The main lead singer for Jodeci and the second lead singer for K-Ci and JoJo, much of K-Ci's performance and singing style, defined by an emotive, gospel-flavored rasp, is inspired by soul star Bobby Womack. K-Ci covered Womack's 1981 hit single "If You Think You're Lonely Now" as a single for the Jason's Lyric soundtrack in 1994.
As Womack inspired him, K-Ci inspired another R&B star, Mark "Sisqó" Andrews of the late-1990s R&B group Dru Hill. However, Sisqó and Dru Hill were initially blamed, including by K-Ci himself, of not just using his style as an inspiration, but of outright copying it to fuel their own success.
Between 1992 and 1997, K-Ci had a much-publicized romantic relationship with R&B singer and Uptown Records labelmate Mary J. Blige. Both artists perform on "I Don't Want To Do Anything" from Blige's What's the 411? album, and Blige often toured with Jodeci. Blige and K-Ci split up in 1997; Blige has gone on record a number of times stating that the split was because of alleged domestic violence and drug use.
In 1993, K-Ci and fellow Jodeci member DeVante Swing were involved in an incident with a woman K-Ci met in a club. They later went back to Devante's house. The woman filed charges against the two saying K-Ci fondled her breasts while Devante pointed a gun at her.
In 1999, K-Ci provided vocals for the Will Smith single "Will 2K".
In 2001, K-Ci got into more trouble with the law as he was charged with indecent exposure after he fondled his erect and exposed penis at a show in Los Angeles. He pleaded no contest, paid a fine, and was put on probation.
He now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with his mother and brother JoJo in a mansion which was shown on MTV Cribs in 2000.
Discography:
(w/ JODECI)
* 1991: Forever My Lady #18 US [3x Platinum]
* 1993: Diary of a Mad Band #3 US [2x Platinum]
* 1995: The Show, The After Party, The Hotel #2 US [Platinum]
* 2005: Back to The Future: The Very Best of Jodeci #6 US [Gold]
(K-Ci & JoJo)
* 1997: Love Always
* 1999: It's Real
* 2000: X
* 2002: Emotional
* 2005: All My Life "Their Greatest Hits"
(K-Ci Solo)
* 2006: My Book
Filmography:
- Shake, Rattle and Roll: An American Love Story (1999) (TV) .... Nate
- Soul Food (1997) .... Band Member #5
- Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996) (as Jodeci)
Soldier
K-Ci Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something I hear in movies very often nowadays
Success would come to those who really want it not wait
Those who be willing to do whatever it takes
Those who came in through the window
Some came through the back gate
There are two set of people in the industry today
The first like
And then
Moyorose who gave other kids sweets
A lot of games behind the scenes
You only see the wins
A lot of politicking and gimmicks and make believe
Then they tell you may the best man win but
How could I
The only thing he came along with is a law degree
I've been dying for the chance and they finally let us in
What that mean
We ain't tripping dawg
We still believing y'all
We still ain't leaving bro and we still ain't giving up
We getting to the money and we getting to motherfucking top
I can never neglect
I gotta accept
I keep the kids well feed in the times of reject
My life tells you a story it's hope for sale
Still I could school a nigga be it in Harvard or Yale
A Nigga who fought through all his fear Preserved
Never gave up on all the shit he believed
Didn't relent
You say you know me
You don't know me too well
This Nigga Heaven sent
This Nigga hell bent
On making the shit happen
My pockets forever fatten
I'll be coming with heat on summer But no bin laden
I'll be balling but still I keep it real like James harden
I'm constantly asking myself which one is it gonna be
Cause I don't wanna end up like one of the kids
Whose gat the Best degrees
Broke as fuck who can't to pay the lease
Working for a dummy bold enough to take the risk
If I told you half the shit that I believe you won't believe me
I studied the game
I mastered the art
Say hello to my fans
I played the game I won hearts
I could see the end right away from the start
I'm headed for the win and everything that comes with that
Coming for the plug Blow up like a spark
I hope I make enough
I hope I make it back on time
When I bring it back home
I hope the shit would change lives
And All the glory return to the most high
I can never neglect
I gotta accept
I keep the kids well feed in the times of reject
My life tells you a story it's hope for sale
Still I could school a nigga be it in Harvard or Yale
A Nigga who fought through all his fears Preserved
Never gave up on all the shit he believed
Didn't relent
You say you know me
You don't know me too well
This Nigga Heaven sent
This Nigga hell bent
I'm tired of doing the same old shit that niggas did
I'm tired of living a life set out by y'all for me to live
The plan was to make it
Bigger than my predecessors did
I used to be want to be these niggas
Now I'm screaming niggas please
Can I live
You ain't gonna believe
Last night I had a girl
Fell asleep It felt good
I woke up on my knees
Praying to God for forgiveness of my sins as I plead
I stay off from all the miss
Cause y'all gon mislead
You fighting off your demons
But mines chilling with me
My mind gat me the fame
Money put you on chains
Gat the money and weed
Now you searching for sane
Can a young nigga live
All these fantasies your selling me
And all these dreams
But I'm never confused
I'm certain what to choose
I'm not sure why my public life
Is all over the news
Old niggas recycle and new niggas reuse
But when it's you
I can never neglect
I gotta accept
I keep the kids well feed in the times of reject
My life tells you a story it's hope for sale
Still I could school a nigga be it in Harvard or Yale
A Nigga who fought through all his fears Preserved
Never gave up on all the shit he believed
Didn't relent
You say you know me
You don't know me too well
This Nigga Heaven sent
This Nigga hell bent
The lyrics to K-Ci's song "Soldier" depict the artist's struggles and determination to make it in the music industry. He expresses his inner battle of wanting success but fighting the temptation to take shortcuts to achieve it. He acknowledges the game of politics and gimmicks that often happen behind the scenes, and how it takes more than talent alone to succeed. K-Ci also references the two types of people in the industry- those who give the best speeches and those who give others sweets, symbolizing the difference between those who are genuine and those who only do things for show. Despite the challenges, K-Ci is determined to reach the top and make enough money to support his family and give back to his community.
The lyrics are a representation of the struggles that many aspiring musicians face in the industry. The song reflects the determination and drive it takes to succeed despite the obstacles in the way. K-Ci showcases his talent and dedication to his craft through his lyrics, acknowledging that his life tells a story of hope for sale.
Overall, K-Ci's "Soldier" is a poignant reflection of the journey to success and the inner strength required to make it happen.
Line by Line Meaning
Constantly fighting the urge to take the fast lane
Refusing to take shortcuts or cheat in order to achieve success
Success would come to those who really want it not wait
Success is earned by those who work hard and actively pursue their goals
Those who be willing to do whatever it takes
Those who are willing to put in the effort and make sacrifices to achieve success
Those who came in through the window
Some people find success through unconventional means or by taking risks
Some came through the back gate
Others find success through connections or by taking advantage of opportunities
There are two set of people in the industry today
The music industry is divided into two groups
The first like Jedidia ojo who gave the best speech
The first group consists of people who give great speeches and inspire others
And then Moyorose who gave other kids sweets
The second group consists of people who use manipulation or bribery to get ahead
A lot of games behind the scenes
There is a lot of politics and manipulation that goes on behind the scenes
You only see the wins
Only the successes are publicized and celebrated, not the struggles or failures
A lot of politicking and gimmicks and make believe
Many people in the industry use trickery and deception to get ahead
Then they tell you may the best man win but
There is a facade of competition and fairness, but it is not always genuine
How could I
How can I compete with someone who has an advantage or is willing to cheat?
The only thing he came along with is a law degree
Someone may have an advantage because of their education, but that doesn't necessarily make them better or more deserving
I've been dying for the chance and they finally let us in
The singer has been waiting for an opportunity to succeed and is finally getting a chance
We still ain't leaving bro and we still ain't giving up
The singer and their team are determined to keep going and achieve success
We getting to the money and we getting to motherfucking top
The singer's goal is to make a lot of money and become very successful
I can never neglect
The singer cannot ignore or overlook important things
I gotta accept
The singer must accept certain realities or situations
I keep the kids well feed in the times of reject
The singer takes care of those who support them, even during tough times
My life tells you a story it's hope for sale
The singer's life story is one of hope and inspiration
Still I could school a nigga be it in Harvard or Yale
The singer is intelligent and knowledgeable, even if they didn't attend prestigious universities
A Nigga who fought through all his fear Preserved
The singer has overcome their fears and preserved through difficult situations
Never gave up on all the shit he believed
The singer never gave up on their beliefs or dreams
You say you know me
People may claim to know the singer or their story, but they don't really know the full extent
This Nigga Heaven sent
The singer believes they were put on earth for a special purpose or calling
This Nigga hell bent
The singer is determined to achieve their goals, even if it requires a lot of hard work or sacrifice
I'm tired of doing the same old shit that niggas did
The singer is tired of following in the footsteps of others and wants to create their own path
I'm tired of living a life set out by y'all for me to live
The singer is tired of conforming to society's expectations and wants to live life on their own terms
The plan was to make it Bigger than my predecessors did
The singer's plan is to achieve more success than those who came before them
Can I live
The singer is asking for a chance to live the life they want and achieve success
All these fantasies your selling me And all these dreams
The entertainment industry sells people unrealistic fantasies and dreams
But I'm never confused
The singer is clear on their goals and what they want to achieve
I'm certain what to choose
The singer is confident in their decisions and choices
I'm not sure why my public life Is all over the news
The singer is unsure why their personal life is being publicized in the media
Old niggas recycle and new niggas reuse
The older generation in the industry passes down their methods and tactics to the younger generation
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Ndubuisi Kanu
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind