Early life and education
A second-generation Ethiopian American and an only child, Mizanekristos was born in Washington, D.C., on June 4, 1983.[6] Growing up in Gaithersburg, Maryland, she learned to play the violin in fourth grade and sang in her school's choir.[7] In 2001, she graduated from Magruder High School.[7][8] After transferring from Montgomery College to the American University, Mizanekristos began singing jazz standards at cafés.[7] In 2008, she joined an indie band called Dizzy Spells and sang progressive metal after meeting Tosin Abasi, whom she later dated. In 2010, she moved to Los Angeles,[7] where she currently lives, in addition to London.
Career
2012–2015: Cut 4 Me and Hallucinogen
In November 2012, Mizanekristos began work on her debut mixtape with already two recorded songs. She later quit her job as a telemarketer to fully pursue her career as a musician.[10] Having moved to Los Angeles, Mizanekristos connected with Teengirl Fantasy and contributed to the group's 2013 album Tracer on the song "EFX", which led her to meet Prince William from the label Fade to Mind.[6] He introduced her to the sound of the record label and its sister imprint from London, Night Slugs. In May 2013, she appeared on Kingdom's "Bank Head", and five months later released her mixtape Cut 4 Me for free.[11] Harriet Gisbone of The Guardian described the mixtape as "an experiment for the production team, the first time the production crew had used vocals on their club tracks."[1] Her track "Go All Night" was included on Saint Heron, a multi-artist compilation album released by Solange Knowles. The mixtape was heavily influenced by grime music, a popular electronic genre based in the UK, and helped revive the subgenre known as Rhythm & Grime.
In December 2013, DJ Kitty Cash released her Love the Free mixtape, which featured her song, "The High". Mizanekristos later released the track herself on February 4, 2014, on her SoundCloud.[14] She also featured on Bok Bok's song "Melba's Call", which was released on March 5.[15] On March 3, 2015, Mizanekristos announced the release of her first EP, Hallucinogen, alongside the release of the lead single "A Message" and its accompanying music video.[16] The second single, "Rewind", was released on September 2. The EP covers the beginning, middle, and end of a relationship in reverse chronological order.[17] It includes the previously shared "The High".
2016–2018: Take Me Apart
Kelela in 2014
In 2016, Mizanekristos was featured on "A Breath Away" from Clams Casino's 32 Levels, "From the Ground" from Danny Brown's Atrocity Exhibition, and "Scales" from Solange's A Seat at the Table. In February 2017, she took part in Red Bull Sound Select's 3 Days in Miami.[18] Later that year, she was featured on the track "Submission" alongside rapper Danny Brown and provided additional vocals on the track "Busted and Blue" from Gorillaz's album Humanz.
On July 14, 2017, Mizanekristos announced her debut studio album, Take Me Apart.[19] It was made available for pre-order on August 1 alongside the release of the lead single, "LMK".[20] Three more singles preceded the album, "Frontline",[21] "Waitin"[22] and "Blue Light",[23] before it was released on October 6, 2017.[24] The album received widespread acclaim from music critics and featured on various year-end lists.[25][26] It was also included in the 2018 edition of the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. The music critic Craig Jenkins noted heavy electronic instrumentation on the album with, "deconstructed dubstep wubs in “Blue Light” and used the Roland synth that gave “Jupiter” its name—an instrument famous for its blaring leads—to play sultry chiptune instead."
On June 13, 2018, Mizanekristos was featured on the Girl Unit remix of the song "WYWD", which served as the lead single from his upcoming album, Song Feel. The two have previously worked together on Cut 4 Me's "Floor Show" and Hallucinogen's "Rewind".
On September 12, 2018, Mizanekristos announced Take Me a_Part, the Remixes, a remix album consisting of remixes from her debut album, and shared a remix for "LMK" featuring Princess Nokia, Junglepussy, Cupcakke and Ms. Boogie. The album features contributions from Kaytranada, Rare Essence, Serpentwithfeet and more.[29] On September 26, Mizanekristos shared Kaytranada's "Waitin" remix as the second single from the album.[30] The album was released on October 5, 2018, making it a year since the release of Take Me Apart.
2019–present: Hiatus and Raven
On September 13, 2022, Mizanekristos released "Washed Away", her first single in five years along with a music video. On November 15, 2022, Mizanekristos announced her second studio album Raven would be released in early 2023. "Happy Ending", "On the Run", "Contact", and “Enough for Love” were also released as singles prior to the release of the album.
On February 10, 2023, Raven was released. She performed her song “Enough for Love” during a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon the same day.
Raven includes collaborators such as Asmara from Fade to Mind's NGUZUNGUZU, Philadelphia-based DJ and producer LSDXOXO, German ambient duo OCA, and Toronto DJ BAMBII. The album showcases Black futurist art and electronic music sharing inspiration with Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, and Sun Ra to Janelle Monáe, Solange, Beyoncé, Drexciya and Aaliyah.
Floor Show
Kelela Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me, I already know your answer
Under her spell
You pledge your allegiance
Tell me no more, I studied your steelo
But I can't get out
Ain't never left
Wonder how it feels
I'll never know, you're never mine
You should stop the front
Before I catch you in a lie
You forget my name
But you say it every night
'Til the end, 'til the end of time
Actin like you don't know
Puttin' on a floor show
'Til the end, 'til the end of time
Took some time to get right
Things were lookin' so bright
'Til the end, 'til the end of time
Actin like you don't know
Puttin' on a floor show
'Til the end, 'til the end of time
Took some time to get right
Things were lookin' so bright
Up to now it's eaten me up
Took a few cycles of up and down
To really turn around
Boy I can tell
You know what you're doin'
But this tug of war is addictive somehow
But I can't get out
Ain't never left
Although I tried a million times
Wonder how it feels
I'll never know, you're never mine
You should stop the front
Before I catch you in a lie
You forget my name
But you say it every night
'Til the end, 'til the end of time
Actin like you don't know
Puttin' on a floor show
'Til the end, 'til the end of time
Took some time to get right
Things were lookin' so bright
'Til the end, 'til the end of time
Actin like you don't know
Puttin' on a floor show
'Til the end, 'til the end of time
Took some time to get right
Things were lookin' so bright
Giving you my everything, you
Turned around and did things your way, I
Try to fight the urge to define
Letting go of things that's ain't mine
Desperate for another day
Wish I knew the thing to say
Spent my time building you up
And now it's falling down
(Maybe tonight I'll be in your bed)
'Til the end of time, 'til the end of time
(Maybe tonight I'll be in your bed) 'til the end of time
'Til the end, 'til the end of time
Actin like you don't know
Puttin' on a floor show
'Til the end, 'til the end of time
Took some time to get right
Things were lookin' so bright
Stop for just a minute
Let me tell you what I've fallen into
I am trapped inside your conscience
I know that you're thinking your way out
The song "Floor Show" by Kelela depicts the struggle of being trapped in a toxic relationship. In the first verse, the singer knows that her partner is deceiving her, but she still cannot break free from his spell. She has tried to leave him numerous times, but she returns to him every time. The singer feels as if she is trapped and cannot escape from the relationship. She is aware of the consequences of being in this relationship, but she still feels powerless to leave.
The chorus is a repetition of the phrase 'til the end of time,' representing the singer's desperation to stay in the relationship. She feels as if she has invested too much time and energy into the relationship to walk away from it. The singer also refers to her partner putting on a floor show, meaning that he is putting on a facade or act in front of her. She is aware that he is not being genuine with her, but she continues to stay with him.
The second verse reveals that the singer has had enough of the toxic relationship. She is trying her best to turn her life around, but still, she cannot shake off the hold her partner has on her. The bridge represents the final break in the relationship, as the singer realizes that she cannot keep building up her partner while their relationship continues to fall apart.
Overall, "Floor Show" is a powerful and emotional song that portrays the struggles one often faces when leaving a toxic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Give me a reason to listen
Please provide a compelling reason for me to pay attention to you.
Tell me, I already know your answer
I anticipate that I will be familiar with the response you give me.
Under her spell
Captivated or influenced by another person's charm or charisma.
You pledge your allegiance
You have committed yourself to an individual or group.
Tell me no more, I studied your steelo
I have carefully observed your behavior and no longer require additional information.
But I can't get out
Despite my desire to disengage, I am unable to do so.
Ain't never left
I have never truly left this situation or relationship.
Although I tried a million times
Despite numerous attempts, my efforts to leave have been unsuccessful.
Wonder how it feels
I am curious about the sensation of being truly free from this situation or relationship.
I'll never know, you're never mine
I will never experience a sense of ownership or control over this relationship as you are not committed to me.
You should stop the front
You should cease with the pretense or charade that you are putting on in this relationship.
Before I catch you in a lie
I am wary that you may be deceiving me and I will be vigilant in monitoring your actions.
You forget my name
You have neglected or disregarded my presence in this relationship.
But you say it every night
You make a show of acknowledging me in a superficial or insincere manner.
'Til the end, 'til the end of time
Until the completion of our time together.
Actin like you don't know
Behaving as if you are unaware of what is happening or of my feelings.
Puttin' on a floor show
Displaying a performance or facade for others rather than acting authentically.
Took some time to get right
It was a long and difficult process to reach a state of stability or satisfaction in this relationship.
Things were lookin' so bright
Things seemed to be going well or improving in this relationship.
Up to now it's eaten me up
Until this point, this relationship has caused me great emotional distress.
Took a few cycles of up and down
There have been multiple cycles of highs and lows within this relationship.
To really turn around
It took a significant effort to change the course or trajectory of this relationship for the better.
Boy I can tell
From my observations and experiences, I can ascertain that you have a specific agenda or plan in this relationship.
You know what you're doin'
You are knowledgeable and skilled in managing this relationship to your advantage.
But this tug of war is addictive somehow
Despite the negative aspects of this relationship, there is an inexplicable pull or attraction that keeps me engaged.
Giving you my everything, you
I have given you all that I have to offer in this relationship.
Turned around and did things your way, I
You disregarded my inputs or perspective and proceeded to act according to your own agenda.
Try to fight the urge to define
I resist the impulse to label or categorize this relationship and instead choose to observe it as it is.
Letting go of things that's ain't mine
I am releasing my attachment to aspects of this relationship that are beyond my control or ownership.
Desperate for another day
I am longing for the opportunity to continue this relationship despite its challenges.
Wish I knew the thing to say
I desire the knowledge or skills to communicate more effectively within this relationship.
Spent my time building you up
I have invested significant time and effort into supporting or contributing to this relationship.
And now it's falling down
This relationship is beginning to disintegrate or crumble despite my prior investment.
(Maybe tonight I'll be in your bed) 'til the end of time
I will be with you tonight and forevermore.
Stop for just a minute
Please pause or take a moment to consider what I have to say.
Let me tell you what I've fallen into
Allow me to describe the predicament or situation that I have found myself in within this relationship.
I am trapped inside your conscience
I am stuck or imprisoned within your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.
I know that you're thinking your way out
I am aware that you are actively seeking ways to disengage or end this relationship.
Lyrics © WARP MUSIC LIMITED, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kelela Mizanekristos, Dominic Mocky Salole, Phillip Gamble
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thicccy4528
This song is too underrated it HURTS ME 😪🥺💖💖
@natasharobinson6816
I've probably listened to this song at least 300 times. Something about it resonates with me.
@connoisseurkrvidoes
me the same, smh
very good music, here...
hmu, I'm in phila, pa... hbu?
blurrfocuspictures@gmail.com
@caneimcdonald9226
2020!! Kelela is an underrated queen 👑
@chriswaynegetinmoney
I remember this coming out in high school sophomore year!😭💖
@christopherlewis7115
Love this song. I can't stop playing it. I'm getting addicted to Kelela.
"You forget my name, but you say it every night"-Love when she says that.
@TheBlaqros3
How does this don't have a million views yet oh well I was enjoying this for 5 years now
@crulove
Future RnB - This sounds like Aaliyah mixed with elements of 80s New Wave. Neddless to say its class!
@tonyvodden
perfectly said
@Madbrad2000
*Rhythm & Grime. https://www.complex.com/music/2016/07/10-rhythm-and-grime-songs-you-should-revisit/
This is a revisit to a genre that was popular in the early 2000s in the UK. It's grime music mixed with R&B.