Star
07. The Roots Lyrics

Get 'em up high okay, yeah
Encouraging the crowd to raise their hands and make some noise

Go all-star, and get down for yours
Give your best performance and do it for yourself

To the ladies in the house, we proud of y'all
Giving a shoutout to all the women in the crowd and showing admiration

You got the, Roots crew with the sound of course
Acknowledging that The Roots are performing and providing the music

High, lift 'em up high, okay
Continuing to encourage the crowd to raise their hands high

When that adrenaline get in they system
Referring to the rush of excitement people feel when performing or being in a crowd

It get 'em out on a quest for stardom, could be a mother fuckin' problem
People driven by adrenaline may become obsessed with fame, which can lead to issues

In Philly, Cincinnati, Los Angeles or Harlem
Listing different cities where people may be chasing stardom

Kids call themselves killers let they hammers do the talkin'
Gang culture is prevalent and some young people use weapons to establish their identity

Don't even know the meaning of life, ain't seen a thing
These young people have not yet experienced life and do not understand its value

And you dream of floodin' the scenery with, yayo and greenery
Many young people are focused on making money through drugs and illegal means

But for now, you stickin' her with the heavy machinery
Some may resort to violence or heavy equipment to establish their authority or control

Wonder how, you lift it up, be only 17
Commenting on how young people can acquire such heavy equipment and weapons

And like everybody he want to shine, young brothers on the grind
Young people are driven to succeed and achieve their dreams

Holdin' something in their spine, "Bowling for Columbine"
Referencing the film about a school shooting and the impact of gun violence on young people

Stressin' to me how it's all about a dollar sign
Young people often focus on money and financial success as their main goal

Dig the way you out of line, out of sight and out of mind
Those who do not conform or succeed often fall off the radar and are forgotten

Up against the clock and damn near out of time
Young people face many challenges and obstacles and may feel like time is running out to succeed

"The Tipping Point" has arrived, and that's the bottom line
Referring to the book by Malcolm Gladwell and the moment when things start to change or take a turn

To all my peoples that are stars, it's our time to shine
Encouraging those who have achieved success to continue to shine and inspire others

Let's get 'em up high, c'mon
Encouraging the crowd once again to raise their hands and make some noise

Yo, ain't it strange how the newspapers play with the language
Commenting on how the media can manipulate and distort language and the truth

I'm deprogrammin' y'all with uncut slang shit
Using slang and informal language to communicate authentically and break free from media manipulation

I know some peoples in the party armed and dangerous
Acknowledging the presence of danger and violence even in a party or celebratory setting

Twist some cool champagne, I'm goin' through changes
Enjoying the moment and the good things in life, but also going through personal changes and growth

A grown-ass man, I done paid my dues
Asserting that he is a mature adult who has worked hard and earned his place in life

Learn the rules lil' homey, you could be one too
Encouraging young people to learn from others and strive for success

Niggas know, ain't no tellin' what he gonna' do
Acknowledging that he has a reputation and people may be unsure of his actions

But recognize young bro, I'mma do it for you
Assuring that despite his reputation, his actions are meant to help others and inspire them

You know why? We're all stars and we highly evolved
Asserting that every person has the potential to achieve great things and evolve

Hip-Hop, it's not pop like Kylie Minogue
Comparing hip-hop to more commercial and mainstream pop music

If it bang, them gettin' busy brothers probably involved
If the music is good and has an impact, people will respond and engage with it

In the game, where everybody got a shottie to draw
Referring to the prevalence of gun violence and weapons in the music industry and society as a whole

I guess you probably a thug, you boss ballin' or what?
Sarcastically commenting on the glorification of gang culture and material success in hip-hop

I can't call it man, I got the ladies fallin' in love
Acknowledging success and attracting a large female fanbase

Cause handsome, intelligent, tough I'm all the above
Listing his positive qualities and attributes

I know you knew it it's the movement
Asserting that his music and message are part of a larger movement and cultural shift

Groove to it while you doin' it up
Encouraging people to enjoy the music and vibe with it

Introducing the band you gotta see to believe
Promoting The Roots and their incredible live performances

He got the mic in his hand, so keep the heat up your sleeve
Acknowledging that the lead singer has control and power

It's Black Thought, he rockin' sharp so the speakers'll bleed
Giving credit to the lead singer for his powerful and impactful performances

I run a triathlon, you wouldn't see me fatigued
Commenting on his physical fitness and endurance

I'm a star, and maybe y'all should cop something to be
Asserting that he has achieved success and encouraging others to strive for it as well

Or trade some of y'all equipment in for something you need
Encouraging people to focus on what they truly need, rather than material possessions

Cause it's a, lot of bullshit floodin' the scene
Acknowledging the prevalence of low-quality and meaningless music in the industry

Where everybody's a star, and hot shit is few and far between
Commenting on how everyone claims to be a star, but only a few truly stand out

We lose the grip of what, garbage mean
People have lost sight of what truly constitutes bad music or art

Shorties want to be themselves, I know it's hard to be
Young people often struggle to find their own identity and be true to themselves

Don't want to do the Ruben Studdard and come off less threatening
Referring to the pop singer Ruben Studdard and his image as a non-threatening, easy-going artist

Keepin' it real I'll kill you if you end up lettin' it
Asserting that staying true to oneself can be difficult and dangerous, but ultimately worth it

Ain't it blowin' your mind how the game all in line
Commenting on the conformity and lack of diversity in the music industry

Now the best, to the rest, we fin' to end up settin it
Asserting that the best artists and music will ultimately rise to the top

I'd tell you that I was a veteran but it's evident
Acknowledging that his experience and success speak for themselves

You act like you want it, you gonna' end up gettin' it
Encouraging young artists to truly want success and work hard for it, as it is achievable

Everybody is a star
Closing statement, reinforcing the idea that everyone has potential to achieve greatness