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.
Yes
Kierra "Kiki" Sheard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why say no, when you can yes?
It's so easy, come on and say yes.
You can change your life,
If you can say yes,
Not tomorrow, but today, yes.
Everybody's got them days when they down,
You wanna smile, but you can't smile,
Hurt so many times you can't count.
All the tears you've cried,
So now you hold it all inside,
Falling apart, can't keep it together;
So many questions,
Well, here's the answer...
Chorus
Voices, voices, so many voices,
Choices, choices, so many choices,
Everybody is in authority,
Magazines and the TV screens.
If you look around, it might seem to be
We livin' in a state of confusion,
Don't get caught up, it's all an illusion;
It's just a test so you won't say yes.
Chorus
(I know, I know)
You can do what you wanna,
Say what you wanna, but
(no, no, no, no),
You can't make it out there alone.
(I know it's hard but listen to this song)
Over and over, 'til ya get it in your heart,
And you understand you can't,
(can't live, can't breathe),
(can't be without Him),
I'm tryin' to tell ya about Him.
Chorus
In Kierra "Kiki" Sheard's song Yes, the chorus encourages listeners to choose positivity and say yes instead of resorting to negativity and saying no. The song emphasizes that saying yes can change your life and that it should be done today, not put off until tomorrow. The first verse of the song speaks to the feeling of despair that can sometimes overwhelm us and make it difficult to stay positive. The second verse references the many voices and choices we encounter in life, including those of authority figures, magazines, and television, saying it all adds up to confusion and illusion. The song suggests that by not letting ourselves get caught up in these external factors and instead focusing on the test of saying yes, we can live a better life.
The song encourages positivity, confidence, and determination in life by emphasizing the need to focus on the power of saying yes, rather than falling into negativity and feeling stuck. It reminds listeners that it's okay to ask for help, and that saying yes can change everything. The song urges us to trust in a higher power and to keep it in our hearts.
Line by Line Meaning
Why say no, when you can yes?
Why reject opportunities when you can embrace them?
It's so easy, come on and say yes.
It's simple to accept positive changes and take chances.
You can change your life,
You have the power to modify your circumstances,
If you can say yes,
If you can adopt a positive, open attitude,
Not tomorrow, but today, yes.
Don't procrastinate, take action today.
Everybody's got them days when they down,
Everyone experiences tough times,
No one to call on, nobody around.
Feeling alone and unsupported during difficult moments,
You wanna smile, but you can't smile,
You desire joy, but can't seem to find it,
Hurt so many times you can't count.
Having been hurt so much that the exact number of times can't be recalled.
All the tears you've cried,
The many tears you've shed,
So now you hold it all inside,
Holding in painful emotions which can be overwhelming,
Falling apart, can't keep it together;
Feeling broken and unable to function,
So many questions,
Uncertainty and confusion,
Well, here's the answer...
The solution to all the problems is to say yes.
Voices, voices, so many voices,
Many people and influences around you,
Choices, choices, so many choices,
Numerous options and decisions to make,
Everybody is in authority,
Everyone seems to have power and control,
Magazines and the TV screens.
Media portraying a particular narrative.
If you look around, it might seem to be
It may appear like everything is chaotic and confusing,
We livin' in a state of confusion,
Life can seem overwhelming and perplexing,
Don't get caught up, it's all an illusion;
Don't become entangled in the illusions around you,
It's just a test so you won't say yes.
It is all a test to see if you are brave enough to embrace new changes.
(I know, I know)
I understand what you're feeling,
You can do what you wanna,
You have the freedom to make your own choices,
Say what you wanna, but
Express your thoughts and opinions,
(no, no, no, no),
However, you can't make it on your own,
You can't make it out there alone.
You need support and connection to make it through life.
(I know it's hard but listen to this song)
I understand that life can be difficult, but hear me out with this music,
Over and over, 'til ya get it in your heart,
Repeatedly listen and be open to understanding the message in your heart,
And you understand you can't,
Eventually comprehending that you cannot,
(can't live, can't breathe),
Cannot live or breathe without faith and belief,
(can't be without Him),
Cannot live without a relationship with God,
I'm tryin' to tell ya about Him.
I am trying to communicate the importance of having faith in God,
Chorus
The repeated catchy line encouraging people to say yes to opportunities.
Contributed by Landon T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bridget Vaughn
Love this song. I believe I play it again.
iluvmyboba
Why say "no" when you can say "YES!!!". Amen and Amen. Praise ALMIGHTY GOD!!!
Antonio Evans
this is when I first feel in love with kiki
Morriz72
I remember this song from 14 years ago
T Jaxkson
yesss!!!! hot song
Morgan Greenwood
KIKI YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS