Respiration - song and lyrics by Black Star, Common - Spotify
: There is a notable remix by Dr. Luke and another by Pete Rock.
Watch the official music video for 'Respiration' to see the urban imagery that inspired the track's lyrics: Black Star - Respiration ft. Common BlackStarVEVO YouTube• Jun 16, 2009 Black Star Respiration
: It is the second single from the duo's only studio album of that era, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star . How to Listen
The track uses urban life as an extended metaphor for "respiration," depicting the city as a beast that breathes, eats, and sleeps. Respiration - song and lyrics by Black Star,
: Focuses on the duality of the city. He compares New York to a "bruised but sweet" apple, warning that those who "choose to eat" might lose their teeth—a metaphor for the dangers beneath the city's surface.
: Broadens the scope, reflecting on the survival instincts required in the urban "concrete jungle" where people are "crawling under pressure". Technical Elements Common BlackStarVEVO YouTube• Jun 16, 2009 : It
: Captures the feeling of being trapped and small. He describes "deep city breaths" taken while sitting on "shitty steps" and looking for God in a sky filled with smog and "broken dreams".