Biography
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Sheard spent her formative years surrounded by the strong influences of her family, their faith, and their music. At age 6, she began singing in the choir at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, pastored by her father Superintendent J. Drew Sheard. Even at a young age, Sheard had a preternatural grip on the signature "Clark sound" pioneered by her mother and aunts, executing high and fast melismas, riffs, runs, and deep, throaty growls sometimes referred to as "squalls" (the latter is prominently displayed on "Done Did It", a traditional gospel leaning track from her album I Owe You).
Sheard made her stage debut at the age of 10 duetting with her mother on the Twinkie Clark-penned "The Will Of God", the standout closing track from her mother's debut solo album Finally Karen in 1997. The song won a Stellar Award for Best Children's Performance the following year. In the years following, she honed her skills as a performer accompanying her mother on stage. By 2003, EMI Gospel won a bidding war between several record companies to sign Kierra to her first recording contract.
Her debut album I Owe You was released September 7, 2004. The 11-track set included production and songwriting from such notable music luminaries as Rodney Jerkins, Warryn Campbell, Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary, J Moss, and Tonéx. The album also functioned as the production debut for her brother J Drew.
The following year, EMI commissioned a collection of remixes entitled Just Until... on August 2, 2005. The title of the stopgap release was abbreviated from its working title "Just Until The Next Record".[1] The album had a surprise international hit in The Godson Concept remix of "Let Go". The upbeat gospel single, released only in Japan, raced to the top of mainstream R&B charts and remained there for several weeks.[2]
Shortly after graduating high school, Sheard readied her second album This Is Me. Repeating the same spectacular feat from her first release, this album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Gospel charts when it was released June 27, 2006.[3] A midtempo fan favorite, the Fred Jerkins III-produced "Why Me?" was chosen as the lead single for the album. Sheard's shot her first music videos for two subsequent singles from the album, "Yes" and "This Is Me". This Is Me was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel album in December 2006.[4]
Kierra is currently a freshman at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where she is studying entertainment law. Though originally a criminal justice major, the decision to switch to entertainment law was definitely influenced by her growing career in the gospel music industry.[5] Though her touring schedule has been curbed to accommodate her academic goals, Sheard did embark on a Japanese tour with her mother Karen Clark-Sheard in August 2006.
In addition to performing at the 2007 Stellar Awards, ("Why Me?"), Sheard appeared on BET's Celebration of Gospel standing in for Faith Evans in "Endow Me" (as popularized by Sheard's aunts) along with Coko, Lil' Mo, and Fantasia. Sheard also sang with her mother for A Tribute to Aretha Franklin.
Discography
Albums
* I Owe You
(EMI Gospel, 2004)
* Just Until
(EMI Gospel, 2005)
* This Is Me
(EMI Gospel, 2006)
* This Is Me:
Special Edition
(+6 bonus songs)
(EMI Gospel, 2006)
* This Is Me:
Japanese Import
(+2 songs unavailable in U.S.)
(EMI Gospel, 2006)
Singles
* "You Don't Know"/"Praise Offering"
* "Let Go"
* "Why Me"
* "Yes"
* "This Is Me — The Live Session"
Other
* J. Moss feat. Kierra "Kiki" Sheard & 21:03: "Jump, Jump" V2 (GospoCentric)
* Kierra "KiKi" Sheard & Marcus Cole: "This Christmas" Christmas To Remember (EMI Gospel)
* Karen Clark Sheard feat. Kierra Sheard: "The Will Of God" Finally Karen (Island)
* Karen Clark Sheard feat. Kierra Sheard: "Sacrifice" 2nd Chance (Elektra)
* Karen Clark Sheard feat. Kierra Sheard: "You Loved Me" The Heavens Are Telling (Elektra)
* Karen Clark Sheard feat. Kierra Sheard: "Don't Change" The Heavens Are Telling (Elektra)
* Ramiyah f/ Kierra Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, Karen Clark Sheard: "Don't Nobody Know" Ramiyah (Columbia)
* 21:03 f/ Kierra "KiKi" Sheard, PDA & J Moss: "One Love" Twenty One O Three (Verity)
* Kierra "Kiki" Sheard: "Nearer My God To Thee" Music Inspired By the Motion Picture Amazing Grace (Sparrow)
Videography
Kierra filmed her first two videos for "This Is Me" and "Yes" simultaneously. Both songs are culled from her 2006 sophomore studio release This Is Me.
* "This Is Me" premiered on September 16, 2006. The
video is for the Antonio Neal-produced "live
session" version of the song, not to be confused
with the Darkchild-produced studio version. The
scenes alternate from Kiki driving a Ford Fusion,
Kiki singing in a small gig, and Kiki singing in a
curtained room.
* "Yes" consists of alternating scenes of Kiki
Sheard in an old-fashioned General Motors vehicle
and a party scene on top of a roof. The video
premiered on The Gospel Music Channel and BET.
For further reference, Kierra Sheard has made video appearances on the DVD release Dorinda Clark Cole LIVE, singing background for Clark Cole throughout the set and being featured in a standout solo on "You Can't Hurry God". Also available is Karen Clark Sheard's Finally Karen Live (VHS only). This video features the now-classic 1997 Karen & Kierra duet performance that earned both artists Stellar awards in their respective fields.
Controversy
There was a rumor going around that prior to signing with EMI Gospel, Sheard considered singing with a well known mainstream R&B label. While this was seemingly minor, it stirred up Sheard's conservative fan base. In an interview, Sheard claimed that she had not ever considered signing with a secular label.[6]
Trivia
* Kierra's song "Have What You Want" plays in gospel
duo Mary Mary's recent music video "Yesterday".
The vamp is heard as the two exit their vehicle,
presumably from their car.
* Sheard's favorite musical artist is Mary J.
Blige[7]
References
1. ^ Kierra "KiKi" Sheard to be Kellogg’s Gospel Sing Off Spokesperson & Judge. GospelCity.com (May 5, 2005).
2. ^ Justin Camacho (January 5, 2006). 'Kiki' Sheard Tops Japanese Radio, Receives 3 Stellar Nominations. The Christian Times.
3. ^ Kierra "Kiki" Sheard's ‘This Is Me’ debuts at #1. GospelCity.com (July 10, 2006).
4. ^ 49th Annual Grammy Awards Nominee List. Grammy.com.
5. ^ Jones, Steven. Kierra Kiki Sheard Interview. GospelFlava.com.
6. ^ Heron, Christopher. BlackGospel.com Interview With Kierra Kiki Sheard. BlackGospel.com.
7. ^ Jones, Steven. Kierra Kiki Sheard Insider Interview. GospelFlava.com.
Love Like Crazy
Kierra "Kiki" Sheard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People wanna ask what's up, what's up
They say I'm doin' way too much, too much
I say I just can't get enough, enough
'Cause I'm in love like crazy
I tell it everywhere I go, I go
When they tell me not to rock the boat
That I'm in love like crazy, yeah
Got me doin' things that I never thought I would
Like gettin' locked out of my car in the rain
It's silly but I say that it's all good
'Cause he never let's me walk alone
And he loves me even when I'm wrong
And knows how to make my day
You know I'm in love like crazy
People wanna ask what's up, what's up
They say I'm doin' way too much, too much
I say I just can't get enough, enough
'Cause I'm in love like crazy
I tell it everywhere I go, I go
When they tell me not to rock the boat
But they need to know the you I know, I know
That I'm in love like crazy, yeah
Have you ever felt somethin' that you can't describe?
You don't even have to say a word 'cause it shows outside
My life is better just because of him
That's why even when I lose I win
So good I gotta say it again
My life is better just because of him
That's why even when I lose I win
And that's why I say
You know I'm in love like crazy
People wanna ask what's up, what's up
They say I'm doin' way too much, too much
I say I just can't get enough, enough
'Cause I'm in love like crazy
I tell it everywhere I go, I go
When they tell me not to rock the boat
But they need to know the you I know, I know
That I'm in love like crazy, yeah
Crazy, yeah, crazy, yeah, yeah
I will never have to wonder
Can I trust him? Will he leave me alone?
'Cause he shows me by wakin' me up every day
And he tells me in his word that he'll be with me always, that's why
You know I'm in love like crazy
People wanna ask what's up, what's up
They say I'm doin' way too much, too much
I say I just can't get enough, enough
You know I'm in love like crazy
I tell it everywhere I go, I go
When they tell me not to rock the boat
But they need to know the you I know, I know
That I'm in love like crazy, yeah
Crazy
You may call me strange but the truth is that I'm just
Crazy
When I hear his name (cause when I hear it's Jesus) I go a little
Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy
In "Love Like Crazy" by Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, the artist expresses her unconditional adoration for her significant other. Even though people around her may question how much she is doing for her lover, she can't help but share her love in every space she occupies. Kierra affirms her love for her partner is like no other, and she can't get enough of him.
Kierra describes how her love for her partner has changed her and made her do things she never thought she would do, such as getting locked out of her car in the rain. She expresses her gratitude for her partner's unwavering love and how he knows how to make her day. This love is so strong that Kierra feels like a winner even when she loses.
The second half of the song identifies her partner as Jesus, who wakes her up every day with his love and support. Kierra acknowledges that she will never wonder if Jesus will leave her because He promised to be with her forever. The last word in the song is "crazy," emphasizing that her love for Jesus surpasses anything else.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I'm in love like crazy
I am deeply in love and it consumes me
People wanna ask what's up, what's up
Others are curious about my intense feelings
They say I'm doin' way too much, too much
Some believe my behavior is excessive or irrational
I say I just can't get enough, enough
But I am simply unable to get enough of the love that I feel
'Cause I'm in love like crazy
This is the reason for my overwhelming emotional state
I tell it everywhere I go, I go
I cannot contain my joy and must express it to all who will listen
When they tell me not to rock the boat
Some advise me to tone down my enthusiasm
But they need to know the you I know, I know
But they should understand the person who has captured my heart
Got me doin' things that I never thought I would
I am now acting in ways that once seemed impossible for me
Like gettin' locked out of my car in the rain
Even seemingly negative experiences don't dampen my love
It's silly but I say that it's all good
I can find the positive in any situation because of my love
'Cause he never let's me walk alone
Despite any difficulties, my love is a constant presence in my life
And he loves me even when I'm wrong
My love is unconditional and forgiving
And knows how to make my day
My love brings joy and positivity into my life
Have you ever felt somethin' that you can't describe?
My love defies explanation or logic
You don't even have to say a word 'cause it shows outside
My love is evident in my actions and demeanor
My life is better just because of him
My love has brought positive change into my life
That's why even when I lose I win
Even in difficult situations, my love brings victory
So good I gotta say it again
My love is so remarkable that I must express it repeatedly
And that's why I say
This is why I am outspoken about my love
I will never have to wonder
I am certain of my love's loyalty and devotion
Can I trust him? Will he leave me alone?
I never doubt my love's trustworthiness or faithfulness
'Cause he shows me by wakin' me up every day
My love's actions consistently prove their dedication to me
And he tells me in his word that he'll be with me always, that's why
My love's promises bring me security and peace
You may call me strange but the truth is that I'm just
Others might find my passion unusual, but it is genuine
When I hear his name (cause when I hear it's Jesus) I go a little
My love stems from my faith and religious beliefs
Crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy
And I am not ashamed to express it
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CAMPBELL, WARRYN / DIXON, ANTONIO / DAWKINS, ERIC / WINSLOW, DONTAE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind