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."
Where You Gonna Run
Jean Grae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We gonna do this one a little different.
Tryna test the waters
(Where you gonna run)
Not far
(Where you gonna run)
Where you gonna go
Niggaz fight your way through
If you're not ready to lose may I suggest that you let us the fuck through
Everybody clap your hands now, tear the walls down
Dance like Rudy Huxtable scoring a touchdown, you know
Hands in the air, knees in, knees out
Drop a little symbol on them this time, no doubt, let's go
I write ten years deep and tenure's still deep
My bad I'm sorry I don't like when phrases repeat
I meant for the decades almost passed and spaceball was the least
And I'm struggling still hustle to eat
I must be built with Adam and Eve skin
While y'all motherfuckers where you flushed in
With your heart poking through on your arm stupid
Drop more bombs than on Saddam's house unarmed
My mouth's a weapon I shout like Armguard steppin'
Didn't need to get loud, no disrepect
But you know the Jean is threat to your checks
Niggas heart burning no prowl though sec to stop the attack
Ya neck back's gettin hot on every drop on the track
And now I finally got some heat is good, let it be known
I'll still be here after all this shit is done said and gone
Can't keep running the same formula, I'm imploring ya
To quit fucking the game up, before it fucks all of ya up
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna hide
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna run
Yeah come on, yeah come on
Watch these niggas start to run soon as I hit the track
What get the sack, eyes low like Friskin' cat
My flow get cap throw they gun like official Nas
I'm draftin' you niggas hard quick fast like tiptonat
Diamond cut lyrics so sharp the spit split the glass
Your mouth writing a check that you ask and quick to cash
Screaming how you quick to shoot don't even know the screenplay
Niggas rappin' black and white and rappers shakin' Jean Grae
Sick of niggas licking boots I pick
And choose my battles when I spit the truth it's hot
Let the pride and move the cattle
Y'all don't really want no beef, that's too real you want veal
You baby sheep hanging in the air and tend to raffle me
Me? I don't like the taste this shit's gamey
Like magazines telling lies and Star Wars like Dick Chaney
It sucks though they losing they flavor like Now and Laters
When I bust them niggas run for the hills like Al Queda
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna hide
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna run
Yeah come on, yeah come on
She lacks delivery, really, nigga I pack rap symmetry and send it to ya dorm
Why y'all iggin' me for sure
Jean is synonymous to chivalry
Open doors but I step through first
Test the waters and I pee in them got no network
But now everyone's a rapper and everyone'll shoot you dead
Only led I strapped with a razor sharp pencil
That could write but it could stab you rapid
It's all ass backwards, you're all mall performers, actors
What tho?, come on let's race to where the cash is
Get mauled like Roy the alter boy
I'll jet through you like a Jet through flight, I'm unemployed
You still cared to touch me, I gotta keeps the rap level
You face screwed ugly
I'm chasing all you club bunnies
And racing you tackle you down
Take your money with your chest on the ground
I know it's foul, what you gonna do now
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna hide
Where you gonna run
Where you gonna run
Yeah come on, yeah come on
(I think it's time you gave it up!)
The song "Where You Gonna Run" by Jean Grae is a manifesto of sorts for the underground rap scene. She opens the song by saying that she's "back again for the first day," which implies that she's starting fresh and setting a new standard for herself. She then asks the hypothetical question of "where you gonna run" to those who are trying to test the waters in the underground scene. Grae is essentially challenging those who are trying to enter the scene, and she's confident that they won't succeed.
Throughout the song, Grae continues to assert her dominance in the rap game. She raps about how she's been writing raps for ten years and is still going strong. She also calls out other rappers for being "mall performers" and "actors," implying that they're not authentic and are simply trying to cash in on the rap game.
The chorus of the song, "Where you gonna run/Where you gonna hide," is a taunt to those who would try to challenge Jean Grae in the rap game. It's a confident assertion that she's here to stay and that she's not going anywhere.
Line by Line Meaning
He's back again for the first day
Starting something new, testing the waters.
We gonna do this one a little different.
Approaching the task at hand with a unique perspective and method.
Tryna test the waters
Exploring new possibilities, trying something new.
(Where you gonna run)
There's no escape, nowhere to hide from the consequences of your actions.
Not far
Limited options, trapped by circumstances.
Where you gonna go
Forced to face the situation and its outcomes head-on.
I write underground climb up, this a new line up
Creating new music outside of the mainstream, rising to the challenge.
Niggaz fight your way through
Overcoming obstacles and challenges to succeed.
If you're not ready to lose may I suggest that you let us the fuck through
You need to be prepared for failure if you want to compete, otherwise step aside.
Everybody clap your hands now, tear the walls down
An invitation to let loose and enjoy oneself, breaking through barriers and limitations.
Dance like Rudy Huxtable scoring a touchdown, you know
Celebrating like a champion, enjoying the moment and all that comes with it.
Hands in the air, knees in, knees out
Fully embracing the energy and vitality of the moment, accepting it with open arms and mind.
Drop a little symbol on them this time, no doubt, let's go
Adding a little extra flair and excitement to the performance, stepping up the game and pushing boundaries.
I write ten years deep and tenure's still deep
Having years of experience and depth, maintaining the same level of inspiration and dedication.
My bad I'm sorry I don't like when phrases repeat
Avoiding repetition and monotony, constantly innovating.
I meant for the decades almost passed and spaceball was the least
Acknowledging the passage of time and reflecting on the past.
And I'm struggling still hustle to eat
Despite the challenges and obstacles, still fighting to survive and thrive.
I must be built with Adam and Eve skin
Having a strong and resilient foundation, built to endure and overcome adversity.
While y'all motherfuckers where you flushed in
While others are struggling and barely surviving.
With your heart poking through on your arm stupid
Being vulnerable and exposed, foolishly leaving oneself open to harm and hurt.
Drop more bombs than on Saddam's house unarmed
Causing chaos and destruction, leaving behind destruction and roots of discord.
My mouth's a weapon I shout like Armguard steppin'
Using words as a powerful weapon, shouting truth and righteousness to the world.
Didn't need to get loud, no disrepect
Making an impact and statement without resorting to loud and disrespectful means.
But you know the Jean is threat to your checks
Being a threat to those who downplay one's worth or discredit one's authority.
Niggas heart burning no prowl though sec to stop the attack
The heat is on and there's no backing down, no room for retreat or surrender.
Ya neck back's gettin hot on every drop on the track
Feeling the heat and pressure from the intense competition and challenges.
And now I finally got some heat is good, let it be known
Having something to bring to the table, something to prove, and owning it.
I'll still be here after all this shit is done said and gone
Despite the hardships and challenges, continuing to persevere and remain committed to one's goals and aspirations.
Can't keep running the same formula, I'm imploring ya
Breaking free from old patterns and routines, daring to challenge the status quo.
To quit fucking the game up, before it fucks all of ya up
Preventing oneself from ruining things and causing self-destruction in the process.
Watch these niggas start to run soon as I hit the track
Instilling fear and intimidation, causing others to flee in the face of competition.
What get the sack, eyes low like Friskin' cat
Causing one to panic and scramble, looking for a way out of a difficult situation.
My flow get cap throw they gun like official Nas
Being a true artist, using skills and talent to make an impact and change the game.
I'm draftin' you niggas hard quick fast like tiptonat
Moving quickly and decisively, gaining an advantage over one's enemies.
Diamond cut lyrics so sharp the spit split the glass
Having a razor-sharp wit and talent, causing others to take notice and appreciate one's skills.
Your mouth writing a check that you ask and quick to cash
Talking a big game but not being able to back it up.
Screaming how you quick to shoot don't even know the screenplay
Claiming to be capable and tough, but lacking real experience and know-how.
Niggas rappin' black and white and rappers shakin' Jean Grae
Being a force to be reckoned with, challenging others to step up their game.
Sick of niggas licking boots I pick
Being true to oneself and not succumbing to the pressure of others.
And choose my battles when I spit the truth it's hot
Being selective in one's battles, but when fighting back, doing so with conviction and passion.
Let the pride and move the cattle
Not being afraid to assert oneself, and to lead others to greater heights and achievements.
Y'all don't really want no beef, that's too real you want veal
Calling out those who claim to be tough but in reality are not ready for the real deal.
You baby sheep hanging in the air and tend to raffle me
Being shocked and disappointed by the lack of courage and backbone shown by one's competitors.
Me? I don't like the taste this shit's gamey
Being critical and discerning, not settling for subpar quality or performance.
Like magazines telling lies and Star Wars like Dick Chaney
Drawing attention to dishonesty and manipulation, calling out those who seek to deceive and mislead others.
It sucks though they losing they flavor like Now and Laters
Showing concern for those who are losing their spark or passion, and trying to encourage them to keep going.
When I bust them niggas run for the hills like Al Queda
Scaring off one's enemies and competitors, forcing them to flee or forfeit the battle.
She lacks delivery, really, nigga I pack rap symmetry and send it to ya dorm
Being confident and proud of one's performance, and taking pride in one's artistry and craft.
Why y'all iggin' me for sure
Questioning others who doubt or criticize one's abilities and talents.
Jean is synonymous to chivalry
Being an honorable and respectable figure, recognized for one's integrity and values.
Open doors but I step through first
Being a leader and trailblazer, setting the pace for others to follow.
Test the waters and I pee in them got no network
Being fearless and bold, taking risks without concern for the consequences or outcomes.
But now everyone's a rapper and everyone'll shoot you dead
Commenting on the over-saturation of the music industry and the dangers that come with it.
Only led I strapped with a razor sharp pencil
Using words as a weapon, being a lyrical genius and artist.
That could write but it could stab you rapid
Being able to convey deep emotions and messages through one's writing, while also being unafraid to stab back at one's detractors.
It's all ass backwards, you're all mall performers, actors
Commenting on the inauthenticity and superficiality of the mainstream music industry and those who profit off it.
What tho?, come on let's race to where the cash is
Challenging others to compete with one's true talents and abilities, not just their marketing power or gimmicks.
Get mauled like Roy the alter boy
Being fierce and aggressive in one's approach to competition, like a wild animal.
I'll jet through you like a Jet through flight, I'm unemployed
Being a dynamic and unstoppable force, despite not being part of the traditional or mainstream music industry.
You still cared to touch me, I gotta keeps the rap level
Being determined to maintain a high standard of performance, despite the challenges and hurdles.
You face screwed ugly
Causing one's competitors to feel ugly and inferior in the face of one's talent and wit.
I'm chasing all you club bunnies
Going after those who prioritize image and superficiality over true artistry and talent.
And racing you tackle you down
Being relentless and unstoppable, taking one's competitors down without mercy or hesitation.
Take your money with your chest on the ground
Being victorious and dominant, taking one's competitors down without mercy or hesitation.
I know it's foul, what you gonna do now
Causing one's competitors to feel helpless and defeated, with no alternatives or options left.
(I think it's time you gave it up!)
A final warning and challenge to one's competitors, giving them no more chances or opportunities to compete against someone of greater talent and skill.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JONAS CARDIM, TALIB KWELI GREENE, TSIDI A IBRAHIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kngjames83
"ten years deep and my tenure's still deep, My bad i'm sorry I don't like when phrases repeat, I meant that a decades almost passed since baseball was released,and i'm strugglin' still hustlin' to eat"...Her wordplay is sick!!! This was a classic collab!!! My favorite joint off the mixtape...
viperman233
yo i been listening to jean grae for a few years now i cant believe she hasnt blown up yet she is the shit
ruffdraft
Still a great track
moes studio
the last line kweli spit is straight fire.
Brownpride88
You are so right. I mean when it comes to femcees Jean Grae is one of the greatest, if not the greatest female in the game to me! Many artist like an Lil Wayne can learn from Jean Grae.
necunistadakacim
SONG IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ram
Jean nails it again...
jjsmit1993
Jean Grae is the best female in the game. Blacksmith is the movement.
Alx Aquino
Respect from Brazil!!!
Tim MacPherson
Jean's Rudy Huckstable line didn't age well.... otherwise i love this damn album.