Mashonda Tifrere-Dean, professionally known just as Mashonda, is an R&B sin… Read Full Bio ↴Mashonda Tifrere-Dean, professionally known just as Mashonda, is an R&B singer signed to Full Surface/J Records, which her husband of 4 years, Swizz Beatz, has a partnership with. She was born in Massachusetts and raised in Harlem, New York. She is a labelmate of Cassidy (her husband runs the label; Full Surface Records) and is featured in his song "Get No Better" from his 2004 album Split Personality. She is also featured on Fat Joe's song "Listen Baby" from his 2005 album All Or Nothing.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, but raised in Harlem, N.Y., Mashonda's vocal coaching began at the tender age of 7, in church, where most legendary voices are honed. Urged by her godmother, who saw in her a precocious love for music, Mashonda dedicated a substantial amount of her time as a teen to piano lessons and poetry writing. She gained some exposure in high school from joining a few different singing groups, but it wasn't until a meeting with renowned hip hop/R&B writing team Full Force (Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears) that her music career truly took off. Under Full Force's tutelage, Mashonda co-wrote songs for artists Yvette Michelle and Monifah, which, in turn, led to a publishing deal. Soon after, the budding singer/songwriter partnered with rapper Lady May to form Desert Rose, and signed a short-lived deal with Deric "D Dot" Angeletti's Crazy Cat/Columbia Records. The duo split from the label before releasing an album, and Mashonda soon realized her destiny was to go her own way, much like her idols Mary J. Blige, Sade, Faith Evans, and Toni Braxton.

In 1998, one of hip-hop's most influential beatmakers, Swizz Beatz, recognized Mashonda's talent and took her under his wing, giving her the opportunity to write some of the catchiest hooks in recent urban music history (Eve's "Gotta Man;" Jay-Z's "Girl's Best Friend"). He also featured her on chart-topping hits like Mya's "Best Of Me" and Cassidy's "Get No Better." The key to their relationship? The most fundamental of elements: chemistry-both personal and professional. "We were able to create a very distinct sound," says Mashonda. "He made gritty tracks and I would get on them and make them pretty, bringing out the melodies. Once we did that, everybody wanted one of those. So that's where it all started." Ever since, the two have been conceptualizing January Joy, her long-awaited debut on Swizz Beatz's Full Surface/J Records imprint.

January Joy is a perfectionist's work of art mélange of up-tempos, mid-tempos, and ballads that marry hip-hop's street tendencies with R&B's softer sensibilities. "I didn't have a timeline or deadline, so I was really able to get into it and be extra picky with every track and every lyric that I wrote," says Mashonda.

The lead single, "Blackout" featuring Snoop Dogg, is a bouncy, dance floor-rattling track in pure Swizz Beatz tradition (hard drums, bass, whistles). And that's just a sneak preview of January Joy's star power. Expect additional cameos by hip hop heavyweights like Kanye West ("Hold Me") and Jadakiss ("Leave The Block Alone"). Rounding the album out on the R&B production tip are Mike City and Raphael Saadiq, among others.

"January to me is the genesis of music for myself and for all my listeners," says Mashonda of the album's title. "It's the first month of the year and it's when everyone makes their resolutions. It's a fresh start, a new feeling, and that's what my music is. I'm also a January baby," she adds with a smile. Here's to new beginnings, and re-introductions.

Her debut album, January Joy, was released in Japan only. Scheduled for a U.S. release in early 2005, the project was postponed, due to a lack of strong radio response to her first two singles, "Back of The Club" and "Blackout" featuring Snoop Dogg. Mashonda is currently in the studio, working with A-List producers. Confirmed producers on the project are Swizz Beatz, Scott Storch and Rich Harrison.

She is married to famed hip hop and R&B producer Swizz Beatz. On a statement released to SOHH http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/9964 on October 11,2006 Swizz Beatz and his wife Mashonda are have their first child together.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashonda

Crazy Girl
Mashonda Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[LL Cool J (Mashonda) Swizz]
Crazy baby
Crazy, crazy baby
You crazy baby
Crazy, crazy baby
You crazy baby
Crazy, crazy baby
You crazy baby

Crazy, crazy baby

[Chorus: Mashonda (LL Cool J) {Swizz}]
(You just a) {Crazy Girl}
You just movin' around
And just shakin' around
And just runnin' around
And just playin' around
And just foolin' around
And just clowin' around
(You just a) {Crazy Girl}
You just movin' around
And just shakin' around
And just runnin' around
And just playin' around
And just foolin' around
And just clowin' around
You just a {Crazy Girl}

[Verse 1: LL Cool J (Mashonda)]
Ain't no particular color for a crazy girl
Usin' her ass to survive in a crazy world
Lacin' ya baby, givin' ya diamonds and the pearls (Ooh)
Sippin' the Belve makin' ya stomach wanna hurl (Ooh)
Spend chips tonight
Me and Swizz got a miss she gone strip tonight
What you hearin', what's your seein', what's you get tonight
Got an anaconda snake for them lips tonight
Baby hit the lights
That's why I can't explain the way I just keep on dropin' heat
Laughin' at competition because they can't compete
Tiger Woods grand slam, Micheal Jordan threepeat
The body I'm rockin' is harder than my beats

[Chorus]

[Verse 2: LL Cool J (Mashonda)]
Hard to be humble when I be gunnin' from the back
My life is a movie, that's why I decided to act (Yeah)
Packin' this poetry in your ears like wax
Blowin' my celly, rollin' ya philly relax
I hit it and quit that's why they call me "Be Back"
Cuz I might be back, might not be back
Love 'em and leave 'em lyin', deceivin' and cheatin'
And when you catch 'em you peekin' and for the knowledge you're reachin'
A painful lesson you're teachin', a sugar daddy you're seekin'
You fall in love for the weekend, just like the Garden of Eden even
You better ask Swizz how it is we do this

[Both]
From the gutter to the top of the world look at my wrists

[Chorus]

[Verse 3: LL Cool J (Mashonda)]
Make 'em cope the unorthodox
Cat's prayin' that I drop like a halter-top
Scatter the whole spot like I bust a shot
Half a mil in big bills baby rust a lot (Mmmmmmm)
Used to cuss a lot, when I crushed the box
The drop get more head than a barber shop
Even old people stop when L park on the block (Doodoodoodoo)
Pictures and autographs "WE LOVE YOU", thanks a lot
A grown ass man, got skills and what not
Anywhere I touch you girl, becomes a G-Spot

[Both]
Six months ago I was cold, now I'm hot
Six months ago you was platinum, now you flopped

[Chorus]

[Mashonda]
LL Cool J-ah
And 'Shonda
And Swizz, Swizz, Swizz, Swizz Beatz now

[Chorus]

[Swizz]
Shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mashonda's song "Crazy Girl" depict the singer's observations and experiences with a woman who is wild and unpredictable. In the chorus, Mashonda describes this woman as constantly moving, shaking, running, playing, fooling, and clowning around - essentially living life in a carefree and reckless manner. LL Cool J joins in, affirming her craziness.

LL Cool J starts off the first verse by noting that there is no specific color or type for a crazy girl, emphasizing that this behavior can come from anyone. He mentions that these women may use their bodies to survive in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. He also references lavishing gifts and luxury upon them, but notes that it may have negative effects on the recipient, making them nauseous. LL Cool J then shifts to speaking about his own success, boasting about the heat he continues to deliver in his music and dismissing his competitors. He compares himself to iconic sports figures Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, suggesting that he is a dominant force, both physically and artistically.

In the second verse, LL Cool J reflects on his own lifestyle, admitting that it is difficult for him to remain humble due to his success. He likens his life to a movie, which is why he decided to pursue acting. He also mentions enjoying pleasures such as smoking marijuana and engaging in casual sexual encounters. He refers to himself as "Be Back," indicating that he is known for leaving relationships quickly. He highlights the contradictions and deceit in relationships, describing a scenario where a woman falls in love for a short time, comparable to the fleeting paradise of the Garden of Eden. He suggests that Swizz Beatz, the producer of the song, can vouch for his lifestyle.

Moving on to the third verse, LL Cool J boasts about his ability to handle unconventional situations. He refers to critics hoping for his downfall, comparing their wishes to the scattered chaos of a packed venue after a gunshot. He also references carrying a large amount of money, indicating his financial success. He reminisces about his previous behavior, admitting to using profanity and being promiscuous. He mentions how people gather around to see him and express their love and support. He concludes by asserting his sexual prowess, alluding to how any part of a woman's body he touches becomes a pleasurable experience.

Finally, Mashonda, LL Cool J, and Swizz Beatz come together to encourage listeners to shake it - an invitation to let go and embrace their own wild side. The song overall portrays a celebration of unrestrained behavior and living life on one's own terms.

Line by Line Meaning

Crazy baby
She is unpredictable and unstable

Crazy, crazy baby
She is extremely unpredictable and unstable

You crazy baby
You are unpredictable and unstable

Crazy, crazy baby
You are extremely unpredictable and unstable

You crazy baby
You are unpredictable and unstable

Crazy, crazy baby
You are extremely unpredictable and unstable

You crazy baby
You are unpredictable and unstable

Crazy, crazy baby
You are extremely unpredictable and unstable

(You just a) {Crazy Girl}
You are simply a crazy girl

You just movin' around
You are constantly moving and changing

And just shakin' around
And just constantly shaking and causing chaos

And just runnin' around
And just constantly running and being restless

And just playin' around
And just constantly playing and not taking things seriously

And just foolin' around
And just constantly fooling around and being irresponsible

And just clowin' around
And just constantly clowning and acting foolishly

You just a {Crazy Girl}
You are simply a crazy girl

Ain't no particular color for a crazy girl
A crazy girl can come from any background or appearance

Usin' her ass to survive in a crazy world
Using her seductive qualities to get by in a chaotic world

Lacin' ya baby, givin' ya diamonds and the pearls (Ooh)
Spoiling her lover with expensive gifts and jewelry

Sippin' the Belve makin' ya stomach wanna hurl (Ooh)
Drinking Belvedere alcohol excessively, causing nausea

Spend chips tonight
Spending money extravagantly tonight

Me and Swizz got a miss she gone strip tonight
Swizz and I have a girl who will be stripping tonight

What you hearin', what's your seein', what's you get tonight
What you are experiencing, perceiving, and receiving tonight

Got an anaconda snake for them lips tonight
Offering oral gratification

Baby hit the lights
Turn off the lights, get intimate

That's why I can't explain the way I just keep on droppin' heat
That's why I cannot explain how I continue to release hot music

Laughin' at competition because they can't compete
Mocking other artists because they are not on the same level

Tiger Woods grand slam, Micheal Jordan threepeat
Comparing his success to the achievements of Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan

The body I'm rockin' is harder than my beats
His physique is as impressive as his music production

Hard to be humble when I be gunnin' from the back
It's difficult to remain modest when he is aggressively pursuing his goals

My life is a movie, that's why I decided to act (Yeah)
His life is like a movie, which is why he pursued acting

Packin' this poetry in your ears like wax
Delivering his poetic lyrics into the listener's ears

Blowin' my celly, rollin' ya philly relax
Calling and disturbing his lover while she's trying to relax

I hit it and quit that's why they call me "Be Back"
Engaging in casual relationships, earning the nickname "Be Back"

Cuz I might be back, might not be back
He may or may not return to the relationship

Love 'em and leave 'em lyin', deceivin' and cheatin'
Loving and then abandoning them while lying, deceiving, and cheating

And when you catch 'em you peekin' and for the knowledge you're reachin'
When they catch him cheating, they investigate and seek knowledge

A painful lesson you're teachin', a sugar daddy you're seekin'
They are teaching him a painful lesson and searching for a suitor with money

You fall in love for the weekend, just like the Garden of Eden even
They fall in love temporarily, comparing it to the Garden of Eden

You better ask Swizz how it is we do this
Seek advice from Swizz on how they navigate relationships

From the gutter to the top of the world look at my wrists
From a disadvantaged position to achieving great success, showcased by his jewelry

Make 'em cope the unorthodox
Making others deal with his unconventional approach

Cat's prayin' that I drop like a halter-top
People are hoping for his downfall as if a halter-top falls off

Scatter the whole spot like I bust a shot
Causing chaos and disruption like firing a gun

Half a mil in big bills baby rust a lot (Mmmmmmm)
Having half a million dollars in cash, emphasizing his wealth

Used to cuss a lot, when I crushed the box
Used profanity frequently when he engaged in sexual activities

The drop get more head than a barber shop
His luxury car receiving more attention than a barbershop

Even old people stop when L park on the block (Doodoodoodoo)
Even elderly individuals pause when he arrives in the neighborhood

Pictures and autographs "WE LOVE YOU", thanks a lot
Receiving photos and autographs from fans who adore him

A grown ass man, got skills and what not
Being a mature and talented individual

Anywhere I touch you girl, becomes a G-Spot
Any area he touches on a girl becomes pleasurable like a G-Spot

Six months ago I was cold, now I'm hot
He was not successful or popular six months ago, but now he is

Six months ago you was platinum, now you flopped
She was successful six months ago but now she has lost popularity

Shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it
Repeatedly shaking, dancing, and moving

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MASHONDA TIFRERE, KASSEEM DEAN, JAMES TODD SMITH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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