Jean Grae, born Tsidi Ibrahim, hails from South Africa but has an enduring affinity for New York City, her heart forever tied to the city's vibrant pulse. As the daughter of two jazz musicians, she was instilled with an appreciation for diverse musical genres from a young age of nine. Her educational journey took her to the prestigious High School of Performing Arts, where she majestically excelled as a vocal major. Subsequently, Jean received an esteemed acceptance to New York University, where she pursued a Music Business major, laying the groundwork for her future success as a hip-hop writer and producer.
Jean's ascension in the hip-hop world began when she was recruited by the esteemed rapper Ocean, who co-founded the group Natural Resource in the mid-1990s. This fruitful collaboration led to the establishment of their own record label, Makin' Records, in 1997. The label's debut 12" single, "Negro League Baseball," gained widespread acclaim as an underground hip-hop classic, solidifying Natural Resource's reputation in the industry. The group went on to release several more 12" singles, including the critically acclaimed "Love This World."
Beyond her work with Natural Resource, Jean demonstrated her versatility by producing singles for various Makin' Records artists, including Pumpkin Head, Don Scavone, and The Bad Seed. Her creative synergy with Talib Kweli and Canabal Ox has also yielded notable collaborations. Jean's impressive discography boasts two albums: The Attack of Attacking Things, This Week, and The Bootleg of the Bootleg, a testament to her innovative approach and dedication to her craft.
