Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Kelis puts a quasi-feminist twist on smooth melodies in an arsenal of 17 songs packed with hip-hop beats and some brazen profanities. Because of the frequency and raunchiness of explicit lyrics, this album's probably better for older hip-hop-listening ears. "Aww S--t!" is a rebuttal for trash-talkers, bonus track "F--k Them Bitches" is full of put-downs, and in most other songs, she freely uses "bitch" as a way to demand respect -- as in "Bossy" where she proclaims "I'm the bitch y'all love to hate." There are also two cases of the "N" word popping up and some subtle (and not-so-subtle) sexual moments: "Buckle up your seatbelts/We're about to land in 20 seconds/Oh, oh, Thank You. You. Thank You for continuing to fly with me/throughout this whole ride, ride…," "If it smell icky, tell her pull up her Vickie's/But if it smell alright, I might do the licky-licky," and "First date its going real well/He's makin' me hot/Or is it his cock."
Families can talk about use of obscene lyrics in hip-hop culture, where there's a fine line between integrity and vulgarity. What marks tasteful placement of curse words in a song? When is it part of a bold statement, just arbitrary, or simply too much? Families can also discuss empowerment in solo female projects. Kelis comes across as a seriously feisty gal, headstrong, and unafraid to voice her authority. What important messages about self-esteem does Kelis hope to convey?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Karen Fu
Kelis is easily recognized as an opinionated, conscientious, and gusty diva, ranking with the likes of Beyonce, Ashanti, and Mariah Carey. And her fourth album, KELIS WAS HERE, proves worthy of self-praise, but is surprisingly cushioned by distinct stylistic changes.
This jerky rollercoaster is attributed to the inventive Kelis testing new waters, handled by experimental producers at the helm: will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas, Raphael Saadiq, and The Neptunes.
"Blindfold Me" is a kinky club track with a familiar grimy feel, "Living Proof" is chill, smooth, and starry-romantic, "I Don't Think So" is an almost '80s-style jam that's all about saying no to unwelcome flirts, and "Like You" revolves around nicely applied instrumentals: an opera singer's falsetto staccato beat and stuttering orchestral strings.
It's not hard to find the driving force that defines Kelis as an assertive woman. Lead single "Bossy," similar to her former hit "Milkshake," acts as a breakout anthem where she, no doubt, calls the shots.
But, the lyrics on Kelis Was Here are weighed by saucy use of explicitness in the bonus track "F--k Them Bitches" ("f--k," "s--t," and "bitches" run rampant) where Kelis whips out mantra chants much like her previous popular hits. "What's Right There" ("He likes it raw, I likes it on top") and "Like You" ("First date it's going real well/He's makin' me hot/Or is it his cock.") are also touchy with overuse of sexual flair.
The tricky element to Kelis' graphic songs is they pack more contagious punch than other tracks. Maybe Kelis has a knack for obvious gritty ditties, but she tries different territory with bumping songs bound to pique any heavy hip-hop fan's curiosity.
Once again, Kelis has presented herself as a dynamic woman with unconventional potential. She hasn't lost any soul, but gained breadth of sound.
Fans will also enjoy Amerie and Lauryn Hill.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome not-so-subtle references to sex: "He's makin' me hot/Or is it his cock?" |
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Violence |
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LanguageThe bonus track is filled with "f--k," "s--t," and "bitches." The "N" word pops up twice in another song. |
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Social BehaviorSolid message about being yourself and being strong. |
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CommercialismMinimal references: Hennessy, Bentley, Victoria's Secret, Kool-Aid. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA few passing references to drinking. One song has subtleties about being high ("Eyes filled up with the bloodshots"). |
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