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.
So Be It
Kelis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This world has a bunch of pseudo prophets
Sprouting their personal lies as truth
This world is full of opportunists
Spreading their sickness like a virus to the youth
The misinformation and corruption
Lead to deception
One day, one day
(?)
One day, one day
(?)
Its for the mercenary that I
(Carry a coffin)
Its for the dignitary that I
(Carry a coffin)
To bury corruption
(Carry a coffin)
It is for the police that I
(Carry a coffin)
One day, one day
(?)
One day, one day
(?)
One day, one day
One day
This song is dedicated to the one (creator) above
And the third eye (creator) of the Kushite
And the Christian, anti-Christian
And the Baptist, and the Black Fist
And the Buddhist too
(Creator, creator, creator, creator)
One day, one day
One day
(?)
One day
(?)
In Kelis's song "So Be It," she speaks to the issues plaguing society as a whole. Kelis alludes to a clear distinction between personal truths and lies being twisted beyond recognition to influence the youth. She highlights the corrupt ways of opportunists who manipulate others for personal gain, stirring up mistrust amongst the people. Kelis seems to provide an answer to the issues facing society with the lyrics, "It's for the mercenary that I carry a coffin, It's for the dignitary that I carry a coffin, To bury corruption, It is for the police that I carry a coffin."
The song is an anthem for anyone who desires a fair and just society. Kelis acknowledges that the world is full of hypocrisy of different religious groups, a reminder that they all have their faults. Kelis acknowledges that the solution to the problems facing society is not quick, but it's possible to achieve. With the lyrics, "One day, one day," Kelis expresses hope that one day, the world will be corruption-free, and everyone will live peacefully together.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, just listen
Please pay attention to what I'm about to say.
This world has a bunch of pseudo prophets
Many people in this world claim to be prophets, but they are not.
Sprouting their personal lies as truth
These so-called prophets are spreading their own personal beliefs, which are not necessarily true.
This world is full of opportunists
There are many people in this world who take advantage of opportunities for their own benefit.
Spreading their sickness like a virus to the youth
These opportunists are infecting the younger generation with their negative and harmful ways.
The misinformation and corruption
False information and unethical behavior by those in power.
Lead to deception
This causes people to be misled and deceived.
Teaching a lesson
The purpose of this song is to teach a lesson and raise awareness.
Its for the mercenary that I
I do this for those who are only after money and power.
(Carry a coffin)
This is a metaphor for putting an end to corruption and harmful practices.
Its for the dignitary that I
I do this for those who hold a high position and have the ability to make a difference.
To bury corruption
To put an end to the corrupt practices in our society.
It is for the police that I
I do this for the law enforcement agencies who have the power to bring about change.
This song is dedicated to the one (creator) above
This song is dedicated to a higher power or God.
And the third eye (creator) of the Kushite
This refers to the spiritual enlightenment and wisdom of the ancient Kushite civilization.
And the Christian, anti-Christian
This song is for both Christians and those who are against Christianity.
And the Baptist, and the Black Fist
This song is for both those who follow the Baptist faith and those who support the Black Power movement.
And the Buddhist too
This song is also for those who follow the Buddhist faith.
One day, one day
Someday in the future.
(?)
No specific meaning is given for these lines.
One day
Someday in the future.
Contributed by Aubrey C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Beverli Collins
One of my favorite Kelis songs!!!💯🔥💞
Rick Vargas
Beverli Collins
I just heard this song.
Aquarius Avenue
What a tune. 🙌🏾
🌬️💨 Qนί६Ϯ కᴛσᚱɱ
I love me some Kelis songs!❤️
Beverli Collins
One of my favorite songs!!💯🔥🥰
Jack Dunlop
Wasn’t this meant to be on her third album ‘amphibious’ before it was called tasty? Would have loved to hear the work on that album!! X
Matt Ro
Yes it was for the LP amphibious look it up on here the albums materials has surfaced
Kartsly
Luv this tune. RIP Fela.
Richard P
Why is this song not popular?
T.Dior
THAT INTO IS OUT OF THIS WORLD!!