Early life
Brown was born in Harehills, and grew up in Burley, Leeds, West Yorkshire. She has a younger sister named Danielle who is an actress. She studied performing arts at Intake High School, in Leeds, before entering the entertainment industry. For a time she worked as a dancer in the holiday resort, Blackpool, Lancashire. After seeing an advertisement for an audition in a newspaper, Brown started her music career in a band known as Touch. The group left the original management team and eventually teamed up with music manager Simon Fuller. In this pairing, she and the other girls became known as the Spice Girls. After the group achieved worldwide success, she embarked on a solo music career in 1998. Her first solo album, Hot, produced by Virgin Records, was a moderate success, including a number one hit. However, it did not sell or chart very well. In 2005, she released a second solo album which did not attract much attention.
[edit] Musical career
[edit] 1994-2001: Scary Spice
In 1996 Brown, along with Melanie Chisholm, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, and Victoria Beckham (at that time Victoria Adams), shot to fame as a member of the Spice Girls with the release of "Wannabe". The debut album, Spice, shot to number one all over the globe, including the U.S.. Mel B was called Scary Spice because of her animal print clothing, big hair, loud Leeds accent, throaty laugh, and aggressive attitude. The Spice Girls were popular in the late 1990s, selling over thirty-five million albums in just two years. They went on to become one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, selling more than fifty-five million records worldwide. They had nine UK number-one singles and two number-one albums. After a third album release, Forever (UK number-two), the members went their separate ways, and Brown developed a solo career.
Solo Artist As a solo artist Melanie B has charted up five UK Top 20 singles, including two Top 5 hits and a number 1 hit. She has sold over half a million records.
[edit] 1998-1999: Early solo work
At the height of the Spice Girls' success, Brown was invited to work with Missy Elliott on the single "I Want You Back", a song for the soundtrack of the film Why Do Fools Fall in Love. It was recorded in just one afternoon, due to Brown's busy Spice Girls schedule. The video featured Brown's then husband Jimmy Gulzar, who appeared chained and submissive to his wife. Upon its British release in September 1998, I Want You Back sold 80,000 copies in its first week alone, giving Brown her first and only solo #1 in her home country. This was confirmed on the day that the Spice Girls played their last world tour concert at Wembley Stadium in front of 52,000 fans. Ultimately the single sold 218,000 copies and became the 82nd Bestselling British Single of 1998.[4]
At the suggestion of her then-husband Jimmy Gulzar, Brown covered Cameo's 1986 hit Word Up as her next solo release. The track was notable for being produced by Timbaland. The track was already released on the soundtrack to Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. This resulted in its flopping in the UK (peaking at #14), making it the lowest charting Spice Girls related single of the 90s.[5] The European video was a surreal animation, directed by Jimmy. A further video was shot which featured the mini me character from Austin Powers. The track was not included on Brown's UK version of her debut solo album, and speaking at the time of her album release she stated that she "didn't really like 'Word Up'".[citation needed]
Following the disappointing performance of Word Up , Brown stopped releasing records for a while, but worked quietly on tracks for her debut solo album and the third Spice Girls album. Turning to television work, she hosted Pure Naughty, a weekly BBC2 magazine show focusing on black music. She also hosted the MOBO Awards on two occasions, in 1998 with Bill Bellamy and in 1999 with Wyclef Jean, and took part in a BBC funded short film entitled Fish.
[edit] 2000-2001: Hot
As a way of dealing with the problems of her marriage, Brown continued working on her debut solo album.[citation needed] She worked with producers such as Sisqo, Teddy Riley, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (Janet Jackson, Prince), with whom she was also working on the Spice Girls' third album, Forever.
In September 2000, she said that she heard the first single release from the album, "Tell Me". The track debuted at #4 in the UK charts with about 40,000 copies sold in its first week. It finally sold approximately 100,000 copies, making it the 158th "best seller" of 2000.[6] The album, Hot, was released one month later on 3 October, was not a success and garnered mediocre reviews.[7] It sold a disappointing 7,419 copies in its first week and charted at a weak #28, before quickly falling out of the charts.[8]
Following the release of "Feels So Good", rumours began that if her next single flopped she would be dropped by her record company, Virgin Records. In May, Brown performed a small set at the London G-A-Y Astoria club, her only solo gig until 2004. A source said her introduction was too long, which prompted cries of "get on with it!" from the G-A-Y patrons. A third single was released in June 2001, "Lullaby", a pop number dedicated to her daughter. It was accompanied by a very simple video shot in Morocco and featured Brown with Phoenix Chi. The media criticised Brown for using her child in the music video and single artwork, labelling her Desperate Spice and insinuating that she was exploiting her child as a marketing tool. The single entered and peaked at a disappointing #13, and Virgin duly dumped Brown from their label.[9]
[edit] 2004-2005: L.A. State of Mind
In April 2004, Brown was approached to take part in the musical Rent. She played the role of Mimi Marquez and achieved positive reviews, but not from the show's fanbase. A few weeks after Brown finished her Rent stint, she played her second and last solo gig to date in a New York club, performing some songs from the musical and showcasing some new material she had written. As the songs received positive feedback,[citation needed] Brown decided to release them a year later through an independent label, Amber Café.
The only single from the album, "Today", saw a UK release in June 2005. Brown had stated it was just a gift to her fans, and minus a few small appearances no promotion was made. "Today" entered the singles chart at #41, selling around 1,000 copies in its first week.
The album, LA State Of Mind, was released on 27 June 2005 in two formats: as a regular CD and as a Limited Edition with a 30 minute DVD documentary detailing Brown's life in LA. The album fared even worse than its lead single, selling just 670 copies in its first week and charting at #453
Rumours of a second single were fuelled by "Beautiful Girl" bouncing around on the UK Singles Release Schedule for a couple of months. Allegedly a video was made, but due to the poor sales of both the previous single and the album, this release never materialised. Brown was not dropped from Amber Café; both parties decided to amicably part ways.
[edit] 2008-present: Third studio album
Brown revealed in June 2008 that she was recording tracks for a new album she expected to have ready for release late 2008. "It's an R&B-pop kind of thing, a cross between early Pink and Destiny's Child. Urban pop. That's what I do best, where I come from, what people know me for, I've recorded four songs so far with some really great people," she said. One of the producers behind the album was Rodney Jerkins, aka Darkchild, who previously worked with Brown on the Spice Girls' final studio album, Forever,[10] as well as on Melanie's first solo album, Hot, both released in 2000. Also Scott Storch revealed he was working on Brown’s album.[11] Brown later revealed that she had completed ten tracks and would be working with Lil' Kim for the possible first single. Brown made a brief appearance on British morning show GMTV and announced that she would be releasing a fitness DVD, and then continued to say the new album was not ready yet and said the expected arrival of the album would be in 2009. A track from those recording sessions called "Whose Is It" leaked in 2008 but Melanie later said that this track won't be on the album. At the end of 2009 Melanie had 15 songs recorded but due to legal problems concerning a guy who was working with her she was not able to release them. In early 2010 Brown stated that she started to work on new tracks. As of April 2010 she has recorded 3 new songs. In the next 2 or 3 months she will concentrate on writing and recording new music.
[edit] Non-musical works
From Melanie B concentrated on a variety of non-singing projects. She hosted a number of TV shows such as This Is My Moment (a talent show) for ITV1 and shot a documentary called Voodoo Princess for Channel 4 which got many good reviews. She took part in smaller projects as a presenter such as Top of the Pops, Party in the park for the Prince's Trust and The All Star Animal Awards. She has appeared as herself in an advert for the Yorkshire tourist board in a series which included contributions from other Yorkshire-born celebrities and in the film Happy Birthday Oscar Wilde.[12]
In 2002, Brown released her hit autobiography, Catch A Fire, which reached #7 in the official books chart [citation needed] and saw her touring the UK to promote it with a run of book signings.
In her autobiography "Catch a Fire" Brown talked about how she loses interest in her passions with time. She lost interest in dancing once she found music (with the Spice Girls), and after her album failed to meet expectations she found herself not interested in making another. With that she turned to acting. Outside of SpiceWorld and 'Fish' Brown's first real role came in the form of a British drama, Burn It. She appeared in a horror film entitled, LD 50 Lethal Dose, which was released directly to DVD in 2004. She acted in a long run of shows as part of the cast for the Vagina Monologues which was a big success in the UK. She was in the movie The Seat Filler, co-produced by Will Smith and starring Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland. Melanie also appeared as Mimi in the broadway production of Rent.
In recent years, Brown has also been seen playing herself in episodes of the comedy series Bo' Selecta and A Bear's Tail. In 2003, Brown made a cameo appearance in the music video Bo Selecta's Proper Crimbo. In late 2007, she hosted a television special for Canada's MuchMoreMusic called Your Fave Videos of the 80's.
Word Up
Mel B. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All pretty ladies around the world
Got a weird thing to show you
So tell all the boys and girls
Tell your brother, your sister
And your mama too
Cause we're about to go down
Wave your hands in the air
Like you don't care
Glide by the people as they start to look and stare
Do your dance
Do your dance
Do your dance quick mama, come on baby tell me what's the word
Word up
Everybody say when you hear they call you
You've got to get it underway
Word up, it's the code word
No matter where you say it
You'll know that you'll be heard
Now all you sucker. D.J.'s
Who think you're fly
There's got to be a reason
And we know the reason why
You try to put on those airs and act real cool
But you've got to realize
That you're acting like fools
If there's music we can use it
We need to dance
We don't have no time
For psychological romance
No romance
No romance
No romance for me mama
Come on baby tell me what's the word
The word up
Everybody say when you hear the call you
You've got to get it underway
Word up
It's the code word
No matter where you say it
You'll know that you'll be heard
Word up
Everybody say when you hear the call you
You've got to get it underway
Word up
It's the code word
No matter where you say it
You'll know that you'll be heard
Word up
Everybody say...
Word up
It's the code word...
Mel B.'s "Word Up" is an upbeat, funky song that invites everyone to dance and have a good time. The lyrics allude to the idea of a secret code word, "Word Up," which once heard, requires a party or celebration to commence. The song encourages everyone to spread the word to everyone they know because once the music starts playing, everyone needs to join in the festivities.
The lyrics also make a subtle nod to the notion of power dynamics between different groups - for example, the line "Now all you sucker D.J.'s who think you're fly, there's got to be a reason and we know the reason why." This line suggests that some people in positions of power might forget where they came from or who they are meant to serve. Mel B. admonishes such behavior, and instead of trying to act cool or distant, encourages everyone to come together and have fun.
In essence, "Word Up" by Mel B. is a song about the power of music to bring people together, no matter who they are or what their backgrounds might be.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on baby
Inviting everyone to join and enjoy the music and dance.
All pretty ladies around the world
Addressing all the beautiful women worldwide, inviting them to come together.
Got a weird thing to show you
Got something unusual and exciting to share with everyone.
So tell all the boys and girls
Asking all men and women to spread the word and invite more people to come and join.
Tell your brother, your sister and your mama too
Asking everyone to inform their family members and friends to come along too.
Cause we're about to go down
Preparing everyone for some intense and non-stop music and dance.
And you'll know just what to do
Assuring that anyone can dance to the music and enjoy themselves.
Wave your hands in the air
Instructing everyone to lift their arms and sway with the music.
Like you don't care
Asking everyone to dance freely and without inhibition.
Glide by the people as they start to look and stare
Dancing smoothly and confidently past the people who are watching and admiring.
Do your dance, do your dance, do your dance quick
Asking everyone to dance enthusiastically and quickly to the music.
Mama, come on baby tell me what's the word
Asking for someone to speak up and say what is on their mind.
Word up, everybody say when you hear they call you
Declaring that 'word up' is the catchphrase, and everyone should repeat it when they hear it.
You've got to get it underway
Expressing the importance of joining in and getting the party started.
Word up, it's the code word
Praising the phrase 'word up' as the secret code to join the party and have fun.
No matter where you say it
Suggesting that the phrase can be used in any location or situation to enjoy oneself.
You'll know that you'll be heard
Ensuring that everyone who speaks the code word will be acknowledged and brought into the party.
Now all you sucker. D.J.'s who think you're fly
Directly calling out to D.J.'s who consider themselves superior and highly skilled.
There's got to be a reason, and we know the reason why
Implying that there must be a logical explanation for the D.J.'s arrogance, which they know.
You try to put on those airs and act real cool
Commenting on D.J.'s efforts to appear cool and sophisticated.
But you've got to realize that you're acting like fools
Asserting that these D.J.'s are actually making fools of themselves by trying too hard to impress others.
If there's music we can use it, we need to dance
Acknowledging the power of music to bring people together and create a fun atmosphere.
We don't have no time for psychological romance
Rejecting the idea of deep or serious connections, and choosing to focus on having a good time instead.
No romance, no romance, no romance for me mama
Stating that they are not interested in any romantic involvement at the moment.
Come on baby tell me what's the word
Inviting someone to speak up about what is on their mind or join in the fun.
Word up, everybody say when you hear the call you
Repeating the importance of the phrase 'word up', as a call to action for everyone.
It's the code word
Reinforcing that the phrase 'word up' is the key to join the party and have a good time.
No matter where you say it
Reiterating that the phrase can be used anywhere and in any situation.
You'll know that you'll be heard
Reassuring everyone that anyone who speaks the code word will be welcomed and included in the fun.
Word up, everybody say...
Ending the song with a final call to action, repeating the phrase 'word up' for everyone to join in and enjoy.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@onyx567
Even after all this time, I'm still so confused yet mesmerized by this strangely fascinating video. I understand it yet I still don't lol. Here's what I can kinda gather for anyone who's interested:
0:08 The inner zoom-in glimpse gives us an indication that this is all taking place inside Mel's imagination
0:15 on the side reads M.G. in reference to when Mel B was Mel G (if you know you know)
0:28 Mel is a puppet whose strings are cut off by a gimp who seems to be the original puppet master?
0:32 Who is this child? I used to think it was supposed to be her daughter but a later scene indicates otherwise. Her dress at 3:25 reads "phagocytes" which is an immune cell
1:08 - 1:14 She transports through the mirror as we see that she has entered the mirror and the dress has left her body
1:16 Mel (who is portrayed via a very early form of motion capure) pleasures herself with the book Tears of Eros (which upon further research is a real erotica book and could perhaps explain a lot of the inspiration behind the BDSM imagery in this video) and slowly transforms into her would-be dominatrix self
2:05 Mensuration?
2:21 The blade reads "thanatos" which is the personification of death from ancient Greek mythology
2:53 - 2:59 Either this indicated an aura of dominance and power or symbolism of self-pleasure by murdering one's own former self idk lol I'm so lost at this rate
3:06 Omg 4K has now revealed Mel to be pregnant this whole time (which makes sense since the vid was made in late 1998) so that little girl can't be her daughter?
3:20 Cool motion capure scene in the midst of self pleasure
3:30 Spitting eggs which are then carried by the little girl with the phagocyte dress?
4:20 Very beautiful shot of Mel once again
In conclusion, I'm so lost yet so fascinated. I wonder what was going through the director's brain? We need this video or song to trend again so we can get some answers. Also side note that the performance on Top of the Pops indicates that more motion capure scenes were filmed but never used.
@pauljet
That's still the weirdest SG related video, even after nearly 25 years! Will you have the other video with actual footage of Mel, too, please?
@SpiceGirlsMania
I confess that I also find this clip of hers quite strange, lol... Yes, the second version of Word Up will be the next clip I post here on the channel. Stay tuned!! ❤
@reecehaines395
my favorite
@kingi.m.newsv2536
Again omg love ❤ thank u im the biggest mel b fan xx
@SpiceGirlsMania
Stay tuned to the channel. Soon I will post all her clips in 4K! ❤
@traceybradbury5022
❤❤❤
@JacobW567
Finally! Thanks, big thanks!
@SpiceGirlsMania
😍😍😍
@onyx567
Even after all this time, I'm still so confused yet mesmerized by this strangely fascinating video. I understand it yet I still don't lol. Here's what I can kinda gather for anyone who's interested:
0:08 The inner zoom-in glimpse gives us an indication that this is all taking place inside Mel's imagination
0:15 on the side reads M.G. in reference to when Mel B was Mel G (if you know you know)
0:28 Mel is a puppet whose strings are cut off by a gimp who seems to be the original puppet master?
0:32 Who is this child? I used to think it was supposed to be her daughter but a later scene indicates otherwise. Her dress at 3:25 reads "phagocytes" which is an immune cell
1:08 - 1:14 She transports through the mirror as we see that she has entered the mirror and the dress has left her body
1:16 Mel (who is portrayed via a very early form of motion capure) pleasures herself with the book Tears of Eros (which upon further research is a real erotica book and could perhaps explain a lot of the inspiration behind the BDSM imagery in this video) and slowly transforms into her would-be dominatrix self
2:05 Mensuration?
2:21 The blade reads "thanatos" which is the personification of death from ancient Greek mythology
2:53 - 2:59 Either this indicated an aura of dominance and power or symbolism of self-pleasure by murdering one's own former self idk lol I'm so lost at this rate
3:06 Omg 4K has now revealed Mel to be pregnant this whole time (which makes sense since the vid was made in late 1998) so that little girl can't be her daughter?
3:20 Cool motion capure scene in the midst of self pleasure
3:30 Spitting eggs which are then carried by the little girl with the phagocyte dress?
4:20 Very beautiful shot of Mel once again
In conclusion, I'm so lost yet so fascinated. I wonder what was going through the director's brain? We need this video or song to trend again so we can get some answers. Also side note that the performance on Top of the Pops indicates that more motion capure scenes were filmed but never used.
@user-qq4tl5pu8r
Muchas gracias por tu canal