Shaka
Q-Tip (feat. President Barack Obama) Lyrics

My brother Shaka would have wanted me to do it like this
Q-Tip is honoring his deceased brother, Shaka, by performing the way Shaka would have wanted him to.

So raise your glasses for the lost ones in your life
Q-Tip is encouraging listeners to raise a glass in honor of those they have lost in their lives.

Dilla Dawg and Master Wel would have wanted me, as well To propel with the spirit of the mic
Q-Tip acknowledges the influence of two other musicians in his life, J Dilla and Master Wel, who would have wanted him to perform with passion and energy.

Even if you had one person with you and it's hard They make it easy, celebrate them, let them just who they are
Q-Tip encourages people to celebrate the support and love they receive from even just one person in their lives, even when things get difficult.

Because of these experiences I have some control On the microphone, I'm bold elevating to the stars
Q-Tip has gained confidence and control through his life experiences, which has allowed him to perform boldly and reach great heights.

Here's a demonstration, with the excellence Reverse the pandemic that's filled with pestilence
Q-Tip uses his performance as a way to demonstrate excellence and to fight against the pandemic.

Serving fiends with the stream of a d-boy Who's well connected, you must respect it
Q-Tip compares himself to a drug dealer who serves his fans with his music and is well-connected within the industry.

I'm driven with the spirits mentioned in this record Hopefully this serves as motivation
Q-Tip draws inspiration from the spirits mentioned in his music and hopes his music serves as motivation for others.

Put my stamp on it, the mic clamps on it Mama I know, let me put lil' thamp on it
Q-Tip asserts his ownership and control over his music, and pays homage to his mother by including her in his lyrics.

Blade runnin through the day with agility Stay gunnin, make way for possibilities
Q-Tip uses a metaphor of a blade to describe his ability to move nimbly through life and to seize opportunities when he sees them.

It's the capital Q, rap it'll do What I want it to, it's like tamin a shrew, uh
Q-Tip asserts his authority as a rapper and compares his control over his music to taming a wild animal.

Livin life, the Shakespearean proportions Knowin better, I've experienced distortions
Q-Tip views his life as a grand, epic story, but acknowledges that he has also faced difficulties and challenges along the way.

And through the in and outs, of life's revolvin doors I'mma see that, I'm still gettin more
Q-Tip recognizes that life is full of ups and downs, but is determined to keep moving forward and to keep getting more out of life.

Heaven never ends, yeah it never ends It be goin on, it's phenomenon Like a new born, or a Stevie song It be going on, do ya feel it? (Do ya feel it? Do ya feel it?) The snare drum go
Q-Tip compares heaven to a never-ending phenomenon, much like the unending beauty of a newborn baby or a Stevie Wonder song.

Don't lose sight y'all without giving a fight
Q-Tip encourages listeners to keep fighting for what they believe in and to not give up.

I'm channeling Weldon Irvine Mr. Clean He would've wanted me to say what I mean, and mean give it right
Q-Tip pays tribute to musician Weldon Irvine, and acknowledges that he inspired Q-Tip to speak his truth and to speak it clearly and with conviction.

Dilla, havin you in my past has been a blast You've inspired so many and forever will you last
Q-Tip pays tribute to the late musician J Dilla, who continues to inspire countless artists even after his death.

And to my father, yo your spirit is drapin me Never escapin me, I'm happy that I had you in my past
Q-Tip acknowledges the influence of his father's spirit on his life and is grateful to have had him in his life.