Jean Grae (real name Tsidi Ibrahim, also known as What? What? & Da Easter B… Read Full Bio ↴Jean Grae (real name Tsidi Ibrahim, also known as What? What? & Da Easter Bunny, born November 27, 1976) is a hip hop artist from New York.
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."
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."
Shut da Fuck Up
Jean Grae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
You need to sh-shut the fuck up
Wha wha, Yea, yea
What, what, Beatminerz baby
Jean Grae, AB emcee, stay out
Yea take that, shut da fuck up
Know what I'm talkin' about
I design this rhyme in my slime where miracles happen
Scheme; world domination, snatch Queens next Manhattan
So hold the Latin Quarter, behold the prophecy
I'm levitatin' on water, demonstratin' somethin' properly
The A to the be , there can only be one
Freeze time through the needle when my vinyl gets spun
Get respect 'cause I earn it, first time learn it
With the keys to six, but the five'll burst and invert it
Spray and burn it like I'm holdin areosol to a brick wall
Type my name indelibly, so my legend won't fall
Apani why'all yes yes, the rest are powerless
Who assassinate the queen, our strikers shut 'em down like gravity
Who stay spittin' flows that get underground booties and cats pissed,
Jean, black listed from shows, the rap antagonist
I work with ladies with brains twisted and talkin' loud and shit
I'll liqour it, fire spittin' women will knuckle you bitch
You troublin' whips, niggas rent, can't afford a six
Crash and when the cops come, you'll find me hurlin' the fifth
We got no dough, frozen wrists, or Cris',
guns'll bust when wind blows
My fist could knock holes though nigga
Wittier shit, gritty as hell, pretty as fuck
Dirty as motherfuckers who actually fuck they mother's what
If you don't like it, then don't listen, but don't talk
I'll run up in your prom, with cans of blood on the catwalk
I ain't playin', have you standin' there,
bloody, drippin, and laughin' 'cause it's all your fault
Shut da fuck up!
"So you want to see how good you are?"
"It'll just take me to show ya"
Now what you niggas want to talk about, "Shut da fuck up"
Stank hoopy bitches, and your bank account, "Shut da fuck up"
A bunch of shit nobody care about, "Shut da fuck up"
You silly bitches love to run your mouth, "Shut da fuck up"
You shut da fuck up!
Now what these bitches want to talk about, "Shut da fuck up"
These strippers turn to rappers comin'' out, "Shut da fuck up"
Who write your shit, you say its you, I doubt, "Shut da fuck up"
You silly niggas love to run your mouth, "Shut da fuck up"
You shut da fuck up!
This is real life rap, these niggas not ready for
No posin and crap, beg your pardon, por favor
Superior, Orator came jaws like Thor
Soon as I drop some thunder shit, greedy niggas want more
Run the play-by-play, tackle cats like a fullback
It's a dangerous game, come strong or get your skull cracked
Blahti raise the thermostat, collapse, robber formats
Dodge traps like the clap, do it for all ghetto blacks
Stand firm like I'm cemented, Jean Grae my comrad
Enter the Dragon, we demented, sick, and highly complemented
Slick witted, star figures, acid-laced hallucigenics
We fire-spittin' bitches, disregard the bullshittings
Niggas stay runnin your mouth, teeth or shit drippin off
Bottomed-out, permanent south, some bitter cats, so fuck why'all
We hot on wax, we hot on stage
My tongue's a twelve gauge, lips, uzis, spray the page
why'all some click-n-drag niggas, chatroom with fag niggas
Backpack and bag niggas, play body and tag niggas
We raps best when we step in the ring
Get knocked 'fore the first bell, hell with the clock
We dirty be-atch (We drunk)
Apani tree'd up, chillin and speed Jean up
why'all industry skeed niggas snortin the whole ki up
And still won't sign us, they rhyme but minus the clothes
Please, why'all just in jobs for these hoes
Yo shut da fuck up!
Now what you niggas want to talk about, "Shut da fuck up"
Stank hoopy bitches, and your bank account, "Shut da fuck up"
A bunch of shit nobody care about, "Shut da fuck up"
You silly bitches love to run your mouth, "Shut da fuck up"
You shut da fuck up!
Now what these bitches want to talk about, "Shut da fuck up"
These strippers turn to rappers comin' out, "Shut da fuck up"
Who write your shit, you say its you, I doubt, "Shut da fuck up"
You silly niggas love to run your mouth, "Shut da fuck up"
You shut da fuck up!
Now what you niggas want to talk about, "Shut da fuck up"
Stank hoopy bitches, and your bank account, "Shut da fuck up"
A bunch of shit nobody care about, "Shut da fuck up"
You silly bitches love to run your mouth, "Shut da fuck up"
You shut da fuck up!
Now what these bitches want to talk about, "Shut da fuck up"
These strippers turn to rappers comin'' out, "Shut da fuck up"
Who write your shit, you say its you, I doubt, "Shut da fuck up"
You silly niggas love to run your mouth, "Shut da fuck up"
You shut da fuck up!
Wha wha, Yea, yea
What, what, Beatminerz baby
Jean Grae, AB emcee, stay out
Yea take that, shut da fuck up
Know what I'm talkin' about
I design this rhyme in my slime where miracles happen
Scheme; world domination, snatch Queens next Manhattan
So hold the Latin Quarter, behold the prophecy
I'm levitatin' on water, demonstratin' somethin' properly
The A to the be , there can only be one
Freeze time through the needle when my vinyl gets spun
Get respect 'cause I earn it, first time learn it
With the keys to six, but the five'll burst and invert it
Spray and burn it like I'm holdin areosol to a brick wall
Type my name indelibly, so my legend won't fall
Apani why'all yes yes, the rest are powerless
Who assassinate the queen, our strikers shut 'em down like gravity
Who stay spittin' flows that get underground booties and cats pissed,
Jean, black listed from shows, the rap antagonist
I work with ladies with brains twisted and talkin' loud and shit
I'll liqour it, fire spittin' women will knuckle you bitch
You troublin' whips, niggas rent, can't afford a six
Crash and when the cops come, you'll find me hurlin' the fifth
We got no dough, frozen wrists, or Cris',
guns'll bust when wind blows
My fist could knock holes though nigga
Wittier shit, gritty as hell, pretty as fuck
Dirty as motherfuckers who actually fuck they mother's what
If you don't like it, then don't listen, but don't talk
I'll run up in your prom, with cans of blood on the catwalk
I ain't playin', have you standin' there,
bloody, drippin, and laughin' 'cause it's all your fault
Shut da fuck up!
"So you want to see how good you are?"
"It'll just take me to show ya"
Now what you niggas want to talk about, "Shut da fuck up"
Stank hoopy bitches, and your bank account, "Shut da fuck up"
A bunch of shit nobody care about, "Shut da fuck up"
You silly bitches love to run your mouth, "Shut da fuck up"
You shut da fuck up!
Now what these bitches want to talk about, "Shut da fuck up"
These strippers turn to rappers comin'' out, "Shut da fuck up"
Who write your shit, you say its you, I doubt, "Shut da fuck up"
You silly niggas love to run your mouth, "Shut da fuck up"
You shut da fuck up!
This is real life rap, these niggas not ready for
No posin and crap, beg your pardon, por favor
Superior, Orator came jaws like Thor
Soon as I drop some thunder shit, greedy niggas want more
Run the play-by-play, tackle cats like a fullback
It's a dangerous game, come strong or get your skull cracked
Blahti raise the thermostat, collapse, robber formats
Dodge traps like the clap, do it for all ghetto blacks
Stand firm like I'm cemented, Jean Grae my comrad
Enter the Dragon, we demented, sick, and highly complemented
Slick witted, star figures, acid-laced hallucigenics
We fire-spittin' bitches, disregard the bullshittings
Niggas stay runnin your mouth, teeth or shit drippin off
Bottomed-out, permanent south, some bitter cats, so fuck why'all
We hot on wax, we hot on stage
My tongue's a twelve gauge, lips, uzis, spray the page
why'all some click-n-drag niggas, chatroom with fag niggas
Backpack and bag niggas, play body and tag niggas
We raps best when we step in the ring
Get knocked 'fore the first bell, hell with the clock
We dirty be-atch (We drunk)
Apani tree'd up, chillin and speed Jean up
why'all industry skeed niggas snortin the whole ki up
And still won't sign us, they rhyme but minus the clothes
Please, why'all just in jobs for these hoes
Yo shut da fuck up!
Now what you niggas want to talk about, "Shut da fuck up"
Stank hoopy bitches, and your bank account, "Shut da fuck up"
A bunch of shit nobody care about, "Shut da fuck up"
You silly bitches love to run your mouth, "Shut da fuck up"
You shut da fuck up!
Now what these bitches want to talk about, "Shut da fuck up"
These strippers turn to rappers comin' out, "Shut da fuck up"
Who write your shit, you say its you, I doubt, "Shut da fuck up"
You silly niggas love to run your mouth, "Shut da fuck up"
You shut da fuck up!
Now what you niggas want to talk about, "Shut da fuck up"
Stank hoopy bitches, and your bank account, "Shut da fuck up"
A bunch of shit nobody care about, "Shut da fuck up"
You silly bitches love to run your mouth, "Shut da fuck up"
You shut da fuck up!
Now what these bitches want to talk about, "Shut da fuck up"
These strippers turn to rappers comin'' out, "Shut da fuck up"
Who write your shit, you say its you, I doubt, "Shut da fuck up"
You silly niggas love to run your mouth, "Shut da fuck up"
You shut da fuck up!
The lyrics to Jean Grae's song "Shut da Fuck Up" convey a strong message of asserting oneself and silencing those who talk too much or spread negativity. The song starts with Jean Grae confidently stating the need for people to "shut the fuck up," emphasizing her independence as an artist and her capability to make things happen. She compares herself to a miracle-maker, with schemes of world domination and the power to snatch the Queens, symbolizing her ambition and determination. She showcases her abilities to command attention and respect in the hip-hop industry, using metaphors like levitating on water and freezing time through the needle on a vinyl record. She asserts her dominance and skill by stating that she can spray and burn her name indelibly, ensuring her status as a legend.
The second verse continues with Jean Grae's assertiveness, addressing those who criticize her and try to bring her down. She declares that her rhymes attract underground audiences and anger those who are envious of her talent. She proudly mentions working with strong-willed and outspoken women who are unafraid to confront opposition. She talks about her ability to handle herself in difficult situations, including hurling a fifth of alcohol when confronted by the police. Despite not having financial wealth or material possessions, she possesses the strength and resilience to prevail. The lyrics also contain explicit language directed at those who criticize her, emphasizing her refusal to conform and her fearlessness in expressing herself.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network
Written by: APANI SMITH, KIRK ROBINSON, LANA MOORER, TSIDI IBRAHIM, WALTER V. DEWGARDE JR., A SMITH, EWART DEWGARDE, T IBRAHIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Bart F.
Bought that LP recently and was flashed from the sick beats of the beatminerz, that track is my favourite. Hope you enjoy it, like I do...
Geno Star
This and "Hold" are my all time favorite Jean/Apani collabs
SummertimeOne
Bought this cd when it came out. This joint and "Hustler's Theme" were my favorites!!
AbbottSupreme
Apani B. Fly & Jean Grae That REAL LIFE HIP-HOP Word Up!! Respect that Peace!
Power Ende Mauz
this is what hiphop is about ... shoutz from Belgium
DobroBad
NUFF RESPECT !!
k2tte
Love this one, big ups for upload
Richie Smiffinwess
Still bumping this in 2021. Peace from Northeast Ohio.
TheJizzak
thx so much this is the joint!!!!! cant stop listening to it
Richie S
Still bumping this. Straight from Northeast Ohio. Peace