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.
Bossy
KELIS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't have to love me
You don't even have to like me
But you will respect me
You know why? 'Cause I'm a boss
Uh, uh, uh (watch the beat go)
Uh, uh, watch that thing go (watch the beat go, Bangladesh)
Uh, uh, watch that thing go
I'm bossy
I'm the first girl to scream on a track
I switched up the beat of the drum
That's right, I brought all the boys to the yard
And that's right, I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm
I'm bossy
I'm the bitch y'all love to hate
I'm the chick that's raisin' stakes
I told Young Stunna he should switch to BAPEs
I'm back with an 808, 'cause I'm bossy
Ooh, let me slow it down so you can catch the flow (catch the flow)
Screw it up, make it go extra slow (extra slow)
Real girls get down on the flo' (on the flo', get down on the flo')
Ooh, if I gave you a taste, you want some more
Touch down on me, throw it up like a pro
I ride the beat like a bicycle, I'm icy cold
Ooh, from the 6-4 hoppers up in Crenshaw
The money makin' players up in Harlem
Don't want no problems
We gon' keep it pumpin' while the 808 is jumpin'
Diamonds on my neck, di-diamonds on my grill
Diamonds on my neck, di-diamonds on my grill
I'm bossy
I'm the first girl to scream on a track
I switched up the beat of the drum
That's right, I brought all the boys to the yard
And that's right, I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm
I'm bossy
I'm the bitch y'all love to hate
I'm the chick that's raisin' stakes
I told Young Stunna he should switch to BAPEs
I'm back with an 808, 'cause I'm bossy
Ooh (I bet, I bet, I bet)
I bet you never heard it like this before (this before)
My baby be closin' them Phantom doors (Phantom doors)
At the bar poppin' ish that you can't afford (can't afford)
Ooh, I'm drinkin', lost in the clouds, it's all smokin'
All the while I'm all open
Me and my girls, we stay fly and I love to stay high
Ooh, from the 6-4 hoppers up in Crenshaw
To the money makin' playas up in Harlem
Don't want no problems
We gon' keep it pumpin' while the 808 is jumpin'
Diamonds on my neck, di-diamonds on my grill
Diamonds on my neck, di-diamonds on my grill
I'm bossy
I'm the first girl to scream on a track
I switched up the beat of the drum
That's right, I brought all the boys to the yard
And that's right, I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm
I'm bossy
I'm the bitch y'all love to hate
I'm the chick that's raisin' stakes
I told Young Stunna he should switch to BAPEs
I'm back with an 808, 'cause I'm bossy
It's 'bout time that she get with me
Can't stop starin', she's fine and she's pretty
Damn girl, don't hurt 'em
If niggas don't bag back, you gon' work 'em
Put your mack down, I know your background
What you want, girl? You gettin' that now
That's how you do it, huh? Well, I'm the coolest one
Them bad bitches in the back, bring 'em to the front
Bitch, tell that man you's a boss bitch
Make some noise, raise your hand if you's a boss bitch
I don't think he understand you's a boss bitch
Get some help if you can 'cause he lost it
Ain't no refunds, she spent the cash, mane
In your Benz with her friends in the fast lane
Flossin', you said, "How much it cost me?"
About a million dollars player, she's bossy
I'm bossy
I'm the first girl to scream on a track
I switched up the beat of the drum
That's right, I brought all the boys to the yard
And that's right, I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm
I'm bossy
I'm the bitch y'all love to hate
I'm the chick that's raisin' stakes
I told Young Stunna he should switch to BAPEs
I'm back with an 808, 'cause I'm bossy
Uh, uh, uh (watch the beat go)
Uh, uh, watch that thing go (watch the beat go)
Uh, uh, uh (watch the beat go)
Uh, uh, watch that thing go (watch the beat go)
Uh, uh, uh (watch the beat go)
Uh, uh, watch that thing go (watch the beat go)
Uh, uh, uh (watch the beat go)
Uh, uh, watch that thing go (watch the beat go)
Uh, uh
The lyrics of Kelis's "Bossy" are representative of empowerment, self-confidence, and dominance. The opening phrase "Aye yo / You don't have to love me / You don't even have to like me / But you will respect me" establishes the singer's authority, demanding respect even if the listener doesn't necessarily have positive feelings about them. Kelis then goes on to assert her dominance in the music industry, stating that she is the "first girl to scream on a track" and that she "switched up the beat of the drum." Furthermore, she asserts her sexuality and allure by proclaiming that she is the one "that's tattooed on his arm" and uses provocative language like "touch down on me" and "ride the beat like a bicycle."
The chorus repeats the word "bossy," which has traditionally been used as a negative term against women who are assertive and confident. However, Kelis reclaims the term and uses it as a source of pride, asserting that she is "the bitch ya'll love to hate" and "the chick that's raised the stake." The final verse features Too Short, who reinforces Kelis's dominance and affirms that she is a "boss bitch." Overall, the lyrics are a celebration of power, confidence, and self-love.
Line by Line Meaning
Aye yo
Hey there
You don't have to love me
You're not obligated to love me
You don't even have to like me
You're not obligated to like me
But you will respect me
However, you will show me respect
You know why? 'Cause I'm a boss
The reason being that I'm a leader
Watch that thing go, uh, uh
Look at that thing move
I'm bossy
I'm commanding and in control
I'm the first girl to scream on a track
I was the initial female to shout on a song
I switched up the beat of the drum
I modified the rhythm of the percussion
That's right I brought all the boys to the yard
Indeed, I attracted all the guys to my neighborhood
And that's right, I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm
Additionally, my name is tattooed on his arm
I'm the bitch ya'll love to hate
I'm the woman that everyone admires and loathes
I'm the chick that's raised the stake
I'm the girl that heightened the competition
I told young stunna he should switch debate
I advised a young man to switch his argument
I'm back with an 808 'cause I'm bossy
I've returned with an 808 because I'm in control
Ooh lemme slow it down so ya can catch the flow (catch the flow)
Allow me to decelerate so you can comprehend
Screw it up make it go extra slow (extra slow)
Modify it to make it move slower than usual
Real girls get down on the flow
Authentic girls dance on the floor
(On the flow, get down on the flow)
(On the floor, dance on the floor)
Ooh if I gave you a taste you want some more
If I allowed you to experience a sample, you would desire more
Touch down on me, pull it up like a pro
Come to me, retrieve it like a professional
I ride the beat like a bicycle, I'm icy cold
I control the beat like a bicycle, and I'm cool as ice
Ooh from the 6-4 hoppers up in Crenshaw
From the jumpers in the 6-4 hoppers' club in Crenshaw
The money makin' playas up in Harlem
The profit-making players in Harlem
Don't want no problems
They don't want any issues
We gonna keep it pumpin while the 808 is jumpin'
We'll keep the music going while the 808 is playing
Diamonds on my neck, diamonds on my grill
I have diamonds on my neck and in my mouth
Ooh (I bet I bet I bet)
Oh (I'm sure)
I betcha never heard it like this before (this before)
I bet you haven't heard it this way previously
My baby be closin' them Phantom doors (Phantom doors)
My sweetheart closes the doors of the Phantom vehicle
Got the bar poppin' this that you can't afford (can't afford)
The bar is lively, and you can't afford this drink
Ooh I'm drinkin', blastin' the crowds it's all smokin'
Oh, I'm drinking and creating smoke-filled crowds
All the while I'm all open
Throughout this time, I remain open-minded
Me and my girls we stay fly and we love to stay high
My girls and I continue to be fashionable and enjoy being under the influence
To the money makin' playas up in Harlem
For the profit-making players in Harlem
We gon' keep it pumpin while the 808 is jumpin'
We'll keep the music going while the 808 is playing
And that's right I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm
Indeed, my name is tattooed on his arm
It's 'bout time that she get with me
It's high time that she joins me
Can't stop starin', she's fine and she's pretty
She can't stop staring because she looks excellent
Damn girl, don't hurt 'em
Wow, girl, don't go too hard on them
If niggas don't back back, you gon' work em
If guys don't back off, she's going to handle them
Put your mack down, I know your background
Reveal your identity and history
Whatchu want girl, you gettin' mad now
What do you want, are you angry now
That's how you do it, huh?
That's how you do it, right?
Well I'm the coolest one
Well, I'm the most fashionable individual
In fact, bitches in the back bring 'em to the front, bitch!
Actually, bring the ladies at the back to the front
Tell that man you's a boss bitch
Inform that guy that you're a dominant woman
Make some noise, raise your hand if you's a boss bitch
Make some noise, lift your hand if you're a commanding woman
I don't think he understand you's a boss bitch
I don't believe he comprehends that you're a leader
Get some help if you can 'cause he lost it
Find assistance where you can because he's lost it
Ain't no refunds, she spent the cash mayne
There are no refunds; she spent the money, man
In your Benz with her friends in the fast lane
In your luxury car with her friends in the fast lane
Flossin', you say "How much it cost me?"
Showing off, you ask, "How much did it cost me?"
About a million dollars playa, she's bossy
About a million dollars, player, she's in control
Uh uh watch the beat go
Uh huh, watch the beat progress
Uh uh watch that thing go
Uh huh, watch that thing move
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Alonzo Stevenson, Shondrae Crawford, Sean Garrett, Jasper Cameron, Kelis Rogers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind