People forget about the imprint Slick Rick has left on Hip Hop. Leaving no ambiguity, the hook of the song gives another nod to those out there still grinding. With the predominance of “affluent rap” getting constant airplay, it is easy to see why an artist like Mos Def was considered refreshing for this time period. Despite all of his success, one never gets the sense that he is out of touch. Even though Mos Def has achieved a certain level of commercial (and monetary) success as an actor and artist, Mos still is aware of what is going on in the streets. One can hear his sincerity in past songs like Umi Says, Close Edge, and Sunshine, where Bey expresses his desire to uplift the people in his community rather than escape them. Mos Def has always carried himself as a champion of his people. The rhythm and depth of the subject matter is reminiscent of poets like Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks. This first verse is so poetic that it holds up even without a beat. Universal ghetto life, holla black you know it well” Suckas trying to hide like the struggle won’t find ’emĪnd the sun bust through the clouds to clearly remind himĬradle to the grave, talk’ll lead you on a shell The world is so dangerous, there’s no need for fightin’ Shocked a small act could knock a giant lopsided Swing round, ring out and bring down the tyrant Soul is the lions roar, voice is the siren Mind is a vital force, high level right across Quiet storm, vital form, pen pushed it right across Universal ghetto life, holla black you know it well I’m everywhere: penthouse, pavement and curbĬradle to the grave, tall cathedral of a shell My presence speak volumes before I say a word That I hardly ever sleep, my flows forever deepĪnd it’s volumes or scriptures when I breathe on a beat I feel it in my bones, black I’m so wide awake I push it past the bass, know nations gotta feel me I speak it so clearly sometimes you don’t hear me The focus gettin’ clear and the light turn sharpĪnd the eyes go teary, the mind grow weary They goin’ through the motion, they dimmin’ down their focus You feel it in the streets, people breathe without hope Sometimes I try and chill, mellow down, blowin’ smoke Things are so passionate, times are so real ”The way I feel, sometimes it’s too hard to sit still
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |