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.
Lil
KELIS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I am just a lil star
If it seems like I'm shining it's probably
A reflection of something you already are
I forget about myself sometimes
When there's so many others around
When deep inside you feels the darkest
That is where I can always be found
That is where I can always be found
Just keep trying and trying
It's just a matter of timing
Though the grinding is tiring
Don't let it stop you from smiling
Just keep trying and trying
Sooner or later you'll find it
It's surprising how inspiring
It is to see you shining
?Cause in the dark of the night you're all I can see
And you sure look like a star to me
There is nothing special about me
I am just a lil star
If you try to reach out and touch me
You'll see that I'm not really that far
Oh, I may not be the brightest
Nor am I the last one you'll see
But as long as you notice
That's just fine with me
Everything's just fine with me
Everything's just fine with me
Just keep trying and trying
It's just a matter of timing
Though the grinding is tiring
Don't let it stop you from smiling
Just keep trying and trying
Sooner or later you'll find it
It's surprising how inspiring
It is to see you shining
?Cause in the dark of the night you're all I can see
And you sure look like a star to me
There is nothing special about me
I am just a lil star
I'm running and jumpin'
But barely gettin', gettin' over the bar
I plan on being much more than that
And but that's in due time
But until then I'm guilty
And being human's my crime
Just being human that is my crime
Being human that is my crime
Just keep trying and trying
It's just a matter of timing
Though the grinding is tiring
Don't let it stop you from smiling
Just keep trying and trying
Sooner or later you'll find it
It's surprising how inspiring
It is to see you shining
?Cause in the dark of the night you're all I can see
And you sure look like a star to me
Kelis's song "Lil Star" is a reflective and inspiring track that encourages listeners to keep pushing and shining their light despite feeling small and insignificant. The song begins with a humble admission that there is nothing special about her and that any shine she has is just a reflection of the greatness within others. The chorus reinforces this message, encouraging listeners to try and try again, no matter how tiring the grind may be. The lyrics acknowledge that it can be challenging to stay positive and motivated when there are so many others around, but that the key to success is persistence and timing.
The bridge of the song is particularly uplifting, proclaiming that even when things feel darkest, she can always be found shining. This serves as a reminder that even when things seem out of reach, we all have a glow within us that can guide us through the darkness. The final verse speaks to the human condition and the challenges we face, reminding the listeners that simply being alive is a crime. This line also serves as a reminder that, despite our limitations and shortcomings, we are all capable of greatness and should strive to achieve our dreams.
Overall, "Lil Star" is a poignant and inspiring song that encourages listeners to keep shining their light, no matter how small they may feel. It acknowledges the challenges we all face but reminds us to keep pushing forward and never give up on our dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
There is nothing special about me
Kelis acknowledges that she is not inherently special.
I am just a lil star
Despite not being special, Kelis believes she has some value as a person.
If it seems like I'm shining it's probably
Kelis believes that her value comes from reflecting the greatness in other people.
A reflection of something you already are
Kelis believes that other people are already great and her value comes from reflecting that greatness.
I forget about myself sometimes
Kelis occasionally loses sight of her own value among other people.
When there's so many others around
Kelis feels overshadowed by all the other people around her.
When deep inside you feels the darkest
Kelis believes she can be a source of light and inspiration for people when they are feeling down.
That is where I can always be found
Kelis feels that she can always be there for people in their darkest moments.
Just keep trying and trying
Kelis encourages people to persevere through their struggles.
It's just a matter of timing
Kelis believes that success will come at the right time for people.
Though the grinding is tiring
Kelis acknowledges that the process of working towards success can be exhausting.
Don't let it stop you from smiling
Kelis encourages people to maintain a positive attitude despite the challenges they face.
Sooner or later you'll find it
Kelis believes that success is inevitable for people who keep trying.
It's surprising how inspiring
Kelis is surprised by how much other people's success can inspire her.
?Cause in the dark of the night you're all I can see
Kelis sees other people as the shining stars that guide her in the dark.
And you sure look like a star to me
Kelis believes that each person has greatness within them.
If you try to reach out and touch me
Kelis wants people to connect with her and see her value for themselves.
You'll see that I'm not really that far
Kelis believes that her value is accessible to everyone.
Oh, I may not be the brightest
Kelis is acknowledging her own shortcomings.
Nor am I the last one you'll see
Kelis believes that there are other people out there with similar value to her.
But as long as you notice
Kelis is content with being recognized for her value by others.
That's just fine with me
Kelis is happy with the level of recognition she receives from others.
I'm running and jumpin'
Kelis is pushing herself to achieve her goals.
But barely gettin', gettin' over the bar
Kelis is struggling to reach her goals.
I plan on being much more than that
Kelis has higher aspirations for herself.
And but that's in due time
Kelis acknowledges that success will take time and effort to achieve.
But until then I'm guilty
Kelis feels guilty for not yet achieving all of her goals.
And being human's my crime
Kelis feels that being human and imperfect is the reason for her shortcomings.
Being human that is my crime
Kelis believes that being human is her biggest impediment to success.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: THOMAS CALLAWAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind