Black Is Black

[Intro: Q-Tip] Now I'm from the Tribe Called Quest And I'm here tonight with the Jungle Brothers And we about to get into this thing called Black is black is black is black [Hook:] Black is black is black is black [Verse 1: Q-Tip] In America today I have to regret to say Somethin, somethin is not right And it deals with black and white Tell me Mike G, is it me? Nah, it's just society Filled with propaganda, huh? Why do we meander, huh? In a zone with hate for peace All of this BS must cease All I am is one black man In a mighty big white hand Brother brother, sister sister If you're miss or if you're mister Listen please to this fact Black is black is black is black [Hook: Gil Scott-Heron] (Don't you think it's a crime) Black is black is black is black [Verse 2: Q-Tip] Now way back when in '68 Brothers didn't have it great They fought back with civil rights They scarred your soul and took your sight The common foe you plainly see On the streets or on TV Segregation was the king Vietnam was full in swing Martin Luther had to shout Let's get out, get out, get out The situation's sort of changed But what really makes matters strange Is our foe is well disguised We don't know where our fate lies Still and all we cannot lack The fact that black is black is black [Hook: 2x] [Verse 3: Afrika Baby Bam] Judged by both my race and color Don't you know we need each other I need you and you need me And if not now you soon will see My light complexion has no meaning If you think so you're still dreaming Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up There's no time for us to break up Black is black, not blue or purple Bein black is like a circle Round and round we all will go Where we end up I don't know Listen to me if you will Your fantasies will get you killed Reality is what is real Reality is black is black [Verse 4: Mike G] I try, try to tell my people We all are one, created equal Before we master we must plan Is that so hard to understand? Today's the day we get together To try to change and make things better If not where will be be tomorrow? Drownin in a pool of sorrow Daylight shines but still few see That we must fight for unity In a picture that's fixed as black and white Why's it both that have to fight? Uplift the race, uplift the race See my soul and not my face All for one and one for all Black is black - that's right, y'all [Hook:]