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."
P.S
Jean Grae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Alright alright I'm coming, I just want to send out
C'mon
I just want to send a couple emails, just gimme a second, I'll be like 5 minutes
Alright
What's up vicky
Man I can't believe you wrote to me
You even spoke
Remember on 8th street
Chillin' with Peter and he was all this my girl want to meet her?
That shit was bugged right
Anyway...hummhumm damn is been a long time
I see you're still artistic, talented
Vicky listen
I did some foul shit to you
Even though it's passed
I vow to you apologies a thousand times
How could you, even look me in the eye then
You're a bigger person then I ever was
Or at least I'm trying
I should of never touched 'em
We should of never crushed and
Then straight lied to your face about it
No trace of blushing
But I was young and stupid
Shooting all crooked and keep it fucking up a friendship
For some ass, should of never pursued it
Just wanted to thank you for understanding and reaching out
Love Jean, holla back at your homie, peace, I'm out
[Chorus]
P.S. just had to get this offa my chest
I hope you're well, I really wish you the best
And as you can tell i've done a lot of growing up
And time goes fast and no sign of slowing up
So if its any consolation karma got me bad
And anything I did wrong I wish I never had
I hope that all this drama we can leave in the past
Please feel free to write back
Hey marshall
I pray to god this is your email
Or else someone is gonna read a lot of details
I hope you're doing well, matter a fact I know that you are
Probably married, pickett fence, kids, well, best regards
You always had it in you
Motivated, studious, impervious to outside influences that can ruin it
Anyways listen
I tried to reach out before
On the first record number 8, fuck it
It was hardly in stores, 2 days still
I bet you moved far from us
It was a long time ago, about five summers
I just wanted to say I'm sorry, sorry for cheating
Sorry I wasn't honest, it wasn't a good reason
You probably don't care but I still mean it
Still put it in the air and hope that you feel that I'm being sincere
You didn't deserve a broken heart
And I wish you the world
Love Jean, scream later at your girl
[Chorus]
Dear Jean
I see you're doing big things
Congratulations hey I even saw that big ring
Who would of thunk it huh? L-O-L
You even seem content
I notice that you're more focus
Drinking less is well
Anyways its been too many months having henny days
I think is plenty grave, plus you get your penny saved up
And say what?!? second album
Whatever happened to the thought of edging rapping
Still living in Manhattan?
Side tracking note, just on the low
All apologies, I used to hate your fucking guts
Please pardon me, tried to kill you more than once
I've acted horribly, and all my pessemism towards your life
Still bothers me
But you're a big girl now
You've fought and made it through
Best of luck homie
And everything I say is true
XOXO space smiley face dot dot dot comma much love, Hugh
[Chorus]
Ah cap locks, delete
[Chorus]
And send
C'mon we gotta go, what's taking you so long?
Alright I'm done, I don't bother you when you're writing emails
Damn, yo we go through this all the time, c'mon girl
I'm doin business
Alright alright
Not really
Come on come on
You didn't know that
Yeah the cab's downstairs, c'mon
Alright alright, c'mon c'mon
Oh hey, umm on an end note Jean Grae would like to send a special thanks to
Will, JoJo, Family and apple martinis for making this presentation possible
Thanks guys (clapping)....guys...yayyy woooo ready, colin we did it, woohoo
This Week..This Week...Is Ova
The song P.S. by Jean Grae is a thoughtful and heartfelt tribute to old friends who were hurt by her actions in the past. The song begins with a conversation between Jean Grae and her friend, discussing how they need to leave the place they are at. Jean Grae then takes a moment to write a couple of emails to two of her old friends, Vicky and Marshall, both of whom she hurt in the past.
The first part of the song is addressed to Vicky. Jean Grae admits to doing some foul things to Vicky and apologizes for it. She commends Vicky for being the bigger person and for reaching out to her. Jean Grae asks for forgiveness and hopes that they can leave their past drama behind and start over. Jean Grae says that she has done a lot of growing up and that karma has gotten her bad for all her past misdeeds.
In the second part of the song, Jean Grae writes to Marshall. She notes that Marshall has probably moved on with his life, probably married with kids. Jean Grae confesses that she cheated on Marshall and apologizes for not being honest with him. Jean Grae hopes that Marshall can forgive her and she emphasizes that she is sincere in her apology.
Overall, the song P.S. by Jean Grae is a touching reminder that our actions have consequences and that it is important to take responsibility for our mistakes. The song is a testament to how friendships can be repaired even after a long period of time has passed.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo we gotta get outta here, what's taking you so long?
Come on, we need to leave this place. Why are you taking so much time?
Alright alright I'm coming, I just want to send out
Okay, okay, I'm coming. I just want to quickly send some emails.
C'mon
Let's go.
I just want to send a couple emails, just gimme a second, I'll be like 5 minutes
I just need a little more time to finish sending these emails. I'll be done in about 5 minutes.
Alright
Okay.
What's up vicky
Hey, Vicky.
Man I can't believe you wrote to me
Wow, I'm surprised that you reached out to me.
The last time that I saw you
When we last met,
You even spoke
We even talked.
Remember on 8th street
Do you recall when we were on 8th street?
Chillin' with Peter and he was all this my girl want to meet her?
We were hanging out with Peter, and he was excited to introduce you to his girlfriend.
That shit was bugged right
That was a crazy situation, wasn't it?
Anyway...hummhumm damn is been a long time
Anyway, it's been a really long time.
I see you're still artistic, talented
I can see that you are still creative and skilled.
Vicky listen
Listen, Vicky.
I did some foul shit to you
I behaved terribly towards you.
Even though it's passed
Even though it's in the past.
I vow to you apologies a thousand times
I want to apologize to you a thousand times.
How could you, even look me in the eye then
I can't believe you were still able to look at me back then.
You're a bigger person then I ever was
You are a more mature and compassionate person than I ever was.
Or at least I'm trying
Well, at least I'm trying to change.
I should of never touched 'em
I shouldn't have gotten involved with them.
We should of never crushed and
We shouldn't have developed romantic feelings and
Then straight lied to your face about it
And then lied straight to your face about it.
No trace of blushing
I didn't show any signs of guilt or embarrassment.
But I was young and stupid
But I was young and foolish.
Shooting all crooked and keep it fucking up a friendship
Acting thoughtlessly and ruining our friendship.
For some ass, should of never pursued it
All for some casual sex, I shouldn't have pursued it.
Just wanted to thank you for understanding and reaching out
I just wanted to express my gratitude for your understanding and for reaching out to me.
Love Jean, holla back at your homie, peace, I'm out
With love, Jean. Get back to me, friend. Peace, I'm leaving.
[Chorus]
Refrain
P.S. just had to get this offa my chest
Postscript: I needed to confess this.
I hope you're well, I really wish you the best
I hope you're doing well, and I genuinely want the best for you.
And as you can tell i've done a lot of growing up
And as you can see, I have matured a lot.
And time goes fast and no sign of slowing up
Time flies by quickly, and there are no signs of it slowing down.
So if its any consolation karma got me bad
So, if it's any comfort, karma has punished me severely.
And anything I did wrong I wish I never had
I deeply regret any wrongdoing I committed.
I hope that all this drama we can leave in the past
I hope that we can leave all this drama behind us.
Please feel free to write back
Feel free to respond to this message.
Hey marshall
Hey, Marshall.
I pray to god this is your email
I hope this is your email address.
Or else someone is gonna read a lot of details
Otherwise, someone else will read a lot of personal information.
I hope you're doing well, matter a fact I know that you are
I hope you're doing well. Actually, I'm pretty sure you are.
Probably married, pickett fence, kids, well, best regards
You're probably married, have a white picket fence, kids, well, I send you my best regards.
You always had it in you
You always had potential within you.
Motivated, studious, impervious to outside influences that can ruin it
You were driven, diligent, and immune to negative external influences that could ruin your progress.
Anyways listen
Anyway, listen.
I tried to reach out before
I attempted to contact you in the past.
On the first record number 8, fuck it
On the eighth track of my first album, forget it.
It was hardly in stores, 2 days still
It wasn't widely available in stores, and only lasted for two days.
I bet you moved far from us
I'm sure you've moved far away from us.
It was a long time ago, about five summers
That was a long time ago, approximately five summers ago.
I just wanted to say I'm sorry, sorry for cheating
I just wanted to apologize, apologize for cheating on you.
Sorry I wasn't honest, it wasn't a good reason
I'm sorry for not being honest with you. There was no good reason for it.
You probably don't care but I still mean it
You probably don't care, but I still sincerely mean my apology.
Still put it in the air and hope that you feel that I'm being sincere
I'm still expressing it and hoping that you perceive my sincerity.
You didn't deserve a broken heart
You didn't deserve to have your heart broken.
And I wish you the world
And I genuinely wish you all the best.
Love Jean, scream later at your girl
With love, Jean. Give my regards to your girlfriend later.
[Chorus]
Refrain
Dear Jean
Dear Jean.
I see you're doing big things
I can see that you're achieving great things.
Congratulations hey I even saw that big ring
Congratulations! I even saw the engagement ring.
Who would of thunk it huh? L-O-L
Who would have thought, right? Laugh out loud.
You even seem content
You even appear happy.
I notice that you're more focus
I've noticed that you're more focused.
Drinking less is well
And you're drinking less as well.
Anyways its been too many months having henny days
Anyway, it's been many months of having whiskey (Hennessy) days.
I think is plenty grave, plus you get your penny saved up
I think it's a serious issue, and it's good that you're saving your money.
And say what?!? second album
And guess what?!? Second album.
Whatever happened to the thought of edging rapping
What happened to the idea of pursuing rap seriously?
Still living in Manhattan?
Are you still living in Manhattan?
Side tracking note, just on the low
Just a side note, only meant for you to know.
All apologies, I used to hate your fucking guts
I apologize sincerely. I used to despise you.
Please pardon me, tried to kill you more than once
Please forgive me. I attempted to harm you on multiple occasions.
I've acted horribly, and all my pessimism towards your life
I behaved terribly, and all my negativity towards your life.
Still bothers me
Still troubles me.
But you're a big girl now
But you're all grown up now.
You've fought and made it through
You've fought and overcome challenges.
Best of luck homie
I wish you the best of luck, friend.
And everything I say is true
And everything I'm saying is sincere.
XOXO space smiley face dot dot dot comma much love, Hugh
Hugs and kisses, space, smiley face, dot dot dot, comma. With much love, Hugh.
[Chorus]
Refrain
Ah cap locks, delete
Oops, caps lock. Delete.
[Chorus]
Refrain
And send
And send.
C'mon we gotta go, what's taking you so long?
Come on, we need to leave. Why are you taking so much time?
Alright I'm done, I don't bother you when you're writing emails
Okay, I'm finished. I don't interrupt you when you're writing emails.
Damn, yo we go through this all the time, c'mon girl
Oh, we always go through this. Let's go, girl.
I'm doin business
I'm handling business.
Alright alright
Okay, okay.
Not really
Not really.
Come on come on
Let's go, let's go.
You didn't know that
You didn't realize that.
Yeah the cab's downstairs, c'mon
Yeah, the taxi is waiting downstairs. Let's go.
Alright alright, c'mon c'mon
Okay, okay, let's go, let's go.
Oh hey, umm on an end note Jean Grae would like to send a special thanks to
Oh, hey, umm, on a final note, Jean Grae would like to express special gratitude to
Will, JoJo, Family and apple martinis for making this presentation possible
Will, JoJo, Family, and apple martinis for making this presentation a reality.
Thanks guys (clapping)....guys...yayyy woooo ready, colin we did it, woohoo
Thank you, guys (applauding)....guys...yayyy woooo! We're ready. Colin, we did it! Woohoo!
This Week..This Week...Is Ova
This week... This week... is over.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JONAS Q CARDIM, TALIB KWELI GREENE, TSIDI A IBRAHIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Martin Cellar
Dopest female rapper ever..
shanshan33
oooohhhh yh Jean Grae blacksmith......one of the best female hip hop artists to ever live, straight from SA. bless up gal
Anti-Hipster Indie Nerd
Probably the best female emcee to ever touch a mic. This beat is dope too
DepressionMoon
I'm going to have to buy this girl's albums. Are they also available on amazon? I don't like iTunes.
Michael G
Really late to the party here, but discovered Jean recently via MC Frontalot. Picked up Attack, This Week, and Jeanius on CD. Wish more of her stuff was on Bandcamp though.
shanshan33
daaaaamn i remember listening to This Week's goin crazy and it just took mi back to 90's rap
TheBukamania
Still bumping this in 2015!!! #GreatSong
cees1
TheBukamania
2017 To ????
rob w
I'm rob w and this is 2020!
Abbey Mac
2021 🥳