The Food

Common

About The Food

"The Food" is the first single by rapper Common released on his sixth album Be. Kanye West appears on the song's chorus and also produces the track. West samples "I Never Had It So Good" by The Chi-Lites and interpolates "Nothing Can Change This Love" by Sam Cooke for the song's beat. In addition, DJ Dummy scratches on the song and Dave Chappelle introduces the live version of it. The song was originally performed live on Chappelle's Show on March 3, 2004. This live version is featured on Be, although a studio version does also exist. It received mostly positive acclaim, but was not promoted heavily and did not chart. IGN.com writer Spence D. describes it as a "nice and mild burner that showcases the Chi-town duo's symmetry." Nathan Brackett of Rolling Stone states that it is one of the "hardest-rocking tracks of Common's career." 


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"Tonight's musical guests
Two of Chicago's finest MCs
Give it up for Common and Kanye West"

Yeah (Common Sense), it's Common Sense
And Kanye West on the Dave Chappelle Show
Everybody gotta eat right, y'all
It's "The Food", baby

I walked in the crib, got two kids
And my baby mama late (uh oh, uh oh, uh oh)
So I had to did what I had to did
'Cause I had to give (dough, dough, dough)
I'm up all night gettin' my money right
Until the blue and whites (popo, popo, popo)
Now the money coming slow, but at least a nigga know
Slow motion better than (no-oh, no-oh, no-oh)

You love to hear the story, again and again
About these young brothers, from the City of Wind
Like juice and gin, in the city we blend
Amongst the hustle, titties and skin, fifties and rims
Y'all know the Sprewells and trucks that's detailed
Heartless females that wanna ride in 'em
Felt the Southside venom in raw hides and denim
Pimp minds collide with 'em, a system that tries victims
We livin' in, my man in the fast lane pivotin'
On the block white is selling like Eminem
On the block it jump off like Kim and 'em
On the block it's hot, you can feel it, in your skin and then
Shorties get the game but no instructions to assemblin'
Eyes bright, it seems like the fight is dim in 'em
Call my man Cuzo, like I'm kin to him
He tryin' to stay straight, the streets is bendin' him

I walked in the crib, got two kids
And my baby mama late (uh oh, uh oh, uh oh)
So I had to did what I had to did
'Cause I had to give (dough, dough, dough)
I'm up all night gettin' my money right
Until the blue and whites (popo, popo, popo)
Now the money coming slow, but at least a nigga know
Slow motion better than (no-oh, no-oh, no-oh)

It's all good in the hood, like rats in gyms
Throwbacks and Timbs, blacks and rims
Whether on ball courts or tires of all sorts
We never fall short, with us it's all force like Air 1's
Some waves, some air guns, the days of the fair one is over for
Cats is colder than four below, with self I go toe to toe
Wondering if it's for the art or for the dough
Though I know to grow a nigga gotta learn to let go
Though I know the dough I got to bring back to the ghetto
Arrows on tarot cards pointin' to the grind
Po' livin' in more prisons, pointin' to my mind, shine the light up
Clench my fists tight, holdin' the right up
Freedom fight in dark gear for the years to get brighter
Situations, and jaws get tighter
My man trying to get his weight and height up, c'mon!

I walked in the crib, got two kids
And my baby mama late (uh oh, uh oh, uh oh)
So I had to did what I had to did
'Cause I had to give (dough, dough, dough)
I'm up all night gettin' my money right
Until the blue and whites (popo, popo, popo)
Now the money coming slow, but at least a nigga know
Slow motion better than (no-oh, no-oh, no-oh)

I, I know I could make it right
If I could just swallow my pride
But I can't run away or put my gun away
You can't front on me
I, no I can't let it ride
No, no, not tonight
See I can't run away or put my gun away
You can't front on me

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Common

Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. (born March 13, 1972), better known by his stage name Common (formerly Common Sense), is an American rapper and actor. more »

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Written by: Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Kanye Omari West, Sam Cooke, Stanley Wayne McKenney, Eugene Record

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Recording Process
"The Food" was recorded live on "Chappelle's Show", a popular comedy sketch program hosted by Dave Chappelle. In fact, it was one of the only music performances on the show to be used in the artist's official album.
Album Appearance
The song "The Food" is a part of Common's sixth studio album called "Be." The album, released in 2005, was produced primarily by the famous rapper and music producer Kanye West, and was highly praised for taking hip hop back to its musical roots.
Song Theme
The lyricism of "The Food" focuses on various societal issues including poverty, struggles, and survival. The song paints a picture of what it's like to grow up and live in the rough neighborhoods of Chicago.
Influence
"The Food" significantly influenced the style of hip hop during its time, largely because of its return to classic hip hop beats and melodies, and the emotional, relatable lyricism.
Kanye West's Contribution
Not only did Kanye West handle the production of the song, but he also provided vocals for the chorus. His contribution played a significant part in the song's appeal.
Critical Reception
"The Food" was received positively by both fans and music critics alike. While it may not be Common's biggest commercial hit, it is often regarded as one of his most impactful songs due to its instructive narrative and dynamic performance.
Live Performance
The live recording of "The Food" featured on "Be" is noteworthy for its energy and authenticity. It is characterized by the enthusiastic crowd response and the raw, powerful performances from both Common and Kanye West.
Impact
In a context where hip-hop was deeply associated with materialism and gangsta rap, "The Food" played a key part by focusing on the real-life struggles and experiences, thus shifting the narrative of what mainstream hip-hop could represent.
Grammy Acknowledgement
Although "The Food" itself didn't win a Grammy award, Common's album "Be", which includes the song, was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 48th Grammy Awards in 2006.
Collaborations
The song marked one of the earliest collaborations between Common and Kanye West, establishing a successful partnership that would continue for years, producing many other great hits.

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