Born in Dallas, Texas, Campbell was introduced to the R&B by Quincy Jones in August 1989. Campbell's debut single was "Tomorrow (A Better You Better Me)" which reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip hop Singles chart in June 1990. It was the lead single from Quincy Jones' critically acclaimed ensemble LP Back on the Block which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1991. After working with Jones and writers and producers including Siedah Garrett, Campbell worked with producers Narada Michael Walden, Al B. Sure, Babyface, and others to record additional music.
Campbell's first solo hit was "Round and Round", which charted at #3 on R&B charts in November 1991 and #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1991 was produced by Prince and was featured in Prince's film Graffiti Bridge. Campbell followed the success of his first two singles by releasing his debut album, T.E.V.I.N., in November 1991 which featured the R&B hit singles and Campbell's only #1 Adult Contemporary hit: "Tell Me What You Want Me To Do" followed by:, "Alone With You", and "Goodbye". His second album, I'm Ready released October 1993, yielded the #1 R&B hit and #9 pop single "Can We Talk" in December 1993, "I'm Ready", "Always in My Heart" which charted at #3 on the R&B chart. He also scored a Top 30 hit with "Don't Say Goodbye Girl" on the R&B charts. In September 1994, Campbell also scored an R&B hit with the single "U Will Know" as part of the R&B supergroup Black Men United, a group that also included singer Usher.
The year 1996 saw the release of his third album, Back to the World (#11 R&B). The title track was a success (hitting the R&B Top 20), but additional singles failed to make an impact on the chart. His early 1999 self-titled album was found Campbell venturing into the neo-soul venue. The project was rushed, and as a result charted below the R&B Top 30, with only one single charting, a Top 30 song called "Another Way".
Campbell was nominated for five Grammy Awards and two American Music Awards.
In December 2005, Campbell made his Broadway debut in the role of Seaweed J. Stubbs in the hit musical Hairspray. Campbell is currently still playing in Hairspray.
Campbell returned to the studios in 2006, working with producers Scott Storch, The Underdogs, Krucial Keys, Bryan Michael Cox, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, and Ryan Leslie. The comeback album is waiting to be published and will be released in 2008.
Just Ask Me To
Tevin Campbell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know it G
First of all let's make it clear, I'm a strong young man
Takin' no shorts ya see, yeah
So if you plan on makin' waves, it's just a waste of time
You should face reality, yeah (check this out)
I don't want you to think that I'm afraid or shy (uh-uh)
Naive I will never be (you know it G)
Come on baby, and get with me, yeah
(Just ask me to) Just ask me to
(I'll be with you) I'll be with you
(And ohhhhhhhhhh, so much as your friend)
(If you walk with me) If you walk with me
(I'll walk with you) I'll walk with you
(And ohhhhhhhhhh, so much as your friend)
(Forget, those people talking trash
Just jet up and just leave
Girl it's not too late) It's not too late, it's not too late
(Baby, take Tevin by the hand)
(I'm sure you'll understand) I'm sure you'll understand
(Lady this is fate) Ohhh, ohhh
(Don't, be afraid) T.C. one time now
I'm not here to goof around (So zero that thought, hehe)
You should understand that G (Aww yeah baby)
You can make all the times the way that you want
But I won't let you play yourself, no not for me, yeah
(Don't) Don't (Be afraid) be afraid
(We've got, it made, we do) We've got it made we are
(It feels, so good) So goood
(That you know, we have, nowhere, to go)
[Chubb Rock:]
Check it out
Yo check, check, Atomic Tevin, I know you really feel like
You're in Heaven your grill's a 7 and your bio reads 11
(What you mean G?) If you really want to see, don't pretend
To be all cute, she knows you got loot
Not Al B. can convince me that you're naive
The squabs will perceive...
... Your position, rationalize who you are
Tevin Campbell get souped, you're a star
She said, "Can you tell me where we're going to?"
To my crib for a few
Don't get sexual, sexual means have
If she's on that program, that's what
Your staff is for, she mighta been around the world
And I, I, I, I (what?!)
You might find your baby, and if not
You can come to my crib, I'm Chubb Rock, peace
(Peace)
[Tevin Campbell:]
(Just ask me to) Just ask me to
(I'll be with you) I'll be with you
(And ohhhhhhhhhh, so much as your friend)
(If you walk with me) If you walk with me
(I'll walk with you) I'll walk with you
(And ohhhhhhhhhh, so much as your friend)
Break it down...
Aiyo, I'm in here G!
'Cause I'm the T, to the E, to the V, to the I, to the N, baby
(Forget, those people talking trash)
(Just jet up and just leave)
(Girl it's not too late) It's not too late, it's not too late
(Baby, take Tevin by the hand)
(I'm sure you'll understand) I'm sure you'll understand
(Lady this is fate) You understand, you got to understand baby
Ayyy
Awwww yeahhh, yeahhh yeahhh, babe
Audi 5000, peace!
The song "Just Ask Me To" by Tevin Campbell is essentially an appeal by the artist to have a female friend. He begins the track by letting his listeners know that he is a strong man who does not take any nonsense. Despite this strength, he does not want anyone to think that he is shy or naive. Tevin declares that all he wants is a friend that he can hold hands with, and he requests that the female listener considers getting with him. He assures her that he will be her loyal friend, asking her to walk with him, and he will be with her whenever she needs him.
As the song concludes, Chubb Rock comes in, rapping about how Tevin is heaven-sent. He advises Tevin to be careful not to appear as just another guy with money, but a true friend that she can rely on. The songwriters did an impressive job of blending two different styles: one style of singing performed by Campbell and the other style of rapping performed by Chubb Rock. When both music styles come together, they blend nicely, making the song a fascinating fusion of R&B and hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
First of all let's make it clear, I'm a strong young man
I want you to know that I am a confident and capable young man
Takin' no shorts ya see, yeah
I won't tolerate any disrespect
So if you plan on makin' waves, it's just a waste of time
If you're trying to cause trouble, it won't work
You should face reality, yeah (check this out)
You should accept the truth of the situation
I don't want you to think that I'm afraid or shy (uh-uh)
I want to make it clear that I am not scared or timid
Naive I will never be (you know it G)
I won't ever be foolish or ignorant
I just want a friend so I can hold her hand
I am interested in having a close friendship where we can hold hands
Come on baby, and get with me, yeah
Let's be together
(Just ask me to) Just ask me to
Just tell me what you want
(I'll be with you) I'll be with you
I'll support you
(And ohhhhhhhhhh, so much as your friend)
I value your friendship
(If you walk with me) If you walk with me
If you stand by my side
(I'll walk with you) I'll walk with you
I'll stand by your side
(Forget, those people talking trash
Don't worry about what others are saying
Just jet up and just leave
Let's just go
It's not too late) It's not too late, it's not too late
We still have time
(Baby, take Tevin by the hand)
Let me guide you
(I'm sure you'll understand) I'm sure you'll understand
You'll get it eventually
(Lady this is fate) Ohhh, ohhh
This is meant to be
(Don't) Don't (Be afraid) be afraid
There's nothing to fear
(We've got, it made, we do) We've got it made we are
We're in a good position
(It feels, so good) So goood
It's a great feeling
(That you know, we have, nowhere, to go)
We have nowhere else to be
Check it out
Listen to this
Yo check, check, Atomic Tevin, I know you really feel like
Hey Tevin, I know you're feeling great
You're in Heaven your grill's a 7 and your bio reads 11
You're doing well and you seem confident
(What you mean G?) If you really want to see, don't pretend
If you want the truth, I'll tell you
To be all cute, she knows you got loot
Don't act like you're unaware, she knows you're successful
Not Al B. can convince me that you're naive
I don't believe you're ignorant
The squabs will perceive...
Others may have a negative opinion
... Your position, rationalize who you are
Understand your status and true self
Tevin Campbell get souped, you're a star
You're a superstar Tevin, be proud
She said, 'Can you tell me where we're going to?'
She asked where we're headed
To my crib for a few
To my place for a bit
Don't get sexual, sexual means have
Don't get too close, it could lead to something more
If she's on that program, that's what
If she has other intentions
Your staff is for, she mighta been around the world
That's what someone else is there for, she may have experience
And I, I, I, I (what?!)
I don't know what to say
You might find your baby, and if not
You might find your significant other, and if not
You can come to my crib, I'm Chubb Rock, peace
You can always come to me for help, I'm Chubb Rock, peace
Ayyy
Hey!
Awwww yeahhh, yeahhh yeahhh, babe
You know it baby
Audi 5000, peace!
Goodbye, see ya later
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALBERT JOSEPH III BROWN, KYLE ALBERT WEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sekhem Asaru
This video, this song, this era and time......... (I was there)......is unforgettable and untouchable 🥲 🙏🏾
The Shazy
Absolutely the best years ❤️
Tee Moe
Al B Sure was extremely underrated as a writer/producer
music lover1984
@DjTIMEJD lol just got done listening to a greatest hits collection of him right now is still my jam.
Darell Streeter
Facts
canibusnj
So is Kyle West!!!
DjTIMEJD
I concur, friend. Sexy Verses is a masterpiece.
T SAVAGE
Dam this whole time I thought it was Teddy Riley smh
C Minneapolis
I'm startled when I see just how talented Tevin was/is. Nothing was too hard for him to do. He could sing, dance, etc. at such a young age. I think his talent exceed everyone expectations. I'm sorry we have missed seeing/hearing/enjoying him for so many years.
Spike Loomis
Hello from St Paul. Lol