Joi is an American R&B/Rock singer/songwriter, associated with the Organized Noise collective based in Atlanta, Georgia, and often heard performing with Organized Noise acts such as OutKast and the Goodie Mob (her ex-husband, Big Gipp, is a member of the latter group).
Joi released her debut solo LP, Pendulum Vibe, on EMI Records in 1994. The album received excellent reviews, it even caught the attention of international superstar Madonna, inspiring the direction of her "Bedtime Stories" LP. Madonna is also responsible for making the call that landed Joi becoming the first black model in a major Calvin Klein print ad campaign.
The third single, "Freedom", was remixed and featured on the "Panther" Soundtrack, added to the newly remixed version were various female artists including Aaliyah, Queen Latifah, TLC, Monica, Vanessa L. Williams and many more.
In 1996, she prepared for the release of her Sophomore album, Amoeba Cleansing Syndrome, on Dallas Austin's "Freeworld" label, (the album was later cancelled in the Fall of 1997 after the label folded).
Months later, Joi gave birth to her first child, Keypsiia "Blue Daydreamer" Gipp, who also made an appearance in the video for "Ghetto Superstar".
Even though her solo projects were on hold, as a member of Atlanta's infamous Dungeon Family, her voice graced the tracks of several Outkast, Goodie Mob, TLC songs and non-ATLien artists such as Robbie Williams, George Clinton, Curtis Mayfield, Queen Latifah, Too Short and D.O.C., to name a few.
In 2001, Joi joined longtime friend Raphael Saadiq's group, Lucy Pearl, replacing Dawn Robinson (formally of En Vogue). She released Star Kitty's Revenge, on Universal Records in 2002. The following year she was released from Universal after the sales of Star Kitty's Revenge failed to empress label executives, in spite of the widespread attention received from her second single "Lick" which was included in the movie xXx the album sold just over 100,000 copies in the U.S. After leaving Universal, She signed with Raphael Saadiq's Pookie Entertainment label preparing for the release of her 4th album, but due to distribution issues with the boutique label, the album's release was cancelled. to avoid having another project shelved, Joi decided to release the project herself.
In late 2004, Joi developed her own independent label Joilicious Records and put finishing touches to her album.
On March 28, 2006, Joi released her long awaited 4th album (1st independent) Tennessee Slim Is The Bomb. The first single, "I'm So Famous", was released commercially in late 2006. in spite of moderate airplay from commercial radio, the single has received widespread attention & popularity courtesy of online and college radio stations across the globe, by late 2006, sales increased dramatically making Tennessee Slim Is The Bomb Joi's fastest selling album to date. The album is scheduled to be re-released in 2007 with "Dance With Yesterday" as the second single, it is unknown if the re-release will include any additional songs.
It's Your Life
Joi Gilliam Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It took her 9 damn months to make ya!
It only takes one second to take you out! (Oh yeah)
Shake what your momma gave ya!
It took her 9 damn months to make ya!
It only takes one second to take you out! (Oh yeah)
It's a feelin', change is comin' soon.
So live your life as only you can do.
Forget the ones that don't seem to approve.
Cause, it's your life. So keep it tight.
No matter if it's wrong or right.
It's your life. So keep it tight.
Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha. It all comes down to you!
Shake what your momma gave ya!
It took her 9 damn months to make ya!
It only takes one second to take ya out! (oh yeah)
Shake what your momma gave ya!
It took her 9 damn months to make ya!
It only takes one second to take you out! (Oh yeah)
Now, people, don't conform to every rule.
'Cause individuality is cool. (Yeah)
You just know when and where to cross that line.
Now, shake yo ass and gon' and free yo mind!
Cause it's your life. So keep it tight.
No matter if it's wrong or right.
It's your life. So keep it tight.
Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha. It all comes down to you.
Shake what your momma gave ya!
It took her 9 damn months to make ya!
It only takes one second to take you out! (Oh yeah)
Shake what your momma gave ya!
It took her 9 damn months to make ya!
It only takes one second to take you out! (Oh yeah)
Shake what your momma gave ya!
It took her 9 damn months to make ya!
It only takes one second to take you out! (Oh yeah)
Shake what your momma gave ya!
It took her 9 damn months to make ya!
It only takes one second to take you out! (Oh yeah)
Joi Gilliam's song It's Your Life is a call to action for people to live their lives on their terms, regardless of the expectations of others. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their individuality, to take risks, and to make the most of their time on earth. The repetitive chorus phrase, "Shake what your momma gave ya!" suggests that listeners should celebrate their physical bodies, which are the product of their mothers' labor.
The second half of the song suggests that societal norms can be stifling and that people should not feel constrained to conform to them. The lyrics advise listeners to find the balance between being true to themselves and knowing when to cross the line. The song ultimately emphasizes that each person's life is their own, and they should live it in a way that feels authentic and rewarding.
Overall, the message of It's Your Life is one of empowerment and self-determination. The song encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness and live boldly, knowing that their time on earth is precious.
Line by Line Meaning
Shake what your momma gave ya!
Be proud of the body that you have and don't be afraid to show it off.
It took her 9 damn months to make ya!
Your mother spent 9 months carrying you and bringing you into this world, so cherish your life and make the most of it.
It only takes one second to take you out! (Oh yeah)
Life is short and unpredictable, so live each day to the fullest and don't take anything for granted.
People have you heard about the news?
There is a change coming in the world, and it's up to us to make the most of it.
It's a feelin', change is comin' soon.
Change is not just an abstract concept, but something we can actually sense and feel.
So live your life as only you can do.
Don't live your life according to someone else's expectations; be true to yourself and pursue your own dreams.
Forget the ones that don't seem to approve.
Don't let the opinions of others hold you back from living your life to the fullest.
Cause, it's your life. So keep it tight.
You are ultimately responsible for your own life, so take control and make it the best it can be.
No matter if it's wrong or right.
Don't let fear of failure or judgment from others stop you from taking risks and pursuing your dreams.
Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha. It all comes down to you!
Ultimately, your life and your happiness depend on the choices you make and the actions you take.
Now, people, don't conform to every rule.
Rules are meant to be broken, and sometimes you need to think outside the box to truly succeed and be happy.
'Cause individuality is cool. (Yeah)
Being different and unique is something to be celebrated, not hidden or ashamed of.
You just know when and where to cross that line.
There is a time and a place for everything, and sometimes you need to take risks and push boundaries to truly succeed and be happy.
Now, shake yo ass and gon' and free yo mind!
Let go of your inhibitions and embrace life to the fullest, without fear or hesitation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRANDON BENNETT, BRANDON K BENNETT, PATRICK L BROWN, JOI ELAINE GILLIAM, RAYMON AMEER MURRAY, RICO R WADE, RICO RENARD WADE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind