longer that flow with no comma
I know you can last longer than I can.
I'm high on ya, ya like it don't cha?
I'm really into you, and I think you like it too.
Could survive, but it's bitin' on ya
We could make it through anything, but our attraction to each other is too strong.
Like those, high notes, nibble just a little bit
Let's keep pursuing that exciting feeling we both have.
Everything I'm thinkin', you're already deliverin' it
You are very attuned to me, and you know exactly what I want.
Quiver, pleasure unheard, you ain't even done first, baby
You make me feel so good that I can't help but shake with pleasure, and we're just getting started.
When I done burst, crazy
When I reach climax, it will be wild and intense.
I'm in love thirst, you are the quencher
I have a strong desire to love and be loved, and you are fulfilling that for me.
Maybe we should be taping so you can remember, I'm just sayin!
We should record our memories together so we can look back on them fondly.
High
I am still feeling very elevated and aroused.
You're makin' me so
You are the reason why I am feeling so high emotionally.
Oh, erhm, Stop!
I am being overwhelmed by the intensity of our connection.
I'm gettin' so, high
I am continuing to feel even more uplifted.
Baby, high off
I am high on love and lust for you.
Why not?
There is no reason why we should stop feeling this way.
Don't stop
Let's keep going and explore our connection further.
It's loud, c'mon
I am becoming more vocal and expressive of my pleasure.
Not there, not there
My pleasure is not coming from there, try another spot.
Oh, oh baby, don't do that
That feels uncomfortable, please stop.
Don't do that
I don't want you to touch me in that way.
Need some tissue?
Do you need a tissue to clean off?
Naw, I'm good, nigga!
No, I don't need a tissue, I am okay.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL SMITH, PATRICK DOUTHIT, TSIDI IBRAHIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stackzdadon1947
Still watching this in 2020...Definition of an artist...Jean Grae will always be 🔥.
@RANGECEO
real hip-hop never dies
@aharonjones8287
2023
@lukalakobrija5780
2023❤
@dlamini77
2023❤
@octaviusbrightwell6215
@@dlamini77 TILL THIS DAY!!!!! TILLTHISDAY🤣🤣🤣
@cblaze27
One of the illest beats 9th has ever made! Everything fits. Beat, lyrics and video!
@alexmighty9004
WHAT???? Wow, did not know that.
@lyrics2challenged
@Alex Mighty Surprising if you didn't lol. In my opinion 9th beats are recognizable from a planet over. Jeanius itself was done all or mostly by 9th wonder. An amazing duo.
@dlamini77
@@alexmighty9004e produced the whole album. It's called Jeanius. Best Jean Grae album in my opinion. Dropped in 2006 I think. Check the remix feat. Busta Rhymes