Black Radio
Robert Glasper Lyrics

Radio, sucka never play me
The mainstream radio doesn't play my music.

Triple shade of black that my bleach should never fade me
My identity and culture are so deeply embedded in me that they can't be stripped away.

They say he crazy
People think I'm crazy for being different and refusing to conform.

New York raised him in the 80s
Growing up in New York City during this era has greatly impacted who I am.

Kill the Koch administration
I want to overthrow and get rid of the corrupt political system represented by the Koch administration.

Gangster renovation
Radical change is necessary, and sometimes it requires a rebellious attitude.

Born in isolation-ation
Despite being isolated from mainstream culture, I was still able to forge my own unique identity.

Ill communication-ation
Miscommunication and misunderstanding can often lead to negative consequences.

Ma Bell fiber optic
The Bell telephone service played an important role in shaping communication in America.

Presidential microscopic
This refers to the details and minutiae of politics and government.

Soul sonic remedy
Music can heal us and bring us together in a spiritual way.

Clinic right industry
The music industry can be seen as a hospital that heals the soul with the right care and guidance.

Operating in the dark
Sometimes we have to work in the shadows to achieve our goals.

Surgery your wounded heart
Music can help us heal from emotional trauma.

Come together peel apart
Despite our differences, it's important to come together and find common ground.

Smoking on something good
This could refer to smoking marijuana, which can lead to a relaxed and introspective state of mind.

Praying for something better
Despite difficult circumstances, we always hold onto hope for a better future.

From out of better
Our current situation can inspire us to reach for something better.

Never rocking for forever ever
I will always be true to myself and never stop making music.

Ever ever ever ever
This repetition emphasizes the infinite and eternal nature of music.

Forever ever ever ever
Music will always be an important part of my life and something that will last forever.

It's still a secret even when you tell em dumb dummies
Even if you try to explain something to someone who doesn't understand, they may still not get it.

Hush money, rent receipt and drug money
This line implies that money can come from illicit sources like drug dealing or bribery.

They cold gutter, want gun money
Some people resort to violence to get money and power.

The chief rocker, fuel-injected Zulu horse proper, love boogie
The singer is describing themselves as a powerful and influential musician.

Bay
This is likely an ad-lib that doesn't hold significant meaning on its own.

Big bird flying down on a mountain pass Only thing to survive the crash
This line could refer to the singer feeling like they have survived difficult circumstances despite the odds being against them.

Black Radio You wanna fly free go far and fast Built to last, we made this craft
The artist is describing their music as something that can liberate and inspire listeners to reach for their dreams.

Black Radio
This could refer to the artist's music, which represents the black experience.

Whoa!
This is likely an ad-lib that doesn't hold significant meaning on its own.

Yeah
This is likely an ad-lib that doesn't hold significant meaning on its own.

Zulu
This is likely a reference to the Zulu Nation, a hip-hop movement that began in the Bronx in the late 1970s.