After appearing in a school talent show in 1984, Patterson auditioned for the television show Kids Incorporated. Proving to be "a natural," he undoubtedly landed the part and was cast as "The Kid", remaining on the show for a number of years. Onward and upward, Patterson continued to evolve, gaining experience as a backup vocalist for several artists (including Kids co-star Martika). Following his vocal contributions on Colour Club's self-entitled album, as well as writing for other artists (his credits include Brandy's platinum Top 5 smash "Baby", and Tevin Campbell's hit "Back to the World"), Patterson signed with MCA Records. Collaborating with Keith Crouch and Jamey Jaz, among others, he released his own self-entitled debut in 1997.
Stirring rave reviews, the album launched Patterson into an even larger limelight (with the single "Where You Are" receiving widespread airplay on R&B radio). Patterson, soon after, developed global recognition, as well as a loyal following in the United States and abroad.
Patterson went to work, handcrafting his followup, Love in Stereo, with Jaz and new collaborators such as Van Hunt. When Love in Stereo was released in late 1999, its reviews topped those of its predecessor, slating Patterson as one, of few artists, whose vocal ability was classified as so "distinctive," he need not rely solely on the mainstream music market to gain his footing in the film and music industry, nor afford his music massive, worldwide, international appeal..
Although Patterson's path eventually diverged from MCA's, he remained indispensable amongst industry affiliates, continuing to perform live, working as a session singer, and contributing to both soundtracks (Brown Sugar) and compilation albums (Steve Harvey's Sign of Things to Come), while working on his next album.
After Hours, Patterson's third album, was released internationally early in 2004, again garnering positive reviews. Now, with the conception of his own label, the album released in the United States during late October 2004. Wine & Spirits followed in the Fall of 2007. Wine & Spirits, not only spoke to Patterson's consistency as a versatile, smooth-crooning performer, known for his scintillating, sultry provocative vocal style; but it also, signified, for Patterson, a career of longevity, divinely masterminded from his childhood endeavors to crossing the threshold as a multi-level, music mogul, independently signed, produced and operated. The project further evidenced Patterson's "musical muscularity," spawning itself in such diverse arrangements as the reflective lamentation of "Stars," to the smooth-jazz contours in one of the album's many "feel-good" hits, entitled "Feels Good," to Patterson's resident, high-frequency, timbres, echoing in the uptempo, "Higher Love," which, inevitably, served as the artist's professional and personal testimony of growth, triumph and spiritual ascension.
Patterson's next project, the highly anticipated CD, BLEUPHORIA, is scheduled to drop in the fall of 2010. It is expected to be nothing short of what Patterson's proud fanbase has always enjoyed from him: an astronomical, stellar work of art.
It Ain't Love
Rahsaan Patterson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or is it a fantasy that only I dream
You slap me with anger while I kick you my love
You smack me with your hatred while I kick you my love
It ain't Love, It ain't Love.. .
Is it really love when I give you my time
You tell me I'm yours baby only to stray.
Leaving me with the pain of being lonely
It ain't Love, It ain't Love.. .
If it ain't love I don't want to
If it ain't love babe
Cause if it ain't love it ain't gon' do
If it ain't love babe
It ain't Love, It ain't Love.. .
Rahsaan Patterson's song "It Ain't Love" explores the complexities and uncertainties of a romantic relationship. The lyrics suggest that there is a disconnect between the two partners - one person is feeling intense emotions and investing a lot into the relationship, while the other seems to be holding back or not reciprocating those feelings. The singer is questioning whether this relationship is really based on love or just a fantasy that they've created in their own mind.
The use of physical violence imagery in the lyrics is striking and suggests that the relationship may be unhealthy or even dangerous. The singer describes being "slapped" and "smacked" by their partner's negative emotions, while they are still offering up their own love and affection. This creates a sense of emotional turmoil and instability that is further emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "It ain't love" throughout the song.
Overall, the lyrics to "It Ain't Love" suggest a relationship that is full of conflict and doubt, leaving the singer unsure whether they should continue investing in it or let it go. The song provides a powerful message about the importance of recognizing unhealthy patterns in relationships and being willing to walk away if necessary.
Line by Line Meaning
Is it really love that your feeling for me
Are your feelings for me truly love, or just a figment of my imagination?
Or is it a fantasy that only I dream
Perhaps what I feel for you is just a fantasy, and not a mutual feeling.
You slap me with anger while I kick you my love
Even though I show you my love, you respond with anger and hostility.
You smack me with your hatred while I kick you my love
Despite my efforts to show you love and affection, you still respond with animosity and disdain.
It ain't Love, It ain't Love.. .
This situation can't possibly be called love; it falls short of such a label.
Is it really love when I give you my time
Can you truly call it love when I devote so much of my time and energy to you?
Sharing with you my heart my soul and my mind
I open myself up to you completely, sharing every part of me.
You tell me I'm yours baby only to stray.
Even though you claim me as your own, you still wander away from me.
Leaving me with the pain of being lonely
Your absence always leaves me feeling so desolate and alone.
If it ain't love I don't want to
If what we have isn't really love, then I don't want any part of it.
If it ain't love babe
I won't settle for anything less than genuine love.
Cause if it ain't love it ain't gon' do
Anything that falls short of love simply isn't enough to satisfy me.
It ain't Love, It ain't Love.. .
Once again, I emphasize that this isn't love; it simply fails to meet the criteria.
Contributed by Caroline M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.