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
Shyne
Mashonda Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Respect our gangsta nigga
Lay down
What you know bout holding out big Tec.
Big vest , hollow tips all up in the kid Neck
Po live it up, yellow stones lid it Up
Long Johns (siggaz) tuck, it's the kid nigga What
On my dick yapping, flappin'
Fucking cartoons,
These niggas guns don't go off
Until they say lights, camera, action
Yo Swiss tell them niggas eat a Dick
Gun up in yo face, bitch that Reary won't Miss
Unload the shit then reload the shit
Head str8 to the airport and unload sum Bricks
No lyin', you niggas seem me comin down to shoot ya
Think I was flyin', 12 syllabus
Brooklyn is mine, nigga move Ova
Yea I'm talking to you. Fuckin Dick Blowa
[Chorus:]
Fo all of ya'll, keepin ya'll in Health
Juss to see you wildin and enjoy Yoself
'cause it's cool when you fuckin wit a nigga like me
Cool when you ridin' wit a nigga like me
To all my (money makin) bitches juss Shine
To all my niggas keepin it gully juss Shine
To all the ghettos in America, ohh Shine
I'ma keep it gangsta till I die nigga, Sine
Check it
All I need in this world of sin
Is a crooked lawyer, big rims and a Mac. 10
Ridin' through the city like I'm used to this Shit
Fuck yo vest nigga, my cells will chew through that Shit
Catch a breath, you ain't heard bout that nigga Po
Murdah cases diamond faces, Mat-hat-lo'
Leavin' pieces of yo brian on yo car Do'
Lookin gully in that Bent.on that R.O.
L.L. see you niggas in Hell
Soon as they set my bell, I make another Cell
Shiet I set my mind at a the early age
I was gon' be paid or early graved
Whatta fuck I got-ta have, blocks to smash
Lots a cash, drop sum Ass
This iz the truth, I probebly die in my Coup
But I bet you and them bitches that come to get me, I Shoot
[Chorus]
[Verse 3:]
I got my mind on the Shipment
Shipment on my Mind
Bout to meet these Dominican niggas at 9
Rhyme, rap, what to fuck is That
Only thing I rap is Ye, nigga die Today
Ya got it confused I ain't trying to fill nobody's Shoes
I'm just looking fo connects nigga
Doin' what I Do
Back against the wall
Against all odds
Tune in to my Live nigga, this shit is sicka then OZ
Fightin' 'gainst them Crackaz
+ them killaz gettin' at Us
No where to run, so I grab my Gun
N' start blazin', this shit got a nigga Agin'
I'ma die a Gangsta nigga ain't no Changin'
A G. faithfully, momma pray for Me
Lil nigga go to school, stay away from Me
Got hoez fo you hustlaz
Bullets fo you cowards
N' dick fo you bitches up in the Trunk-Tower
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Mashonda's song "Shyne" are written from the perspective of a gangsta rapper who prides himself on his toughness and fearlessness. He boasts about his possession of guns, his willingness to use them, and his success in the criminal underworld. Throughout the song, he consistently urges others to "shine," or to live their lives to the fullest and take risks, just as he does. He also takes shots at other "rap niggas," whom he deems weak and ineffectual. The lyrics suggest a certain bravado and swagger, as well as an acceptance of the dangers inherent in the gangsta lifestyle.
The chorus of the song provides a bit of a contrast to the rest of the lyrics. While the verses are focused on toughness and aggression, the chorus urges listeners to take care of themselves and enjoy life. This juxtaposition may suggest a certain ambivalence on the part of the rapper β he is proud of his tough image, but he also recognizes that there is value in enjoying life and staying healthy.
Overall, the lyrics to "Shyne" depict a world of violence and danger, but also suggest a certain sense of pride and honor among those who live that lifestyle. The rapper sees himself as a "gangsta" who is willing to do whatever it takes to survive and thrive, and he encourages others to follow his lead.
Line by Line Meaning
Swiss, Po
Introducing themselves by their names
Respect our gangsta nigga
Demanding respect for their gangster lifestyle
Lay down
Commanding someone to lie down, possibly in submission or fear
What you know bout holding out big Tec.
Asking what the listener knows about holding a large firearm called the Tech-9
Big vest , hollow tips all up in the kid Neck
Referencing the type of body armor and bullets being used by gang members
Po live it up, yellow stones lid it Up
Boasting about wearing expensive jewelry, specifically yellow diamonds
Long Johns (siggaz) tuck, it's the kid nigga What
Referring to hiding a gun in the underwear and asking what the listener will do about it
Some of ya rap niggas is girls
Insulting some male rappers as being weak or feminine
On my dick yapping, flappin'
Expressing annoyance with others talking about her and trying to grab her attention
Fucking cartoons,
Insulting other rappers as being fake or animated
These niggas guns don't go off
Implying that some rappers do not have the courage to shoot anyone
Until they say lights, camera, action
Suggesting that some rappers might only act tough in front of a camera or video shoot
Yo Swiss tell them niggas eat a Dick
Asking Swiss to tell others to go away or do something unpleasant
Gun up in yo face, bitch that Reary won't Miss
Threatening someone with violence and saying that the gun is real and accurate
Unload the shit then reload the shit
Talking about reloading and firing the gun multiple times
Head str8 to the airport and unload sum Bricks
Discussing moving drugs and trying to avoid detection
No lyin', you niggas seem me comin down to shoot ya
Implying that others should not doubt her willingness to use violence
Think I was flyin', 12 syllabus
Playing with words to imply that she is both rich and educated
Brooklyn is mine, nigga move Ova
Stating that she is from Brooklyn and others should respect her claim to it
Yea I'm talking to you. Fuckin Dick Blowa
Insulting someone directly and aggressively
[Chorus:]
Beginning the chorus section of the song
Fo all of ya'll, keepin ya'll in Health
Addressing the audience and wishing them well
Juss to see you wildin and enjoy Yoself
Encouraging people to live their lives to the fullest
'cause it's cool when you fuckin wit a nigga like me
Explaining why it is fun and exciting to associate with her
Cool when you ridin' wit a nigga like me
Describing how cool it is to hang out with her and experience her lifestyle
To all my (money makin) bitches juss Shine
Telling all the female hustlers to keep making money and shining
To all my niggas keepin it gully juss Shine
Encouraging all the gangster guys to keep being raw and shining
To all the ghettos in America, ohh Shine
Encouraging all the impoverished areas of the country to keep thriving and shining
I'ma keep it gangsta till I die nigga, Sine
Pledging to stay true to her gangster lifestyle until her death
Check it
Introducing a new section of the song
All I need in this world of sin
Stating what she requires in order to survive in this world
Is a crooked lawyer, big rims and a Mac. 10
Listing three things that are important to her in her life
Ridin' through the city like I'm used to this Shit
Describing how she is comfortable and familiar with this lifestyle
Fuck yo vest nigga, my cells will chew through that Shit
Dismissing the effectiveness of body armor and claiming that her bullets will penetrate it
Catch a breath, you ain't heard bout that nigga Po
Warning the listener that they might not be familiar with the violence associated with her and her associates
Murdah cases diamond faces, Mat-hat-lo'
Describing a gangster outfit and the connection between crime and wealth
Leavin' pieces of yo brian on yo car Do'
Threatening to kill someone and leave their brains splattered on their car door
Lookin gully in that Bent.on that R.O.
Bragging about driving an expensive Bentley car
L.L. see you niggas in Hell
Referring to her rivals and saying that she will see them in the afterlife
Soon as they set my bell, I make another Cell
Promising to make more money and connections after being released from prison
Shiet I set my mind at a the early age
Explaining that she has always had a clear goal in life
I was gon' be paid or early graved
Saying that she either wanted to become rich or die young
Whatta fuck I got-ta have, blocks to smash
Talking about needing to have a weapon to defend oneself and retaliate against one's enemies
Lots a cash, drop sum Ass
Listing two things that are important to her: money and sex appeal
This iz the truth, I probebly die in my Coup
Accepting the reality that she might not live a long life and might die in her luxury car
But I bet you and them bitches that come to get me, I Shoot
Threatening to shoot anyone who comes after her, including other female rivals
[Chorus]
Repeating the chorus section of the song
[Verse 3:]
Beginning the final section of the song
I got my mind on the Shipment
Referring to drug trafficking and her focus on it
Shipment on my Mind
Reiterating her focus on moving drugs
Bout to meet these Dominican niggas at 9
Referring to a meeting with Dominican drug dealers
Rhyme, rap, what to fuck is That
Saying that she is not interested in traditional rap and is focused on gangster activity
Only thing I rap is Ye, nigga die Today
Saying that she only talks about killing and other violent activities, not traditional rap topics
Ya got it confused I ain't trying to fill nobody's Shoes
Saying that she is not trying to compete with anyone or follow in anyone's footsteps
I'm just looking fo connects nigga
Explaining that she is only interested in making contacts for her drug trafficking
Doin' what I Do
Saying that she is focused on her criminal activity and will not be deterred
Back against the wall
Describing a situation where she is surrounded by enemies and has no way out
Against all odds
Saying that she will fight even when the odds are against her
Tune in to my Live nigga, this shit is sicka then OZ
Comparing her life and activities to the TV show Oz, known for its depiction of violence and prison life
Fightin' 'gainst them Crackaz
Referring to law enforcement and their efforts to stop her criminal activity
+ them killaz gettin' at Us
Referring to rival gang members and the violence between them
No where to run, so I grab my Gun
Saying that she is in a desperate situation and must use a weapon to defend herself
N' start blazin', this shit got a nigga Agin'
Saying that the fear and adrenaline of the situation are taking a toll on her emotional state
I'ma die a Gangsta nigga ain't no Changin'
Accepting the reality that she might die young or in the course of her criminal activities
A G. faithfully, momma pray for Me
Describing herself as a gangster and acknowledging her mother's prayers for her safety
Lil nigga go to school, stay away from Me
Advising young people to stay away from her and her dangerous lifestyle
Got hoez fo you hustlaz
Saying that she has women available for male hustlers to use for sexual purposes
Bullets fo you cowards
Saying that she has violent solutions for those who are not willing to stand up to her or fight back
N' dick fo you bitches up in the Trunk-Tower
Saying that she has sexual violence in store for those who oppose her or try to take her down
[Chorus]
Finishing with the chorus section of the song
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MASHONDA TIFRERE, KASSEEM DEAN, JAMAAL BARROW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
suprcrzy
Ill never forget in early 2006, when I got my system installed in my truck, and the guy was testing it out, and I popped a burned cd in, and this was the first song.. There were a few other ppl in the garage and this song was hitting so hard, every single person in there (myself included) couldn't do anything except bob our heads up and down.
Love this song!! Respect to Shyne for this classic!
Phillynegro
Lmaoooooo
chris todd
I feel you
Larryzhonka
All cap π§’ this shit CAme out 2004
Man_eee
@Larryzhonka How tf is this story cap? He had this song on a burned cd in 2006, so nobody can listen to a song 2 years after it came out? Make it make sense.
Manimal
This beat GOES HARD, SWIZZY!!!
Diontrell Brommings
So glad this guy got his life together. Much love.
Antaeus Coe
"got his life together?!?!?!" who says it wasn't together? What, because he was a "gangster rapper?" foh.
Shaun Cameron
This was one of Shyne's best songs.
Kalief Hampton
THE best, easily. One of Swiss best beats, classic