The Spark )
The Roots Lyrics

Yo, the feet that I walk with
The singer is reflecting on the body parts that they use to navigate the world around them - their feet, ears, eyes, and mouth.

The ears that I hear with, the eyes that I see with
The singer places importance on how they perceive the world and process information through their senses.

The mouth that I talk with, the terror that I stalk with
The singer recognizes their own power to communicate and intimidate others in certain situations.

Now it's time to spark shit
The artist is ready to take action and start something new or confrontational.

Look God, I walk around a little edgy already
The artist is feeling on edge and anticipates confrontation or danger.

Y'all MC's come into my face, but my aim's steady
The singer is addressing their rap rivals and claims to have a focused and precise aim in their interactions with them.

M-illitant is skilled in most strategic plan
The singer describes themselves as militant and able to think strategically in most situations.

I float across seas and, breezed across land
The artist describes their mobility and ability to travel vast distances.

Standin', in these thoughts of murder within
The artist admits to having violent thoughts and tendencies.

The structure of this world that's corrupted with sin
The artist critiques the state of the world as being corrupt and sinful.

I'm always hittin', to leave MC's guessin'
The singer enjoys keeping their rivals on their toes and not entirely sure of their intentions or next move.

For any transgression, in my perimeter
The artist is protective of their personal boundaries and will not tolerate any transgressions within them.

There will be a blessing, and your explicit intoxicated
The singer warns that those who step out of line will face consequences and potentially lose access to blessings or opportunities.

Buddha session, to stop stressin'
The singer references a meditative session to manage stress and anxiety.

Me with the madness, puttin' niggaz on my had list
The singer admits to feeling madness within and keeping a mental list of those who cross them.

No sadness is felt, you shuffled and your cards get dealt
The artist is unapologetic and believes that those who suffer consequences for their actions have brought it upon themselves.

Jim Carrey ass niggaz start to melt
The artist is referencing Jim Carrey's role in The Mask and suggests that their rivals will melt or crumble when faced with their wrath.

Impact like a buckle bein' swung from off a belt
The singer describes their impact or influence as powerful and potentially violent.

Any help for shelter, when in the realms of a welter
The singer is questioning whether there is any help or protection when they are in a state of confusion or chaos.

My weight will tilt ya, hold alignments and change your filter
The artist's influence or pressure will cause others to shift their positions or perspectives.

My attitude a product of society
The artist acknowledges that their attitude and behavior is shaped by the society they live in.

So sometimes for gratitude, you know you can't rely on me
The artist recognizes their limitations and advises others not to depend on them for gratitude or support all the time.

Niggaz eyein' me, with looks of they anxiety
The singer notices that others are anxious or worried when looking at them.

Wonderin' what's in my heart, velocity or piety
Others are curious about what motivates the artist - is it their ambition and drive (velocity) or their moral convictions (piety)?

Yo, it depends on which one, you bring to surface
The singer suggests that their motivations and values vary depending on who they are interacting with or the situation at hand.

At times I get trife, but what to worship is my purpose
The singer acknowledges that they can be difficult or aggressive, but ultimately their purpose or goal is to figure out what to believe in or worship.

Malik be blend with the tree, to spot an enemy
The singer describes themselves as able to blend in with their surroundings and spot potential threats or enemies.

You cloggin' me up cat, now vacant the vicinity
The artist is annoyed by someone getting in their way or talking too much, and demands that they leave.

I'm symbolic to a ballot, it's Abdul Malik
The artist makes a play on words, saying that they are symbolic of a ballot (which represents democracy and voting), and gives their given name for emphasis.

Don't approach with bullshit, I'm quick to call it invalid
The singer is warning others not to approach them with any nonsense or lies, as they will quickly call it out as invalid.

Route through your district, we keep it simplistic
The singer describes their approach to moving through different areas as straightforward and uncomplicated.

No need for the rapper to talk, put it on halt
The artist believes that talk is cheap and that rappers shouldn't waste their time with it.

Show me the vault, or the safe, cause I'm on the paper chase
The artist is focused on acquiring money and asks where the valuable items are located.

Wade through route states for bout thirty down my waist
The artist is using a metaphor for carrying a gun (waistband) and suggests that they are willing to travel long distances to acquire their goals.

I'm tryin to get it, these rain bottlin' thoughts become acidic
The singer feels pressure to succeed and the stress is taking a toll on them mentally.

With one in the chamber, ready to aim and spit it
The artist is armed and prepared to use their weapon in order to achieve their goals.

A girlfriend and team made nigga cash just splintered
The singer had a girlfriend and a group of associates who have since parted ways or become less supportive due to money issues.

I take what you got to give, cause I got to live
The singer will take what they can get from others because they need to survive or succeed.

The last hour, I bet your ass you act sour
The singer believes that when time is running out or things are not going well, people will become negative or bitter.

Might act up, but I still can pass dowa
The artist acknowledges that they may behave badly or aggressively, but they still have faith and can pray for guidance.

I'm usin' new ways to try to reach these better days
The artist is experimenting with new methods or approaches in order to improve their life or situation.

Instead of tryin' to take you under I just make you wonder
The singer prefers to create intrigue or mystery rather than drag others down.

I still fast, make salaat, and pay zakaat
The singer is faithful and adheres to Islamic practices such as fasting, praying, and giving to charity.

I didn't make Hajj yet, but that's my next project
The artist has not yet made the pilgrimage to Mecca but has plans to do so in the future.

Livin' two lives, one of turn and one with true lies
The artist feels as though they are leading two different lives - one that is honest and one that is deceptive.

Keepin' a hoe, knowin' these hands into my do'as
The artist keeps a woman around for sex or companionship, but still prays and seeks guidance from God.

In the quarters livin' modest with my nigga Trotter
The singer is living humbly in simple accommodations with their friend, Trotter.

I circle my foes, like tawaf around the kaba
The artist describes their approach to dealing with enemies as circling around them like the pilgrims do around the Kaaba in Mecca.

I used to live life, like there was no mañana
The singer used to live recklessly and without regard for the future.

Now I'm treatin' every breath, like it was your honor
The singer has changed their perspective and now tries to appreciate every moment as if it were an honor or privilege.

I'm Mill-itill-itant with the Fifth that stand firm
The singer is militant and prepared to use their weapon (likely a firearm) to stand their ground.

Like a pillar, I'm I and T-L like Manilla
The artist is solid and unshakeable like a pillar, and identifies with their city (Philadelphia) and its nickname (Manilla).