So Good
Talib Kweli HiTek Lyrics

When I program the sound, I
Talib Kweli is talking about his creative process when producing music.

We gon' set it off (hey), we gon' set it off (hey)
Kweli and Hi-Tek are ready to begin their performance with energy and power.

Something on my chest and I gotta get it off
Kweli has something to share and express that he's been wanting to get off his chest.

So we gon' let it off (hey), catch it like a cough
Kweli will express himself freely and his audience will receive his message like a contagious force.

A-ha, a-ha, ay, 'cause the flow so ill
Kweli is excited and praising his own lyrical skills as powerful and impactful.

But I feel so good, I feel so good (oh, I feel good)
Despite the heated and charged atmosphere, Kweli feels great about the music he's creating and the message he's sending.

Man, I feel so good, feel so good (like when you finish working out)
Kweli compares his feeling to the satisfaction of working out when you are done with a great session.

Feel so good, feel so good, yeah (or when your girl comin' before you do)
Kweli also compares his feeling to the excitement and anticipation of sexual pleasure.

Every time I hit the block the shepherd come and get the flock
Kweli is referencing the role he has in guiding others and impacting their lives with his music.

I roll a Jay, I get a Dame, I do it B.I.G. like it's the Roc
Kweli makes references to his lifestyle and pays tribute to influential rappers who impacted his career.

It's not; it's the Blacksmith--we finna pick the lock
Kweli reminds his audience that he's part of a group, Blacksmith, and together they will overcome obstacles to succeed.

On fire like the trunk is popped; go to work, punch the clock
Kweli compares his work ethic to a regular employee, but emphasizes his passion and dedication to his craft.

Sick so they front a lot, sick 'cause they want the spot
Kweli remarks on the competitive nature of the music industry and the lengths people will go to in order to succeed.

Get 'em higher, light the fire, woop; time's running out
Kweli urges people to seize the opportunity, take risks and pursue their dreams before it's too late.

Spacious Pan again, he in the closet; he ain't coming out
Kweli makes a cultural reference to a Greek mythological creature in order to emphasis the idea of hiding who you really are and being afraid to express yourself.

That's 'cause I'm invading like Iraq did to it's neighbors
Kweli compares himself to an invading force with the power to impact and influence others through his music.

Nothing black and white; they acting like Barack is gonna save us
Kweli comments on the complexity of social and political issues that cannot be resolved by one person alone, and are not as simple as black and white.

But first they got to save themselves from playing the game they play themselves
Kweli calls for accountability and introspection, urging individuals to examine their own actions and make positive changes in their own lives first.

You a non-believer; I'm a Libra so I weigh the scales
Kweli uses astrology to assert his own convictions, and the need to balance all perspectives and viewpoints fairly.

But forget it; I'm a boss; I said it all before
Kweli is confident and authoritative, emphasizing that he's already made his point before and doesn't need to explain further.

The flow is so butter; you can spread it on your toast
Kweli takes pride in his effortless, smooth lyrical style, making it sound easy and satisfying, like a delicious breakfast treat.

When I send this out to Los', he gon' say this shit is banging (why is it banging?)
Kweli is confident that his music will be appreciated and enjoyed by those who hear it, making an allusion to the west coast appreciation for music that is 'banging'.

The Devil play me close and I'm-a hang him like a painting
Kweli is making reference to his own resilience and triumph in the face of adversity, saying that he will overcome negative forces and continue to influence others with his music.

You can check out my exhibit; won't you pay a fee to see it?
Kweli is inviting people to see him perform, and suggests that the value of his art is worth the price of admission.

This is the masterpiece, every album a museum
Kweli is proud of his music and considers every album a true work of art.

When I bring my people freedom, they gon' smile like Mona Lisa
Kweli intends to invoke the feelings of joy and happiness that comes with liberation from oppression, making a reference to the iconic painting.

I'm married to the game, throwing the rice like Condoleezza
Kweli commits himself to his music career, referencing the tradition of rice being thrown at weddings, just like former US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice at her inauguration.

Hey, yo, every time I'm out on these streets, y'all niggas know the deal
Hi-Tek emphasizes his identity and presence in the streets, suggesting that his authority is known and respected.

I'm rolling with my nigga Kweli; I let him hold the wheel
Hi-Tek trusts and respects Kweli, allowing him to make important decisions on their behalf.

So I can get a couple of shots, let it off
Hi-Tek is taking care of business while Kweli produces the music and performs.

Head it off in the general direction; then set it off
Hi-Tek is directing his own energy and passion towards his work and encourages others to do the same.

But of course Brooklyn and Cincinnati is in the house
Hi-Tek proudly represents his home city, Cincinnati, while also showing respect for Brooklyn, another influential hip-hop area.

And it's Hi-Tek, hardest for niggas to figure out
Hi-Tek takes pride in his unique style and musical production, likening his work to a puzzle that's hard to solve for those who try to figure it out.

Pick a route; people stab you in the back for the stardom
Hi-Tek is warning about the difficult road of achieving fame in the music industry and the challenges to overcome.

But they fall right back to the bottom like cats in Roddam
Hi-Tek references a specific location, Roddam, highlighting how quickly people can fall back down to the bottom of the ladder.

But I'm flying through the night like a pilot with insomnia
Hi-Tek is unstoppable and determined, like a pilot who can't sleep but still continues to fly through the night.

Burn up on your deck like a pirate from Somalia
Hi-Tek is comparing himself to a pirate, suggesting that he will take over and dominate the music scene with his skills.

Hi-technology, better school your producer
Hi-Tek is an expert in music technology and production, cautioning others to not underestimate him.

And can't be duplicated by computer
Hi-Tek emphasizes the uniqueness and originality of his style and production, suggesting that it cannot be imitated by mere technology.