Respiration
Black Star feat. Common Lyrics

People keep askin me, where's the underground? There's mad talented cats underground with that raw shit. Ya know what'm sayin? Bringin the raw skills. Ya know what I'm sayin? Really...
People often ask me where the underground talent is, but there are many skilled artists there, with raw and authentic styles. They truly bring their A-game.

To me, It's a Small Wonder, like Vicki, why I'm picky
I'm really selective, and it's a mystery as to why (like a character from the show 'Small Wonder'), but I won't compromise my standards.

These niggas suck like kitty, and still get the shit they slip in like Mickies
Some artists are terrible, but still manage to succeed by being sneaky and underhanded.

I'm sick of the hater-players, bring on the regulators
I'm tired of fake people who criticize and tear down, I want to collaborate with those who bring positive energy and regulate the game.

With the flavors like a farm team fucking with the majors
My skills are so impressive, I have the potential to reach the highest level, like a minor league team competing with professional players.

Like a river how I run through it, I do it so cold
I flow through my music like a powerful force, with a cool and collected approach.

Freezin up your bodily fluids, your style is old
My style is so fresh and innovative that it could freeze your body fluids, in contrast to the stale and outdated styles of other artists.

You runnin your mouth, but don't really know what you be talkin about
Some people talk a lot, but don't actually have the knowledge or expertise to back up their claims.

Yo, with the quickness, so swift you miss this lyrical fitness
I'm so quick and agile with my lyrical prowess that it's easy to miss.

Now get this, these emcees want to test me like litmus, bear witness
Other rappers want to challenge and test me, like a litmus test, but they will see the results.

I'm like shot clocks, interstate cops, and blood clots
I'm like a shot clock in basketball, always counting down, like cops patrolling on interstates, and like blood clots in the body, always present and preventing worse injury.

My point is, your flow can stop!
What I'm saying is, your flow isn't good enough to keep up with me.

In full effect, I stay catchin lyrical rep
I'm always on top of my game, catching attention and praise for my lyrical ability.

And keep it blacker than the back of your neck
I keep it real and authentic, with a rawness and edge that reflects my identity as a black artist.

Cause we developin the followin gettin played like ?stones? off tapes and ?dollar vans?
We're building a dedicated fanbase, with people playing our music like classic music from old mixtapes and cheap dollar store cassettes.

I'll reverse you, universal, your demise is first
I can flip the script on you, with a universal message that calls out your downfall before it happens.

Before your rise gets worse
Before your reputation and career gets even worse.

You need a night nurse like Gregory, beggin me Stop it hurts, what you say to me?
You need someone like a nurse to help you deal with the pain and damage I'm inflicting on you.

Like that's supposed to mean something
You're grasping at straws, trying to make sense of what's happening.

You don't want to scene, frontin in the club
Don't act up in public, trying to put on a tough front.

Your actin, I don't buy it, I got the Dub
I see through your fake behavior and excuses, I've got the proof.

Come on everybody, come on and show your love *repeat 4X*
Let's all come together and support each other.

[Common] Visions occupy my semantic's space Command and shake, to illustrate my mind's landscape
My mind is full of ambitious plans and ideas, which I express through my lyrics.

The tall grass, the low plains, the mountanous ridges Thickets among the forests, rivers beneath the bridges
My mind is like a natural landscape, with tall grasses, low valleys, mountainous ridges, thicket-like forests, and flowing rivers.

Presence of hilltops, lit up with tree tops Eavesdrop; and hear the incline of sunshine, nine
There are even hilltops with trees shining in the sun, and if you listen carefully you can hear the sun's incline.

Stones in orbit, refuse to forfeit They all form a cipher, and they came to observe it
My thoughts and ideas revolve around like orbiting stones, never giving up. They all come together in a cipher of creativity.

I follow suit, and face it, embrace it Shinin bright, but still I'm careful not to waste it
I embrace my creativity and talent, but I also stay humble and careful not to squander it.

Destined to rise, because I'm basement adjacent Spirit is still so just chill and be patient
My success is inevitable because I'm already close to the top, but I stay grounded and patient.

Some heads approach like I'm the one to base with Clowns about, screamin but don't say shit
Some people come to me for guidance and inspiration, but others are just loud and empty-headed.

I ain't your student so I ain't to be tested I'm majestic, I represent my strength without ?Epitmass?
Don't try to test me like I'm some kind of student. I'm confident and powerful, and I don't need other people's validation.

Method is unorthodox, but of course it rocks My serious synopsis will drop kick, my topics
My approach may be unconventional, but it still works. My serious messages will hit hard and make an impact.

Run the gauntlets and galvanize the audience I must represent, I don't come off with no corniness
I take on challenges and energize the audience. I represent myself and my message in an authentic and non-contrived way.

I'm all luminary, despite commentary Some people say, Mos how you get so? My sign will make you jump around like calypso And murmur to yourself like a schizo
I'm like a shining star, even if critics try to bring me down. My unique style is mesmerizing and infectious, making people dance and react.

There ain't no bottom on the ???
The bottomless nature of this imagery emphasizes the depth and limitless potential of my mind.

Come on, come on, come on, come on. Here we go. Blackstar, hop on the Blackstar line. We bout to take y'all home. Ya know what I mean? Here we go...
Let's go! Join Blackstar and let us transport you to new heights of musical experience.