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 mΓ©lange 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
Ghetto Love
Mashonda Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Damn I Miss You
It's still gone ride, it's still gone ride
Uh uh, uh uh, c'mon, uh, uh, yeah, ride, uh
Damn I miss you
Ooh I feel better than before
We should've never separated
You rocked me to sleep
It's like my body levitated
Looking in the mirror
But the heat makes it less clearer
It's all fogged up, face me baby
Put your fingers in my mouth, let me taste the gravy
Reunited, feel good, real good, squeeze me
I tell you that I Love You
But you wouldn't believe me
[Chorus: Mashonda]
Ghetto loving, when I'm with you
Anything you want I will do
Ghetto loving, when I'm with you
Anything you want I will do
[Mashonda]
Hello
Baby
There is something that I want to say to you
You've been on my mind now
For a while and I just don't know what to do
I've been thinking of holding you (holding you)
Showing you, what I'm all about
And I promise that I will do
Everything you want without a doubt
[Chorus]
[Mashonda]
I know
That we've
Had our share of ups and downs but that's in the past
If you promise to hold me down
Then our love will have a second chance to last
I've been thinking of holding you
Showing you, what I'm all about
(And I promise) And I promise that I will do
Everything you want without a doubt
[Chorus]
[LL Cool J]
Forget the past
We like Bonnie and Clyde from now on
Back to back, through the ups and downs
Right or wrongs, lay down
Let me kiss you all down your back
Then I'll go further down, swirl my tongue around
I apologize too
For not recognizing the pain inside of you
I never lie to you, again
Last time had stress on my mind
Had a hard time believing
That my girl could be genuine
It's different now, we ghetto lovers fo' real
I grab the wheel, you hold the steel
Teach me how to touch you where you like it the most
From now on, til we give up the ghost
Reunited, Baby
[Chorus]
The song "Ghetto Love" by Mashonda featuring LL Cool J is about two people who were once in a relationship but went through a rough patch and broke up. The lyrics speak of the regret and the desire to rekindle the love they once had. LL Cool J mentions how much he misses his former partner and how his body feels lighter when he's with her. He also talks about the heat and haze that obscures his vision, but his partner's touch clears it all away. The chorus, sung by Mashonda, repeats the phrase "Ghetto loving, when I'm with you, anything you want, I will do," signifying her willingness to do anything to make the relationship work.
Mashonda's verse speaks of her desire to express her feelings to her former partner, stating that he's been on her mind for a while. She promises him that she will do anything without a doubt and be true to him. She talks about their ups and downs, but she's willing to forget all that and start anew. LL Cool J's verse acknowledges his past mistakes and apologizes for not recognizing his partner's pain. He tells her that he will never lie to her again and how he wants to be a better lover to her. He also mentions that they are "ghetto lovers fo' real," meaning they come from humble backgrounds but now have an unbreakable bond.
Overall, "Ghetto Love" is a song about regret, forgiveness, and the desire to start anew. The lyrics are an honest and vulnerable representation of the tumultuous journey of love, the ups, and downs, and the effort it takes to make things right.
Line by Line Meaning
Damn I miss you
I regret what happened between us
Ooh I feel better than before
Our reunion has lifted my spirits
We should've never separated
We made a mistake by breaking up
Paused or hesitated
We were uncertain about our future together
You rocked me to sleep
You were my source of comfort and security
It's like my body levitated
I felt weightless in your embrace
Looking in the mirror
I'm reflecting on our relationship
But the heat makes it less clearer
I'm distracted by my physical desires for you
It's all fogged up, face me baby
I want you to be present with me
Put your fingers in my mouth, let me taste the gravy
I want to experience pleasure with you
Reunited, feel good, real good, squeeze me
Our reunion brings me immense joy
I tell you that I Love You
I express my love for you
But you wouldn't believe me
I'm afraid you won't trust me
Ghetto loving, when I'm with you
Our love is passionate and authentic
Anything you want I will do
I'm devoted to fulfilling your needs
Hello
I want to communicate with you
Baby
A term of endearment for my partner
There is something that I want to say to you
I have something important to share with you
You've been on my mind now
I've been thinking about you lately
For a while and I just don't know what to do
I'm unsure of how to approach our relationship
I've been thinking of holding you (holding you)
I long for physical intimacy with you
Showing you, what I'm all about
I want to express myself to you
And I promise that I will do
I guarantee that I'll follow through
Without a doubt
I'm sure of my commitment to you
I know
I'm aware
That we've
I acknowledge that we've
Had our share of ups and downs but that's in the past
We've faced challenges, but it's time to move on
If you promise to hold me down
I need your loyalty and support
Then our love will have a second chance to last
Our relationship has hope for the future
(And I promise) And I promise that I will do
I reaffirm my commitment to you
Forget the past
Let's move forward
We like Bonnie and Clyde from now on
Let's be loyal partners
Back to back, through the ups and downs
We'll face challenges together
Right or wrongs, lay down
We have each other's back, no matter what
Let me kiss you all down your back
I want to show you physical affection
Then I'll go further down, swirl my tongue around
I want to pleasure you sexually
I apologize too
I admit my wrongdoings
For not recognizing the pain inside of you
I didn't realize how hurt you were
I never lie to you, again
I promise to be honest moving forward
Last time had stress on my mind
I was going through a tough time before
Had a hard time believing
I struggled to trust you
That my girl could be genuine
I had doubts about your authenticity
It's different now, we ghetto lovers fo' real
Our love is authentic and passionate
I grab the wheel, you hold the steel
We'll work together as a team
Teach me how to touch you where you like it the most
I want to learn how to pleasure you
From now on, til we give up the ghost
We'll be together until the end
Reunited, Baby
Our reunion is a beautiful thing
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CROPPER, DAN, DANDY, DUNN, JACKSON, JONES, SMITH, TIFRERE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JohnsonB1987
I used to sleep to this song. The instrumental and lyrics on both parts are calming. I'm glad that I still have the album.
@TGUTTAExiT21
Classic track from a Classic Album from Great Artists.
@eggaroso
swizz you a fool , mashonda all day
@rciao9845
Damn i finally found this song.
@JohnsonB1987
Very mellow.. Love this track.
@sackings9167
Damn I grew up on this.. And I'm lucky enough to still play it 2019
@Movies_With_Migs
loved this album....had this shyt in high school!
@generalkickass6385
this was the shit back in 02 still is the shit
@SuperLibra1989
This is one smooth jam! absolutely love it !!!
@brentduanefoster
This was a hot song of this album.