Lies
The C.I.T.Y. Lyrics

I look at everything and see it's not true
I examine all aspects of life and realize that they are deceptive and untrue

Just not true
Completely false

It's not true
An assertion that something is factually incorrect

White lies. Black truths
Deceptive statements disguised as harmless lies, while the underlying reality is harsh and unforgiving

I look at everything and say that's not you
Observing the world and recognizing that it does not accurately represent who you truly are

That's just not you
That portrayal doesn't align with your true essence

You're not a savage. You're not a monkey
Contrary to derogatory labels placed on you, you possess dignity and intelligence

You're not a criminal. You're not a junkie
Rejecting the false portrayal of you as a criminal or drug addict, acknowledging your worth and potential

You're a King, bro. You're not a flunky
Recognizing your inherent value and dismissing the perception of you as insignificant or subordinate

Your level of wealth was never money
Challenging the notion that material wealth is the sole measure of success or worth

Forget the charity. You don't need that
Disregard the notion that you are dependent on charity, as you possess the capability to thrive independently

Go get some clarity. You gon' need that
Seek understanding and insight to navigate the world, for it will be beneficial

Blow some trees, put the codine back
Refrain from engaging in self-destructive behaviors like excessive drug use and prioritize your well-being

You been dope, now you gon' relapse
Having once achieved greatness, don't allow yourself to regress or lose sight of your potential

You see that lineage? We came from great
Acknowledge the powerful ancestry we belong to, with a legacy of greatness

We're like the truth that they can't escape
Our existence and resilience embody a truth that cannot be denied or overlooked

You know my name. Who're you calling ape
Identifying oneself and challenging derogatory names or labels intended to dehumanize or degrade

Brother Malcolm told me all it takes
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Malcolm X, recognizing the power within to overcome obstacles

All that melanin's unlimited grace
Acknowledging the beauty and strength inherent in one's melanin-rich skin, representing unlimited potential

Our intuition begins where your ability breaks
Highlighting the resilience and heightened perception found in marginalized communities, surpassing conventional limitations

And I know we've made some silly mistakes
Admitting to the missteps and errors made along the journey

But we're back and we're about to 'Doctor Sebi' this place
Reclaiming power and intending to heal and transform our surroundings, much like Dr. Sebi advocated for holistic wellness

Breaker One, Nine. Breaker-Breaker One, Nine.
Symbolic phrases used in radio communication, possibly signifying the need to make a meaningful connection or communicate something important

But I've seen black lies and white truths
Contrary to common perceptions, witnessed deceptive statements that negatively affect people of African descent, as well as revealing harsh realities disguised as truths

And black men with black suits
Observing individuals who possess power and influence, symbolized by wearing black suits

And black troops with black hearts
Noting the presence of corrupt individuals within influential positions, even among those of the same racial identity

Kill black youths in black cars
The unfortunate reality of innocent young black individuals being targeted and harmed in violent incidents involving black individuals

Just like Pac. Just like Nip
Referencing the tragic deaths of influential figures such as Tupac Shakur and Nipsey Hussle, highlighting the cycle of violence and loss

Just like Ronald. Just like quit
Drawing attention to the detrimental impact caused by societal issues and factors like poverty, drugs, and the consequences of quitting

All these black lies and these white lies
Recognizing the presence of both deceptive statements that harm black communities and false narratives that perpetuate racial inequalities

And on the daily we keep losing these black lives
Bearing witness to the tragic loss of black lives occurring regularly, emphasizing the urgent need for change and reform

Who you think took an L when Pac died
Asking who truly suffered a defeat when Tupac Shakur died, implying that the loss ultimately impacted society as a whole

Who celebrated when Savimbi got hog-tied
Highlighting the questionable motives and actions of those who rejoiced when Jonas Savimbi, an Angolan political figure, was captured and killed

Who made Beiber a Rich-Little-Poor-Guy
Questioning the influence and sources of power that shaped Justin Bieber's life and career, hinting at exploitative dynamics

And you could moralize
Addressing individuals who may attempt to preach moral values or judgments

But those are more lies
Dismissing such moralizing claims as additional falsehoods