Chi City
Common Lyrics

And you say Chi city, we don't stop naw we don't quit
Despite the chaos and violence in Chicago, the city never stops striving and pushing forward.

I rap with the passion of Christ, nigga cross me
Common puts his heart and soul into his music, and if anyone tries to come against him, they will face God's wrath.

Took it outta space and niggas thought they lost me
When Common experimented with his music and tried new things, some people thought he had lost his edge and disappeared.

I'm back like a chiropract wit b-boy survival rap
After a brief hiatus, Common returned to the rap game with a style that adapts to the changing times while still staying true to old-school b-boy culture.

This ain't '94 Joe we can't go back
Common acknowledges that times have changed, and he cannot go back to the same style and sound from the '90s.

The game need a makeover
Common believes that the rap industry needs to change and evolve to stay relevant and engaging for listeners.

My man retired, I'ma take over
Common's friend and fellow rapper may have retired, but Common is determined to fill the void and become the new king of rap.

Tell these halftime niggas break's over
Common calls out other rappers for not putting in the same effort and energy that he does and encourages them to step up their game.

I'm raw hustlers getcha bakin' soda
Common is a true hustler who understands the realities of life in the streets and can help others succeed.

Too many rape the culture
Common believes that too many people exploit and take advantage of the rap culture rather than respecting and honoring it.

Leave rappers with careers and their faith over
Some rappers lose sight of their values and beliefs as they become more successful, but Common refuses to sacrifice his principles for fame and fortune.

It's a war goin' on you can't fake bein' a soldier
The rap game is a battle, and only those who are truly committed and authentic can survive and thrive.

In the basement listenin' to tapes of Ultramagnetic to the fact the Messiah's black
Common draws inspiration from past rap legends like Ultramagnetic while also embracing his Black identity and heritage.

I turn the TV down we could take it higher than that
Common believes that the rap industry can and should aspire to be more than just the shallow, superficial images portrayed on TV.

I wonder if these wack niggas realize they wack
Common criticizes other rappers who lack talent and skill but still try to make it in the industry despite their shortcomings.

And they the reason my people say they tired of rap
Common believes that these subpar rappers contribute to the negative stereotypes and misunderstandings surrounding the rap community.

Inspired by black Muslims and Christian
Common draws inspiration from both Islam and Christianity, two religions with strong roots in the Black community.

Pushin' Cutlasses, dope, and other traditions
Common embraces the cultural traditions that define the Black experience and uses his music to promote them.

In the conditions of the city, the city
Common's music is a reflection of the harsh reality and difficult living conditions that characterize life in the city.

A black figure, in the middle of chaos and gun fire
Common paints a vivid picture of himself as a Black man trying to survive in the midst of the violence and danger that surrounds him.

So many raps about rims, I'm surprised @#%$ ain't become tires
Common criticizes the shallow and materialistic themes that dominate the rap industry, specifically the obsession with luxury cars and rims.

On the street you turn code and then go screech
Common highlights the hypocrisy of those who claim to be tough and street-savvy but ultimately betray their friends and community when faced with pressure or danger.

I tell 'em fuck 'em, like I do the police
Common has no respect for those who abuse their power and authority, whether they are corrupt cops or fake rappers.

The beast in runnin' rampant
Common acknowledges the violence and destruction that plagues the city and threatens the safety and well-being of its residents.

I'm in between sheets tryna have sex that's tantric
Despite the chaos and danger around him, Common still seeks pleasure and intimacy in his personal life, striving for a deeper and more spiritual connection.

But the getto, tryna make a get up stand up anthem
Common uses his music to uplift and empower those who face poverty and hardship in the ghetto, inspiring them to fight for justice and change.

You spit hot garbage son of Sanford
Common calls out a fellow rapper for producing subpar music that is not worthy of being taken seriously or respected.

What you rappin' for to get fame or get rich
Common questions the motives of some rappers, wondering if they are only in it for the money and fame rather than a genuine passion for music.

I slap a nigga like you
Common has no tolerance for those who lack talent or work ethic in the rap industry and is not afraid to call them out on their shortcomings.

And tell him Rick James bitch
Common dismisses these talentless rappers with a reference to a famous punchline from comedian Dave Chappelle's portrayal of Rick James.

Witcha Hollywood stories on porches
Common criticizes mainstream rappers who rely on shallow, superficial stories and images to promote their music, often far removed from the realities of life in the ghetto.

We poli hood stories on who became rich
Common instead presents stories about the struggles and successes of his own community, highlighting those who have risen to success despite the odds.

And whatever light they hit, we wanna hit the same switch
Common and his fellow rappers are determined to achieve success and recognition by following their own path and staying true to their roots, rather than trying to conform to mainstream trends and expectations.

You didn't know where to aim it, you still remain bitch
Common believes that some rappers lack direction and focus, and as a result, they remain stuck in the same position, without making progress or achieving their goals.

I'm forever puttin' words together
Common is a true artist who is dedicated to his craft and constantly works on improving his skills as a lyricist and performer.

Some'll sever mothers from daughters and fathers from sons
Common acknowledges the power of his words and the way they can affect people's lives, both positively and negatively, depending on how they are used.

The name Com has never been involved in Run
Common distinguishes himself from other rappers who have been involved in violent or illegal activities, emphasizing his commitment to living a positive and ethical life.

Unless it's DMC or runnin' these broads to bein' free
Common references the classic rap group Run-DMC and also alludes to his own efforts to empower women and fight against sexism and oppression.

I'm hotta than the times, you hardly scary
Common considers himself to be ahead of his time and more relevant than ever, while at the same time, he does not try to intimidate or scare anyone with his music.

Holdin' gats inside, you cats is Halle Berry
Common again criticizes the shallow and superficial image of many mainstream rappers who claim to be gangsters but are not truly tough or dangerous.

They ask me where hip hop is goin', a Chicagoan
As a representative of Chicago hip hop, Common is often asked about the future of the industry and what direction it is heading in.

Poetry's in motion like a picture now showin'
Common sees rap as a form of poetry that uses words and beats to create vivid and dynamic pictures and stories, like a movie or TV show.

It's the city, the city y'all, the city, the city y'all
Common repeatedly emphasizes the importance and significance of his hometown, Chicago, and its impact on his life and his music.