Using only his homemade studio and personal credit card, Kero One pressed and released his first 12” record Check the Blueprints in 2003 on his own imprint, Plug Label. Without any experience as to how he should distribute his new record, Kero One spent endless hours researching, cold calling, and seeking help from friends. Of the 50 copies that were eventually distributed around the world, one landed in a tiny record store in Tokyo, Japan. A few weeks later, it was found by a Japanese DJ who played it at a club that night and received dozens of inquires, including a Japanese label executive who immediately contacted Kero One and asked for 3,000 copies of the record. The record, “Check the Blueprints” became an underground Hiphop classic in Japan, and Kero One was invited to tour the country just a few months after. He performed in cities throughout Japan where he was greeted by hundreds of fans waiting to take photographs and autographs, much to his surprise. It was at this point that making a career out of music became a reality.
Kero One went on to finish his first album, Windmills of the Soul, in 2005, handling everything from playing instruments, rapping, and sound engineering. Without a strong label backing or a street team, Kero One handled almost all the business himself. From promotions and marketing, manufacturing, finances, art direction and web design, Kero One personally handed out promos to tastemakers anywhere he could find them. Eventually the hard work paid off, and Windmills of the Soul garnered respect in many circles for Kero One’s thought provoking lyrics and musical soundscapes which fused live instruments with dusty analog samples. It wasn’t long before Kero One quit his job as a web designer in 2006 to pursue music full time. Since 2006, Kero One has been awarded the title of Best HipHop Album of 2006 from Remix magazine Japan, topped iTunes hiphop charts, received praise from artists all over the world like multi Grammy award winning producer Will.i.am of Black Eyed peas, the legendary Stevie Wonder, Emmy nominated jazz singer Jaime Cullum, and multi award winning Korean Hiphop groups Epik High and Dynamic Duo. Kero One has also performed with artists like Stevie Wonder, Blu + Exile, Far East Movement, KRS 1, Dougie Fresh, Epik High, Jay Park, Dynamic Duo & Simon D. Kero One’s Music has been heard in Printemps Mall in Paris, Takashimaya mall in Tokyo, Hyatt hotels, and Tv Shows like Anthony Bourdain Layover and Fuse TV. Additionally, Kero One has collaborated with artists from all over the globe like Talib Kweli, Aloe Blacc, Epik High (KOREA), Ben Westbeech (UK), Dj Deckstream (JAPAN), David Choi, Fashawn, Shing02, Dumbfoundead, The Sound Providers, Dj Mitsu, Dynamic Duo (KOREA) and many others.
As of 2012, Kero One has released four full length solo albums. His fourth solo album “Color Theory”, raised over $10,000 from fans who wanted to help fund it on Kickstarter. Kero One is a full time rapper, producer, and DJ. Check out his work on his youtube channel (www.youtube.com/keroonetv).
Lets Just Be Friends
Kero One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sup Jen? why you tryna talk to me?
You got baggage, I ain’t getting lost in it
I see your man and how he trying to caution me
Don’t get it started there ain’t no stopping me
Sup Sharron I like when you talk to me
Let’s be friends but don’t try to pop at me
You see drama but not in my glossary
Chorus
I’m saying
Let's be friends don’t wanna spell it out for ya
Let’s be friends and keep things cordial
Let’s make this smooth, I ain’t the one for ya
So read my mind, let’s just be friends
Verse 2
It feels like a few minutes ago I just met ya
I was doing my thing I didn’t sweat ya
Yeah u cute but that don’t make ya special
Heard your story, plot had lots a textures
Okay, ya got my ear
I’m fully swayed, when I drop a tear
My time only costs a beer
Just kidding one minute let me stop here
Hey, whose this guy that’s hovering over us
Grabbing ya shoulder like male chauvinist
"Thats my man" .well he′s officially over us
Well good stories it was nice knowing ya
Good convo you’re stronger than Oprah
Peace to you and ya man, Imma jam
She gave me the look and grabbed my hand
I’ll find you soon, don’t leave the room man
Chorus
Verse 2
9 am who the hecks texting me?
Rub my eyes.13 messages
Rub my eyes.13 messages
Hot damn! there’s no second guessing it
The same girl with playful questioning
Its conversation but should I been caressing it
I know her man way back since fat crayons
Overalls and shirts from silk rayon
Overall I know she wanna play on
But the more I resist the more she want liaison
Ain’t it funny how we can be
Ain’t it weird, when we don’t see
But this time, its clear to me
Everything that she feel ain’t what it seems to be
So….
Chorus
Outro
I know I vibe with you
But this ain’t right for you
We're stepping on toes
Let it all go
Even if I’m liking you
In Kero One's song "Lets Just Be Friends", the lyrics revolve around the idea of maintaining a platonic friendship and not pursuing a romantic relationship. In the first verse, the artist addresses two individuals named Jen and Sharron. He acknowledges Jen's baggage and makes it clear that he doesn't want to get involved with her. Meanwhile, he expresses a positive sentiment towards Sharron and suggests being friends without any romantic intentions. The lyrics emphasize his preference for a drama-free and uncomplicated connection.
The chorus further highlights the artist's desire to maintain a friendly relationship without further romantic entanglements. He emphasizes that he doesn't want to explicitly state it and hopes that the other person will understand his intentions. The lyrics convey a sense of wanting to keep things cordial and smooth, signaling that a romantic relationship is not what the artist desires.
In the second verse, the artist recalls meeting someone recently and feeling attracted to them initially. However, he quickly realizes that their story and personality are too complicated for him to pursue anything beyond friendship. He refers to the other person's partner, who displays possessive tendencies, and decides that it's best to distance himself. The lyrics reflect the idea that even though they had good conversations, the artist is not interested in getting romantically involved and wishes them well.
As the song progresses, the artist receives multiple messages from the same girl, who seems interested in pursuing something more than friendship even though she is in a relationship. The artist contemplates whether he should entertain the idea but ultimately comes to the conclusion that it's not genuine and opts to maintain friendship instead. The lyrics suggest that the artist sees through the girl's intentions and understands that her feelings may not be as they appear.
In the outro, the artist acknowledges the connection he feels with the person in question but recognizes that pursuing a romantic relationship would be wrong. He acknowledges the potential harm it could cause and encourages both parties to let go of any romantic feelings. The lyrics imply that even if the artist is attracted to the person, he chooses to prioritize the friendship instead.
Overall, the lyrics in "Lets Just Be Friends" by Kero One explore the concept of choosing friendship over a romantic relationship, highlighting the importance of clear boundaries and avoiding unnecessary drama. The verses delve into specific encounters and scenarios while presenting a consistent theme throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Sup Jen? why you tryna talk to me?
Hey Jen, why are you attempting to engage in conversation with me?
You got baggage, I ain’t getting lost in it
You have emotional baggage that I am not willing to get involved with
I see your man and how he trying to caution me
I notice your partner and how he is trying to warn me
Don’t get it started there ain’t no stopping me
Don't initiate any romantic involvement because once it starts, there will be no way to stop it
Sup Sharron I like when you talk to me
Hey Sharron, I enjoy our conversations
Let’s be friends but don’t try to pop at me
Let's maintain a platonic relationship but please don't make any romantic advances towards me
I’m single free's my philosophy
I believe in living a life of freedom as a single individual
You see drama but not in my glossary
You may encounter drama, but it is not a part of my vocabulary or lifestyle
I’m saying
What I mean is
Let's be friends don’t wanna spell it out for ya
Let's establish a friendship without me explicitly stating it
Let’s be friends and keep things cordial
We should be friends and maintain a polite and friendly relationship
Let’s make this smooth, I ain’t the one for ya
Let's make this interaction without any complications, as I am not the person you are looking for
So read my mind, let’s just be friends
Understand my intentions without me explicitly stating them, and let's simply remain friends
It feels like a few minutes ago I just met ya
It feels as though we just met a short while ago
I was doing my thing I didn’t sweat ya
I was focused on my own activities and not overly concerned about you
Yeah u cute but that don’t make ya special
Yes, you are attractive, but that alone does not make you unique
Heard your story, plot had lots a textures
I heard your life story, and it had many complex and intricate details
Okay, ya got my ear
Alright, you have my attention
I’m fully swayed, when I drop a tear
I am deeply influenced and emotionally moved when I shed a tear
My time only costs a beer
My companionship can be bought with the price of a beer
Just kidding one minute let me stop here
I was joking, but let me pause for a moment
Hey, whose this guy that’s hovering over us
Hey, who is this man that is constantly present near us
Grabbing ya shoulder like male chauvinist
Physically grabbing your shoulder in a manner reminiscent of male chauvinism
"Thats my man" .well he′s officially over us
"That's my partner." Well, he has officially ended his relationship with both of us
Well good stories it was nice knowing ya
Well, it was interesting listening to your stories, and it was nice getting to know you
Good convo you’re stronger than Oprah
We had a good conversation, and you possess a stronger personality than Oprah Winfrey
Peace to you and ya man, Imma jam
I wish you and your partner peace, but I am going to leave
She gave me the look and grabbed my hand
She gave me a certain look and took hold of my hand
I’ll find you soon, don’t leave the room man
I will seek you out again soon, so please don't leave the room, my friend
9 am who the hecks texting me?
Who is texting me at 9 am?
Rub my eyes.13 messages
I rub my eyes and find that I have received 13 messages
Hot damn! there’s no second guessing it
Wow! There is no doubt or uncertainty about it
The same girl with playful questioning
It is the same girl who asks playful and teasing questions
Its conversation but should I been caressing it
It may be just a conversation, but should I have been more affectionate towards it
I know her man way back since fat crayons
I have known her partner since our childhood days when we used to use thick crayons
Overalls and shirts from silk rayon
We used to wear overalls and shirts made of silk rayon fabric
Overall I know she wanna play on
In general, I know that she wants to engage in a romantic or flirtatious manner
But the more I resist the more she want liaison
However, the more I resist her advances, the more she desires a romantic connection
Ain’t it funny how we can be
Isn't it amusing how we can sometimes act
Ain’t it weird, when we don’t see
Isn't it strange, when we are oblivious to something
But this time, its clear to me
But this time, it is evident and obvious to me
Everything that she feel ain’t what it seems to be
Her emotions and intentions are not what they appear to be
I know I vibe with you
I know that we have a connection or positive energy between us
But this ain’t right for you
However, this is not the right situation for you
We're stepping on toes
We are encroaching upon or disrupting existing relationships
Let it all go
We should release or let go of this connection
Even if I’m liking you
Even if I have feelings or attraction towards you
Writer(s): Mike Kim
Contributed by Audrey E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@monvrch
Dude, possibly one of the more influential artists I've listened to.
I write poetry and this song always comes to mind whenever I'm about to write it. I love the message of the song and I wish you the best man!
You deserve more hype for tracks like these! ^.^
@JaymeCarrollTV
my favorite song from back in the day, kept it on replay :D so smooth!
@jamess1019
had this on constantly back in my high school days. This deserves way more views
@hondahustle
Only 2 comments?! Just heard this song last year...can't believe it's been out since 09. Too bad this doesn't get play on our stations down here. Love the music hopefully there's still more to come.
@ianopo6284
really good!
@moralesxyz
Whoa. I now have a new favorite artist! Gonna tell everyone!
@user-fu4wt4nv4d
2010년 봄 군대가기전에 다듀랑 부른 버전을 들었었는데 영어버전이 있었네요. 추억에 잠깁니다.....
@ethanjohnson6261
So fucking fire
@user-re7xu4kd2b
this is what i like since 2009
@spytown77
Might be sending this track to a chick today 🤔