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.
Brass in Pocket
KELIS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got bottle, I'm gonna use it
Intention I feel inventive
Gonna make you, make you, make you notice
Got motion, restrained emotion
Been driving uh, Detroit leaning
No reason, just seems so pleasing
Gonna use my arms
Gonna use my legs
Gonna use my style
Gonna use my side step
Gonna use my fingers
Gonna use my, my, my, imagination
Cause I going make you see
There's nobody else here, no one like me
I'm special, so special
I got to have some of your attention, give it to me!
Got rhythm, I can't miss a beat
Got a new skank, so reet
Got something, I'm winking at you
Gonna make you, make you, make you notice
Gonna use my arms
Gonna use my legs
Gonna use style
Gonna use my side step
Gonna use my fingers, gon' use my, my, my imagination
Oh, 'cause I gonna make you see
There's nobody else here, no one like me
I'm special, so special
I got to have some of your attention, give it to me!
Cause I gonna make you see
There's nobody else here, no one like me
I'm special, so special
I got to have some of your attention, give it to me!
Oh, when you walk
into a room, you seem to have all eyes on you, but Kelis is determined to steal the spotlight in "Brass in Pocket." The opening line, "Got brass in pocket," refers to the confidence and self-assurance she possesses that she wears as an accessory. She has a sense of ownership over her own persona and her ability to captivate an audience. She also has a bottle at her side, indicating she's ready to loosen up and let her guard down. She feels inventive and imaginative, and she intends to use that quality to make the person she's interested in, "notice," and give her the attention she craves.
Kelis's "motion" may be restrained, but that doesn't mean she's not making moves. She has been "driving" with a certain lean, possibly a reference to a popular dance move of that time. She acknowledges there's "no reason" for her to act this way, but it's "so pleasing" to her. Kelis is a unique individual and is aware of it. She wants to use all of her assets to attract the attention of the person she desires - her arms, legs, style, and even her imagination. She wants to convey her value and show that there is "nobody else here, no one like me." Kelis is "special, so special" and wants the person's attention.
Kelis says that she has "rhythm" and won't miss a beat, she has a "new skank" which could mean a new dance move or a new approach to her style. She has "something" that she's winking at the person, indicating a sly flirtation. Kelis plans to use all her physical features and the power of emotional appeal to make the listener "notice" her. She wants them to see that she's not just another face in the crowd; she's unique, and she craves their attention.
Line by Line Meaning
Got brass in pocket
I am feeling confident and have great energy
Got bottle, I'm gonna use it
I am prepared for anything that comes my way and will use my resources effectively
Intention I feel inventive
I am creative and determined to grab your attention
Gonna make you, make you, make you notice
I am going to do everything in my power to get you to pay attention to me
Got motion, restrained emotion
I am full of energy but able to control myself
Been driving uh, Detroit leaning
I have been cruising with style and confidence
No reason, just seems so pleasing
I am simply enjoying the feeling and want to share it with you
Gonna use my arms
I will use every part of my body to show you how unique I am
Gonna use my legs
I will use my movements to grab your attention
Gonna use my style
I will showcase my unique fashion and appearance
Gonna use my side step
I will take unusual approaches to make sure you notice me
Gonna use my fingers
I will use gestures and expressions to express myself
Gonna use my, my, my, imagination
I will get very creative to stand out from the crowd
Cause I going make you see
I am going to grab your attention and make sure you notice me
There's nobody else here, no one like me
I am one of a kind and want you to understand that
I'm special, so special
I have a unique appeal and want you to see it
I got to have some of your attention, give it to me!
I demand your attention and want you to acknowledge my presence
Got rhythm, I can't miss a beat
I am in tune with the music and the world around me
Got a new skank, so reet
I have a new dance move that I'm excited to show off
Got something, I'm winking at you
I have a secret or surprise for you that will make you excited
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHRISSIE HYNDE, JAMES HONEYMAN-SCOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lowe Quay Shush
On a hot Los Angeles summer day as I walked across a pedestrian full Sunset Bl. going to Amoeba Records I mistakenly 'flat footed' (stepped on/lowered back heel of shoe) of the person in front of me. She turned around annoyed- I looked in her eyes, as my eyes widened in recognition, I said 'Sorry!'- It was Kelis, she realised my recognition and then smiled. She seems sweet. Love you Kelis!
snidelywhiplash
I'm surprised you didn't just melt into a puddle. I know I would have.
mark armstead
Awesome remake!! Kelis is so under-rated as a female artist. I love this girl, her music is incredible. Keep on rockin' K'.
Werewolf Lycan
Solid job on this remake. And she is really beautiful!
Serafina Borbolla
I love this cover.....
Dashofdaisha
I love the pretenders version, but I heard this on Just like Heaven and I loved it!!!!!
dandyky
Kelis has taken a classic rock anthem and given it a little polish and put her signature on it. Chrissie Hyndes would be proud!
♥BlkandBeautiful❤️
whoa!! this version is awesome! and her voice is awesome!
No M
god i have been looking for this version for ages she really did a great job with song
CaterinaShanghai
It's nice to hear her sing without all the elaborate production. Great job!