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.
Attention
KELIS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes I swear he's trying to make it hard,
And I don't want to have to hide my thoughts
But we got busy and let down our guards.
[Chorus:Repeat x2]
I need attention, from you, it's just the little things we do, pay attention it's on you,
Cause I can't help it I just like it when you do, yeah.
I don't want to nag and start a fight.
But sometimes you forget and I get tired.
If he was out of sight and out of mind.
So darlin' listen and just make it right.
[Chorus:Repeat x2]
You make my heart monsoon baby, and we could make life through baby,
So take my hand and we'll glide the way.
[Chorus:Repeat x2]
Why would you follow now?
Just look me in my eyes.
Remember what makes me smile, you use to make me high, let's go way
Back in time, come baby lay me down.
[Chorus:Repeat x2]
In the song "Attention," Kelis sings about the conflicts that can arise in a relationship when one partner feels neglected or taken for granted. She acknowledges the challenges that life can bring, but implies that it's the small things that matter most. Kelis expresses her desire for attention from her partner, saying that she likes it when they do things for her that show they care. She indicates that this need for attention is not about material things or grand gestures, but about being present and showing that one cares.
Despite her desire for attention, Kelis doesn't want to come off as nagging or causing a fight. She acknowledges that sometimes her partner may forget to prioritize her, but she's grown tired of feeling left out. She doesn't want her partner out of sight or out of mind, but instead wants them to listen and make things right. She believes that with effort from both sides, they can create a deep, meaningful connection that will make their hearts "monsoon" together and they can create a fulfilling life together.
Overall, "Attention" speaks to the importance of small gestures and attention in a relationship. Kelis communicates the struggles that arise when this need isn't met, but also suggests that it can be resolved with communication and effort from both partners.
Line by Line Meaning
I know that life has dealt us many cards,
Life has presented us with many challenges and obstacles to overcome.
Sometimes I swear he's trying to make it hard,
It feels like life is intentionally trying to make things difficult for us.
And I don't want to have to hide my thoughts
I don't want to keep my feelings and thoughts hidden and bottled up inside.
But we got busy and let down our guards.
We became preoccupied with other things and as a result, became more vulnerable.
I need attention, from you, it's just the little things we do, pay attention it's on you,
I require your undivided attention, even in the smallest of gestures, and it's your responsibility to provide it.
Cause I can't help it I just like it when you do, yeah.
I can't help but appreciate and admire the effort you put into giving me attention.
I don't want to nag and start a fight.
I don't want to constantly remind you to give me attention and potentially cause a conflict.
But sometimes you forget and I get tired.
However, there are times when you unintentionally neglect my need for attention and it becomes exhausting.
If he was out of sight and out of mind.
If you weren't physically present, you might not remember to give me attention.
So darlin' listen and just make it right.
So, my dear, please listen to my plea and make an effort to give me the attention I need and deserve.
You make my heart monsoon baby, and we could make life through baby,
You make my heart overflow with emotions, and together we can make the most of life.
So take my hand and we'll glide the way.
Let's take each other's hand and move forward in life together.
Why would you follow now?
Why would you abandon me now when I need your attention more than ever?
Just look me in my eyes.
Just make eye contact and acknowledge my need for your attention.
Remember what makes me smile, you use to make me high, let's go way back in time, come baby lay me down.
Remember the things that used to make me happy and elevate my mood, let's reminisce together and get intimate.
I need attention, from you, it's just the little things we do, pay attention it's on you,
Once again, I can't stress enough how much I need your attention, even in the smallest of gestures and it's your responsibility to provide it.
Cause I can't help it I just like it when you do, yeah.
Because, truthfully, I can't help but thoroughly enjoy and appreciate it when you give me the attention I crave.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RAPHAEL SAADIQ, KELVIN WOOTEN, GLENN DON II STANDRIDGE, ROBERT C. JR. OZUNA, KELIS ROGERS, NAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind