Sacrifice
Roots The Lyrics

Listen, I got you phobic offa this like arachnids
I have the ability to cause fear and paranoia in you, similar to how spiders do.

Drastic, it ain't plastic, it's just pro blackness
My message is serious and impactful, not artificial or fake.

Grown man tactics no pediatrics
I'm not playing childish games; my approach is mature and sophisticated.

The kind of track that make the comeback miraculous
This song has the potential to revive and revive a dormant or fading career.

The catalyst. Thought with the knack of splashin'
I am the driving force behind change, and I have a talent for making a big impact with my ideas.

I'm dashin', I mastered the craft of mashin'
I move quickly and efficiently, and I have perfected the skill of combining different elements in my work.

The level-headed thoroughbred the females passion
I am composed and in control, but also highly desirable to women.

Magnetic attraction be keeping em askin'
Women are drawn to me and are constantly trying to figure me out or get my attention.

The crews in the Cadillac, the Pendergrassin'
My crew and I are riding in a fancy Cadillac, feeling like successful musicians The O'Jays.

Swerve half-naked won't come near crashin'
We're swerving in the car, but still staying safe and avoiding any accidents.

But if I go to Heaven would ya'll know my name
Would people remember and honor me after I pass away and go to Heaven?

Or would it be the same for you like I was Eric Clapton, huh?
Would I just be another forgotten artist, like Eric Clapton is to some people?

Clap for your freedom dog, that's what's happenin'
Applaud and celebrate the freedom that we have, that's what's going on right now.

My spit take critical political action
My lyrics are powerful and can start political movements or spark social change.

The hustle is a puzzle, each piece is a fraction
Success is like a puzzle, with each step or contribution being a small piece that gradually creates the bigger picture.

And every word that's understood is a transaction
Every time someone truly understands the meaning of my lyrics, it's like a transaction or exchange of knowledge and appreciation.

I'm an S.P. soldier, microphone holder
I am a skilled rapper who wields the microphone like a weapon.

Rep Philly set
I represent and show love to my hometown of Philadelphia.

From Bolivia to Boulder
My reach and influence extend from the country of Bolivia to the city of Boulder, Colorado.

Paris, France to Tip and Thai Yoga
I've traveled and made an impact in diverse locations around the world, from Paris to Thailand.

How we gon' make it through the dark?
How are we going to get through tough times or difficult situations?

I'll show ya.
I'll lead the way and provide guidance.

Tell you one lesson I've learned
Let me share with you a valuable lesson that I've gained from experience.

If you want to reach something in life
If you want to achieve success or reach your goals,

You ain't gonna get it unless
It won't be possible to do so

You give a little bit of sacrifice
Unless you put in some hard work, dedication, or make some sacrifices.

Ooh sometimes before you smile you got to cry
Sometimes, in order to feel joy or happiness, you have to go through difficult or sad times first.

You need a heart that's filled with music
To truly feel passionate or inspired about something, you need to have a deep love and connection to it, like I do with music.

If you use it you can fly
If you tap into that passion and use it to fuel your ambition, you can achieve great heights.

Yo kick off ya shoes, jump off the jock
Stop letting other people control or influence you, and do things your own way.

I fly higher than them dudes from off ya block
I achieve more and soar to greater heights than the average people from your neighborhood.

My name Black, the style is unorthodox
My name is Black (presumably one of the members of The Roots), and my rapping style is unique and unconventional.

It tap chins wit ya men's who you thought could box
My rhymes are so strong and impactful, they can knock out even the toughest and most confident opponents.

A couple people wanted thought to stop
Some people have tried to silence or criticize me before, but I didn't let them stop me.

But guess what?
But you know what?

My man grab the missile, plug for the gut
My friend stepped in and shut down the haters, with a brutal insult or punch to the stomach

Now next time greedy stop being such a glut
Hopefully, the person who was being greedy or selfish has learned their lesson and won't do it again.

I'm precise with it like Faheim with haircuts
I'm skilled and accurate with my rhymes, like a barber named Faheim is with his haircuts.

We up close on 'em with toast but no crust
We got right up close to our enemies, ready to use guns, but didn't need to because they backed down.

It's fructose on 'em they froze and won't bust
The situation was so sweet and unexpected, it paralyzed our opponents and they didn't retaliate.

Choke on your face you jewels is lackluster
Your jewelry looks cheap and unimpressive, and it's choking you (figuratively).

Gotta put it to ya straight
I have to be honest and straightforward with you,

Y'all fools is jacked up
You guys are foolish and messed up (in some way).

Came close to the utmost but no cogar
We almost achieved the ultimate goal, but fell just short of it.

Nose to the grindstone, head to the stars
We're working hard and staying focused on our goals, but also dreaming big.

The number one runner with the number one drummer
I am the top rapper, paired with the best drummer in the game (presumably Questlove of The Roots).

Grammy award-winning it's the world's eighth wonder
We've won a Grammy award, which is considered a major accomplishment and a wonder of the music world.

Yo, your first impression might be I'm a asshole
I might come across as rude or unpleasant when you first meet me,

Or say I'm sometimey and give people a hassle
Or you might hear that I'm flaky or cause problems for other people.

Or try to suntouch and put the heat in a capsule
Or you might think I'm trying to avoid controversy or hide from criticism.

Dog I'm far deeper than that though,
But in reality, I'm much more complex and multifaceted than any simple first impression or rumor.

I get in the zone, recognize I'm a rolling stone
When I'm in the zone, I know that I can't be stopped and I feel like a powerful force.

No time to lollygag or lounge with scallywags
I don't have time to waste or hang out with unproductive, disreputable people.

Gimme the disc or I'll put it where your body at
Give me a CD or record, or I'll beat you up or harm you physically.

Old school spit flow laid over Trotter tracks
I have a classic, traditional style of rapping, and I'm rapping over beats produced by Questlove (Ahmir Thompson), aka Trotter.

With no apology, fraud or tricknology
I'm not going to apologize for being myself, or try to deceive anyone with tricks or illusions.

Just trust what I see and I say and follow me
Just have faith and confidence in my vision and my words, and let me lead the way.

My way, I be the open book, look inside me
I'm honest and transparent, and you can learn a lot about me and my life by looking at my work and my art.

The star of the story that the grooveteller guide me
I am the main character in my own story, and music is what helps guide me and inspire me on my journey.

Through all the dark times part of the business
Even during the toughest or most difficult times in the music industry, I continue to persevere and stay committed to my craft.

The light be contingent on small forensics
Sometimes, it's the smallest details or actions that can make a big difference and lead to success.

My microphone'll make a man a newborn infant
My rapping skills are so powerful, they have the ability to fully transform and revitalize someone who hears them, like a newborn baby.

It's true so the true gon' sense it
What I'm saying is true and authentic, and the people who are genuine and perceptive will pick up on it.