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."
Say Something feat. Talib Kweli
Jean Grae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Brooklyn, New York City (stand up)
A child destined for greatness is born (we goin' in)
Let's go
Get your hands in the air (get em up!)
Put your hands in the air (put em up!)
Get your hands in the air (get em up!)
Talk shit now, what? What?
Talk shit now, what?
Talk shit now, what?
Talk shit now, what?
Talk shit now
Say something, say something (what was that?)
Say something (I dare you), say something (yeah)
The Lord Chief Rocka, I'm colder than meatlockers
My people keep throwin' it up like cheap vodka
I smack internet MC's and beat bloggers
You can see my Black Thought like 'Riq Trotter
It's deep, go ahead and sleep, they know in the street
Kwe' gon flow on the beat proper composin' complete operas
Longer than a cigar that's Godfather
Tappin' two heart chakras, I'm harder than Gobstoppers
People comin' for the throne not knowin the seat hotter
Than fish grease, criminal names on police blotters
You can miss me, I hit targets like top shotters
Out in the Mideast like Muslims takin' Shahada
I'm sayin makin' a profit, a product of Reaganomics
Awake and I'm stayin' conscious to radio playin garbage (yeah)
Blacksmith Music, if you don't pay homage
I'ma show you how we break an artist
That's a threat, I'm not makin a promise
Speak to the people like Barack Obama
They worship like the black Madonna, c'mon
Niggas talk shit, but they ain't got skills
I'm the type of nigga to put lead in your grill
Number two pencil is sharper to bruise mentals, and
Beatin in my chest is the heart of a true gentleman
Still spit right in your face
Fuck a Top 8, back up, gimme my space, you're not safe
Hahahaha
Yeah, they say I'm back, but I ain't go nowhere though (uh-h)
Been here the whole time (yes)
Where you been? You back
Matter fact, apologize
Talk shit now, what? What?
Talk shit now (huh)
Talk shit now, what?
Talk shit now, what?
Talk shit now (c'mon)
Say something (g'ahead)
say something (huh?)
Say something (what? Who is it?)
say something (Jean Grae, yeah)
Open your mouth, say somethin', I fuckin' dare you
Chokin' you out 'til you can't suck any air through
Fuck with your man too
thinkin' I can't do what I plan to vet vandal, niggas are brand new
Ain't knew I was bad news, look at the tattoos
Get ran through like you was fingers through Sassoon
Horror chick in the bathroom, off the backstage room
Shit you couldn't imagine, nigga I'll harass you
I'll Ras Kass you, Soul on Ice and body cast dude
Past due, Jean and Kwe' the last two action heroes
Actually had the capacity, to be the ones in a class of zeroes
Hip-hop's not dead, it was on vacation
We back, we bask in the confrontation
You can ask me, have any conversation (c'mon)
You talk shit, Blacksmith, Jean, I'm waitin' nigga
Talk shit now, what? What?
Talk shit now (huh)
Talk shit now, what?
Talk shit now, what?
Talk shit now (c'mon)
Say something (g'ahead)
say something (What was that?)
Say something (I dare you)
say something
We not fallin' for your trick 'cause your image is like a gimmick
Forget it every rhyme is bitten, you like a mimic
I'm talkin' to the Lord and I'm askin' him for forgiveness
Just for kickin' niggas out the club like Michael Richards
Yeah I admit, I'm guilty, the way I spit is filthy
I keep it gritty so they get it they feel me, the flow
Is known for touchin' the soul of street hustlers
I speak in the language they know I keep customers
The writin' therapeutic, it's due to the pain and sufferin'
While these dudes get it confused and abuse the creative substance
I'm givin you a contact high, my name buzzin'
And I came in the game with nothin', stop frontin' nigga
Talk shit now
The year of the Blacksmith is not defined by any calendar
Just thought I'd remind all you challengers
Get the name right, BKMC, Talib Kweli, say it again
Get your hands in the air (get 'em up)
Put your hands in the air (put 'em up)
Get your hands in the air (get 'em up)
Put your hands in the air (put 'em up)
The opening lines of the song introduce the setting and birth of a child in Brooklyn, New York City, in 1975. The song then proceeds with Talib Kweli's rap verses as he talks about his skills with a "heart of a true gentleman". Kweli further talks about his experience in the music industry, how he targets his enemies with his rhymes, and how people who talk shit do not have any skills. He also mentions the Black Thought, Allah Rakha, and Barack Obama in his verses, adding depth to the song. Jean Grae joins in on the chorus, daring her opponents to say something to her, while attacking her enemies with her aggressive rhymes. The song asserts the strength and talent of the two rappers, warning people not to underestimate them.
The lyrics of "Say Something" explore themes of confidence, strength, and aggressive expression. The song is a classic display of the hip-hop genre as the artists boast their skills, tackle their detractors, and assert their talent. The song also reinforces the identity of Brooklyn, NY, as the birthplace of hip-hop culture. The lyrics are hard-hitting, challenging, and assertive, as Kweli and Grae drive home their message without hesitation. The song is a powerful, poetic expression of the tenacity, resilience, and individuality that make up the hip-hop culture.
Line by Line Meaning
The year is 1975 (yeah)
The setting is Brooklyn, New York City in the year 1975.
Brooklyn, New York City (stand up)
A call to represent Brooklyn, New York City.
A child destined for greatness is born (we goin' in)
The birth of a great individual is announced with excitement.
Let's go
A call to action, to begin.
Get your hands in the air (get em up!)
A command to raise one's hands in the air.
Put your hands in the air (put em up!)
A command to put one's hands in the air.
Talk shit now, what? What?
A challenge to start trouble.
Talk shit now, what?
A repeated challenge to start trouble.
Say something, say something (what was that?)
An invitation to speak up.
Say something (I dare you), say something (yeah)
An encouragement to speak up, with the implication that the artist is not afraid of confrontations.
The Lord Chief Rocka, I'm colder than meatlockers
A boastful self-introduction, claiming to be a great rapper.
My people keep throwin' it up like cheap vodka
My followers keep showing support like vodka shots.
I smack internet MC's and beat bloggers
A statement of superiority over online rappers.
You can see my Black Thought like 'Riq Trotter
A reference to the rapper Black Thought and his lyrical style.
It's deep, go ahead and sleep, they know in the street
A statement of how known and respected the rapper is in the streets.
Kwe' gon flow on the beat proper composin' complete operas
A reference to rapper Talib Kweli's skill on beats and composing complete songs.
Longer than a cigar that's Godfather
A comparison to the length and epic nature of movies like The Godfather.
Tappin' two heart chakras, I'm harder than Gobstoppers
A claim to be more powerful than an everlasting piece of candy when it comes to lyrical skills.
People comin' for the throne not knowin the seat hotter
A warning to those coming for the top spot that it's a tough and competitive place.
Than fish grease, criminal names on police blotters
A comparison to the heat and danger of cooking oil and the names of criminals on police records.
You can miss me, I hit targets like top shotters
A boast about being able to hit targets like a top sharpshooter.
Out in the Mideast like Muslims takin' Shahada
A reference to the rapper's travels and experiences in the Middle East.
I'm sayin makin' a profit, a product of Reaganomics
A statement about how economic policies have shaped business opportunities.
Awake and I'm stayin' conscious to radio playin garbage (yeah)
A criticism of mainstream radio stations for playing low-quality music.
Blacksmith Music, if you don't pay homage
A reference to the rapper's record company, with a demand for recognition.
I'ma show you how we break an artist
A statement that the rapper can demonstrate how to launch a successful music career.
That's a threat, I'm not makin a promise
An assurance that the previous statement is not to be taken lightly.
Speak to the people like Barack Obama
A comparison to the former US President and his eloquent speeches.
They worship like the black Madonna, c'mon
A reference to the Virgin Mary and how fans revere their favorite rapper.
Niggas talk shit, but they ain't got skills
A criticism of those who talk big but lack the ability to back it up.
I'm the type of nigga to put lead in your grill
A statement of intention to harm or kill those who oppose the rapper.
Number two pencil is sharper to bruise mentals, and
A claim that the rapper's skills are sharp and can cause emotional damage.
Beatin in my chest is the heart of a true gentleman
A statement about the rapper's moral character despite the violent nature of previous lines.
Still spit right in your face
A statement of aggression and disrespect.
Fuck a Top 8, back up, gimme my space, you're not safe
A statement about needing distance and privacy from others.
Yeah, they say I'm back, but I ain't go nowhere though (uh-h)
A response to rumors about the rapper's retirement or inactivity.
Been here the whole time (yes)
A clarification that the rapper has been active throughout the supposed hiatus.
Where you been? You back
A question about the whereabouts of those asking about the rapper's return.
Matter fact, apologize
A demand for those who doubted the rapper's ability or presence to apologize.
We not fallin' for your trick 'cause your image is like a gimmick
A criticism of those who rely on superficial image rather than genuine talent.
Forget it every rhyme is bitten, you like a mimic
A claim that other rappers copy or repeat lines rather than creating original content.
I'm talkin' to the Lord and I'm askin' him for forgiveness
A reference to the rapper's spiritual beliefs and need for redemption for past actions.
Just for kickin' niggas out the club like Michael Richards
A reference to the actor Michael Richards and an incident where he made racist comments.
Yeah I admit, I'm guilty, the way I spit is filthy
A self-criticism about the vulgar nature of some of the rapper's lyrics.
I keep it gritty so they get it they feel me, the flow
A statement about the rapper's rough and honest style in order to connect with listeners.
Is known for touchin' the soul of street hustlers
A claim that the rapper's music resonates with hustlers in urban areas.
I speak in the language they know I keep customers
A statement about speaking to one's audience in a way that they will appreciate and continue to support the rapper.
The writin' therapeutic, it's due to the pain and sufferin'
A statement about the catharsis of writing, despite the difficulty of life experiences.
While these dudes get it confused and abuse the creative substance
A criticism of other rappers who exploit the creative aspect for personal gain without respect for the art.
I'm givin you a contact high, my name buzzin'
A reference to the high and excitement that the rapper's music can elicit in listeners.
And I came in the game with nothin', stop frontin' nigga
A reminder about the rapper's humble beginnings and success despite obstacles.
The year of the Blacksmith is not defined by any calendar
A statement that the group's success cannot be measured by time alone.
Just thought I'd remind all you challengers
A warning to those who underestimate the group's abilities.
Get the name right, BKMC, Talib Kweli, say it again
A demand for the correct name and pronunciation of the rapper's stage name.
Get your hands in the air (get 'em up)
A repeated command to raise one's hands in the air.
Put your hands in the air (put 'em up)
A repeated command to put one's hands in the air.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Will Adams, Talib Greene, James Casey, Thomas Bell, Tsidi Ibrahim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind