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.
22nd Century
Kelis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You will front a ?
Religion, science-fiction, technology
There's no difference from you and me
Welcome to the twenty-seconnd century
Who who whoo who, who who whoo who
Welcome to the twenty-seconnd century
Welcome to the twenty-seconnd century
Who who whoo who, who who whoo who
Welcome to the twenty-seconnd century
Who who whoo who, who who whoo who
Everybody's dancing cing cing
Everybody's dancing dancing cing cing
Everybody's dancing cing cing
Everybody's dancing dancing cing cing
'Cause we are the stars
We're the stars
We are the stars
We're the stars
We are the stars
We're the stars
We are the stars
We're the stars
Welcome to the place where you want to be
Religion, science-fiction, technology
I can place my mind where I want to be
One chance one dance for you with me
Where everyone can be be be be
Welcome to the twenty-seconnd century
Who who whoo who, who who whoo who
Welcome to the twenty-seconnd century
Who who whoo who, who who whoo who
Welcome to the twenty-seconnd century
Who who whoo who, who who whoo who
Welcome to the twenty-seconnd century
Who who who who, who who who who
Everybody's dancing dancing cing cing
Everybody's dancing dancing cing cing
Everybody's dancing dancing cing cing
Everybody's dancing dancing cing cing
'Cause we are the stars
We're the stars
We are the stars
We're the stars
We are the stars
We're the stars
We are the stars
We're the stars
Just take me away, away
Oh baby, just take me away
Oh baby, just take me away, away
Oh baby, just take me away, away
Oh baby,
Welcome to the twenty-seconnd century, welcome to the twenty-seconnd century
Welcome to the twenty-seconnd century, welcome to the twenty-seconnd century
Say, say
The song "22nd Century" by Kelis is an upbeat and futuristic track that speaks to the idea of technology evolving to the point of blurring the lines between religion, science-fiction, and reality. The opening lines of the song, "Welcome to the twenty-second century, you will find a blur between religion, science-fiction, technology. There's no difference from you and me," set the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics suggest that as technology becomes more advanced and intertwined with our everyday lives, it will become harder to distinguish reality from fiction.
The chorus repeats the line "We are the stars" over and over again, suggesting that in this new era, people are able to shine in their own unique ways. The final verse speaks to the idea of escapism, with the lyrics "Just take me away, away, oh baby, just take me away." This could be interpreted as a desire to escape the overwhelming nature of this new technological world, or perhaps as a call to embrace it fully and allow it to transport us to new and exciting places.
Overall, "22nd Century" is a catchy and upbeat song that paints a picture of a future in which technology and humanity are closely intertwined. While some may see this as a scary or dystopian vision, Kelis seems to embrace it, suggesting that we are all capable of shining in this new era.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to the twenty-seconnd century
The singer is inviting the listener to the future world of the 22nd century.
You will front a ?
The future holds uncertainty and possibility for the listener.
Religion, science-fiction, technology
Three pillars of society that will shape the future world.
There's no difference from you and me
Despite the advancements and changes of the future, we are all fundamentally the same.
Who who whoo who, who who whoo who
An interlude of nonsensical sounds to emphasize the futuristic tone and mood of the song.
Everybody's dancing cing cing
In the future, people are still enjoying themselves through music and dancing.
'Cause we are the stars
The singer is positioning humans as the central and powerful players of the future world.
Welcome to the place where you want to be
The 22nd century is a place where the listener can find happiness and satisfaction.
I can place my mind where I want to be
The future world offers limitless possibilities and opportunities for imagination and creativity.
One chance one dance for you with me
A call to seize the moment and enjoy life in the future world.
Where everyone can be be be be
The future is a world where everyone can be themselves and find acceptance.
Just take me away, away
The artist longs for an escape to the future world, away from the present reality.
Say, say
A final call to attention and a request for acknowledgement of the message of the song.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KELIS ROGERS, JEAN BAPTISTE KOUAME, ALEXANDER RIDHA, ANDI MEID, IAN O'BRIEN DOCKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Adam W
The production on this entire album is stellar! ✨💖
Reggie Turner
I still get chills every time I hear this; definitely one of my favorite tracks (and album).
SERENITY LANE
I heard this playing while I was leaving my shift at Walmart, I forgot how much of an impact this underrated album had on me. Literally every song puts me in a trance and makes me feel like I'm walking on air. TYSM KELIS ILY FOR THIS ALBUM!!!!
Joshua Whittle
I always come back to this song, still doing it in 2022!
Tahnee Newnham
Bring this album back into the spotlight. It's more fit for this era.
Puvlee
Agreed
Joshua Whittle
Such a dope tune. Still listening to this in 2022.
Vince Martin Sy
her best album
Mister Kitten
True
Jenny Donne
Me too, love this album