Nag Champa
Common Lyrics

Excite-ting, enlight-ning, invite-ing
This song is exciting, enlightening, and inviting

I'm writing shit that I feel
Common is writing the truth

Raps are black steel in the hour of commotion, the motion of Com
Common's raps are strong and meaningful during times of chaos and commotion

Is like that of a ocean devotion cause I'm
Common's devotion to his craft is like the vast expanse of the ocean

The earth, wind, and fire
Common encompasses the elements of nature and has the power to ignite passion in his music

Of hip hop, by Rakim and Short, I been inspired
Rakim and Too Short have inspired Common's approach to hip hop

My shit knocks environ---ments
Common's music impacts people and their surrounding environments

Of cats with seventeen's tint, time is money
Common is aware of those who value material things and believes time is valuable

The mind is funny, how it's spent on getting it
People often prioritize obtaining material things over more important things in life

It's sitting with descendants of Abraham
Common is sitting with people of the same faith as him

Who say the jam is "money, cash, hoes"
Others focus on materialism and value money, cash, and women more than anything else

I went from bashful to asshole to international lover-self
Common has become more confident and assertive over time, but also values love

Word to the mother on my last record cover, it's felt
Common's last album resonated with listeners

Now deal with it
The truth may be uncomfortable, but it must be faced

I wanna get into it Let's do this I wanna see you move it So move it So let's just get into it Let's do this Can you feel the music?
Common wants his listeners to engage with the music and feel its effect

In this never-ending battle to please Niggas, magazine writers, emcees Who request hot shit, I freeze
Common struggles to meet the expectations of others in the music industry

And tell them where I was rose, we always said cold Hold your horses and your carriages This never-went-gold nigga rocks shows care-less
Common remains grounded and doesn't let the pressures of the industry affect his performances

You not gon' respect self, at least respect the heritage Affecting lives is where the wealth and the merit is
Common values self-respect and the importance of heritage, and believes true success is measured by how much you positively impact others

I realize what I portray day to day, I gotta carry this And beats, rhymes and life is where the marriage is
Common understands the importance of being a positive role model and believes his music is where his values and artistry meet

Had dreams of fucking R&B broads, it came true Journalist I wreck, shared the same view
Common has achieved his musical aspirations and has also gained respect from those in the media

Picked up a fallen angel on the path that I emcee Familiar voice, come to find out the angel was me
Common has found his inner strength and true identity

Some say "You changing, Rashid" Times are, we still close I rhyme far, away away away From what you accustomed to hearing everyday, uh-ah You know the dope-choppin, gun-poppin, homies dying I'm amongst it, save the war stories for Private Ryan, INI
Some criticize Common for changing, but he distances himself from negative stereotypes and prefers to focus on positive change through his music

Women cry, children laugh, men dance I refuse to lose self and try to win fans Over, weight on my shoulder fluctuates like Oprah's My refrigerator poetry's magnetic like ultra
Common values staying true to himself and his art, not just trying to win popularity

You couldn't hang if you was a poster Posing like a bitch for exposure
People who pretend to be someone they're not will not be able to handle the pressure

It's rumors of gay emcees, just don't come around me with it You still rockin hickies, don't let me find out he did it
Common doesn't want to be involved with rumors or anything that contradicts his values

Got my eyes on the tiger, eyes on the prize Eyes on the thighs, of Mary J. Blige Imagining how good the cat must be Stop eatin meat, lost weight, but I still rap husky
Common is focused on his goals and also admires Mary J. Blige, but is also taking care of his health

My verse depth, is that of a baby's first step Or the old lady who died and the nurse wept I flow like cursive writing, inviting you and yours to my openess Shows allow me to cop range like a vocalist
Common's music is both raw and emotional, and he connects with listeners on a deep level. His live shows allow him to explore his range as an artist

But man does not live on bread alone What good is a range when it's time to head home?
Success means more than material possessions, and ultimately, what truly matters is returning home to the people who love and support you