The Heat
Common (Feat Erykah Badu) Lyrics

One for the treble
Starting with something simple and easy, we begin with one element of music that is easy to identify by most people: the treble.

Two for the bass
Next, we add another basic element of music that accompanies the treble and adds depth to sound: the bass.

Three for the ladies
Now we introduce a new subject matter: women. It is clear that the lyrics will be addressing women in some way or another.

And Four for the blaze
Furthermore, we are introduced to another entirely new topic, 'the blaze'. We don't know much about this yet, only that it's important enough to be one of the song's key themes.

Yo yo yo
The lyrics take a turn towards a more conversational tone here, with the artist greeting their audience and introducing the song in a casual and friendly manner.

It's that heat, that heat, that heat, that heat
The chorus repeats a catchy phrase several times in order to introduce and further emphasize the song's core theme: 'the heat'.

The heat comin' thick down from sao paulo
The song's description of 'the heat' imagery continues, with this line depicting it as something that is thick and coming from the direction of Sao Paulo.

Bankin' new york shakin' up the apollo
The heat is powerful enough to even affect cities like New York, where it can cause disruptions to famous music venues such as the Apollo Theater.

Rhyme like night people bite and swallow
The subject matter shifts again, this time to the act of rapping. The lyrics compare rapping to the act of biting and swallowing, perhaps emphasizing its difficulty or intensity.

But the way to recite it is soundin' raw hollow
The style in which one raps is crucial to how it is received, and the lyrics suggest that a more raw, unpolished style is better for rapping than one that is too easy or 'hollow'.

Hollow like empty 40 ounce bottles
This simile continues the theme of hollowness and suggests that the missing content of the bottles is analogous to the missing elements of an empty, lifeless rap.

Holla at ya boy if you wanna date models
The lyrics shift back to discussing women, here specifically through the context of modeling. The artist is suggesting that they are attractive and successful enough to date models.

Brazilian beauties wit booties that wobble
The lyrics continue to describe the physical attributes of women and suggest a preference for Brazilians with 'booties that wobble'.

Booby like tooties that fog up ya goggles
This continues the focus on attributes of women, this time more sexually suggestive. The lyrics suggest that these women are so attractive that they can literally fog up one's goggles, or glasses.

Yea I keep it hot full throttle
This lyric suggests that 'keeping it hot' is important and that the artist is committed to it with his full force.

Beats bang out and keep yea head on bobble
This line emphasizes that the rhythm and tempo of the song is important and that listening to it will make your head bob back and forth.

Instrumentally I'm rich like lotto
The lyrics suggest that the instrumental/music aspect of the song is also crucial and that it is very rich and diverse, like winning the lottery.

Fundamentally I just can't follow
While the artist is confident in their ability to make music, they also recognize that there are elements that they may not fully understand or be able to recreate.

Or get sentimental when witnessing my bro's
The lyrics suggest that the artist is more business-oriented and less sentimental, even when interacting with friends or peers.

Divin, duckin, dodgin from hollow
The lyrics use wordplay to describe avoiding hollow (empty) things in life, much like one might 'dive, duck, and dodge' around obstacles.

Point bullets that turn bodies into john does
The lyrics shift to describing more violent imagery, suggesting that bullets can turn people into anonymous, unidentified individuals.

I stay positive and rock mics cause I go
Despite the violent imagery, the artist remains positive and focused on creating music that they are proud of.

So take off ya clothes
The lyrics return to the subject of women, shifting towards a more sexual focus.

Relax yea soul
The artist is suggesting that removing one's clothing can help them relax on a deeper level, perhaps spiritually.

Unwind yea spine
The lyrics suggest that taking off one's clothes and relaxing can help alleviate physical tension.

It's that heat comin' in slow motion
The theme of 'the heat' continues, but this time described as coming in slowly.

Barbecue yea body keep yea body straight roastin'
The lyrics compare the heat to a barbecue, suggesting that it is so intense that it can 'roast' your body.

Light skin hunny's get the sun tan lotion
The lyrics introduce the idea of skin color, suggesting that lighter-skinned women require more protection from the sun.

Dark skin hunny's in the summer no commotion
Dark-skinned women, on the other hand, do not need as much protection from the sun during the summer months as they are naturally more resistant to its rays.

You can catch me chillin' by the ocean
The artist is suggesting that they enjoy spending time relaxing by the ocean during summer months.

Wit Brazilian feminines sippin' on potions
The lyrics return to their earlier focus on Brazilian women, suggesting that the artist enjoys spending time with them and possibly drinking with them.

Girls lookin' like cinnamon toast
The lyrics suggest that the women in question are attractive in a way that reminds the artist of cinnamon toast, possibly implying a warm, comforting feeling.

And I got a little chocolate for yah cinnamon toast
The artist is comparing themselves to chocolate, suggesting that they are both dark and sweet, and that they would be a good match for someone who looks like cinnamon toast.

I got the notion to get real close
The artist is suggesting that they are attracted to someone and have a strong desire to get close to them.

That's a little ? motion don't mind if I boast
This lyric is difficult to interpret, but it suggests that the artist may be boasting or showing off in some way?

Baby I can be yea favorite host
The artist is confident in their ability to entertain and cater to the needs of women, suggesting that they could be someone's favorite host.

Break yea off wit a single or a freaky double dose
The lyrics shift back to a more sexual tone, suggesting that the artist is capable of satisfying their partner with either a single, standard encounter or a 'freaky' double dose.

Just don't catch no emotions
The artist suggests that they want to maintain a casual, unemotional relationship with their partner, rather than becoming too emotionally involved.

I bring heat from coast to coast and
The artist is emphasizing that they have broad appeal and can create heat/energy no matter where they are.

Beats and rhymes is my devotion
The artist acknowledges their love and dedication to music, particularly the beats and rhymes that make up a song.

I'm turnin' MC's into ghosts
This lyric suggests that the artist is particularly skilled at his craft and is capable of outshining other MCs to the point that they become anonymous, barely noticeable 'ghosts'.