The Roots

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Black Thought]
Yo, mountain high and valley low and river wide and tunnel deep
I have traveled chasing demons, screaming "All I find I keep"
If you don't pay like you weigh, alright, okay, that's fine with me
I'ma display my heat and say my piece and lay you down to sleep
Ain't nobody tell you clowns to speak, I'ma AK you down the street
Draw that pump that's built for the riots, see how quiet y'all can keep
Ain't no wilding, it ain't no problem, ain't no question, it ain't no beef
Cut that check then things are sweet, I'ma go buy some diamond teeth
I'll be damned if my setback gon' help you get back on your feet
No surrender, no retreat, nigga we out here tryna eat
Hashtag, diamond dog tag, money bag, nice swag
Pockets need an ice bag, toe tag, body bag
Niggas lose their lives sad, rockets in their flight path
Breaking bad, making bad, choices out here, thinking fast
Smoking wet and drinking bad, soaking wet and sinking fast
Shoot them niggas making cash, stick them niggas, take their stash
The law of gravity meets, the law of averages
Ain't no sense in attempting to civilize savages
Even though I wish I could be spared my embarrassment
I'm a nigga, other niggas pale in comparison
We out in Paris yet but still a nigga perishing
No idea how much time's left, fuck tryna cherish it
A life in times unchecked, now that's American
Inherit the wind, pressure in everything
[Verse 2: Greg Porn]
The world ain’t ready for someone like me
When life is sex, drugs, drama and I’m hooked on all three
I’d rather OD than be the next OG
That's fraudin' for a whore that already chose me
One man revolution, that’s supportin prostitution
I’m tryna pimp the game, where balling don’t mean hooping
And ridin' don't mean cruisin', it mean keep your bitch ass movin'
If you ain’t built for bruising, redrum ain’t in your blueprint
In a jungle made of concrete, every animal Jumanji
On Eazy-E and PCP, ass cash or EBT
How you monetize pigeons on a power line?
On the road to the riches, every dude's a dollar sign
I don’t mind, I don’t mind, long as all the smoke is mine
And the liquor store delivers faster than a Papa Johns
And I heard that death is calling, money’s on the other line
The last episode of Good Times is my life

[Verse 3: Dice Raw]
It's a phrase they say in the streets
When the young players meet: "Get rich or die trying"
But the funny thing about that phrase to me
Is that these little niggas be lying
Cause don’t nobody wanna die
But everybody tryna get rich though
But the fucked up thing about that
These lil' niggas, they don’t how to get rich so
I still run with those angels
Man, I still peep all those angles
Speaking with guns, speaking in tongues
Talking that Arabic and that Yiddish
Riding them trains, stashing them chains, bangles
Yeah, I played all those games though
My tag on the wall, you niggas look up
You can still see my name yo
How did I end up where I’m at? It’s kind of hard to explain yo
I remember all I wanted was a gold chain and a Kangol
I remember all I wanted was a gold chain and some Jordans
To impress that bitch, then I got that bitch
Now all I want from her’s an abortion
My mind filled with distortion, my eyelids say caution
Yeah I sold crack to get my soul back, they say it’s gon cost a fortune
And I wonder if Allah take debit, cause a nigga got real bad credit
If not, I ain’t got a whole lot so a nigga like me just can forget it, ha!

Hey there, music enthusiasts! Today, I'm here to take you on a journey through the captivating world of hip-hop with a focus on a thought-provoking track called "The Dark (Trinity)" by The Roots, featuring the incredible talents of Dice Raw and Greg Porn. Prepare yourself for a satirical take on modern rap that will leave you mesmerized.

About The Dark (Trinity)

"The Dark (Trinity)" is a hidden gem nestled within The Roots' remarkable album. This track stands out as a shining example of the genius and creativity that has characterized the renowned hip-hop collective for decades. With its sharp critique of contemporary rap, this song offers a thrilling listening experience that delves deep into the current hip-hop landscape.

The song features three distinct verses, each highlighting a different style prevalent in today's hip-hop scene. The first verse, delivered by the incredibly talented Black Thought, masterfully satirizes the typical rapper who talks big but fails to back it up with substance. Black Thought effortlessly executes this role, infusing the verse with biting irony and sharp critique.

In the second verse, Greg Porn takes the reins, offering a more laid-back and introspective perspective on life as a rapper. His chilled-out delivery and thought-provoking lyrics provide a refreshing contrast to the bravado often associated with the genre. Greg Porn's ability to embody this character shines through, adding depth and complexity to the track.

Enter Dice Raw in the final verse, delivering an aggressive and raw portrayal of a thug-type rapper reflecting on the wrong path he has taken in life. Dice Raw's impassioned performance injects a powerful dose of reality into the song, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.

Listening to "The Dark (Trinity)" is like witnessing a masterclass in hip-hop storytelling, with each verse adding a unique layer to the overall narrative. The Roots, known for their lyrical prowess and ability to push artistic boundaries, bring these three distinct styles together seamlessly, creating a cohesive and enthralling musical experience.

If you're ready to immerse yourself in the brilliance of "The Dark (Trinity)," I highly recommend checking out the official audio on YouTube. Prepare to be captivated from the very first beat.

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The Number Three

The title of this track, "The Dark (Trinity)," holds a deeper meaning that extends beyond the song itself. In addition to the satirical nature of the lyrics, the significance lies in the concept of the "trinity." As per the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a trinity refers to a group of three closely related persons or things.

This association becomes apparent when observing the close collaboration between The Roots and the featured artists, Dice Raw and Greg Porn. Both musicians frequently contribute their immense talent to The Roots' projects, establishing a tightly knit musical family. Notably, Greg Porn's vocals grace the first and last verses of this album's singles, showcasing his undeniable presence throughout the journey.

Dice Raw's participation in two other songs on the album further solidifies the idea of a trinity. His diverse contributions, from rapping over rock to addressing shocking matters, demonstrate his range and artistry.

"The Dark (Trinity)" serves as a testament to the deep respect and appreciation The Roots have for these two incredible artists who have become regular collaborators within The Legendary Roots Crew. By entrusting Greg Porn and Dice Raw to set the tone for these songs, The Roots elevate the overall musical experience and forge a cohesive connection between all the tracks.

Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge the lowercase 't' in the word "trinity" within the song's context. This deliberate choice opens the door to an alternative definition, one that references the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. This theme aligns with the album's exploration of religious concepts, a thread that weaves its way through various songs on "&TYSYC," leaving listeners pondering the unknown and reaching towards the divine.

With "The Dark (Trinity)," The Roots once again prove their mastery of lyrical storytelling and their ability to captivate listeners with music that transcends boundaries. Prepare to be immersed in a world of satirical hip-hop, introspective musings, and thought-provoking narratives. Brace yourself for an exhilarating journey as you delve into the intricate layers of this exceptional track.

So there you have it, a glimpse into the remarkable track "The Dark (Trinity)" by The Roots, featuring the incredible talents of Dice Raw and Greg Porn. Get ready to be enthralled, as this satirical take on modern rap takes you on a captivating and thought-provoking musical adventure. Sit back, relax, and let the deep, introspective verses wash over you. It's time to embrace the darkness and revel in the brilliance of this hip-hop masterpiece!

• Release Date: May 19, 2014
• Artist: The Roots