The Poem:

Stop! 

Just listen. 

Do you hear it?... 

Does it come as a shock? 

 

Silence is deadly 

and knowledge is golden 

But how can we know if our stories aren't told and 

Our soundtracks unfold as material hold 

When really we create 

Every day of our lives 

a new beat with a rhythm 

that strengthens our stride 

(Step 8 counts) 

 

It is what it is, 

Call it what you want 

We all call it culture 

which this country denies 

Cause it comes from the creators 

With the Beautiful Brown Eyes 

They try to make us, 

Then break us down' 

Framing our thinking to fit minority 

But put us all together 

And we cancel their authority. 

(Step 16 counts) 

 

Now think about it... 

Are we doing this for nothing? 

Working 9 to 5 

or going to school to become something 

But when we're finished, it's jobs we'll be hunting. 

Presently, our minds are distracted by 

Marketing ringtones for Reaggeton and Hip Hop 

Because they know 

Its the music that keeps us together and alive 

It's the cultural engine that smoothens the ride 

(Step 16 counts) 

 

Exactly when do we stop to stare in the mirror? 

Cause it seems that the time couldn't be any clearer. 

Instead of looking at our reflections in commercials written in Vein 

That cease to explain our societal maintain. 

They say we all look the same 

But we can tell the difference 

Indeed our beauty is intense 

And it raises rage 

that can not be expressed through words 

when the difference is experienced 

through subliminal slurs 

 

It's absurd 

So they try to shut us up 

with affirmative action 

Thinking it replaces 

Historical dissatisfaction. 

But it's a SLAP in the face 

To put us back into place. 

A SLAP in the face to turn away 

From the excitatory change we can create 

So what do we do with the pain that we take? 

Do we rub it down and turn the other cheek to take the heat? 

I’m sorry but that’s something Ill never do 

Because I know that this country 

was intended 

for me and you 

 

So what I'm saying is, 

Take what's yours 

And you don't have to do it alone 

You got a billion neighbors 

Start knocking on their doors 

and if they choose to ignore 

then (Two Stomp) Create a beat that’s louder 

That (Two stomp) Shakes them scared Shitless 

When (Two Stomp) They know your story is heard 

For (Two Stomp) They know your bond is your Word!