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."
Zero
Jean Grae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Smack paws with the catch from the Donner Party
That's a body party
Sierra, Nevada, I'm hunters lawyer scared of nada
Paranoia I'm on you marionetta
Sauter for me, tell your father for me I said, "What up?"
Don't call me, what's the story, glory
Never? Not even when I'm saltin' pepper?
Carded, still carded
A mortal form in the shape of adorable, stay sharper than Dominican barber shape-ups
Marble, tabletop elegance, Parker Posey, Peter, New York elements
Par for relevance, Smithsonian twice
Pardon your feigned ignorance, bitch, pardon your life
Caught a terra-color Botticelli body mighta bought a minute the pedagogy for no fucks infinite
Better keep a medevac hoverin' 24 or the fault's all yours as you draw your last breath
And I draw talk while y'all still talkin' all stressed
And if a cat called ya family, ball out ya chest, boy
Act next door, demeanor with the neck tat's confused
Textbook procedure with an X-Acto, profused
They're calling me "sassy motherfucker," Balderdash, I'm the original nasty motherfucker
Let's dance
Ten
Nine
Eight
Seven
Six
Five
Four
Three
Two
One
Zero, zero, zero, zero, zero, zero
Fucks to give: zero, zero, zero
Fucks to give: zero, zero, zero
Fucks to give: zero, zero
You already know I'ma rain on it
Bring me the check, came in
Fire, brimstone, magma, lava, didelon, molten, granite, dollas
Kimchi, longer exists, stronger the MC
But no literal sittin' humility, nobody touch her
Nobody's given immunity, I start killin' at dusk, though
Everybody doin' the hustle, like I'm shooting in a crowded disco
Poo cat locks brotha
You miss me? Did you miss me?
Well, you shoulda bought the catalog, stupid
Gettin' what you put in, puddin', clueless
I don't make personal house calls to do this
Foolish, rules is mixed if my whole don't exist
And if I don't go on a list why the fuck should I color in lines, I'm colored in fines
New Crayola colors, see you colored in mine
Now who can you say your mother?
Ten
Nine
Eight
Seven
Six
Five
Four
Three
Two
One
Zero, zero, zero, zero, zero, zero
Fucks to give: zero, zero, zero
Fucks to give: zero, zero, zero
Fucks to give: zero, zero
Brutal shot, harsh whip, we get it in
Better than pseudo, better men
Vinetta and uno, since I was steppin' in
Kudos nada, for Uber liftout, y'know
Ha ha, hey rule the men to be farm in top form
But you've been pawned like I'm not born
A pom-pom myself solo though cheers
Go along Mona me, holdin' no fear say, "fuck 'em"
Zero!
Zero!
The song "Zero" by Jean Grae and Quelle Chris has a complex set of lyrics, with multiple themes and references that are difficult to unravel. In the first verse, themes of violence, paranoia, and fear are explored, with the lyrics referencing the Donner Party, a group of pioneers who resorted to cannibalism after getting stranded in the mountains. The idea of body party and hunters' lawyers also adds to the theme of violence and death. The paranoia is also present with the reference to being a marionette, which suggests that someone else is controlling the actions. The second part of the verse shows defiance and a sense of superiority, as the person speaks of staying sharper than the Dominican barber's shape-ups and being elegant as a marble tabletop. The verse ends with a warning to those who underestimate the singer.
In the second verse, the theme of self-empowerment and standing up against oppression is prevalent. The singer challenges those who missed the point of the message, saying that they should have bought the catalog instead. They also dismiss the notion that they need to color within the lines or follow any set of rules. The singer asserts that they hold power and control over their own life, and no one can control or manipulate them. The chorus repeats the word "zero" as a symbol of having no fucks to give, and a sense of being emotionally detached and indifferent.
Line by Line Meaning
Hacksaws, crass black Rachmaninoff
I am aggressive and unrefined, like the sound of a saw cutting through metal. I am intense and passionate, like the music of Rachmaninoff, a Russian composer.
Smack paws with the catch from the Donner Party
I will face my challenges head-on and overcome them like the Donner Party, a group of pioneers who survived by eating their own dead.
That's a body party
My life is a party and I am celebrating every moment of it, even the challenges and struggles.
Sierra, Nevada, I'm hunters lawyer scared of nada
I am fearless like a hunter's lawyer in the Sierra Nevada mountains. I have nothing to fear and will fight for what is right.
Paranoia I'm on you marionetta
I am in control of my own life and will not let paranoia or fear control me like a puppet.
Sauter for me, tell your father for me I said, "What up?"
I am confident and bold. I will not hesitate to ask for what I want and say what's on my mind.
Don't call me, what's the story, glory
I do not have time for small talk or meaningless conversations. I am focused on what matters and making a difference.
Never? Not even when I'm saltin' pepper?
No matter how old I am or what I look like, I will always be confident and strong. I am never out of my prime.
You'll go on and ignore me forever?
I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in, even if it means people will ignore me or think I'm crazy.
Carded, still carded
I am not easily forgotten or dismissed. I will always leave my mark and make a lasting impression.
A mortal form in the shape of adorable, stay sharper than Dominican barber shape-ups
I am a mortal being, but I am still powerful and strong. I will always stay on top of my game and keep my skills sharp.
Marble, tabletop elegance, Parker Posey, Peter, New York elements
I am sophisticated and refined, like a marble table. I am inspired by the elegance of people like Parker Posey and Peter, and the dynamic energy of New York City.
Par for relevance, Smithsonian twice
I am relevant and important, like a par on a golf course. I have made my mark and left my legacy, like the Smithsonian museum.
Pardon your feigned ignorance, bitch, pardon your life
I am not afraid to call out those who feign ignorance or act like they know better. I will not tolerate people who try to bring me down or hold me back.
Caught a terra-color Botticelli body mighta bought a minute the pedagogy for no fucks infinite
I have a beautiful and unique body, just like a painting by Botticelli. I am not concerned with what others think of me, and I will always live life to the fullest.
Better keep a medevac hoverin' 24 or the fault's all yours as you draw your last breath
I am not afraid to take risks and live life on the edge. If you can't keep up, then it's your own fault if something goes wrong.
And I draw talk while y'all still talkin' all stressed
While others are still stressing and worrying about the small things, I am already taking action and making things happen.
And if a cat called ya family, ball out ya chest, boy
If someone disrespects you or your family, you should stand up for yourself and show them that you are not to be messed with.
Act next door, demeanor with the neck tat's confused
I am not what you expect or fit into any one stereotype. I am unique and confident, just like my neck tattoo.
Textbook procedure with an X-Acto, profused
I am detail-oriented and precise, like a surgeon with a scalpel. I am an expert in my field and take pride in doing things right.
They're calling me "sassy motherfucker," Balderdash, I'm the original nasty motherfucker
People may call me names and try to bring me down, but I know my worth and my own power. I am the original and true "nasty motherfucker."
Let's dance
Life is a celebration and a party. Let's live it to the fullest and dance like there's no tomorrow.
Zero!
I don't care about what others think of me or the challenges I face in life. I am confident and powerful, and nothing can hold me back.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Tsidi Ibrahim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mellomusicgroup
Quelle Chris and Jean Grae put more into their creative endeavors than almost any artists we've ever worked with. Quelle made sprite sheets of the Jean Grae character, known as Zero, and other objects he wanted the game-within-the-video to have. Quelle built the visuals in Photoshop and animated in After Effects. Jean worked just as hard throughout the process for"Everything"s Fine (check the video Gold, Purple Orange). Polymath has never been more apt. Q even gave me a cameo around 4:50 for which I'll be eternally grateful. Nothing but respect for the opportunity to watch creativity in full force.
@unicron8244
Mello Music Group
Funtaztic❗️
@papagrande7448
That's actually some of the most impressive shit I've ever heard. Inspiring.
@kco455
Wow! That's absolutely incredible 😁
@kincamell2
Much Appreciations.
@tyrosyusef
Respect
@ohdagee
This is where we realize how much love people like Quelle, Jean Grae, MMG and the rest of the team behind, have for the music, for the culture as a whole. Their creative souls don't allow them to put out an average piece of work and put in everything just for the sake of their own satisfaction, preserving the art and giving us pieces to enjoy and appreciate. Respect!
@kinggeedra2796
If this ever becomes a real game, its pretty obvious everyone would lose their shit
@ryanporterhouse
KING GEEDRA quelle said 3 playable levels by the end of 2018
@vollsticks
These cats are taking rap in new directions but still keeping it nothing but hip-hop and that's a hard thing to pull off. Absolutely dope