The Game
Common (Ft. DJ Premier) Lyrics

It's only right that I address this
I need to speak on something important

Gotta be in it to win it
You have to participate fully to succeed

I never come lame type killing in the game
I always bring my best and excel in my field

I get busy
I work hard and produce great results

Raised by game
I grew up in a community familiar with street life

Where niggas ain't fazed by fame
My community values toughness and doesn't care about celebrity status

Come to the crib, get banged, they take your chain
People in my area will rob and harm you for material possessions

Stay in your lane
Focus on your own goals and don't get caught up in negativity

Brokeback ain't the way of the game
Being weak or vulnerable will not lead to success

My brainstorm is like I stay in the ring
My creative process is intense and focused, like a fighter in a ring

My favorite was Kane, now I'm dope with weight in the game
I used to admire another artist, but now I am confident in my own abilities

You was hot but can't stay in the flame
Other artists may have had success, but they couldn't sustain it

Ghetto pain and windows crack
Living in poverty is a struggle that can be heard through broken windows

The fist is like a symbol for black
'Black power' is represented by a raised fist

Can tell the real by how the real interact
You can recognize genuine people by how they treat others

In the middle of wack my soul stick to a track
Despite superficial trends, I stay true to my artistic vision

Kickback records get kicked to the back
Record labels that aren't serious about artists get ignored

I want big cribs and my man Ronnie to get his
I have aspirations for material success, but also want to help my friends

Child in a good school and know what her gift is
I want the youth in my community to receive education and support to discover their talents

It's global warming, the world is shifting
There are major changes happening in the world, including climate change

Watching Sweet Sixteen, Bitchin-ass rich kids
I see how materialism is celebrated on TV, particularly among wealthy teenagers

You don't know it like you gotta go the distance
You can't fully understand something until you experience it yourself

Whether yoga or doja, we all get lifted in the Game
People find different ways to feel uplifted, even in difficult circumstances like poverty

I never kissed that ass of the masses
I don't pander to mainstream or popular tastes

I'm the black molasses
I am thick, rich, and sweet like molasses

Thick and I lasted
I am resilient and have stood the test of time

Pass these rat bastards
I surpass and ignore those who are dishonest or deceitful

They try to box me in like Cassius Clay
People try to limit and stereotype me like they did with Muhammad Ali

Hey I'm like Muhammad when he fasted
I am a disciplined and dedicated artist, like how Muhammad Ali was during Ramadan

Opposing the fascist
I am against oppressive ideologies and systems

Make cuts and got gashes, scratches over third eyelashes
My journey has been painful and left many scars, even affecting me psychologically

Punchlines are like jab pits to rappers
My lyrics hit hard like a series of punches in a boxing match

Whose careers now ashes
Other rappers' careers have failed and burned out

It's too many slashes in their name
Other artists have too many aliases and identities

From weak lines to clothing lines to an actress
Some rappers transition to fashion or acting careers due to lack of success

I seen them dashing smash hits
I've seen other artists succeed, but don't want to emulate their style

I yell run nigga run
I warn others to escape negative situations and pursue their dreams

While I cook up classics
I focus on creating timeless music

The weak hearted, become Babylon puppets
Those who lack strength or integrity become pawns of oppressive systems

Making it hard for real hustlers
Strong, hardworking people get obscured or mistreated by unfair systems

Touch the sky now and then, with a lady friend
I experience brief periods of success, but still prioritize meaningful relationships in my life

Give thanks to the most that's how the day begins in the game
I am grateful for my blessings and start each day with appreciation

I just wanna be like Akeelah, an achiever
I want to be like Akeelah from the movie 'Akeelah and the Bee', who worked hard to win a spelling bee

From the streets of the Chi where some get high for leisure
I come from Chicago where some people use drugs for fun

Selling weed out of cleaners
People in my community sell marijuana, even from laundromats or other unusual places

From rocks to barber shops and beamers
Some people in my community go from selling drugs to owning businesses and luxury cars

Chicks with blond weaves and strong legs like Serena
Some women in my community have successful careers and striking physical appearances, like Serena Williams

The demeanor of the Ghetto, to never stay settled
People in my community are restless and strive for better circumstances

Aldermen and corrupt men play Pharaoh
People in power in Chicago exploit their authority like Pharaohs of ancient Egypt

Good bring business to the hood like heralds
Positive developments in the community, like new businesses, bring hope and progress

Five year olds walking by themselves in the street
Children in my community may not have proper supervision or safety measures

The young die of cancer
Young people in my community face health disparities and disease

I stop eating meat
I choose to adopt a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, possibly for health or ethical reasons

Greet the gods on 87th street like peace
I show respect for a strong community presence on a specific street in Chicago

Even though it's war to G, got em facing the east
Though life in Chicago can be difficult and violent, I remain resilient

The game ain't tasting as sweet
The music industry has become more difficult and competitive

Cats flow is still, and his compliance with beats
Other rappers' music sounds unoriginal and unexciting

My radio station is deep, so F em
My music is meaningful and authentic, and I don't care if others don't like it

Progression, counting paper and blessings in the game
I focus on moving forward and appreciating my successes in the music industry