Aural Pleasure
Blackalicious Lyrics

(Release)
The repetition of '(Release)' sets the tone for the song and emphasizes the theme of letting go and moving forward.

Prevalent melanin elephant bailin
Referring to the black community and their struggle to break free from societal constraints.

And carrying sedatives that'll give average lettermen callouses
Using their powerful music and lyrics to provide relief and strength to those who are oppressed.

Wrecking with savageness, catalyst
Unleashing their fierce and impactful music as a catalyst for change.

Battling rappers'll stagger right after the dagger is left in it
Taking on other rappers in battles and leaving them stunned and defeated.

Cherish ? (Release) Attica
Referencing the 1971 Attica Prison riot, where inmates fought for their rights and freedom. Encouraging the listeners to cherish their own liberation.

Shatter your algebra with calculus (give it up)
Breaking down societal norms and formulas, urging listeners to let go of preconceived notions and embrace new perspectives.

Damage your pattern I'm pounding you so fabulous (give it up)
Disrupting the established patterns and norms, displaying incredible skill and confidence.

Enough is enough is enough and I'm busting up outta this shell
Expressing frustration with the current state of affairs and the desire to break free from limitations and constraints.

In eruption and rupture your structure the fuck with you (Release)
Causing chaos and destruction to the existing structures that hold listeners back. Urging them to let go and free themselves.

Up in you and cut you a costumer
Getting under your skin and exposing the true nature of the listener's actions and choices.

Huffing and puffing, discussing absolutely nothing, disgusting
Disapproving of meaningless and shallow conversations, emphasizing the need for more substance.

Plus I'm feeling me rushing up in your country percussion
Asserting their presence and influence in the music industry with their unique style and rhythm.

No woman gets struck in the boundaries
Rejecting the mistreatment and oppression of women, promoting equality and respect.

Wake up if your lunging, I'm something, you're nothing (Release)
Challenging listeners to wake up and realize their potential, highlighting their own significance and dismissing those who contribute nothing.

Now come see grunting, I'm hunting
Inviting others to witness their talent and dedication as they strive for success.

For one emcees running
Targeting other rappers who try to compete or run away from the challenge.

I'm stomping my foot through your army
Showing dominance and overpowering any opposition or obstacles.

They couldn't have stopped me with shoties
Asserting their invincibility, stating that no amount of weapons or resistance could hinder their progress.

Oddity, why did he, why do these entire societies inside of societies
Questioning the existence and purpose of the subcultures and hierarchies within society.

And survivors still remain alive (Release) emcees
Acknowledging the resilience of those who persevere through struggles and hardships in the music industry.

Thriving to flow, opting to go
Choosing to embrace their talent and pursue their artistic aspirations rather than conforming to societal expectations.

Five hundred and fifty-five syllables to go
Counting down the syllables and emphasizing the magnitude of their lyrical skills and the journey that lies ahead.

Split em' with subliminal intentional dentinal pro
Using clever and subconscious messaging to have a profound impact on listeners.

Unlimited flow unriveted, inhibited, vindited
Expressing their limitless creativity and flow, free from constraints and inhibition.

Now you can't get rid of it like (Release) business
Asserting the lasting impact of their music and declaring that it cannot be ignored or erased.

Magnificent, intimate, in it with, in a minute, gonna be in a nicks
Emphasizing their exceptional talent and passion for the art, expressing their dedication to their craft.

In it with a gig, big fat heads like eggs Benedict
Referencing their success and prominence, comparing their heads to the rich and creamy dish.

Pigs lick shit, rip with words in a bismol energy
Mocking those who engage in meaningless activities and use empty words, comparing them to pigs.

It's time I society beats release
Highlighting the power of their music and how it can inspire and liberate listeners from societal pressures and constraints.

Inner breathlessness, outer restlessness
Describing the internal struggles and anxieties faced while trying to find personal freedom and peace.

By the time I caught up to freedom I was out of breath
Expressing the difficulty and exhaustion experienced while striving for freedom and liberation.

Grandma asked me what I'm running for
Reflecting on the motivations and reasons for seeking freedom and personal growth.

I guess I'm out for the same thing the sun is sunning for
Comparing personal freedom and growth to the natural and inevitable process of the sun rising and setting.

What mothers birth their youngens for
Highlighting the universal desire for children to have a better future and the responsibility of parents to create a nurturing environment.

And some say Jesus coming for
Referencing religious beliefs and the hope for a savior or divine intervention in troubled times.

For all I know the earth is spinning slow
Expressing a sense of uncertainty and curiosity about the world and its mechanisms.

Suns at half mast 'cause masses ain't aglow
Metaphorically suggesting that the lack of unity and enlightenment among people dulls the overall brightness and potential of society.

On bended knee, prostrate before an altered tree
Symbolizing submission and reverence towards a transformed or enlightened state of being.

I've made the forest suit me
Taking control and adapting the environment to fit their own needs and desires.

Tables and chairs, papers and prayers
Representing the different elements of human existence and the various aspects of life that shape and influence our experiences.

Matter versus spirit, a metal ladder
Exploring the dichotomy between physical reality and spiritual enlightenment, using a ladder as a metaphorical tool to bridge the gap.

A wooden cross, a plastic bottle of water
Contrasting religious symbols with mundane objects, questioning the significance and value we assign to different things.

A mandala encased in glass
Depicting a spiritual symbol surrounded by a protective barrier, highlighting the fragility and preciousness of inner peace and enlightenment.

A spirit encased in flesh
Acknowledging the human experience and the complex relationship between the physical and spiritual aspects of existence.

Sound from shaped hollows
Referring to the music created with instruments and the power of sound to evoke emotions and touch the soul.

The thickest of mucus released from heightened passion
Describing the intense emotions and energy that can be released through creative expression, using a bodily metaphor.

A man that cries in his sleep
Illustrating vulnerability and the ability to express deep emotions even in moments of vulnerability and subconsciousness.

A truth that has gone out of fashion
Commenting on the disregarded value of honesty and authenticity in modern society.

A mode of expression
Highlighting the importance of different forms of artistic expression in conveying thoughts, emotions, and ideas.

A paint splattered wall
Symbolizing the creative process and the chaos and beauty that can result from artistic endeavors.

A carton of cigarettes
Representing addiction and the harmful habits and vices that people indulge in.

A bouquet of corpses
Metaphorically depicting the hidden darkness and violence that exists alongside life's beauty and joy.

A dying forest
Symbolizing the destruction and loss of nature due to human activities and neglect.

A nurtured garden
Portraying the contrast between destruction and growth, highlighting the potential for transformation and renewal.

A privatized prison
Critiquing the privatization of prisons and the profits made from the incarceration and exploitation of marginalized individuals.

A candle with a broken wick
Symbolizing a loss of hope or the struggle to keep a flame of inspiration alive in the face of adversity.

A puddle that reflects the sun
Capturing the beauty of small, natural moments that can bring joy and reflect the greater forces in the world.

A piece of paper with my name on it
Signifying the personal identity and significance attached to a simple piece of paper having one's name written on it.

I'm surrounded
Emphasizing the feeling of being overwhelmed and encompassed by the complexities and challenges of life.

I surrender
Acknowledging vulnerability and the need to let go of control or resistance in order to find peace.

All that I am I have been
Reflecting on the journey of self-discovery and the realization that one's identity is shaped by past experiences and growth.

All I have been has been a long time coming
Highlighting the time and effort it takes to fully understand oneself and embrace personal growth.

I am becoming all that I am
Expressing the ongoing process of self-discovery and self-acceptance, striving to become the truest version of oneself.

The spittle that surrounds the mouth-piece of the flute
Using a poetic metaphor to describe the sounds and essence of music as it is played, focusing on the details and nuances.

Unheard, yet felt
Acknowledging the powerful emotional impact that music can have even without being able to fully articulate or understand it.

A gathered wetness
Describing the emotional energy and intensity that can be felt through music, using a sensory description.

A quiet moisture
Portraying the subtlety and delicate nature of the emotions conveyed through music, emphasizing the calming effect it can have.

Sound trapped in a bubble
Depicting the transient and delicate nature of music, as if it is contained and preserved in a fragile bubble.

Released into wind
Symbolizing the freedom and liberation that comes from sharing music with the world and allowing it to be carried away.

Wind fellows and land merchants
Referring to the different elements of nature that interact with or are influenced by music, highlighting its universal impact.

We are history's detergent
Comparing music to a cleansing agent that can wash away the stains of history and illuminate new possibilities.

Water soluble, light particles, articles of cleansing breath
Describing music as a transformative and healing force, capable of dissolving barriers and purifying the soul.

Articles amending death
Highlighting the power of music to challenge mortality and transcend the limitations of life.

These words are not tools of communication
Challenging the conventional purpose of language and suggesting that it goes beyond simple communication, rather serving as instruments of expression.

They are shards of metal
Metaphorically representing the power and intensity of words, capable of cutting through barriers and leaving a lasting impact.

Dropped from eight story windows
Emphasizing the force and velocity at which these words are released, suggesting their potential to shock or provoke change.

They are waterfalls and gas leaks
Depicting the varying nature of words, capable of flowing gracefully like waterfalls or causing chaos like gas leaks.

Aged thoughts rolled in tobacco leaf
Comparing the profound wisdom and knowledge conveyed through words to the aging process of tobacco leaves rolled into cigarettes.

The tools of a trade
Acknowledging that words are the primary tools used in the art of music and poetry, essential for conveying messages and emotions.

Barbers barred, barred of barters
Utilizing wordplay and puns to hint at the restrictions and limitations that may be imposed on artists, preventing them from freely expressing themselves.

Catch phrases and misunderstandings
Highlighting the superficial and shallow nature of popular catch phrases and the tendency for miscommunication and misinterpretation.

But they are not what I feel when I am alone
Acknowledging that words alone cannot fully capture or convey the depth of emotions and thoughts experienced when one is alone.

Surrounded by everything and nothing
Describing the simultaneous feeling of being surrounded by overwhelming sensory stimuli while also feeling a sense of emptiness and isolation.

And there isn't a word or phrase to be caught
Expressing the difficulty of finding the right words to encompass or explain these complex experiences and emotions.

A verse to be recited
Describing the challenge of finding a poem or lyric that can effectively capture and express these personal moments of introspection.

A man to de-fill my being in those moments
Expressing the longing for human connection and companionship, particularly in moments of vulnerability and self-reflection.

I am blankness, the contained center of an 'O'
Describing a state of emptiness and openness, resembling the letter 'O' at its core, ready to be filled with meaning and purpose.

The pyramidic containment of an 'A'
Symbolizing the structure and stability of the letter 'A', representing a solid foundation and the potential for growth and progress.

I stand in the middle of all that I have learned
Reflecting on the accumulation of knowledge and experiences, existing as a central point of understanding and growth.

All that I have memorized
Acknowledging the retention of information and wisdom accumulated over time.

All that I've known by heart
Emphasizing the deep familiarity and personal connection to the knowledge and experiences that have shaped one's identity.

Unable to reach any of it
Expressing the frustration of feeling disconnected or unable to utilize or access the knowledge or memories that have been acquired.

There is no sadness
Emphasizing a state of emotional neutrality or detachment, indicating the absence of sadness or negative emotions.

There is no bliss
Similar to the previous line, suggesting that there is also an absence of extreme happiness or fulfillment.

It is a forgotten memory
Describing the fleeting nature of memories or knowledge that have been lost or buried in the depths of one's mind.

A memorable escape route that only is found by not looking
Referencing the idea that sometimes we can only find the answers or solutions we seek when we stop actively searching for them, allowing them to come to us naturally.

There, in the spine of the dictionary the words are worthless
Metaphorically representing the insignificance of words or definitions found in a traditional dictionary, indicating a deeper need for personal experiences and self-discovery.

They are a mere weight pressing against my thoughtlessness
Suggesting that relying solely on external definitions or explanations can hinder true reflection and introspection, acting as a burden rather than a source of enlightenment.

But then, who else can speak of thoughtlessness with such confidence
Reflecting on the paradoxical nature of thoughtlessness, asserting their unique ability to explore the subconscious and embrace the unknown with confidence.

Who else has learned to sling these ancient ideas
Recognizing the value and power of timeless wisdom and knowledge, and the ability to effectively convey these ideas through their art.

Like dead rats held by their tails
Using a vivid simile to compare ancient ideas to lifeless creatures, suggesting that they still retain value and impact even when handled with a sense of detachment.

So as not to infect this newly oiled skin
Preserving their individuality and protecting themselves from external influences that may compromise their authenticity and creative expression.

I can think of nothing heavier than an airplane
Metaphorically comparing the weight and significance of an airplane to the profound thoughts and ideas that weigh on the artist's mind.

I can think of no greater conglomerate of steel and metal
Highlighting the power and technological advancements represented by an airplane, metaphorically expressing the magnitude and impact of their thoughts and ideas.

I can think of nothing less likely to fly
Paradoxically suggesting that despite the weight and significance, these thoughts and ideas may not always take flight and reach their intended audience.

There are no wings more weighted
Emphasizing the heavy burden and responsibility carried by those who possess powerful ideas and unique perspectives, symbolizing the weight of accountability.

I too have felt a heaviness
Acknowledging their own emotional burdens and struggles, connecting their personal experiences to the weighty nature of their thoughts and ideas.

The stare of man guessing at my being
Describing the scrutiny and judgment faced by the artist, with others trying to decipher their true essence and intentions.

Yes I am homeless
Revealing a personal truth, emphasizing the feeling of displacement and longing for a sense of belonging.

A homeless man making offerings to the after-future
Metaphorically representing the artist's role in creating and shaping the future through their work, despite feeling disconnected or excluded from the present.

Sculpting rubber tree forests out of worn tires and shoe soles
Symbolizing the artist's ability to transform discarded or forgotten materials into something meaningful and beautiful, creating a sense of purpose and unity.

A nation unified in exhale
Highlighting the power of collective breath and shared experiences, emphasizing the potential for unity and harmony.

A cloud of smoke
Using smoke as a symbol of transformation and impermanence, representing the artist's ability to leave an indelible mark or influence on society.

A native pipe ceremony
Referencing indigenous spiritual practices and the symbolic significance of a ceremonial gathering for the artist and their audience.

All the gathered cigarette butts piled in heaps
Representing the accumulation of discarded or forgotten ideas, experiences, and struggles, highlighting the potential for renewal and transformation.

Snow covered mountains
Describing the beauty and purity of nature, representing the artist's inspiration and connection to the natural world.

Lipsticks smeared and shriveled
Depicting the ephemeral and fleeting nature of beauty and expression, suggesting that external appearances can be deceiving or transient.

Offerings to an afterworld
Symbolizing the artist's creative endeavors as a form of tribute or communication with a realm beyond the physical world.

Tattoo guns and plastic wrappers
Highlighting the contrast between permanent and temporary forms of expression, representing the artist's tools and materials.

Broken zippers and dead eyed dolls
Metaphorically representing the flaws and brokenness within society and individuals, emphasizing the artist's ability to expose and confront these truths.

It's all overwhelming me, oak and elming me
Expressing the feeling of being overwhelmed and confronted by the challenges and complexities of life, using trees as symbols of strength and stability.

I have seeded a forest of myself
Metaphorically representing the artist's growth and influence, planting the seeds of their own identity and creativity within their work and the world.

Little books from tall trees
Symbolizing the profound insights and wisdom contained within the artist's creations, despite their seemingly small physical form.

It matters not what this paper be made of
Asserting that the physical attributes or material composition of the paper are inconsequential, as it is the words and ideas that hold true value and significance.

Give me notebooks made of human flesh
Metaphorically representing the desire for genuine, raw, and authentic experiences and interactions as valuable sources of inspiration and creativity.

Dried on steel hooks and nooses
Using powerful imagery to evoke feelings of vulnerability and the desperation to capture and preserve human experiences and emotions for artistic expression.

Make uses of use, uses of us
Playing with language and wordplay to highlight the reciprocal relationship between artists and their work, as well as the value of art in shaping individual and collective identities.

Motivate, accelerate, never wait, know your weight, throw away hate
Encouraging listeners to find their motivation, embrace change, and let go of negativity and self-doubt in order to pursue their goals and dreams.

Grow and make weight of your older dates
Emphasizing the importance of personal growth and learning from past experiences, using them as a foundation for future success.

Elevate, concentrate, get your focus straight, and orchestrate fate
Urging listeners to rise above distractions, stay focused, and take control of their destiny through intentional actions and decisions.

Just motivate, accelerate, never wait, show the way, no escape
Reiterating the need to find inner drive, embrace speed and progress, and lead by example, refusing to be held back or constrained.

Take hold and shift shape, live a longer day
Encouraging listeners to seize opportunities, adapt to change, and embrace personal transformation, which can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Astrologist, colleges follow this through the metropolis
Alluding to the artist's philosophical and intellectual journey, exploring the metaphysical and seeking knowledge and understanding throughout the urban landscape.

The dominant brown bomber, I'm in it, being prominent
Asserting their presence and influence as a talented artist, using wordplay to playfully reference their African American identity.

Walking it, mean walking it, clean the scene, stalking it
Demonstrating their confidence and skill in performing and dominating the rap scene, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.

Volcanic, got ya'll panicking, false canyon
Creating a sense of intensity and power, metaphorically likening their impact to a volcanic eruption and exposing the falseness and emptiness of their competitors.

And, awe wait, all day
Asserting their presence and ability to captivate listeners, waiting patiently while they build anticipation.

Outlandish bandits be slandering what we mastering cause they can't catch us
Addressing the criticism and jealousy directed at their success and skill, acknowledging that their detractors cannot match their talent and mastery.

They all pray for our downfall
Highlighting the envy and negativity that can arise from others' desire to see them fail, suggesting that their success threatens their competition.

Maybe one day, sike
Humorously dismissing the notion that their critics will ever witness their downfall or triumph over them.

You never get no balance if you're crooked so play right, snake
Implying that success and fulfillment can only be achieved by being honest and playing fair, suggesting that dishonesty and deceit are self-defeating.

I'm mongoosing on you, stormtrooping through your form
Comparing themselves to a mongoose, a clever and agile animal known for defeating larger opponents, indicating their ability to overpower and outwit their competitors.

Oncoming, enslaught, on one
Portraying their relentless and uncompromising approach, pushing forward and dominating the rap scene with their unique style and skill.

Chopping you, I'll tomahawk, trauma hawk
Using vivid and forceful imagery, symbolizing their powerful verbal attacks and the emotional impact it has on their opponents.

On running (?), rocking shit 'till I was born
Asserting their lifelong dedication to their craft, stating their commitment to making an impact and leaving a lasting legacy.

You're a Tom Thumb and I'm King Kong Bundy
Metaphorically comparing themselves to King Kong Bundy, a famous professional wrestler known for his size and strength, emphasizing their dominance and superiority.

Strong thunder, all summer long, keep on coming
Using powerful imagery to describe their relentless and unyielding presence, symbolizing the intensity and longevity of their impact.

Dawn, dusk, night, morning
Emphasizing their constant and unwavering presence throughout all moments of the day, indicating their commitment to their craft.

I'll bust tight poems
Highlighting their skill and ability to create powerful and impactful poetry, showcasing their lyrical mastery.

Raw, just might (?) ya'll
Asserting their uniqueness and originality, suggesting that their raw and authentic style sets them apart from others in the rap industry.

With the white motive, motivation
Using wordplay to suggest that their motivation and drive come from a pure and honorable place, contrasting the negative connotations associated with the color white.

(Release)
The repetition of '(Release)' at the end reinforces the central theme of letting go of inhibitions and embracing personal liberation and growth.