Ever since a trip to Johannesburg, the Roots classic Things Fall Apart has been on my mind. My boy had it on blast as we drove around Joburg. So I decided to have a re-listen to this great album and its shocking how out of touch I was with what the band was saying. The reason I liked certain songs was the beat, flow and hot bars but I didn’t put the whole picture together. Which is obviously disappointing especially when The Roots aren’t your average band.



Today I focused on ‘The Spark’ which was performed by Malik B. Before today it was just a dope song but I decided to look at the lyrics for unknown reasons. This changed everything for me and I was blown away. With the assistance of genius lyrics it became clear to me that Malik B was addressing his theory on life and how he applies his religion of Islam in this complicated world. He uses his rap persona as a metaphor for the obstacles in his life. He doesn’t discount the impact of his environment in Philadelphia and how it has shaped him. He’s well aware of his dual personality and that at any time one of them can surface. He is driven by his goals so much and he or the world question whether he’s still a believer and following Islam as explained in the lines below,

“using new ways to try to reach these better days.

Instead of tryna take you under I just make you wonder

I still fast, make salaat and pay zakaat

I didn’t make Hajj yet, but that’s my next project

Living two lives, one of turn and one with true lies”

Malik B has a realization of how precious his life is and finds solace in his religion. This is song is incredible and moving. It makes me think of how I apply my faith on a daily basis. A friend wrote a thesis on Christianity and the African. This makes me think how I relate my faith as an African first and how I find consolation and direction from it. This song has allowed me to start asking questions such as, “what does it mean to be an African to me?” and “How have I interpreted and applied my faith” in the face of overwhelming obstacles?” It has reminded me of the dual faith the African has and the friction between the cultural or traditional religion verse Christianity.

Music is entertainment first and foremost but it can be more than that. It can comfort an individual, it can distract, it can consume, it can provide nostalgia, it can inspire and provide an awakening. The Roots’, The Spark can be all of the above but it truly was a glimmer of hope in a moment of introspection for Malik B. Hopefully it has the same impact on the world.