After a short spell working as a model, 5'10" Kelis began appearing on songs by Neptunes produced rappers such as 'Got Your Money' by the late rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard. Soon afterwards, she released her debut album, Kaleidoscope in 1999 of which the first single was 'Caught Out There,' a song based on the time she caught her boyfriend cheating on her, and she beat him. The video feautures Kelis leading a pack of angry women down the street screaming 'I hate you so much right now!'. The album was released in USA, Europe and Asia, but did not find much audience in the USA. Not a great success, it only sold 249,000 copies to date.
After finding her largest audience in Europe, Kelis released her second album titled Wanderland (2001) in Europe only, which like her first album did not fare well. It only sold 80,000 copies and was entirely produced by The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo) again, similarly to her debut. Only one single was released 'Young Fresh N New'.
In 2003 Kelis finally found fame in her country with the single 'Milkshake,' which was a massive success in Europe, Asia and USA, and she began dating rapper Nas (born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones). The single was from the album 'Tasty' which did not feature the Neptunes as heavily as her previous albums. Singles included the popular Dallas Austin produced 'Trick Me' and 'Millionaire', a collaboration with OutKast's Andre 3000. 'In Public's duet with Nas was the fourth single from the album, becoming a top twenty hit in the U.K. without a video.
In 2006, Kelis presented a new album to her fans, entitled Kelis Was Here, which was originally to be called 'The Puppeteer' which was released on 22 August but was due Fall 2005. No Neptunes tracks appeared on this album, but Kelis used other producers such as Max Martin, Will.I.Am (Black Eyed Peas) and Raphael Saadiq. Singles are the huge 'Bossy', 'Blindfold Me', and 'Lil Star'. Kelis wrote more of the material on this album than she did for Tasty, and carries off the sci-fi, electronica sounds so often considered Neptunes material without them. This is most evident on the brilliant 'Trilogy'. Kelis has said she wants to make her mark with this album, as it will be the last 'album like this' she will make.
In October 2007, Kelis was dumped by Jive Records, for poor sales of Kelis Was Here but a new album is in the pipeline. The Hits - a greatest hits collection - was released in March 2008, including tracks where she was a featured artist, eg, Got Your Money by Ol' Dirty Bastard , N.E.R.D's Truth or Dare, and Richard X's Finest Dreams.
Kelis then signed to Interscope Records, and released her fifth studio album entitled Flesh Tone in May 2010. The David Guetta-produced Acapella preceded the LP in February of that year. Other singles released from the album include '4th of July (Fireworks)', 'Scream' and 'Brave'. The following year, Kelis appeared on Calvin Harris' 'Bounce'.
In the beginning of 2010, Kelis received a letter by animal rights organization PETA, in which she was informed about the cruelty that comes along with the production of fur coats. She pointed out that the organization seems to have little concern about the treatment of people of color and that she will continue wearing fur and eating meat.
Songfacts reported that 'Distance', the planned first single from Kelis’ sixth studio album received its first play during the June 30, 2012 show of The Beatnik Mix on London's Reprezent 107.3FM. At the time, the album was set to be house/dance-inspired, but sessions with TV on The Radio's Dave Sitek led to it taking a soul-like direction.
Kelis completed her sixth album in April 2013, and her new label Ninja Tune confirmed details regarding the album in January the following year, 'Jerk Ribs' served as the lead single for the album; the track had however been previously released as a free download the previous year.
Food was released in April 2014 to critical acclaim. Kelis also appeared for the first time at the annual South by Southwest festival, both performing and serving meals to attendees from her food truck.
Acappella
KELIS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him, like
When he heat it up one night
Made him stand behind my door and watch me uh uh uh
And I couldn't believe the type
He was saying all the right
Whispers gettin' mami right, I was uh uh uh
So I had to get the ice
Homie wanna fly the kite
Had to show him what a pro I was uh uh uh
I was headed for the light
He refused to take a bite
Till I put my blindfolders on
I'm saying something like
You're just taking it all, what's gon' be left for me?
I told you get it, but you're taking it all from me
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him, like
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him, like
Hold up
Let me take this off
Just to see where I can catch my breath at all
Hold up
You got a pretty strong team
Got somethin' on the bench that Kelis ain't seen
Hold up
Why you treat me like that?
'Bout the 3rd or 4th time you ain't had to do that
Hold up
Won't you let me cheat once?
And I promise you won't never make me keep this on
You're just taking it all, what's gon' be left for me?
I told you get it, but you're taking it all from me
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him, like
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him, like
You're just taking it all, what's gon' be left for me?
I told you get it, but you're taking it all from me
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him, like
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him, like
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him, like
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him
When he want it he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
Get sexy on him, like
Kelis' song "Blindfold Me" is a seductive and provocative track that explores the dynamics of power, trust, and sexuality in a consensual relationship. The lyrics depict a scenario in which the male partner blindfolds Kelis as a way to heighten the pleasure and excitement of their intimacy. This act of surrender allows Kelis to become more uninhibited and expressive with her partner. She sings about getting "sexy on him" and using her sensual charms to drive him wild with desire. Kelis also reveals that she enjoys being watched and controlled, as evidenced by the part of the song where she talks about making her partner stand behind the door and watch her.
The lyrics suggest that Kelis is in control of the situation, as she tells her partner what she likes and what turns her on. She is confident in her sexuality and is not afraid to express her desires. However, she also acknowledges that there is a power imbalance in their relationship, with her partner taking more than he's giving. In the chorus, she sings, "You're just taking it all, what's gon' be left for me? I told you get it, but you're taking it all from me." This line could be interpreted as a plea for her partner to be more attentive to her needs and desires, rather than just using her for his own pleasure.
Overall, "Blindfold Me" is a sensual and empowering track that explores the complexities of sexuality and power dynamics in a consensual relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
When he want it he blindfolds me
When my partner wants to engage in sexual activity, he blindfolds me
Then I get sexy on him
I become sexually aroused and engage in intimate activity with him
Get sexy on him, like
Expressing the intensity of my sexual excitement
Told him what I like
I communicated my sexual preferences to him
When he heat it up one night
When we engaged in sexual activity one night
Made him stand behind my door and watch me uh uh uh
I had him watch me perform sexual acts in a hidden location
And I couldn't believe the type
I was surprised by the type of sexual pleasure I was experiencing
He was saying all the right
He was saying all the right things to turn me on
Whispers gettin' mami right, I was uh uh uh
His sexual whispers were getting me aroused
So I had to get the ice
I had to use ice to cool myself down physically during sex
Homie wanna fly the kite
He wanted to explore new sexual experiences
Had to show him what a pro I was uh uh uh
I demonstrated my sexual expertise to him
I was headed for the light
I was experiencing extreme sensations and pleasure
He refused to take a bite
He was hesitant to engage in certain sexual activities
Till I put my blindfolders on
I had him blindfold me to enhance my sexual experience
I'm saying something like
I'm expressing how I feel during sexual activity
You're just taking it all, what's gon' be left for me?
Expressing concern that he is enjoying sex more than I am
I told you get it, but you're taking it all from me
I communicated my sexual wants and needs, but he is still being selfish
Hold up
Pause for a moment
Let me take this off
I want to remove the blindfold
Just to see where I can catch my breath at all
I want to take a break to catch my breath
You got a pretty strong team
You have a lot of sexual experience and skill
Got somethin' on the bench that Kelis ain't seen
You have some sexual tricks that I haven't experienced before
Why you treat me like that?
Why are you behaving selfishly in bed?
'Bout the 3rd or 4th time you ain't had to do that
This is not the first time he has put his wants before mine during sex
Won't you let me cheat once?
Can we try something sexually different to please me for once?
And I promise you won't never make me keep this on
I promise to not make you keep the blindfold on if we try something new
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SEAN GARRETT, JAMAL JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@russelianus
When i was walking recently with my 3 months old daugther in a wrap these words suddenly came to my mind:
Before you,
My whole life was acapella
Now a symphony's
The only song to sing.
I remember when 1th time i have watched this video i though it was about the couple love, but the end with baby in the back destroyed the system. It was genius.
10 years ago I was impressed by the lyrics and finale of this video, currently as a mother I can feel the single word of this song in my heart. Unconditional love ❤️
@irishquindara
Everyone remembers Milkshake Kelis and not enough people know about Acapella Kelis. This song is still fire 10 years later.
@helgagomes6617
Indeed!!
@martindavid1897
Milkshake is the only song I don't like.
@paullittler6506
Yano that 😎👌.. bad track
@studdpuppy85
Kelis is one of the absolute best singers IMO. In my eyes she’s up there with Beyonce and Rihanna.
@shanethetrain8132
Did you see her on the masked singer on British TV?
@GAM1990
I’m still listening in 2022 and I just realized how she was really ahead of time 🔥 she deserves her flowers
@ericboonk9653
Same thoughts here!
@TheLoxxxton
Yup
@S.AnnMarie
Same here I agree