Black Star arose from the underground movement of the late 1990s, which was in large part due to Rawkus Records, an independent record label stationed in New York City, NY, USA. They released their self titled debut album in 1998. Though the record achieved little commercial success, they (and other members of the Native Tongues Posse) helped shape underground alternative rap and helped bring it further into the mainstream eye. Both have gone on to greater commercial and critical success in separate solo careers.
A sample on the album from the film Chameleon Street has generated the often repeated and often misattributed quote, "I'm a victim brother. I'm a victim of 400 years of conditioning. The man has programmed my conditioning. Even my conditioning has been conditioned!"
Most recently Mos and Kweli appeared together in the movie Dave Chappelle's Block Party, alongside Jill Scott, Dead Prez and The Fugees, among others. They even contributed a new song, "Born & Raised", to the movie's soundtrack.
In November 2009, members and collaborators of Black Star released a collaboration album with the alt-blues/rock band, The Black Keys, under the title "The Blakroc Project." Project members included RZA, Jim Jones, Mos Def, Q-Tip, and others.
According to hip hop website TheSituation.co.uk, Kweli has said that a new Black Star album is "in the pipeline". On Talib Kweli's Myspace he posted up a video saying that "We're going to find Mos Def and put it on camera that there will be a second Black Star album. Black Star released their second album titled entitled No Fear of Time in 2022.
Discography
===========
Albums
Black Star (1998)
No Fear of Time (2022)
The Blakroc Project (2009) Collaborative album with The Black Keys
Singles
"Definition"(1998)
"Respiration" (1999)
Other collaborations
"Know That" from Mos Def's 1999 album, Black on Both Sides
"Joy" from Talib Kweli's 2002 album, Quality
"Supreme Supreme" from Talib Kweli's 2005 album, Right About Now
"Bright as the Stars" from Mos Def's 2005 single, "Ah Ha"
"What It Is" from Talib Kweli's 2005 mixtape, The Beautiful Mixtape Vol. 2
"Born & Raised" from the 2006 soundtrack, Dave Chappelle's Block Party
"This Means You", produced by DJ Hi-Tek on the album Train Of Thought
"What's Beef", live from Chappelle's Show
"Get By [remix]", from Kanye West's mixtape Freshman Adjustment 3
"Gitcha, Gitcha, Gitcha", from Talib Kweli's 2004 album The Beautiful Struggle
"Little Brother", The Hurricane
"History" from Mos Def's 2009 album The Ecstatic.
There is another band with the same name:
2) A dark rock band, formed in Jakarta, Indonesia (2000), based on the common taste of its members, Emir (vocal), Aloel (guitar), Yudi (guitar), Q-nos (bass), Ine (keyboard) and Roby (drum). They had always adored british bands such as Radiohead and Muse, and started playing to cover their music. The name "Black Star" itself was taken from a track in Radihead's album, The Bends.
In 2005, they started recording their own material. Swiftly they gained attention of indie music community and acquired got good reviews by the media, especially for their single "Schizofrenia". Their long-anticipated debut album has been released in March 2009. The first single from the album, Abnormal Aku, in collaboration with Cholil Mahmud from Efek Rumah Kaca, was a huge success in local indie scene. The album has a theme of diseases, from biological, social to psychological diseases. This shows the empathy from the band towards their surrounding envronment.
Their second album, titled "Luar Angkasa", was released on 14th February 2016 with Demajors Independent Music Industry (DIMI).
Free tracks can be downloaded at their offical website, http://www.blackstarid.com.
Buy their album at http://cdbaby.com/cd/blackstarpop
Brown Skin Lady
Black Star Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yes
Where you goin'
This goes to the brown skin ladies
Brown skin lady
Yo, indigenous women of the planet earth
What you doin?
Givin' birth to the brown skin ladies first
For what it's worth, from me to you
How do you feel?
From me to you, watchin you
I like the, I like the, I like the, I like the
Way you walk, yes, I live the way you move
I like the way you walk, when you walk on by
I like the way you move, I like the way you move
I like the, I like the, I like the, I like the
And everybody on the avenue, I know, when they see us sing
Everybody on the avenue, I know, when they see us sing, there she is
Fresher than Tony Rebel's vegetables at African street festivals
Where incredible women is, plentiful
Over the years I met a few, none of them compare to you
Preparing you to make fruit bearable, somethin terrible, let's see
You fruitful, beautiful, smart, lovable, huggable
Doable like art, suitable to be part
Of my life, Coppertone owe you copyright infringement, pay
You been this tan since way back in the day
It's like I'm standin' there you know appreciatin' God's design
And then you showed up, it's like you read my mind
Damn she's fine, I think I add the R-E, in front of that
And see if she D, to get, with a cat like me
I like the, I like the, I like the, I like the
Way you walk, yes, I live the way you move
I like the way you walk, when you walk on by
I like the way you move, I like the way you move
I like the, I like the, I like the, I like the
Way you walk, please, won't you do that dance
I like the way you walk, when you walk on by
I like the way you move, I like you baby
And everybody on the avenue, I know, when they see us sing
Everybody on the avenue, I know, when they see us sing, there she is
Ooh! Damn baby girl, look at you!
Comin on the block lookin fresh and brand new
Ooh! Headwrap cover your hairdo
Pretty feet peekin' through open-toed shoe
Ooh! No limit to what I would do
Make love to you like long interview
Wooh! Is she for real, me like you
Good look champion, win the title
True, many man try invite you
Shot down lyric each time they cyph you
Jewel, what man, ya get born inside zoo?
Feet they walk way and just let she pass through
Ooh! can't be a next one like you
Famous like tapes made by DJ Clue
I tighten up my game as I approach you
Yo check her she the nectar the bee get close to
I don't get many compliments, but I am confident
Used to have a complex about, gettin' too complex
You got me, willin' to try, looked me in the eye
My head is still in the sky, since you walked on by
I'm feelin high, got my imagination flickerin' like hot flames
It's how it seems, you make me wanna ride the Coltrane to A Love Supreme
My brown lady, creates environments, for
Happy brown babies, I know it sounds crazy
But your skin's the inspiration for cocoa butter
You provoke a brother we should get to know one another
I discover when I bring you through my people say true, all I can say
Is all praise due I thank you god for a beauty like you
Brown skin lady
Yes
Where you goin
This goes to the brown skin ladies
Brown skin lady
On the planet earth today, yes
What you doin?
Brown skin lady
How do you feel?
I like the, I like the, I like the, I like the
Way you walk, yes, I live the way you move
I like the way you walk, when you walk on by
I like the way you move, I like the way you move
I like the, I like the, I like the, I like the
Way you walk, yes, please do that dance
I like the way you walk, when you walk on by
I like the way you move, I like you baby
And everybody on the avenue, I know, when they see us sing
Everybody on the avenue, I know, when they see us sing, there she is
There she is, she's a brown skinned lady
Such a brown skinned lady
She's a brown skinned lady
The song "Brown Skin Lady" by Black Star is an ode to brown-skinned women around the world. Throughout the song, the artists express their admiration for brown-skinned women and discuss the beauty, intelligence, and strength they possess. The song opens with the line, "Brown skin lady, hey hey, yes, where you goin'," which immediately sets the tone for a celebration of brown-skinned women.
The first verse goes on to acknowledge the vital role that brown-skinned women play in the world, including giving birth to more brown-skinned women. The second verse continues with compliments and admiration for these women, comparing them to the freshest vegetables at African street festivals and discussing their intelligence, beauty, and lovability. The chorus repeats the phrase "I like the way you walk, I like the way you move," further emphasizing the physical and emotional attraction the artists have for brown-skinned women.
Overall, "Brown Skin Lady" is a powerful celebration of women of color and the many ways in which they contribute to the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Brown skin lady, hey hey
Acknowledging the presence of a beautiful brown skin lady
Yes
Where you goin'
Asking where the brown skin lady is going
This goes to the brown skin ladies
Brown skin lady
Dedicated to all the beautiful brown skin ladies
Yo, indigenous women of the planet earth
Addressing the original women of the world
What you doin'?
Givin' birth to the brown skin ladies first
Recognizing and appreciating the essential role of brown skin ladies as the origin of humanity
For what it's worth, from me to you
How do you feel?
Expressing a sincere sentiment and asking how the brown skin lady feels
From me to you, watchin you
I like the, I like the, I like the, I like the
Admiring and expressing a liking for the brown skin lady
Way you walk, yes, I live the way you move
Appreciating the way the brown skin lady walks and moves
I like the way you walk, when you walk on by
I like the way you move, I like the way you move
Continuing to express a liking for the way the brown skin lady walks and moves
And everybody on the avenue, I know, when they see us sing
Everybody on the avenue, I know, when they see us sing, there she is
Noting that the brown skin lady is a recognized and admired figure
Fresher than Tony Rebel's vegetables at African street festivals
Where incredible women is, plentiful
Extoling the freshness and beauty of the brown skin lady, and comparing it to the colorful and vibrant African street festivals
Over the years I met a few, none of them compare to you
Comparing the brown skin lady to others encountered in the past, and noting her unique qualities and beauty
Preparing you to make fruit bearable, somethin terrible, let's see
You fruitful, beautiful, smart, lovable, huggable
Doable like art, suitable to be part
Suggesting that the brown skin lady is a force of nature, capable of bearing fruit and inspiring great things, and praising her qualities
Of my life, Coppertone owe you copyright infringement, pay
You been this tan since way back in the day
Jokingly suggesting that the makers of sun tan lotion owe the brown skin lady for her natural beauty, which has been present since ancient times
It's like I'm standin' there you know appreciatin' God's design
And then you showed up, it's like you read my mind
Describing the feeling of seeing the brown skin lady and realizing that she is a perfect example of God's creation
Damn she's fine, I think I add the R-E, in front of that
And see if she D, to get, with a cat like me
Complimenting the brown skin lady and humorously playing with words to express his interest
Way you walk, please, won't you do that dance
I like the way you move, I like you baby
Asking the brown skin lady to dance and expressing admiration for her movements and presence
Ooh! Damn baby girl, look at you!
Comin on the block lookin fresh and brand new
Ooh! Headwrap cover your hairdo
Pretty feet peekin' through open-toed shoe
Noting the brown skin lady's freshness and beauty, and admiring her headwrap and pretty feet
Ooh! No limit to what I would do
Make love to you like long interview
Wooh! Is she for real, me like you
Expressing a strong desire for the brown skin lady and hinting at a lasting relationship
Good look champion, win the title
True, many man try invite you
Shot down lyric each time they cyph you
Jewel, what man, ya get born inside zoo?
Recognizing the beauty and worth of the brown skin lady, and noting that many others have tried and failed to win her affection
Feet they walk way and just let she pass through
Ooh! can't be a next one like you
Famous like tapes made by DJ Clue
Noting the uniqueness and beauty of the brown skin lady, and comparing her to other rare and valuable things
I tighten up my game as I approach you
Yo check her she the nectar the bee get close to
Expressing a desire to impress the brown skin lady and comparing her to a desirable flower
I don't get many compliments, but I am confident
Used to have a complex about, gettin' too complex
You got me, willin' to try, looked me in the eye
My head is still in the sky, since you walked on by
Confessing a lack of confidence and a history of overthinking, but expressing a willingness to try and improve, thanks to the brown skin lady's influence
I'm feelin high, got my imagination flickerin' like hot flames
It's how it seems, you make me wanna ride the Coltrane to A Love Supreme
Describing the feeling of excitement and inspiration that the brown skin lady inspires
My brown lady, creates environments, for
Happy brown babies, I know it sounds crazy
But your skin's the inspiration for cocoa butter
You provoke a brother we should get to know one another
Praising the brown skin lady for her ability to create a positive environment and inspire happiness, and jokingly attributing the inspiration for cocoa butter to her
I discover when I bring you through my people say true, all I can say
Is all praise due I thank you god for a beauty like you
Noting that others also recognize and admire the brown skin lady's beauty, and expressing gratitude to God for creating such a wonderful person
Where you goin
On the planet earth today, yes
Asking the brown skin lady where she is headed, and noting that she is a valued and important presence on Earth
Way you walk, yes, please do that dance
There she is, she's a brown skinned lady
Such a brown skinned lady
She's a brown skinned lady
Once again expressing admiration for the brown skin lady's movement and presence, and acknowledging her unique beauty and worth
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Dante Smith, Gil Scott-Heron, Talib Kweli Greene, Jason Rawls, Gil Scott Heron, Talib Kweli
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind