After signing to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment label, Truth Hurts first appeared on Busta Rhymes' 2001 hit single "Break Ya Neck" as a background vocalist. For her first solo LP Truthfully Speaking, issued on Aftermath in 2002, she enlisted the production talents of Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Hi-Tek, and DJ Quik. Her debut single, "Addictive," was a Top 10 hit in the United States, and featured a verse from hip hop artist, Rakim.
The song, produced by DJ Quik, utilized an uncleared sample of "Thoda Resham Lagta Hai" by Hindi artist Lata Mangeshkar. The copyright holders sued Aftermath and parent company Interscope Records for $500 million dollars, and issued an injunction against further sales or performances of the record. A judge later ruled that the album was not to be sold with out being stickered with proper credits for Mangeshkar.
In summer of 2002, Truth Hurts secured a high profile spot on the Smokin' Grooves tour with Lauryn Hill, Outkast, Cee-Lo, The Roots, Jurassic 5, and Erykah Badu.[3] However, following the buzz on "Addictive", Truth Hurts became relatively obscure, only contributing guest vocals to "The Watcher 2" on Jay-Z's Blueprint 2 album and "What" on Eve's Eve-Olution. To date, she remains as a one-hit wonder in both America and the UK. "Addictive" was followed up by a song called "The Truth" featuring R. Kelly on the chorus. The song underpeformed on American radio and video outlets. This was likely due in part to the firestorm of negative press Kelly received over sex crime allegations that hit media outlets shortly before the single's release.
Truth Hurts returned in 2004 with her second album, Ready Now, on Raphael Saadiq's independent Pookie Entertainment label. Its first single, "Ready Now", was released in the summer of 2004 without much fanfare, but being critically acclaimed due to its high quality, mainly because of the work of legendary Raphael Saadiq, who executively produced the album and produced most of the songs in it. Some sources state that a Georgia based record company is looking for Truth Hurts for a possible spot on a movie soundtrack. Dream Leader Ent CEO Carlton Richard has stated that he has been a long time fan of hers and would like to know if she would be interested in being on the soundtrack. No word yet on if and when this project will be available.
ALBUMS
Truthfully Speaking
* Released: June 25, 2002
* Chart Positions: #5 Billboard [5]
* Singles: Addictive, The Truth
Ready Now
* Released: June 01, 2004
* Chart Positions: #173 Billboard [6]
* Singles: Ready Now
SINGLES
* 2002: "Addictive" (featuring Rakim) (U.S. #9, R&B #2)
* 2002: "The Truth" (featuring R. Kelly) (R&B #47)
* 2002: "I'm Not Really Lookin' (featuring DJ Quik)
* 2004: "Ready Now"
Queen of the Ghetto
Truth Hurts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you ain't weak to be throwing it down in these streets the truth shall set you free
This industry is based on the ultimate boo and real life ain't far behind money can't make me lie to you
Big baby bud ain't nothing for the ones on extra and as you know miss Cita ain't got nothing but realness in
Me what's up with these mark ass bitches talking about their album is crazy go cop my joint then only 1
Song is worth listening to and even that is shit so 3 years ago what's up with these ladies that work with
Celebrity and official capacity come to find out they got their knee pads in the trunk with ya'll stains
Brother is a producer in New York City baby but he's more comfortable on the bus push up bras tight jeans
Weaves get the fuck outa here a phony bitch I shall never be truth is real as they come big baby its the
Fuckin' truth and it hurts
You don't wanna fuckin' speak my name the truth that's me my niggaz call me the queen of the ghetto queen
Of the ghetto don't you need to know need to recognize somebody should've told you about the hustle I'm
About the hustle you can't stop her flow
The lyrics to Truth Hurts's song "Queen of the Ghetto" speak to the idea of authenticity and the importance of staying true to oneself. The opening lines urge listeners to speak their minds and be unafraid of expressing their true thoughts and feelings. The truth, in this context, is seen as liberating and powerful, with the potential to free individuals from the constraints of social norms and expectations.
The song then goes on to critique the music industry, calling out those who prioritize money and fame over genuine artistry and talent. Truth Hurts takes aim at artists who rely on gimmicks and marketing tactics to sell albums, rather than creating music that is truly meaningful and impactful. She contrasts this with her own approach to music-making, which is grounded in her personal experiences and her commitment to being real and authentic.
Overall, "Queen of the Ghetto" is a powerful anthem that celebrates individuality, honesty, and the power of truth. It encourages listeners to stay true to themselves and to embrace their own unique voices and perspectives, even in the face of societal pressures and expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Where my real niggaz hard like me speak your mind to the fullest degree the truth will set you free holla back
If you are truly bold and honest like me, speak your truth without fear, and you'll be liberated. Let me hear you respond if you're not afraid.
If you ain't weak to be throwing it down in these streets the truth shall set you free
If you're brave enough to stand your ground on these rough streets and reveal the truth, you will find freedom.
This industry is based on the ultimate boo and real life ain't far behind money can't make me lie to you
This music industry puts on a facade, but real life is not so different. I won't lie to you, no matter what is at stake.
Big baby bud ain't nothing for the ones on extra and as you know miss Cita ain't got nothing but realness in
Expensive weed doesn't impress me or my fellow true G's. As for me, I only deal in authenticity.
Me what's up with these mark ass bitches talking about their album is crazy go cop my joint then only 1 song is worth listening to and even that is shit
Why are these fake women claiming their albums are great? Even if you buy their music, only one song is worthwhile, and that isn't saying much.
So 3 years ago what's up with these ladies that work with celebrity and official capacity come to find out they got their knee pads in the trunk with ya'll stains on them
Three years ago, I discovered that these women who work with celebrities and hold official positions are willing to do anything for fame and success, even if it means using their bodies. Disgusting.
Oh child please give it to them like T.I.T. I got new white escalades like my girl have today a brother is a producer in New York City baby
Don't even get me started on these fake women. I'm going to call them out like T.I.T. I've got a fancy new car like my girl and connections in the music world.
But he's more comfortable on the bus push up bras tight jeans weaves get the fuck outa here a phony bitch I shall never be truth is real as they come big baby its the fuckin' truth and it hurts
My producer friend doesn't need to show off with push-up bras and tight jeans. These fake women need to stop pretending. I will never be a fake, and the truth I speak is always hard to hear.
You don't wanna fuckin' speak my name the truth that's me my niggaz call me the queen of the ghetto queen of the ghetto don't you need to know need to recognize somebody should've told you about the hustle I'm about the hustle you can't stop her flow
You're too damn scared to acknowledge me and the truth I tell. My crew calls me the queen of the ghetto, and you need to recognize. Someone should have warned you about my unwavering ambition and determination. You can't slow me down.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ANDRE YOUNG, CORNELIUS D BARNES, SHERRI WATSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind