The Roots

Released: April 28, 2008

Featuring: Greg Porn Dice Raw

Songwriter: Fela Kuti Richard Nichols Black Thought Dice Raw Greg Porn

Producer: The Roots Richard Nichols

[Hook: Dice Raw & Talib Kweli]
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
This is for all of my peoples who understand and truly recognize
Some won't get it and for that, I won't apologize
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
This for all of my peoples who understand and truly recognize
Some won't get it and for that, I won't apologize

[Verse 1: Greg Porn]
I'm so sick cause I'm infected but, but I don't need a medic
Need a liquid anesthetic, let me show you how I get it
I don't got it but I bet it, I don't worry, I don't sweat it
You can bitch, you can dead it, you can take it there like FedEx
Nothing sweet, diabetic, big dog, can't pet it
Pack an L then I wet it, then I fill it 'til it's pregnant
(Take the high back) Face it, everybody got a favorite
I embrace it like I date it but my grandma think I chase it
(Like oh yeah) I told her that her baby moving slower
Cause the world is on his shoulders then I woke up out that coma
(And got right back) At it with a little black 'matic
Lay you down, Craftmatic, then I'm gone, black magic
(To the hideout) You don't wanna gamble with the devil
Especially when them chewy blueys got me on another level
Cause my teacher think I'm slow but my momma think I'm special
But even she know I'm coming back like an echo

[Hook: Dice Raw & Talib Kweli]
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
This is for all of my peoples who understand and truly recognize
Some won't get it and for that, I won't apologize
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
This for all of my peoples who understand and truly recognize
Some won't get it and for that, I won't apologize

[Verse 2: Dice Raw]
For the statements I'm about to make, I will not apologize
Niggas talk a lot of shit, really need to stop the lies
Jewels rented, cars rented, homie that ain't authentic
Acting tough on TV, but to me you seem a little timid
Don't blame the nigga, blame America, it's all business
Acting like a monkey is the only way to sell tickets
Shit, I can dig it, niggas gossip silly digits
White kids buy it, it's a riot when we talking about pimping
Or sipping on Olde English brew or whatever they think we do
Spraying double Uzis cause you know they think we live in zoos
The problem is with this, everyone seems to be real confused
The niggas on the streets to the old people that watch the news
And watch BET, and the crazy shit they see
They associate with you and do the same shit to me
When you look at me, you see just a nigga from the projects
But can't understand this nigga's mindset, but still

[Hook: Dice Raw & Talib Kweli]
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
This is for all of my peoples who understand and truly recognize
Some won't get it and for that, I won't apologize
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
This for all of my peoples who understand and truly recognize
Some won't get it and for that, I won't apologize

[Verse 3: Black Thought]
Yo, a revolution's what it's smelling like, it ain't gon' be televised
Governments is hellified, taking cake and selling pies
I ain't got a crust or crumb, to get some I'd be well obliged
Murder is commodified, felon for the second time
Never was I into chasing trouble I was followed by
Facing trouble with no alibi, had to swallow pride
Vilified, victimized, penalized, criticized
Ran into some people that's surprised I was still alive
Look into my daughter's eyes, wonder how can I provide
Got to get from A to B but how can I afford to drive?
Messed around, tried to get a job and wasn't qualified
Had to see a pal of mine, got to get the lightning rod
Now I'm in a black Impala looking for the dollar sign
Palms get to itching, man I gotta get the calamine
'Fore I fall behind, guess the grind will be my 9 to 5
I will not be conquered by, I will not apologize

[Hook: Dice Raw & Talib Kweli]
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
This is for all of my peoples who understand and truly recognize
Some won't get it and for that, I won't apologize
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
I will not apologize, I will not apologize
This for all of my peoples who understand and truly recognize
Some won't get it and for that, I won't apologize

The world’s premiere hip-hop band, The Roots were formed in Philadelphia in 1987 by MC Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and drummer and bandleader Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. Since those early days, the band has weathered changes in personnel and record labels while performing hundreds of shows a year and releasing a string of well-regarded (if not always top-selling) albums.

While the musicianship of Thompson and the other band members, as well as their seemingly limitless repertoire, gets most of the attention, real hip-hop fans know that the rapping skills of Black Thought (along with former group member Malik B.) are the group’s hidden weapon. Thought, one of the few MCs brave enough to go toe to toe with Big Pun, handles any groove the band throws at him with aplomb, style, and flash.

Today, The Roots are seen by millions every night as the house band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, a move that has given the group the chance to indulge its not-insignificant comic side.

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