Definition
Black Star
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
[Mos Def] Lawd, lawd have mercy All nice and peace and true, follow me now, we say Say Hi-Tek yes you're ruling hip-hop Say J. Rawls yes you're ruling hip-hop Redefinition say you're ruling hip-hop Say Black Star come to rock it non... Yo, from the first to the last of it, delivery is passionate The whole and not the half of it, vocab and not the math of it Projectile that them blasted with, accurate assassin shit Me and Kweli close like, Bethlehem and Nazareth After this you be pressing rewind on top your master disk Shining like an asterisk for all those that be gatherin Connectin like a roundhouse from the townhouse to the tenements Cause all my Brooklyn residents, heavy regiments Don't believe, here the evidence, where Brooklyn WHOA See that? Bound to take it all kid, believe that From where they sellin tree at, to where the police be at Talib Kweli e-Kweli-ty yo tell them where we be at [Talib Kweli] Brooklyn New York City where they paint murals of Biggie In cash we trust cause it's ghetto fabulous, life look pretty What a pity - blunts is still fifty cents, it's intense Tree scents is dominant can't be covered with incense My presence felt my name is Kweli from the Eternal Reflection People thinkin MC is short hand for Mis Conception Let me meditate, set it straight, came to the conclusion That most of these cats is featherweight, let me demonstrate Walkin the streets is like battlin, be careful with your body You must know karate or think your soul is bulletproof like Sade Stop actin like a bitch already, be a visionary And maybe you can see your name in the column of obituary Third rate teacher readin and talkin about, "I knew he'd amount to nothin" Neighbors like, "He was the quiet type, Who'd have thought they was frontin?" Talkin Loud like you in RCA, get carted away with body parts and treys, what a way to start your day Yo it's like [Chorus: Mos Def and Talib Kweli] One two three Mos Def and Talib Kweli We came to rock it on to the tip-top Best alliance in hip-hop, yeah I said one two three It's kind of dangerous to be a emcee They shot Tupac and Biggie Too much violence in hip-hop, yeah [Mos Def] I said Manhattan keep on makin it (Bo!), Brooklyn keep on takin it (Bo!) So relax we're takin it back, Redhook where we're livin at Plenty cats be strugglin not hustlin and bubblin It ain't about production and - what else we discussin? When the cock crows, my crop grows, enable me to rock flows Strivin for perfection ever since I was a snot-nosed COLOSSAL, true original B-boy apostle Standin on the rooftop with the, Zulu gestapo [Talib Kweli] You think you the shit Somebody in the wings'll force you to quit It could be your crew or click Or some random kid you smoked Buddha with Consider me the entity within the industry without a history Of spittin the epitome, of stupidity - livin my life Expressin my liberty, it gotta be done properly My name is in the middle of e-Kweli-ty People follow me and other cats they hear him flow And assume I'm the real one with lyrics like I'm Cyrano [Mos Def] Still sippin wishin well water, imported, from Pluto Three hundred and sixty millilitres for all our believers In miles or kilometers, most cats, cannot proceed us In the jungle with the leaders we the lions you the cheaters A cypher, will complete us if we come through your receivers You can play us and repeat us and then take us home and read us (Line for line) Good Jesus, Mos Def and Kweli just Make a pussy freeze up, thinkin we will ease up [Chorus]
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Dante Smith, Tony Cottrell, Talib Kweli
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Genre Classification"Definition" belongs to the hip-hop genre, particularly, it is an excellent example of conscious rap.
|
Music Duo Involvement"Black Star" is a duo formed by the famous rappers Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey (previously known as Mos Def), and "Definition" is their critically acclaimed single.
|
Album ReleaseThe song "Definition" is from the duo's only studio album, "Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star", released in 1998.
|
Song ProductionThe song was produced by Ge-ology and Hi-Tek, the latter being a long-time collaborator of Talib Kweli.
|
Sample Usage"Definition" samples “The P Is Free” by Boogie Down Productions and “Stop The Violence” by Boogie Down Productions.
|
Historical ContextThe song was written as a response to the violence and death in hip-hop and black culture, especially in reference to the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.
|
Recurring ThemeThe theme of Black empowerment and uplifting the Black community is a common one in "Definition". It seeks to challenge stereotypical representations and narratives about the Black community.
|
Chart PerformanceUpon its release, "Definition" did well on the Billboard Charts, reaching number 60 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
|
Song ReceptionThe song received critical acclaim, with critics praising its thought-provoking lyrics and its smooth, distinctive production.
|
Video ReleaseThe music video for "Definition" showcases scenes of Brooklyn and Harlem, further emphasizing the group's commitment to reflecting their roots and the authenticity of their narratives.
|
Cultural Impact"Definition" is widely considered a classic within the hip-hop community, and it played a significant role in popularizing conscious rap, paving the way for other artists in the genre.
|
Sequel TrackThe song "RE:Definition" from the same album is often considered a sequel to "Definition"; it continues the themes and narrative of tackling violence.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Definition Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8541140/Black+Star/Definition>.
Discuss the Definition Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In