Maxwell capitalized on his breakthrough with the MTV Unplugged EP, taken from his live MTV performance. It attracted attention and acclaim outside the R&B community with the left-field cover choices "This Woman's Work" (by Kate Bush) and "Closer" (by Nine Inch Nails). Additionally, the 'MTV Unplugged' version of "Whenever, Wherever, Whatever" earned him another Grammy nomination (for Best Male Pop Vocal). Anticipation for his second full-length album was high, and when Embrya was released in 1998, it entered the charts at number three. Reviews were more mixed this time around, with some critics charging that Maxwell's ambition had crossed the line into indulgence; still, the record duplicated its predecessor's platinum sales.
Maxwell adopted his middle name as his stage moniker, keeping his real identity a closely guarded secret out of concern for his family's privacy. Born of Puerto Rican and black Caribbean stock, Maxwell suffered the loss of his father (in a plane crash) when he was just three years old. The experience made him a deeply religious child, and he first began singing in his Baptist church. Still, he didn't really get serious about music until age 17, when he began writing his own songs using a cheap Casio keyboard given to him by a friend. Initially influenced by early-'80s urban R&B, and drawing his greatest inspiration from the concept of the R&B auteur (looking to artists like Marvin Gaye, Prince, Stevie Wonder). He progressed rapidly, and by 1991 he was performing on the New York club scene, despite ridicule from classmates who couldn't imagine the shy, awkward teenager doing anything of the sort. After making a name for himself, he signed a recording contract with Columbia in 1994.
In 1999, Maxwell scored his biggest hit to date with the single "Fortunate," an R. Kelly composition he recorded for the soundtrack of the film Life; it was a mammoth success, ranking as the number one R&B hit of the year in Billboard magazine. Later that year, he also cut two songs for the soundtrack of The Best Man.
In August 2001, Maxwell returned with his third full-length album, Now, which was touted as a return to the more straightforwardly romantic atmosphere of his debut. It entered the album charts at number one and quickly launched a hit single in "Lifetime." ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
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... He eventually got a record deal with Columbia Records in 1994 when he was 21 years old. His loss of his father at the age of three had a great impact on him as a person and as an artist. Maxwell played keyboard in church during his youth; however, he was not aware of his vocal talent during adolescence. His vocal ability was later discovered during a romantic affair which inspired the music for his first music release "Urban Hang Suite." Maxwell was heavily inspired by the work of artists such as Marvin Gaye, Prince, Sade, and lastly Anita Baker who he gives credit to "teaching him how to sing."
After taking several years off, Maxwell released his latest album BLACKsummers'night on July 7, 2009. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Albums Top 200 chart, his second album to receive that ranking. Maxwell said his reason for leaving the music industry for such a long period was "to just take time off. The music industry has so much competition and there was no rush for me.
The follow-up to BLACKsummers'night and the second installment in a planned trilogy, blackSUMMERS'night, is set to be released late 2012 but the exact date is unknown.
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The name "Maxwell" also appears to be used by a hip hop beat producer from Oldenburg, Germany.
Get To Know Ya
Maxwell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you prefer your roses blue
Others were tryin' to get in your trousers
I was just tryin' to get into you
I was just tryin' to get with you, honest
S'why them boys be scared of you
You never let them get past pyjamas
(oh)
Your name, number, game
Tell me anything (i gotta get to know ya)
Your way, words you'd probably say
When you want, I'll be here baby
Longin' to know ya (know ya)
I know that you'll never see me (See me, see me)
I know that i'm not your style
Know that you don't need me
But you do
You drive my dreams wild
Lady i gotta know ya
Name, number, game
(ooh-oh) I gotta get to know ya
Your way, words you'd probably say
When you want, I'm right here baby
Longin' to know ya (feel me)
(oh)
Yeah
Know ya (ha-ha)
Know ya (Ooo)
I gotta get to know ya (Every way, babe, yeah)
(ah hoo-wah haa-ah) Lady I got to know, know, know your...
Name, number, game
Anything, anything (i gotta get to know ya) Gotta get you, babe
Oh, if it's the last thing I do girl (longin' to know ya)
I'm a get to know you
Know ya (ha-ha)
Know ya (Ooo)
Longin' to know ya
Know ya (ha-ha)
Know ya (Ooo)
I gotta get to know ya
Know ya (Ha-ha)
Know ya (Ooo)
I gotta get yo know ya...
The lyrics of Maxwell’s song Get To Know Ya express a desire to truly know someone, to go beyond the surface level and understand their thoughts and emotions. The song is about being attracted to someone who doesn’t fit the norm and is not easily approachable by others. Maxwell sings about how other people may try to impress her with flowers and flattery but he is interested in what’s beneath her exterior. He is interested in who she truly is and wants to create a relationship with her that goes beyond physical desires.
Furthermore, the song also shows a level of vulnerability on Maxwell’s part. He knows that the girl he is interested in may not feel the same way about him but he is still willing to put himself out there and express his desires. The lyrics suggest that he is willing to take his time and be patient in order to get to know her better, even if it means waiting for her to be ready. Overall, the song conveys a feeling of longing and a deep desire to connect with someone on a deeper level.
Line by Line Meaning
They be tryin' ta bring you flowers (Flowers, flowers)
People are trying to impress you and win your affection.
But you prefer your roses blue
You are unique and don't conform to traditional ways of thinking or doing things.
Others were tryin' to get in your trousers
Other people are only interested in you for your physical appearance and what they can get from you.
I was just tryin' to get into you
I am interested in getting to know you on a deeper level and have a meaningful relationship.
I was just tryin' to get with you, honest
My intentions are genuine and I am not trying to deceive or manipulate you.
S'why them boys be scared of you
Other guys are intimidated by your confidence and independence.
You never let them get past pyjamas
You are selective and don't just give yourself away to anyone.
When you find the time, how can I get to know ya?
I respect your time and boundaries, but I hope to have the opportunity to get to know you better.
Your name, number, game
I want to know your name, contact information, and what makes you tick.
Tell me anything (i gotta get to know ya)
I am interested in learning all about you and your life experiences.
Your way, words you'd probably say
I want to understand your unique perspective and what makes you stand out from others.
When you want, I'll be here baby
I am willing to be patient and supportive, waiting until you are ready to open up to me.
Longin' to know ya (know ya)
I am deeply interested in getting to know you as a person and forming a connection.
I know that you'll never see me (See me, see me)
I am aware that you may not even know I exist or be familiar with me.
I know that i'm not your style
I understand that I may not be what you are typically attracted to in terms of appearance or personality.
Know that you don't need me
I am aware that you are an independent person who can take care of yourself without relying on me.
But you do
Despite not needing me, I hope that you will choose to include me in your life.
You drive my dreams wild
You are so appealing to me that I cannot stop thinking about you, even when I am dreaming.
Lady i gotta know ya
I am really eager and motivated to get to know you better, because I find you fascinating and intriguing.
Anything, anything (i gotta get to know ya) Gotta get you, babe
I am willing to do whatever it takes to get to know you as a person and form a genuine bond.
Oh, if it's the last thing I do girl (longin' to know ya)
I am committed to making an effort to get to know you, even if it means going out of my way or stepping out of my comfort zone.
I'm a get to know you
Nothing will stop me from trying to get to know you and pursuing a connection with you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MAXWELL MENARD, Musze
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dylantaramoeroa4498
Who’s listening in 2024
@tiatonge888
YO!
@deebeauty8562
Me right here 🙌🏾
@mgMG-yq9pd
🤖🤞🏻
@leticiasuarez2441
❤❤🙋🏻♀️
@DomainExpansion34
I'm with you. Been a long time listening to it.
@RD-zj6vc
This doesn't feel like it came out 20 years ago at all.
@misskim8379
My fave part of this song is.. "ha ha know ya" 😄❤❤ Love you. 😘 And I love this line "I know that you don't need me, but'cha do." 😉💯
@shirleybutler2623
OMG MissKim83 This beautiful classic just move your soul in the right direction Do you agree? Straight FIRE I had to call the FIRE department LOL!! Do you hear them coming? I was so damn lucky I grew up on this type of music . When real music speaks for itself timeless indeed AMEN!! Still listenin how about April 28 2020 MEMORIES WOW!!! ON REPEAT!!
@deebeauty8562
Dats my favorite part to then maxwell does the hand movements thing ❤