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.
Like U
Kelis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your natural self, it?s really comin? on strong
There's not too many dudes that catch my eye
But if you stick around I?ll give you a slice of the pie
I don't just like you, I like you like you
I don't just like you, I like you like you
Can we come together? Can we come together?
First date?s goin? real well
He's makin' me hot or is it his cock?
(Aw damn)
No matter the case we get along swell
So whatever if we started tonight, we're gonna
So whatever if we started tonight, we're gonna
So whatever if we started tonight
I don't just like you, I like you like you
(So whatever if we started tonight)
I don't just like you, I like you like you
(So whatever if we started tonight)
Can we come together? Can we come together?
You can fluff my feathers, fluff my feathers
I don't just like you, I like you like you
I don't just like you, I like you like you
Can we come together? Can we come together?
You can fluff my feathers, fluff my feathers
In this song, Kelis expresses her attraction to a man who catches her eye. She is drawn to his natural and authentic self, which turns her on. She mentions that there aren't many guys who grab her attention, but this man does, and she's willing to share her world with him if he sticks around. Kelis is not just interested in the man, but she really likes him, and she's willing to explore the possibility of them coming together intimately. She uses a fun metaphor of feathers being fluffed to indicate that she's open to sexual exploration with him.
Line by Line Meaning
Your appearance turn me on
You physically attract me
Your natural self, it?s really comin? on strong
Your genuine and authentic self is very appealing to me
There's not too many dudes that catch my eye
I am selective with my attractions
But if you stick around I?ll give you a slice of the pie
If you remain in my life, I am willing to give you a chance
First date's goin' real well
Our first meeting is progressing positively
He's makin' me hot or is it his cock? (Aw damn)
I am stimulated by his presence or perhaps by his physical endowment
No matter the case we get along swell
Regardless of the reason, we have a great connection
So whatever if we started tonight, we're gonna
Regardless of the speed at which our relationship progresses, it will happen
I don't just like you, I like you like you
My feelings towards you are stronger than just a simple liking
Can we come together? Can we come together?
Can we form a deeper connection?
You can fluff my feathers, fluff my feathers
You have the ability to excite and stimulate me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: Jerome Foster, Kelis Rogers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind