The Food
Common
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[Chorus - Kanye West] I walked in the crib, got two kids And my baby mama late (uh oh! uh oh! uh oh!) So I had to did, what I had to did Cause I had to get (duh-ough! duh-ough! duh-ough!) I'm up all night, getting my money right Until the blue and white (po po! po po! po po!) Now the money coming slow, but a least a nigga know Slow motion better than (no-oh! no-oh! no-oh!) [Verse - Common] You love to hear the story, again and again About these young brothers, from the City of Wind Like juice and gin, in the city we blend Amongst the hustle, titties and skin, fifties and rims Y'all know the Sprewells and trucks that's detailed Heartless females that wanna ride in em Felt the southside venom in raw hides and denim Pimp minds collide wit em, a system that tries victims We living in, my man in the fast lane pivoting On the block white is selling like Eminem On the block it "Jump Off" like Kim and them On the block it's hot, you can feel it, in your skin and then Shorties get the game but no instructions to assembling Eyes bright, it seems like the fight is dimming them Call my man cuzo, like I'm kin to him He trying to stay straight, the streets is bending him [Chorus] [Verse - Common] It's all good in the hood, like raps and gems Throwbacks and Timbs, blacks and rims Whether on ball courts, attires of all sorts We never fall short, wit us it's our Force like And 1's Some waves, some air guns, the days of the fair one is over for Cats is colder than four below, wit self I go toe to toe Wondering if it's for the art or for the doe Though I know to grow a nigga gotta learn to let go Though I know the doe I got to bring back to the ghetto Arrows on Terot cards pointing to the grind Po' livin in more prisons, pointing to my mind, shine the light up Clench my fists tight, holding the right up Freedom fight in dark gear for the years to get brighter Situations, and jobs get tighter My man trying to get his weight and height up, c'mon! [Chorus] [Bridge - Kanye West] I - I know I could make it right If I could just swallow my pride But I can't run away or put my gun away You can't front on me I - no I can't let it ride No no not tonight See I can't run away or put my gun away You can't front on me [Verse - Common] I break bread wit thieves and pastors, OG's and masters Emcees and actors that seize and capture Moments like the camcorder You ain't killin it, yo that's man-slaughter Though paper can't change a man's aura It can feed a man's daughter I stand for the blue collar, on the side making a few dollars Like Sam Jack they maneuver through drama like [Bridge - repeat 2x]
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Written by: Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Kanye Omari West, Sam Cooke, Stanley Wayne McKenney, Eugene Record
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Recording Process"The Food" was recorded live on "Chappelle's Show", a popular comedy sketch program hosted by Dave Chappelle. In fact, it was one of the only music performances on the show to be used in the artist's official album.
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Album AppearanceThe song "The Food" is a part of Common's sixth studio album called "Be." The album, released in 2005, was produced primarily by the famous rapper and music producer Kanye West, and was highly praised for taking hip hop back to its musical roots.
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Song ThemeThe lyricism of "The Food" focuses on various societal issues including poverty, struggles, and survival. The song paints a picture of what it's like to grow up and live in the rough neighborhoods of Chicago.
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Influence"The Food" significantly influenced the style of hip hop during its time, largely because of its return to classic hip hop beats and melodies, and the emotional, relatable lyricism.
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Kanye West's ContributionNot only did Kanye West handle the production of the song, but he also provided vocals for the chorus. His contribution played a significant part in the song's appeal.
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Critical Reception"The Food" was received positively by both fans and music critics alike. While it may not be Common's biggest commercial hit, it is often regarded as one of his most impactful songs due to its instructive narrative and dynamic performance.
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Live PerformanceThe live recording of "The Food" featured on "Be" is noteworthy for its energy and authenticity. It is characterized by the enthusiastic crowd response and the raw, powerful performances from both Common and Kanye West.
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ImpactIn a context where hip-hop was deeply associated with materialism and gangsta rap, "The Food" played a key part by focusing on the real-life struggles and experiences, thus shifting the narrative of what mainstream hip-hop could represent.
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Grammy AcknowledgementAlthough "The Food" itself didn't win a Grammy award, Common's album "Be", which includes the song, was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 48th Grammy Awards in 2006.
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CollaborationsThe song marked one of the earliest collaborations between Common and Kanye West, establishing a successful partnership that would continue for years, producing many other great hits.
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"The Food Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27171060/Common/The+Food>.
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