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 Kelisโ 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.
Mafia
Kelis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Forever in debted to weapon
Love, honor, and respected
But his image was different than what his character reflected
Word is he's seven - thirty his hands never dirty
All I know this so called psycho never hurt me
Touch me down to tips, shopping sprees on Fifth
With enough dough that could be carry out on forklifts
Until his theory disintegrated and burnt to crust
What? What?
Death to a soft heart
That's what I vow to you
The vows I vow to you
Amazing how it's true
Talk goes on our phone
Just to remind you
That I'm behind you
The FEDS won't find you
Relax my love
The love I have for you is like the Mafia
For you I'd testify
I'd lie for you of course
Since my love is like the Mafia
And for you I will fight
Mister and Misses, but I wonder where the bliss is
Sealed in blood and Cordion kisses
The shit I witnessed
Would give a bitch morning sickness
Decomposed bodies thrown in the ditches
As for snitches ain't nothing lower than that
Intentions to squeal on your fam make you low as a rat
Got cappos for flaming at those
Lame ass hoes, so you know next time keep your trap close
What would you doubt for?
I'd never lie to you
Of course I'd die for you
I'd be your eye for you
My love won't stop short
I'll raise our sons for you
I'll save our ones for you
Load up your guns for you
Relax my love
The love I have for you is like the Mafia
For you I'd testify
I'd lie for you of course
Since my love is like the Mafia
And for you I will fight
Relax my love
The love I have for you is like the Mafia
For you I'd testify
I'd lie for you of course
Since my love is like the Mafia
And for you I will fight
Riches, tradition niggas once held dear
Let it be known that your name alone spell fear
Gun for gun, hundred to one forget about it
Petty shit, rise above and get up out it
Could give a shit about it
Time to focus a foe
Many lives bought and sold
Fortunes favor the bold
Connected like phone lines
To racketeering to known crimes
Winners turning long shots to gold mines
The high speed chases
I'll do them just like you
I'll give them dust like you
Turn around and bust like you
Then I'll deserve it
Every time I get high
Relax my love
The love I have for you is like the Mafia
For you I'd testify
I'd lie for you of course
Since my love is like the Mafia
And for you I will fight
You I testify, oh, oh
The song "Mafia" by Kelis is a reflection of the singer's loyalty to the Mafia that she's been associated with. She talks about the money, the luxury life and the trust that she earned from the Mafia, as well as the fact that despite the rumors of his violent nature, he has never harmed her. She emphasizes that her love for him is like the Mafia - she will do anything for him, including lying and testifying, and that her loyalty and love are unshakable.
However, the song also depicts the dark side of the mafia culture. Kelis talks about witnessing some brutal incidents where people were murdered and their bodies were discarded in ditches. She also warns the listeners about the perils of being a snitch and how it's the lowest form of betrayal in the Mafia family. The song portrays the immense power and fear that the Mafia holds over society, highlighting their ability to turn long shots into gold mines.
Overall, the song is a mix of love and fear, loyalty and betrayal, and the portrayal of the dark side of the crime world.
Line by Line Meaning
Somebody made me an offer and I accepted
I was offered a deal, and I accepted it
Forever in debted to weapon
I owe a debt to my new boss, the one who offered the deal
Love, honor, and respected
My boss promised me that I would be loved, honored, and respected in the organization
But his image was different than what his character reflected
My boss presented himself as kind and respectful but has a darker side.
Word is he's seven - thirty his hands never dirty
It's rumored that my boss is a boss of bosses and has never gotten his hands dirty.
All I know this so called psycho never hurt me
Despite rumors, my boss has never hurt me.
Touch me down to tips, shopping sprees on Fifth
My boss has plenty of money and spoils me with extravagant shopping trips.
With enough dough that could be carry out on forklifts
My boss's wealth is on such a grand scale that it could fill a warehouse.
Earnt his trust, together till we turn to dust
I have earned my boss's trust, and we will be together until death.
Until his theory disintegrated and burnt to crust
My boss's plan ultimately failed and fell apart.
What? What?
Expression of surprise or confusion.
Death to a soft heart That's what I vow to you The vows I vow to you Amazing how it's true Talk goes on our phone Just to remind you That I'm behind you The FEDS won't find you
I've made a vow to my boss that I will do anything for the family including committing acts of violence against others. I regularly call to remind him of my loyalty and support.
Relax my love The love I have for you is like the Mafia For you I'd testify I'd lie for you of course Since my love is like the Mafia And for you I will fight
My love for my boss is like the loyalty of a mafia member. I would testify or lie for him, and I will fight for him until the end.
Mister and Misses, but I wonder where the bliss is Sealed in blood and Cordion kisses The shit I witnessed Would give a bitch morning sickness Decomposed bodies thrown in the ditches As for snitches ain't nothing lower than that Intentions to squeal on your fam make you low as a rat Got cappos for flaming at those Lame ass hoes, so you know next time keep your trap close
Despite being a part of the mafia and my devotion to my boss. I have seen some terrible atrocities, including murder and disposal of the body. Snitches are the worst, and I won't tolerate it, and I have people in place to punish them.
What would you doubt for? I'd never lie to you Of course I'd die for you I'd be your eye for you My love won't stop short I'll raise our sons for you I'll save our ones for you Load up your guns for you
I've pledged my life to my boss and my family, and I will always be loyal to him. I am willing to die or do anything necessary to protect him or our family. I will also raise our children and save our loved ones.
Riches, tradition niggas once held dear Let it be known that your name alone spell fear Gun for gun, hundred to one forget about it Petty shit, rise above and get up out it Could give a shit about it Time to focus a foe Many lives bought and sold Fortunes favor the bold Connected like phone lines To racketeering to known crimes Winners turning long shots to gold mines
Being connected to the mafia means being feared and respected. We rise above petty matters and focus on bigger goals, even if it means taking lives or committing crimes. The fortunes belong to those who dare to take a chance and stay connected to others in their profession.
The high speed chases I'll do them just like you I'll give them dust like you Turn around and bust like you Then I'll deserve it Every time I get high
Even in high-speed chases, I am willing to protect my boss and family. I will follow in his example and prove my worth as loyal to the family. Even when celebrating or intoxicated, I am committed to the family.
You I testify, oh, oh
I will always testify to my loyalty and devotion to my boss and family.
Relax my love The love I have for you is like the Mafia For you I'd testify I'd lie for you of course Since my love is like the Mafia And for you I will fight
My love and commitment to my boss and family is similar to the loyalty of a mafia member. I would testify or lie for him, and I will fight for him until the end.
Relax my love The love I have for you is like the Mafia For you I'd testify I'd lie for you of course Since my love is like the Mafia And for you I will fight
My love and commitment to my boss and family is similar to the loyalty of a mafia member. I would testify or lie for him, and I will fight for him until the end.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHAD HUGO, PHARRELL WILLIAMS, PHARRELL L WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Baztyn
Somebody made me an offer and I accepted
Forever in debted to weapon
Love, honor, and respected
But his image was different than what his character reflected
Word is he's seven - thirty his hands never dirty
All I know this so called psycho never hurt me
Touch me down to tips, shopping sprees on Fifth
With enough dough that could be carry out on forklifts
Earnt his trust, together till we turn to dust
Until his theory disintegrated and burnt to crust
What? What?
Death to a soft heart
That's what I vow to you
The vows I vow to you
Amazing how it's true
Talk goes on our phone
Just to remind you
That I'm behind you
The FEDS won't find you
Relax my love
The love I have for you is like the Mafia
For you I'd testify
I'd lie for you of course
Since my love is like the Mafia
And for you I will fight
Mister and Misses, but I wonder where the bliss is
Sealed in blood and Cordion kisses
The shit I witnessed
Would give a bitch morning sickness
Decomposed bodies thrown in the ditches
As for snitches ain't nothing lower than that
Intentions to squeal on your fam make you low as a rat
Got cappos for flaming at those
Lame ass hoes, so you know next time keep your trap close
What would you doubt for?
I'd never lie to you
Of course I'd die for you
I'd be your eye for you
My love won't stop short
I'll raise our sons for you
I'll save our ones for you
Load up your guns for you
Relax my love
The love I have for you is like the Mafia
For you I'd testify
I'd lie for you of course
Since my love is like the Mafia
And for you I will fight
Relax my love
The love I have for you is like the Mafia
For you I'd testify
I'd lie for you of course
Since my love is like the Mafia
And for you I will fight
Riches, tradition niggas once held dear
Let it be known that your name alone spell fear
Gun for gun, hundred to one forget about it
Petty shit, rise above and get up out it
Could give a shit about it
Time to focus a foe
Many lives bought and sold
Fortunes favor the bold
Connected like phone lines
To racketeering to known crimes
Winners turning long shots to gold mines
The high speed chases
I'll do them just like you
I'll give them dust like you
Turn around and bust like you
Then I'll deserve it
Every time I get high
Relax my love
The love I have for you is like the Mafia
For you I'd testify
I'd lie for you of course
Since my love is like the Mafia
And for you I will fight
You I testify, oh, oh
Youโre welcome๐
Bran M
[Verse 1: Markita and Pharrell]
Somebody made me an offer and I accepted
Forever in debted to weapon, love, honor, and respected
But his image was different than what his character reflected
Word is he's seven-thirty, his hands never dirty
All I know is this so-called psycho never hurt me, touch me down to tips
Shoppin' sprees on Fifth, with enough dough that could be carry out on forklifts (Huh?)
Earnt his trust, together 'til we turn to dust
Until his theory disintegrated and burnt to crust (Yeah, what, what? Uh-uh, uh-huh, uh-uh, uh-huh)
[Verse 2: Kelis]
Death to a soft heart, that's what I vow to you
The vows I vow to you, amazing how it's true
Talk goes on our phone, just to remind you
That I'm behind you, the feds won't find you
[Chorus: Kelis]
Relax, my love
The love I have for you is like the mafia (You, I'd testify)
I'd lie for you, of course
Since my love is like the mafia (And for you, I will fight)
[Verse 3: Markita and Kelis]
Mr. and Mrs., but I wonder where the bliss is
Sealed in blood and Cordion kisses
Shit I witnessed, that give a bitch mornin' sickness (Yeah)
Decomposed bodies thrown in the ditches
As for snitches, ain't nothin' lower than that
Intentions, squeal on your fam make you low as a rat (Uh-huh)
Got capos for flaming at those, lame ass hoes
So you know next time, keep your trap close
[Verse 4: Kelis]
What would you doubt for? I'd never lie to you
Of course I'd die for you, I'd be your eye for you
My love, rest assured, I'll raise our sons for you
I'll save our ones for you, load up your guns for you
[Chorus: Kelis and Markita]
Relax, my love
The love I have for you is like the mafia (You, I'd testify)
I'd lie for you, of course
Since my love is like the mafia (And for you, I will fight)
Relax, my love
The love I have for you is like the mafia (You, I'd testify)
I'd lie for you, of course
Since my love is like the mafia (And for you, I will fight, you know)
[Verse 5: Markita and Kelis]
Riches, tradition, niggas once held dear
Let it be known that your name alone spell fear (Yeah)
Gun for gun, hundred to one, forget about it
Petty shit, rise above and get up out it (Yeah)
Could give a shit about it, time to focus a foe
Many lives bought and sold, fortunes favor the bold
Connected like phone lines to racketeering to known crimes
Winners, turnin' long shots to gold mines
[Verse 6: Kelis]
The high speed chases, I'll do them just like you
I'll give them dust like you, turn around
And bust like you, then I'll deserve it
Every time I get high
[Chorus: Kelis]
Relax, my love
The love I have for you is like the mafia (You, I'd testify)
I'd lie for you, of course
Since my love is like the mafia (And for you, I will fight)
[Outro: Kelis]
You, I testify (Uh)
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
And for you, I will fight
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, no
Ian Brown
This was always one of my favourite tracks on the Kaleidoscope album. Loved The Neptuneโsโ production. Sonically they worked really well with Kelis. Sheโs a great artist, I wish people appreciated her more. I always found her to be very inspiring.
SauceGoddessCe
I love this whole album!!!
Heg Mex
... me too!
EnRico van Keeken
@Heg Mex "? #Minus*Movement ๐= *"
Lyllian Frost
Ditto
Rachael Ponton
Ooooouuuu me too!
KEYAIRA
Time for a new generation to get their feels from a real rockstar.
happy gucci
Criminally Underrated.
Forever a Kelis STAN
The Holistic Uz
This song , the beat , the vocals and the cool ๐ art work for the video โจโจโจ ๐ @iamkelis we love you give us more music x
lamarques
Sooooo hypnotizing๐