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.
Appreciate Me
Kelis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wake up first to feed ya
You're the only one I ever really loved (you're the man above)
I've been conquered and lovin' to you
You know all the real things I've been through, yeah
You rescue me when everyone has let me down
Like a soldier, you protect me from what's goin' down
But you better remember - talk to me like a lady
[Chorus:]
Don't take my kindness for weakness (appreciate me)
Don't take my kindness for weakness (appreciate me)
Don't take my kindness for weakness (appreciate me)
Don't take my kindness for weakness (appreciate me)
Runnin' in the streets, you are the man
But when you come home, respect who I am
Keep it gangsta 'cause you 1ive on the block
But when you step inside the door, give the key to your heart
I'm not tryna wear the pants, they fit you right
But I'm your wife so in these hands, you put your life
Hold me like your baby, treat me like your lady
'Cause I know you ain't crazy
[Chorus:]
Just hold me close - I love you near
One look at you and I see so clear
The reason you won't let me down
'Cause I feel you in my heart
It's like I'm floatin' way up off the ground
[Chorus:]
The lyrics of Kelis's song "Appreciate Me" speak of a woman's need for her partner to acknowledge and respect her. The first verse highlights the singer's dependence on her partner, who she wakes up early to care for. She affirms her love for him and the struggles they have overcome together. However, this does not mean her kindness should be taken for weakness. The chorus repeats the phrase "don't take my kindness for weakness" multiple times as a statement of her desire for recognition and appreciation.
In the second verse, the singer addresses her partner's street persona, reminding him that while he may be a tough guy on the block, at home, he needs to treat her with respect and love. She affirms her desire to be his partner, not to control him. She closes the verse by repeating the sentiment that he needs to appreciate her.
The final verse is a declaration of love and trust. The singer wants her partner to hold her and treat her like a lady, assuring him that she knows he is not crazy. The chorus repeats once more, reiterating the importance of appreciating her.
Line by Line Meaning
I want ya, I need ya
I desire your love and I depend on it to fulfill me
I wake up first to feed ya
I make sure that you are taken care of and provided for
You're the only one I ever really loved (you're the man above)
You are the only person I have truly loved and I view you as a higher power
I've been conquered and lovin' to you
I have surrendered myself to you and willingly show love to you
You know all the real things I've been through, yeah
You are aware of all the struggles and hardships that I have faced
You rescue me when everyone has let me down
You come to my aid when others have abandoned or disappointed me
Like a soldier, you protect me from what's goin' down
You defend and safeguard me from any harm or danger
But you better remember - talk to me like a lady
You should show me respect and treat me with dignity
I know that you ain't crazy
I understand that you are not irrational or insane
Don't take my kindness for weakness (appreciate me)
Don't mistake my benevolent nature for vulnerability, appreciate me instead
Runnin' in the streets, you are the man
When you are outside in the world, you are a dominant and powerful figure
But when you come home, respect who I am
When you enter our house, acknowledge and honor my identity and worth
Keep it gangsta 'cause you 1ive on the block
Maintain your toughness and streetwise demeanor because that is where you come from
But when you step inside the door, give the key to your heart
But when you enter our home, open your heart and show me affection
I'm not tryna wear the pants, they fit you right
I am not trying to dominate or control the relationship because you are the rightful leader
But I'm your wife so in these hands, you put your life
However, as your partner, you entrust me with your life and well-being
Hold me like your baby, treat me like your lady
Embrace me tenderly like you would a child and treat me with respect and courtesy like a lady
'Cause I know you ain't crazy
I know that you are not insane or irrational
Just hold me close - I love you near
Just embrace me tightly - I feel love when I am close to you
One look at you and I see so clear
A single glance at you clarifies and reminds me of my affection for you
The reason you won't let me down
The reason I trust that you won't disappoint me
'Cause I feel you in my heart
Because I feel a deep connection and love for you within my heart
It's like I'm floatin' way up off the ground
It feels like I am weightless and euphoric when I am with you
Don't take my kindness for weakness (appreciate me)
Don't mistake my benevolent nature for vulnerability, appreciate me instead
Don't take my kindness for weakness (appreciate me)
Don't mistake my benevolent nature for vulnerability, appreciate me instead
Don't take my kindness for weakness (appreciate me)
Don't mistake my benevolent nature for vulnerability, appreciate me instead
Don't take my kindness for weakness (appreciate me)
Don't mistake my benevolent nature for vulnerability, appreciate me instead
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAMON ELLIOTT, DAMON W. ELLIOTT, KELIS ROGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind