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."
Uh Oh
Jean Grae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Good for you
OK, get out of the way though
Thank you
Excuse me, excuse me
Been a long time (yes) shouldn't have left you
Without a dope beat to step to
Without a dope beat to step to, sayin'
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) C'mon, the word is back
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Yeah, y'know you heard of that
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Oh! Uh, you know the word is back
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Yes, I know you heard of that
Psychopath, ride a tricycle in a biker's club
Mike Tyson face tatted addict, like it rough
Hey scatterbrain, don't get your gray matter punched up
'Til you hunched, talk-talkin' like you punch drunk
One love, two maybe if I'm drunk enough
Naked watchin' three painted ladies do the bump and rub
Mean muggin' Jean, the Heebs call meshugenah
Bookin' her in the Catskills like "look at her rap skills!"
He's rockin' a backpack, a nerd in the rat pack
Jean Martine de Begerac, you heard of her murder rap
I murder rap, you learn it, confirm it and burn its audio
Music for your convertible, music for burnin' cardio!
Don't use it for burners, they'll find me in your stereo
And blame me for the murders, lock me up and get me carried off
I know I said murder befo' - murder murder, FUCK IT murder
Make it fo', insert a learning curve
Mine is so high you get vertigo, assertive girl a-fern a blow
Eternally superlative, blindfolded learn to drive
At night up on a girder bridge, heard a "NO!"
Talib dirty nervousness, yes the boys are back
Oh yes the boys in black, the boy's ? rap star
Teeny rock star, minus the f'real and all the cop cars
Rocks off, lock bars with the realest (hach-too) in the spot
Really y'all should get on your knees and just pray for forgiveness sayin'
[Chorus]
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) I said the word is back
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Uh oh, you heard of that
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) I said the word is back
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Uh oh you heard of that oh
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) I said uh oh
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Oh yeah you heard of that oh
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) I said uh oh
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Oh yeah you heard of that, oh
I'm a, man of God who asked the Devil for some face time
It's shade time you never see him comin' cause you fake, blind
The mainline, Bloods are wavin' flags like K'Naan
Crips throwin' gang signs, the beast in the street
Bearin' teeth like a canine, low like the bassline
Jean and Kwe' think alike like great minds
The crown is on my head, what makes you think that you can take mine?
They know they'll never win but still they racist like a hate crime
Runnin' track like Tyra in Higher Learning
We bleeding gasoline so we keepin' the fire burnin'
We speedin' like Valvoline and we speak fo' a higher purpose
You believe in magazines that deliver entire sermons
Give me some Vaseline cause your shit is dryer than deserts
You never fired a weapon in your life,
So picturin' yourself as a gangster the only way that you shootin'
And my intelligent design is a product of evolution
Psychotic, erotic, catch phrases just to, get at your girl
Create solutions for a digital world
So baby even when I'm spittin' game I'm addin' on
Rappers goin' hard pure for the dope, I got an acronym for Capricorn
Said to them prepared, rigorous, innovative
Captivatin', ordinary, regular, nigga just
Throwin' daily your chick goin' crazy yo
Handle her like Chelsea Lately
Rockin' the fresh kicks like you felt her baby
We'll wait until you done bein' whack
We got every hand up from the front to the back
If you wonderin' why you just dressin' funny in rap
You need attention dog, there ain't no more, money in rap
So if you're mixin' with Garage Band, videos on the Flip cam
I'm a big fan you got more heart than Bret, he hitman
But shit damn, it's the pinnacle, it gets no better
I'm boastin', but still stay humble
Never spinnin', I'm always coastin'
[Chorus]
In the beginning of the song "Uh Oh" by Jean Grae, the artist is celebrating the return of a certain word, presumably the word "Uh Oh" from the title. She reiterates the importance of having a dope beat to step to, implying that the comeback of this word is essential to creating good music. The lyrics then shift to a combination of clever wordplay and conscious references to societal issues. Jean Grae creates vivid and intriguing character descriptions that highlight the complexity of human nature. She refers to a psychopath riding a tricycle in a biker's club and a scatterbrain not wanting to get their gray matter punched up. Furthermore, she makes connections between injustice and racism and the entertainment industry, pointing out how people of color are often portrayed as gangsters.
As the song draws to a close, Jean Grae concludes with boastful lines about her own skills and capabilities as a rapper. She playfully uses an acronym for "Capricorn" to describe her own abilities, stating that she is rigorous, innovative, captivating, and anything but ordinary. The final lines of the song convey a sense of confidence and contentment with her place in the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
That is great
Very good news.
Good for you
I'm happy for you.
OK, get out of the way though
Please move out of the way.
Thank you
Expressing gratitude.
Excuse me, excuse me
Apologizing for interrupting.
Been a long time (yes) shouldn't have left you
It's been a while since we've connected.
Without a dope beat to step to
Music is essential to a good time.
Say uh, shouldn't have left you
Reiterating the sentiment that we've been disconnected.
Without a dope beat to step to, sayin'
Music is truly essential.
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) C'mon, the word is back
The music is back.
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Yeah, y'know you heard of that
This music is well-known.
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Oh! Uh, you know the word is back
The music is back, duh!
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Yes, I know you heard of that
The music is well-known, obviously.
Psychopath, ride a tricycle in a biker's club
A person who is mentally deranged and acts strangely.
Mike Tyson face tatted addict, like it rough
A person with tattoos on their face who enjoys rough behavior.
Hey scatterbrain, don't get your gray matter punched up
Don't let your thoughts get out of control.
'Til you hunched, talk-talkin' like you punch drunk
If you let your thoughts get out of control, you'll sound like you're intoxicated.
One love, two maybe if I'm drunk enough
Love is important, but alcohol may play a role.
Naked watchin' three painted ladies do the bump and rub
Watching three naked ladies have fun.
Mean muggin' Jean, the Heebs call meshugenah
Jean looks angry and Jewish people call her crazy.
Bookin' her in the Catskills like "look at her rap skills!"
Jean is being booked in a venue in the Catskills because of her great rapping ability.
He's rockin' a backpack, a nerd in the rat pack
He's wearing a backpack and is different from the rest of the group.
Jean Martine de Begerac, you heard of her murder rap
Jean is well-known for her rap songs about murder.
I murder rap, you learn it, confirm it and burn its audio
Jean is making a statement about her violent lyrics.
Music for your convertible, music for burnin' cardio!
Jean's music is great for driving in a convertible or for working out.
Don't use it for burners, they'll find me in your stereo
Jean is warning listeners not to use her music for illegal activities.
And blame me for the murders, lock me up and get me carried off
Jean is afraid of being blamed for actual murders.
I know I said murder befo' - murder murder, FUCK IT murder
Jean is unapologetic for her violent lyrics.
Make it fo', insert a learning curve
Jean challenges herself to improve her lyrics.
Mine is so high you get vertigo, assertive girl a-fern a blow
Jean's level of skill is impressive and may cause dizziness.
Eternally superlative, blindfolded learn to drive
Jean's talents are unmatched, even if she were to learn a difficult skill while blindfolded.
At night up on a girder bridge, heard a "NO!"
Jean experienced something scary while on a bridge at night.
Talib dirty nervousness, yes the boys are back
Talib Kweli is back and nervous.
Oh yes the boys in black, the boy's ? rap star
The rappers are back in all black, looking like rap stars.
Teeny rock star, minus the f'real and all the cop cars
They are small rock stars but without the extra expenses.
Rocks off, lock bars with the realest (hach-too) in the spot
They are tough, hanging out at a rough location.
Really y'all should get on your knees and just pray for forgiveness sayin'
The rappers are powerful and others should apologize to them.
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) I said the word is back
The music is still back.
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Uh oh, you heard of that
The music is well-known.
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Uh oh you heard of that oh
The music is still well-known.
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) I said uh oh
The music is still good.
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Oh yeah you heard of that oh
The music is still popular.
(UH OH! UH OH! UH OH!) Oh yeah you heard of that, oh
Clearly, the music is popular.
I'm a, man of God who asked the Devil for some face time
The rapper is religious, but is curious about evil.
It's shade time you never see him comin' cause you fake, blind
The rapper is warning others that they won't see danger coming because they're fake and oblivious.
The mainline, Bloods are wavin' flags like K'Naan
A metaphor of gangs waving flags like a famous musician.
Crips throwin' gang signs, the beast in the street
Street violence is occurring, with gang members flashing signs.
Bearin' teeth like a canine, low like the bassline
Gang members look scary, and the bassline is intense.
Jean and Kwe' think alike like great minds
Jean and Kwe' have similar thoughts.
The crown is on my head, what makes you think that you can take mine?
The rapper is confident in their abilities and reputation.
They know they'll never win but still they racist like a hate crime
Others are discriminatory, despite their guaranteed loss.
Runnin' track like Tyra in Higher Learning
The rapper is running a metaphorical race like the one shown in the movie, Higher Learning.
We bleeding gasoline so we keepin' the fire burnin'
The rappers are excited and keeping the energy high.
We speedin' like Valvoline and we speak fo' a higher purpose
The rappers are moving quickly and speaking for something meaningful.
You believe in magazines that deliver entire sermons
The rapper is criticizing others for believing everything in magazines.
Give me some Vaseline cause your shit is dryer than deserts
The rapper is making fun of others for their dry lyrics.
You never fired a weapon in your life,
The rapper is doubting the authenticity of someone's lyrics.
So picturin' yourself as a gangster the only way that you shootin'
The only way being a gangster becomes a reality for someone is through their music.
And my intelligent design is a product of evolution
The rapper's intelligence is a result of natural evolution.
Psychotic, erotic, catch phrases just to, get at your girl
The rapper is using psychologically appealing catch phrases.
Create solutions for a digital world
The rapper is a problem-solver for the modern world.
So baby even when I'm spittin' game I'm addin' on
The rapper is always improving their performance.
Rappers goin' hard pure for the dope, I got an acronym for Capricorn
Rappers are working hard for drugs, while Jean Grae has an acronym she's proud of.
Said to them prepared, rigorous, innovative
Jean's acronym is for being prepared, rigorous and innovative.
Captivatin', ordinary, regular, nigga just
Jean's acronym is for being captivating, ordinary and just a regular person.
Throwin' daily your chick goin' crazy yo
Jean's music is so good that it will make people go crazy.
Handle her like Chelsea Lately
Treating someone like the talk show host, Chelsea Lately, is a compliment.
Rockin' the fresh kicks like you felt her baby
Wearing fresh new shoes is compared to holding a newborn baby.
We'll wait until you done bein' whack
The rappers will wait for others to improve their skills.
We got every hand up from the front to the back
Everyone is enjoying the music.
If you wonderin' why you just dressin' funny in rap
Others are dressing poorly compared to the rappers.
You need attention dog, there ain't no more, money in rap
The rapper is calling out others for seeking attention and greed over passion in the music industry.
So if you're mixin' with Garage Band, videos on the Flip cam
Using Garage Band and a Flip camera to make music videos is not good enough.
I'm a big fan you got more heart than Bret, he hitman
Jean Grae appreciates the effort of others and compliments their passion.
But shit damn, it's the pinnacle, it gets no better
This is the best music.
I'm boastin', but still stay humble
The rapper is proud but still respectful.
Never spinnin', I'm always coastin'
The rapper is calm but still performing well.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cokes42
It's 2021 and I'm still bumpin this shit. It's amazing how people don't realize how hard Jean Grae goes 🔥🔥🔥
@Deriaman
Jean Grae and Talib insane combo.
@MrRickyTeague
Talib Kweli without a hat... I've never seen that before.
@MaliKali-po9su
You mean franklin turtle
@hserokdivad
"you got more heart than Brett the hitman" lol nice
@PalediMothapo
Representing South Africa, Jean Grae
@mphontsenyeho5468
Few years later and the song still goes in
@TheLadyk29
Dope! Why am I just discovering this song?
@MichaelMartin-pg4ef
Don't know but you found it which makes you a winner!
@harmany08
"youre gonna look like Ghost Rider in 2 seconds" lol good stuff