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.
Bossy featuring Too $hort
Kelis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't have to love me...
You don't even have to like me...
But you will respect me...
You know why cause I'm a boss
You know, it's a hard pill to swallow
You ain't hot
Then in the blink of an eye
They got on what you got
That means I'm a boss!
Uh uh... watch the beat go...
Uh uh... watch the beat go...
Uh uh... watch the beat go...
Uh uh... watch that beat go...
[Kelis]
I'm bossy
I'm the first girl to scream on a track
I switched up the beat of the drum
That's right I brought all the boys to the yard
And that's right, I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm
I'm bossy
I'm the chick y'all love to hate
I'm the chick that's raised the stakes
I told John Sterling he should switch debate
I'm back with an 808 cause I'm bossy
Ooh lemme slow it down so ya can catch the flow
Screw it up make it go extra slow
Real girls get down on the flow
(On the flow get down, on the flow)
Ooh I gave you a taste you want some more
Touch down I got on it like a pro
I ride the beat like a bicycle, I'm icy cold
Ooh from the 6-4 hoppers up in Crenshaw
The money makin' playas up in Harlem
Don't want no problems
We gonna keep it pumpin while the 808 is jumpin'
Diamonds on my neck, diamonds on my grill
Diamonds on my neck, diamonds on my grill
I'm bossy
I'm the first girl to scream on a track
I switched up the beat of the drum
That's right I brought all the boys to the yard
And that's right, I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm
I'm bossy
I'm the chick y'all love to hate
I'm the chick that's raised the stakes
I told john sterling he should switch debate
I'm back with an 808 'cause I'm bossy
Ooh (I bet I bet I bet)
I betcha never heard it like this before
My baby be closin' them phantom doors
Got the bar poppin' this that you can't afford (can't afford)
Ooh I'm drinkin blastin the crowds it's all smokin'
All the while I'm all open
Me and my girls we stay fly and we love to stay high
Ooh from the 6-4 hoppers up in Crenshaw
To the money makin' playas up in Harlem
Don't want no problems
We gon' keep it pumpin while the 808 is jumpin'
Diamonds on my neck, diamonds on my grill
Diamonds on my neck, diamonds on my grill
I'm bossy
I'm the first girl to scream on a track
I switched up the beat of the drum
That's right I brought all the boys to the yard
And that's right I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm
I'm bossy
I'm the chick ya'll love to hate
I'm the chick that's raised the stake
I told young stunna he should switch debate
I'm back with an 808 cause I'm bossy
[Too $hort]
It's bout time that she get with me
Can't stop starin', she's fine and she's pretty
Damn girl, don't hurt em
If niggas don't back back, you gon' work em
Put your mack down, I know your background
Whatchu want girl, you gettin' mad now
That's how you do it, huh?
Well I'm the coolest one
In fact, bitches in the back bring 'em to the front, bitch!
Tell that man you's a boss bitch
Make some noise, raise your hand if you's a boss bitch
I don't think he understand you's a boss bitch
Get some help if you can cause he lost it
Ain't no refunds, she spent the cash mayne
In your Benz with her friends in the fast lane
Flossin, you say "How much it cost me?"
About a million dollars playa, she's bossy
[Kelis]
I'm bossy
I'm the first girl to scream on a track
I switched up the beat of the drum
That's right I brought all the boys to the yard
And that's right I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm
I'm bossy
I'm the chick y'all love to hate
I'm the chick that's raised the stake
I told John Sterling he should switch debate
I'm back with an 808 cause I'm bossy
Uh uh... watch the beat go...
Uh uh... watch the beat go...
Uh uh... watch the beat go...
Uh uh... watch the beat go...
Uh uh... watch the beat go...
Uh uh... watch the beat go...
Uh uh... watch the beat go...
Uh uh... watch the beat go...
Uh uh...
Kelis's song "Bossy" featuring Too $Hort is a powerful anthem celebrating self-confidence and assertiveness. It opens with Kelis stating that she doesn't need anyone to love or even like her, but they will respect her because she's the boss. The lyrics go on to describe Kelis as the first girl to scream on a track and being the one to switch up the beat of the drum. She is the girl everyone loves to hate, but she has raised the stakes and is not afraid to be bold and take control. The chorus repeats the message that she is bossy and makes it clear that diamond-encrusted necklaces and grills are just some of the trappings of her success.
The song is all about being in control and owning your power, regardless of what anyone else thinks. It's a message that is particularly empowering for women who are often told to be quiet and submissive. Too $Hort's rap verses reinforce the idea that Kelis is not only confident but also incredibly attractive, classy, and powerful.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't have to love me...
I don't need your affection.
You don't even have to like me...
I don't need your approval.
But you will respect me...
You will treat me with the deference I deserve.
You know why cause I'm a boss
I am in charge, and that demands respect.
You know, it's a hard pill to swallow
It can be difficult to acknowledge the truth.
When they tell you you strange
When others say you are different.
You ain't hot
You are not popular or successful.
Then in the blink of an eye
Suddenly and unexpectedly.
They got on what you got
They start copying your style or idea.
That means I'm a boss!
This is evidence that I am a leader.
I'm bossy
I am the one in control.
I'm the first girl to scream on a track
I am pioneering and groundbreaking in my music.
I switched up the beat of the drum
I am unconventional and original.
That's right I brought all the boys to the yard
My talent and charisma attract a large following.
And that's right, I'm the one that's tattooed on his arm
I have left a permanent mark on someone, proof of my influence.
I'm the chick y'all love to hate
I am polarizing and inspire strong emotions in others.
I'm the chick that's raised the stakes
I have upped the ante in my industry.
I told John Sterling he should switch debate
I have given advice to powerful, influential people.
I'm back with an 808 cause I'm bossy
I am returning with a powerful new sound, reflecting my authority.
Real girls get down on the flow
Authentic girls express themselves through dance.
Ooh I gave you a taste you want some more
I have sparked interest and desire in others.
Touch down I got on it like a pro
I am skilled and proficient in what I do.
I ride the beat like a bicycle, I'm icy cold
I am confident and smooth in my performance.
The money makin' playas up in Harlem
Successful individuals in this neighborhood.
Don't want no problems
They do not want any conflict.
Diamonds on my neck, diamonds on my grill
I am showing off my wealth and success.
It's bout time that she get with me
It is long overdue that we meet.
Damn girl, don't hurt em
You are impressively attractive.
Put your mack down, I know your background
Show off your style while I appreciate your history.
Whatchu want girl, you gettin' mad now
What is your objective, why are you bothered?
Tell that man you's a boss bitch
Remind him that you are the one in charge.
Make some noise, raise your hand if you's a boss bitch
If you agree, show your support.
I don't think he understand you's a boss bitch
I do not believe he fully comprehends your authority.
Get some help if you can cause he lost it
He needs some guidance and direction.
Ain't no refunds, she spent the cash mayne
She has invested in her success.
In your Benz with her friends in the fast lane
She is living a luxurious, high-speed lifestyle.
I'm bossy
I am the one who calls the shots.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ALONZO STEVENSON, SEAN GARRETT, SHONDRAE CRAWFORD, TODD SHAW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-hf1pc1ek7s
2024 anyone?
@sadechappell7025
YES🎉
@gabedag
Still here we never left
@tearanch613
Yup 😂.
@tl6442
@@tearanch613i’m dead not we here same day
@chopshopbobby2312
Lmao don’t even know why I’m here 😂
@beautifuldisaster1530
"You don't have to love me, you don't even have to like me but you will respect me"
Yasss 👑👏
@generallord-richard2377
BO$$
@ThatKidFresh777
So iconic
@erichvonmanstein6876
Yeah,, thats not true. I dont have to do any of the three.sooooo?🤷♂️