Black Star f/ Common “Respiration” (1998)
1998 was the year, and Common was settling in comfortably as an NYC implant. But no matter what the peanut gallery might’ve had to say about his uprooting, no one could ever say he didn’t rep the crib. You want proof? Look no further than 1998’s classic “Respiration” from Black Star.
This might be Com’s most heartfelt and poignant verse dedicated to the city of Chicago, as his vivid imagery was thought-provoking, insightful, and sadly all too true. Common was at his very best here, and no doubt stole the entire song from Kweli and Mos. Listen to his verse, then listen again. What he’s spitting still holds true in 2014.
what about Twista, Jay Z and Missy “Is That Yo Chick”?