Superhero
B.R.U.N.I. Lyrics

Yeah (up in the sky)
Feeling like a superhero, soaring high in the sky

(It's a bird, it's a plane)
Comparing oneself to the iconic symbols of superhuman power and ability

Hmm, sound like some superhero shit
Recognizing the extraordinary nature of personal experiences and circumstances

Some Black superhero shit
Emphasizing the importance of celebrating Black excellence and representation in superhero narratives

Hmm, damn
Expressing awe and admiration

Oh yeah
Affirming the previous sentiments

Every block, every hood
In every neighborhood and community

Every city, every ghetto
In every urban area, even the most impoverished and disadvantaged

Need a Black superhero
Require the presence and leadership of a Black individual with extraordinary abilities

You need a nigga roll like me
The community needs a person like me, a confident and capable individual

Military mind stated and I keep a gun and a degree
Having a strategic mindset and being armed with both knowledge and weapons for protection

You can label me a Huey P
Comparing oneself to iconic activist Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party

Made a martyr outta Martin, outta Malcolm, outta Medgar
Recognizing the sacrifices made by civil rights leaders Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers

I refuse to let these dirty devils make my Gullah beggar
Rejecting attempts by oppressive forces to reduce one's cultural identity and heritage to a state of poverty

Fuck a hero see oh I will go make heed oh for my people
Rejecting traditional notions of heroes and taking meaningful action to serve and uplift one's community

Give me liberty or death that is my credo not my ego
Valuing freedom and justice above personal pride and self-centeredness

Dressed in a tuxedo, enter party, altar ego
Adopting a persona that is refined and distinguished while attending social events

Killed your need of it, gazebo, did it for the people
Eliminating the necessity for superficial appearances and doing things solely for the betterment of the community

Love what motivated, I did not do it for hatred
Acting out of love and compassion rather than out of a desire for vengeance or animosity

But I truly hate the devil I cannot debate or fake it
Expressing a genuine repulsion towards oppressive and malevolent forces

I was asked a question and I asked about it hard
Responding to a challenging question with deep contemplation and intensity

If I was facing death then I could ask one thing of God
Reflecting on the priorities and desires one would have if facing imminent death

I would ask for every nigga to be free here and abroad
Seeking liberation and justice for Black individuals everywhere

And to be rightfully celebrated as a child of God
Demanding equal recognition and respect as children of the divine

Our own kind took Nip from us
Referring to the loss of rapper Nipsey Hussle at the hands of someone from within the same community

Money still read 'in God we trust'
Acknowledging the societal focus on material wealth despite claims of religious faith

Truthfully we envy, so why we so envious
Admitting feelings of jealousy and questioning why such envy exists within the community

And why our own kind envy us?
Pondering why members of the same community harbor envy towards each other

Pop said it's hard but we gotta keep our head up
Recalling advice from a father figure to persevere and maintain positivity in challenging circumstances

Goin' even though we know we fed up
Continuing to strive and move forward despite feeling frustrated and exhausted

It's hella tension
Acknowledging the existence of extreme stress and pressure

'Cause we ain't careful where we all pay attention
Suggesting that negative outcomes occur when attention is not focused on important matters

I need all my real soldiers on the front line
Requesting the support and dedication of committed individuals in the fight for justice

Fighting for the right shit just one time
Urging unified effort to combat injustice and advocate for what is morally right

So unstoppable together at the same time, with the same mind
Highlighting the power and effectiveness of united action and shared purpose

Yeah, we wanna be high and always above what's beneath us, so
Expressing the desire to rise above oppressive circumstances and consistently strive for better

I'm talking bulletproof kinda suit
Referring to a metaphorical suit of armor that provides protection against adversity

Reflect the struggle that they put us through
Symbolizing the resilience and strength that comes from enduring hardships inflicted on the community

With a shrimp
Unexpectedly introducing a symbol associated with strength and resilience

To fight the power like Chaldea do
Drawing inspiration from the biblical figure David who fought against a powerful adversary, likening it to the struggle against oppressive forces

With the insight to be equal
Possessing the understanding and perspective needed to strive for equality

Know the sky need it, a voice that finds reason
Recognizing the necessity for representation and advocacy in the pursuit of justice

To multiply people in the streets full of calls
To mobilize and bring together individuals who are actively seeking change

Marching on Washington, might as well be walking through walls
Highlighting the courage and determination required to challenge entrenched systems and institutions

Type of superhero show up with ain't no one to call
Being the source of strength and assistance when no other help is available

That'll shield ya from them shields that been killing us all
Providing protection from the systemic forces that have caused harm and death within the community

High beams for eyes to peep the villains in the dark
Having heightened awareness and perception to identify the oppressors and wrongdoers

Power of resolution 'fore a war was even started
Exhibiting the ability to address and resolve conflicts before they escalate into full-blown battles

The knowledge to build and grow where they live
Possessing the understanding and skills to cultivate and develop one's community

And take care of the kids and the older folk
Assuming responsibility for the well-being and support of the younger and older generations

The queens cause they need it most
Prioritizing the empowerment and upliftment of Black women, recognizing their inherent value and resilience

Politic with the kings about economic growth
Engaging in discussions and strategic planning with influential Black men to address economic disparities

Kill PTSD, 'cause mental health ain't a joke
Eradicating the debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and recognizing the importance of mental well-being

Feed the hungry, and though, everyone would know everywhere we go
Providing nourishment and support for those in need, leaving a lasting impact on people's lives

It's gon' take one of us to save us
Realizing that the community must rely on its own members to bring about positive change and liberation

It's gon' take love and a lot of trust
Understanding that love and trust are essential for unity and collective progress

We just took it, have faith and know that
Enduring hardships and challenges with faith, believing in the eventual triumph

Long as you got mine, I got your back, I know
Promising mutual support and allegiance within the community

You know, just, just the idea of how Black men
Delving into the perception and portrayal of Black men in society

In this culture and society get framed
Exploring the ways in which Black men are often misrepresented and negatively portrayed

And how everything possible is actually designed
Highlighting the deliberate systems and structures in place that perpetuate inequality and suppression

To actually diminish what your true power is, right?
Acknowledging the intentional efforts to undermine and limit the true potential and strength of Black individuals

And so, when you speak about the superhero-ness of our communities
Reflecting on the inherent heroism present within the Black community

Every ghetto, every block, every street corner
Emphasizing that heroism exists in all aspects of the community, even in the most marginalized areas

Really, all of those men are God
Recognizing the divine essence and worth of every individual within the community

They're just living in a reality that tears them down
Acknowledging the oppressive forces and circumstances that undermine the true potential and power of these individuals

And makes them feels as though they're not what they actually are
Creating a false perception and self-image that prevents them from fully realizing their true greatness

'Cause they know it when they look in the mirror
Despite the external challenges and limitations, deep down, individuals in the community recognize their own worth and potential

The female take on it
Shifting focus to the perspective and experience of Black women

You know, it's on some levels, it's a little more heartbreaking, right?
Expressing the emotional weight and sadness associated with the struggles faced by Black women

Because, like, we've created this reality
Reflecting on the societal constructs and expectations that have shaped the experiences of Black women

That walks away from us being clear
Describing how society often fails to recognize and appreciate the true significance and power of Black women

About the fact that the Black woman is actually
Asserting the undeniable truth that Black women hold immense importance and influence

The goddess on this planet (absolutely)
Elevating Black women to the status of divine beings, acknowledging their central role in creation and existence

The mitochondrial information that's requisite
Referring to the vital genetic information passed down maternally, which is crucial for the development of all human beings

To create every type of man
Recognizing the fundamental role Black women play in shaping the lives and identities of all individuals

That exists on this planet is derivative of hers (absolutely)
Emphasizing that all forms of life owe their existence and essence to the power and influence of Black women

Right? So, we actually have to sit there figuring out
Reflecting on the necessary task of recalibrating collective understanding and recognizing the true source of power

Which being on this planet actually constitutes God?
Questioning the traditionally-held concept of God and seeking a deeper understanding of divinity

And that term, if we're framing it in that way
Considering the perception and definition of the term 'God'

The actual living God on this planet
Recognizing that the embodiment of divinity can be found in the living beings of Black women

The only direction you can point in is the direction of the Black woman
Acknowledging that Black women are, in fact, the true manifestation of divinity and should be revered and honored

Firstly like, us as an extension of her, but firstly her, right?
Affirming the interconnectedness of all individuals to Black women and stressing the primary position they hold in the hierarchy of divinity

Because none of it exists without her
Highlighting the indispensable role and contributions of Black women in the creation and sustenance of life