JOHN AFRICA
Unlocking Future Visions with Kivon Redd's JOHN AFRICA
Lyrics
Don't do me like that
Expressing a desire not to be treated in a certain way
Don't do me
Reiterating the request not to be mistreated
That's how they do us though
Commenting on the common mistreatment experienced by a collective "us"
Yea yea
Repetition for emphasis or rhythm
Yea yea
-Uhh, locs hangin' like I'm John Africa don't move backwards I
Comparing oneself to John Africa, emphasizing forward movement
Hardly read chapters consistently still book packages I
Stating a difficulty in consistently reading chapters but still acquiring knowledge through other means
Defy averages, I blow past em' like speedin' animals
Rejecting mediocrity, surpassing expectations like a speeding animal
They bust right thru ya door start hittin' shit that's for sure
Describing a forceful entry, potential violence
Aye
Expression of affirmation or agreement
They not operating by the manual it's automatical
Highlighting unconventional or automatic actions
In the courtroom, this shit can get over grammatical
Linking legal proceedings to grammar, possibly emphasizing complexity
For yo fate, at the hands of a false leader
Discussing the consequences of following a false leader
Distant prayers from your preacher
Referring to distant prayers from a preacher
To the same God, the same Bible that they take yo plea with ugh
Criticizing the use of the same God and Bible in legal proceedings
I got grievance 'til we all get even
Expressing grievances and the desire for collective justice
Until then, I can only ride for all black people
Commitment to supporting all black people
And put an end to the divide that always ends up lethal
Advocating for unity to prevent deadly divisions
Somehow I feel a greater power on my better days
Feeling a stronger connection to a higher power on better days
When I can go and flow and focus on my current ways
Focusing on positive aspects of the present
Fuck who paid
Disregarding financial concerns in favor of personal growth
But lord knows 100 million will have my daughter daughter straight
Believing that a significant amount of money will secure the future
I'm tryna kick start future venture in 3048
Aspiring to start future ventures in the year 3048
I told her she couldn't order steak
Recalling a moment when someone was advised not to order an expensive meal
We tryna feel fuckin' great
Expressing the desire to feel great
Gotta watch what you intake
Advising caution about what is consumed
Don't wanna block up all ya rays
Emphasizing the importance of not hindering personal growth
Got perfect timing, no AP shinin' though
Highlighting precise timing and success without flashy displays
Closer to the stars when you on an island though
Feeling closer to success when isolated or focused
You can't search abroad the truth is what you hiding hoe
Emphasizing the importance of confronting truth rather than avoiding it
I think about it all the time that's what my mind be on
Reflecting on a recurring thought about a particular subject
It's got me hostage know my purpose ain't just shinin' on 'em
Feeling constrained but aware of a purpose beyond personal success
I think about it all the time that's what my mind be on
Repeating the idea of constant contemplation
I'm feelin' strong I'm, gone
Feeling empowered and detached, possibly from external influences
Locs hangin' like I'm John Africa don't move backwards I
Repetition of earlier verses for emphasis or rhythm
Hardly read chapters consistently still book packages I
-Defy averages I blow past em' like speedin' animals
-They bust right thru ya door start hittin' shit that's for sure aye
-That's for sure
Reiteration for emphasis
That's for sure
-Push (Soul)
Possibly a reference to pushing forward or pushing the soul
Kivon Redd
Attribution of the lyrics to the artist Kivon Redd
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