Back Again
Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek Are Reflection Eternal Lyrics

What we have here
Let me explain what is happening here

Is the alpha and the omega
It represents the beginning and the end

I spit it
I deliver my lyrics

Bare witness to the greatest and the latest
Witness the best and newest in the game

They try to hate us
Some people attempt to show hatred towards us

Witness the evolution of spitting, it's wicked and it's decadent
Observe the progression of rap, it's intense and extravagant

Revolutions per minutes, every time the record spin
Creativity is constantly on display with each rotation of the record

Retribution for cynics, like a stick-up kid with weapons
Coming back at those who doubt, like an armed robber

In Brooklyn, they say I run it, the 'Natti is checking in
In Brooklyn, I'm known to dominate, but now Cincinnati recognizes

No matter the terminology, blood splatter artistically
Regardless of the language used, the impact is visually powerful

It's looking like a Jackson Pollock painting, it's a mystery
It resembles an abstract artwork, shrouded in ambiguity

Really should be brothers united against the industry
We should stand together as allies against the music industry

The Africans diaspora scatter at shattered history
African people, dispersed by a broken past, remember their roots

The game missing me, rap is so repetitive
The industry lacks my presence, rap has become monotonous

Although I ain't your blood or your cous', it's all relative
Even though we aren't related, our connection is undeniable

I got a gang of rhymes
I possess a multitude of lyrics

And Tones' beats is banging
Tones' beats are incredibly impactful

We moving through the streets like we're slanging dimes
We navigate the streets with the same intensity as drug dealers

It's magical, how the track is so classical
The song has an enchanting quality with its classical influences

The cats who got gassed up in their sweats like Plaxico
Those who are overconfident and boastful, like Plaxico Burress

I'm back from my sabbatical
I return from my period of rest and reflection

Voice of the future, black radical
Representing the progressive voice of the future, promoting black empowerment

Keeping all the damages collateral
Accepting responsibility for the consequences of our actions

Listening to instrumentals
Engaging with the music without vocals

Thinking about all the things I've been through
Reflecting on the experiences I have endured

The music is just a peek into my life, it's a window
The songs provide a glimpse into my personal experiences

It's so high tech and it's also simple
The music is both advanced and accessible

Even if I'm knocked down, I don't stay down
Despite facing challenges, I persevere and never remain defeated

Even if I get down, I don't lay down
Even when I feel low, I don't give up

Hotter than the tar on this empty playground
My presence and talent are intense, just like scorching asphalt

Hey yo, I'm taking all bets and settling all debts
I'm ready to face any challenge and resolve any issues

A giant leap for man begins with a small step
Significant progress begins with taking the initial, small actions

From a sword to a set
From violence to establishing a sense of belonging

To my people on the picket line
Referring to those who protest for their rights

Who's sicking of getting treated like them aliens in District 9
Tired of being treated unfairly, like the aliens in the movie District 9

I juxtapose my business model with my spirit
I contrast my approach to the music industry with my inner self

What, I'm just supposed to keep you comfortable with the lyrics?
Am I expected to simply provide familiar lyrics to please you?

I know the flow's disturbing
I acknowledge that my flow may be unsettling

I know for certain just because you know all about the artist
Just because you are knowledgeable about the artist

Don't mean you know the person
Doesn't mean you understand the individual behind the art

You don't know me
You lack true knowledge of who I am

I run labels
I am in control of record labels

These unstable rappers is so phony
These unreliable rappers are inauthentic

I try to listen but they're boring as missionary position
I attempt to give them a chance, but they lack excitement

So I'm shitting on these niggas like dysentery conditions
I strongly criticize these individuals, expressing my disdain

I'm sitting on the throne, you dreaming that it's empty soon
I hold a powerful position, while you falsely believe it will be vacant

Nobody feeling you, you're screaming in an empty room (Holla!)
No one is connecting with you, your efforts go unnoticed (Shout out!)

The tree that fall in the forest, nobody hearing you
If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it

Even though you fall the hardest
Even when you face the toughest challenges

Don't get me started
Don't even begin to provoke me

Yo, I built up my defenses
I have developed a strong protective barrier

When I'm left to my devices, time gets suspended
When I am alone and focused, time seems to stand still

More than DMX's driver's license
Time gets suspended even more than DMX's suspended driver's license

My music's steady, not affected by the higher prices
My music remains consistent, unaffected by financial gains

People having sex in the streets like Dionysus
People engaging in wild behavior, reminiscent of the Greek god Dionysus

You know what my advice is?
Guess what my recommendation is?

Fuck my advice, live your life
Disregard my advice and live your life to the fullest

Stop tripping like everything amount to crisis
Stop overreacting as if every situation is a major crisis

I make the sacrifices
I am willing to make the necessary sacrifices

My history is black as ice is
My past is filled with struggles and darkness

I don't think that I can trust you if you're lacking vices
I find it difficult to trust someone who lacks any flaws

I never miss a beat, the liquor make me slurred
I'm always on top of my game, even when under the influence

It takes my words, tries to twist them like a Swisher Sweet
My words get misinterpreted, just like a twisted cigar

With sticky herb
Containing marijuana, creating a sticky situation

American History X, your teeth'll hit the curb
Like the movie American History X, your violent end awaits

It's easy 'cause I'm ill with the wordplay
It's effortless for me because I excel in clever wordplay

I still flip the bird, like Jeezy
I continue to make bold gestures, like Jeezy flipping the middle finger

Strip it down, now it's exposed
Breaking it down to its bare essentials, revealing the true essence

I suppose my flow is the emperor's new clothes
My flow may seem unremarkable at first, but it holds great value

Although I'm always by myself, I never ride alone
Despite being independent, I always have support and companionship

The music is on then I'm right at home, zoning
When the music is playing, I feel at ease and in my element