R&B's best kept secret is finally out. Another chapter in Syleena Johnson's book has been written. This time, it is more than recording an album. After amicably leaving an eight-year record deal with Jive Records in 2006, Syleena has launched her own label, Aneelys Records (Syleena spelled backwards). This opportunity comes by way of a label deal with Federal/Universal Music Group.
Syleena previously worked with countless artists and producers such as R. Kelly, Bob Power, Kay Gee, Busta Rhymes, Cam' Ron, Common, Jermaine Dupri, and Twista. Kanye West blessed her with his production on "Bulls-Eye (Suddenly)," from Chapter 3: The Flesh. Syleena proved to be Kayne's saving grace as she provided last minute vocals on the hit, "All Falls Down," which led to a Grammy nomination for both artists.
Artists often fall by the wayside and are rarely heard after leaving a major record label. But, Syleena didn't allow her split with Jive Records to rip out any pages from her next chapter. She simply took matters into her own hands and decided to go the independent route. With her label, Syleena will finally see the benefits of all her hard work, whether it be working on a personal project or signing other acts. She will finally have the creative control and power to see things through and plan out her career as she sees fit.
With this control, Syleena will give birth to her newest release, Chapter 4: Labor Pains, due January 13, 2009. Along with running her own label and being an artist, Syleena has also become a wife and mother within the past year. "My husband is an excellent man, I couldn't ask for a better one and my son is my best work yet," Syleena says. Naturally, this experience lent a hand in Syleena writing Chapter 4: Labor Pains, as she describes the pain of having a baby as the worst pain in life, but rewarding in the end. Syleena shadows her life on the principle that you reap what you sow "Nothing good comes easy. All the struggle, strife, work and pain we go through, that's the price you have to pay to reap the benefits in the end," Syleena expresses.
As always, Syleena speaks on behalf of a woman's struggles. But, she leads off on a lighter note with her first single from, Chapter 4: Labor Pains, "It Is True." She sings a heavenly love ballad about new found, true love with her husband and the product of that love. "It is everything I felt about my husband when we first met, and now the love of my son follows suit," Syleena swoons. There's no denying that Syleena is passionately in love as she angelically sings "over and over again, in my dreams and in my head, I'm imagining you all in my future, us continuing through 'til we get older, and I swear that I've never met, a boy like you, a true soldier, my knight in shining armor, you saved me boy, you bring me joy and that's how I know it's true."
The buzz continues and the drama unfolds in Chapter 4: Labor Pains, as Syleena displays her songwriting and storytelling skills in "Shoo Fly," an alternative tale of baby mama drama. The story comes from the point of view of a woman with a man who has a baby mama and what that woman goes through when the baby mama wants him back all the while using the child as leverage. In the chorus Syleena sings, "so shoo fly he's mine, for the last time, don't make me say it no more, damn girl to move on, be gone, so long, get gone." This is a different angle giving the woman's perspective on baby mama drama. Other notable tracks on Chapter 4: Labor Pains are "Labor Pains," the title track which is dedicated to women and sisterhood, "My First," a grown and sexy song about a man who is the first to actually give good love and affection, and "Personal Trainer," a song about the mental stimulus of physical attraction.
While dealing with real issues, Syleena never strays away from God in her music. This signature approach is what makes her unique as she shows how God applies to every aspect of life. She tells the passionate, hard truth with a voice and spirit which has been anointed by God and speaks directly to the mind and spirit of women. "I always come from a spiritual view as a Christian woman in the real world, the here and now, the issues we as women have to deal with," Syleena testifies.
Chapter 1: Love, Pain, & Forgiveness, was the beginning of how God established a relationship and peace within Syleena. He then gave her the Garden of Eden in Chapter 2: The Voice. But she disobeyed Him and ate the forbidden fruit in Chapter 3: The Flesh. Now Syleena must pay the price, which is Chapter 4: Labor Pains. Biblically, labor pains are a woman's curse, but Syleena takes it all as a blessing. "At the end, I want people to feel uplifted and motivated, that's my goal. Not to just motivate people, but myself in the process," Syleena professes. Be prepared for the experience of Chapter 4: Labor Pains.
Despite releasing four albums, Syleena is more than a singer. She caught the acting bug and showed off her multi-dimensional talent by playing a significant role in Eric Jerome Dickey's Cheater's-The Stage Play in 2005. She also added modeling to her many talents as she modeled for Ashley Stewart after signing with Wilhelmina modeling agency as a plus-size model.
Johnson released her new album, "Chapter 5: Underrated" on September 27, 2011, which features Toxic (the producer behind Keyshia Cole & Monica's "Trust", as well as much of Twista's work number) and a number of other high-profile producers and artists. The albums' lead single titled "A Boss" was released on June 21, 2011.
Tonight I'm Let Go
Syleena Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause I wasn't ready baby for you to come inside
I wanted you to know my name and not just what's between my thighs
I wanted you to play the game because I knew you get the prize
But the game is over baby, no more you need to fantasize
'Cause I'm not letting go so come and put your lips on mine
And I won't even hesitate, oh no baby not this time
I'm gonna give you all my loving. Gonna make up for lost time
[Chorus]
I just want to, I just want to break free
And let you put your hands all over me
I just want to lose control
Tonight I'm gonna let go
So baby come and put your arms around me
'Cause I think I'm ready to be all you need
And nobody has to know
Tonight I'm gonna let go
Won't you come a little closer while I slowly dim the lights
And put your hands up on my body. Baby you can take your time
Ain't no need to rush baby 'cause we got all night
I just want to scream your name and make you want to scream mine
I tried to fight the feelin' baby. Boy you got me hypnotized
But I can't help that I've been feenin' lately. I think about you all the time
Tonight I'm gonna get aggressive baby so don't you fear put up a fight
Tonight I'm gonna put it on you baby. Sit back, relax, enjoy the ride
[Chorus: x 4]
In this song, Syleena Johnson is telling the story of a woman who has played hard to get, making the man she is interested in wait for her to be ready to take their relationship to the next level. She wanted him to know her for who she really was, not just for her physical features. However, now that she is ready, she is letting go of her inhibitions and giving in to her feelings. She tells her lover to come closer as the lights dim and to take his time with her body, emphasizing that there is no need to rush because they have all night. She wants to scream his name and make him want to scream hers, revealing that she has been thinking about him all the time and has finally given in to the strong desire she has for him.
The chorus emphasizes her desire to let go of her reservations and give in to her intense feelings for him. She wants him to put his hands all over her and she is ready to be all he needs. She asks him to come and put his arms around her, as she is finally ready to let go and explore the deep connection she feels with him. This song speaks to the power of giving in to one's desires and exploring the depths of love.
Line by Line Meaning
I know that I made you wait for a very long time
I acknowledge that I kept you waiting for a prolonged period
'Cause I wasn't ready baby for you to come inside
I wasn't prepared for intimacy with you yet
I wanted you to know my name and not just what's between my thighs
I desired you to recognize me, not just my physical body
I wanted you to play the game because I knew you get the prize
I wanted you to be persistent because the end result would be worth it
But the game is over baby, no more you need to fantasize
The chase is done, you don't need to imagine anymore
'Cause I'm not letting go so come and put your lips on mine
Since I'm committed now, come and kiss me
And I won't even hesitate, oh no baby not this time
I'm not hesitant to show my affection this time
I'm gonna give you all my loving. Gonna make up for lost time
I will shower you with love and affection to make up for lost opportunities
I just want to, I just want to break free
I yearn for liberation from prior limitations
And let you put your hands all over me
And permit you to caress me
I just want to lose control
I want to relinquish control and let go
Tonight I'm gonna let go
Tonight I'll release my inhibitions
So baby come and put your arms around me
So, come here and embrace me
'Cause I think I'm ready to be all you need
I believe that I'm prepared to be everything you want
And nobody has to know
Our secrets are safe with us
Won't you come a little closer while I slowly dim the lights
Approach me as I reduce the lighting
And put your hands up on my body. Baby you can take your time
Touch my body at your pace
Ain't no need to rush baby 'cause we got all night
We have plenty of time, no need to hurry
I just want to scream your name and make you want to scream mine
I want to excite you and have you reciprocate
I tried to fight the feelin' baby. Boy you got me hypnotized
I attempted to resist the emotions, but you have me captivated
But I can't help that I've been feenin' lately. I think about you all the time
I can't control my craving for you lately, constantly on my mind
Tonight I'm gonna get aggressive baby so don't you fear put up a fight
Tonight I'll show my passion, don't resist
Tonight I'm gonna put it on you baby. Sit back, relax, enjoy the ride
Tonight I'll love you like no other, just sit back and enjoy
I just want to, I just want to break free
I yearn for liberation from prior limitations
And let you put your hands all over me
And permit you to caress me
I just want to lose control
I want to relinquish control and let go
Tonight I'm gonna let go
Tonight I'll release my inhibitions
So baby come and put your arms around me
So, come here and embrace me
'Cause I think I'm ready to be all you need
I believe that I'm prepared to be everything you want
And nobody has to know
Our secrets are safe with us
I just want to, I just want to break free
I yearn for liberation from prior limitations
And let you put your hands all over me
And permit you to caress me
I just want to lose control
I want to relinquish control and let go
Tonight I'm gonna let go
Tonight I'll release my inhibitions
So baby come and put your arms around me
So, come here and embrace me
'Cause I think I'm ready to be all you need
I believe that I'm prepared to be everything you want
And nobody has to know
Our secrets are safe with us
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JAMES SEALS, SYLEENA JOHNSON, MIKE DUNN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Turner
Mann,that beat right there will never get old! It'll always be a clubbanger. Put your hands where my eyes can see.π
BIGMON P
A decade later still a wicked hit still. Yes Miss Syleena Johnson, Busta Rhymes, & Flipmode Squad. Throwback the Summer of 2002 the good old dayz.
The Tiara G. Show
Syleena has a phenomenal voice ππππ
Audra Boyce
i am playing this in my truck now, always in my play list in 2019
Forever Queen Aquarius
Iβm on Apple Music FINALLY listening to her full album Chapter 2 The Voice (this is my song) I said let me go watch the video. Sheβs so underrated #LEGEND Iβm here April 2019! π₯ππΎ
JcanDuke
I love this song..Have not seen it in a while, I am happy I found it!!!! Syleena is great..should have been more famous.
Ladylace97
i love her voice so much saw her sing acapella on Living it up with patti Labelle she tore it up.
Nayf World
Still bangs to this day! 2020 & beyond ππ₯
I AM
I vibe with this song β€π€
HipHopHead
the Flipmode Squad was killin everything back then