Official "Amerika" music video

Produced by Akeem Pennicooke of Cleveland Institute of Art, we present the official "Amerika" music video.  Remember, Red Pill releases 1/14/14 for free download!


Enjoy, and PLEASE share!  Thank you for watching.



LYRICS || FREE DOWNLOAD || SLIDESHOW

Follow @ChrisBlackOhio on Twitter.

T.R.P. Concert - January 3, 2014

Come see Chris Black and his full band in concert on January 3, 2014!  He will be performing songs from his previous releases and songs from his upcoming free album Red Pill.  The show will also feature Tre Smith, Mana, and Jamil.

Tickets are $8 and can be purchased HERE.

 Special thanks to the following sponsors:  I'm From Cleveland (all-Cleveland music blog), We Stay Chill (independent music blog), Yesterday's Nothing (indie Cleveland blog and network)

"Here 'n Now" lyrics and iTunes link

Tonight at 12 am the 2nd single from upcoming free album Red Pill released via SoundCloud and iTunes.  The song is called "Here 'n Now," and it features the great Ray Flanagan on guitar.  It was produced by Chris Black, and recorded, mixed, and mastered by David Nakaji.  Fans on Chris' official newsletter received a free download of this song on Monday, one day before the song's release.



Buy on iTunes


Please support and purchase the song for just 99 cents on iTunes.  Any and all support is greatly needed and appreciated. 

LYRICS
All along I was asking
Searching for the answers why
Worse than I'd imagined
The here and now had passed me by
If you only knew

Right on, keep a light on.

If you don't see the patterns
I hope you're satisfied
Saturated glasses
You see the world in black and white
If you only knew

Right on, keep your light on.

You scribe your words to perfection.
You've stayed straight with little misdirection.
You honor God for His blessings
But before you leave and go where you're destined I got a couple questions
I hope you don't mind answering, but this is what's been bothering me
How could you leave me for people who would never lay it on the line for me?
Speak properly. You should live for me, you should die for me.
Cherish honesty. You got a long record of hypocrisy
You can't erase that. Everything you do, you can never take back
So, lay it all on the table, like a placemat.
I remember some times when you would leave me for a while.
It's just me and you here, so please don't deny it.
But I respect you and I love you 'cause I am you.
So all I ask of you is when you make it big just show gratitude.
Your soul is all you got. Carry that torch when it's passed to you.
I'm deep inside of your heart. Tell the people what you have to do.

I don't wanna lead you on.
I just wanna make it right. Yeah,
And I don't wanna let you down.
I just wanna make you fly. (x2)

Thank you for everything!

Please share this song on Twitter,

and show it to your friends when you're with them.

             -Chris Black

new single: "Amerika" (free download and lyrics)

"Amerika" is the first single from Chris Black's upcoming free album called 'Red Pill.'  It was produced by Jordan Lewis and recorded, mixed, and mastered by David Nakaji.  (Subscribers to his newsletter received this song a day early and will get more exclusives in the future.  Please join!)  Some of the tags for this video on YouTube are similar to the tags of videos which get buried and have views deleted.  Please share the video in key places to spread the word.  Enjoy,

free download: Chris Black - "Amerika"

Lyrics: 

 

I'm still standing, feet planted / caught my flight but my wheels landed.
First place got rear-ended / not too big but my wingspan is.
Thought I won but still feel stranded / People wonder what my real plan is.
They don't trust me, I don't trust 'em / Nowadays, don't know who my real friends are.
I could care less, stop comparing us / I'm just here to start preparing us.
You can't put fear in us; God took care of us / We stopped waiting for them clouds to clear up.
Our future is here, and the future is clear.
I can move through your ears but I can't look you in the mirror.
Paper is nothing, might be useless in a year.
Invest all your money. Prove that it's real.
We have been chosen. The new age is here.
Do what you feel - the truth is revealed.
Quit bugging, bring it to light / 'cause it don't take a Beatle to say "Goodnight."
Bitch we're beasts - feed us right / It's time for us to feast and reunite.
We may not see peace for the rest of our life / I'm out of my teens and into the fight.
Stay out of the streets and out of the riots / You'll get a gun in your teeth for being defiant.
Welcome to America.

The world is changing. It ain't safe / and if I die I'm going out blazing.
Take down them evils with me / Now's time to rewrite history.
"We're crazy," they'll say / but when it boils down they're liquidated.
I live for freedom simply / I'm free from greed and envy.
I know it's hard to believe / that somebody wants you deceased.
But we saw it happen in Boston / how long before it's D.C.?
Shit, how long before it's Cleveland? / Stay in your house get arrested for leaving.
Wildlife's depleting / I don't expect to see green.
What in the world are they spraying? What in the world are they spraying?
What the hell am I saying / Google: "what in the world are they spraying."
Don't lose me, don't chase me
I am in a race and I cannot wait up.
Laughing to the bank but it's time for a statement
I'ma put my money under my mattress where it's safer.
Fuck the I.R.S. - I'm a waiter I don't pay you.
All the people with the paper - they're just looking for a favor.
Flirting with Satan if you make it to the majors
I ain't talking 'bout the leagues, I'm just talking 'bout the labels.
Give me a way to speak to people in the matrix
Overdose 'em with the Red Pill and show 'em what they're facing
Don't like what I'm saying, you can kill me but there's no way you can fake it.
People love my creations, you'll never find a replacement.
Amerika.



Stay posted here, and at the newly redesigned chrisblackohio.com for all the latest.
Follow @ChrisBlackOhio




Thank you for listening!  I mean what I say.
The fight continues...
-Chris Black

New CBO is launched!

Photo by Marc Kaz

Take a look at the BRAND NEW chrisblackohio.com, featuring everything from lyrics to music to production, all in a simple layout.

 

This site is now the official blog of Chris Black.

First single from the upcoming free album is coming soon.

Oct. 25 concert w/ Lorine Chia + more!

Come to the Foundry in Lakewood, OH on Friday, October 25, 2013 for a great night of Cleveland music.

The lineup features Willoughby's own Lorine Chia and more!

Tickets are $10 presale and $15 at the door.  Show starts @ 1 a.m.  Click the image below for more details.

 

(And remember... follow @ChrisBlackOhio

New music soon)

Chris Black (right) and Sicksteen (left), one of Independent's Day's organizers

"City Lights" music video

It is finally here!  Check out the video for "City Lights" below.
(Video by Najada Davis, shot in beautiful Cleveland, Ohio.)











Thank you for watching!  PLEASE share.  Chris Black is working on his next (free) album.  First single(s) will be released in October.  Remember to follow him on Twitter, and like his Facebook page for constant updates.

New Music: "road to success" w/ lyrics

This could be my last moment

Road to success but you know the path's lonely

Life is a race and that's what my Dad told me

No award for giving up in a catastrophe

If this was a war then I'd always attack homie

Awarded in cash so they don't throw a tax on me

But if there was a draft Uncle Sam would want me

I'm a Chris Black Ohio tee there's no tag on me

And by that I mean no dog tags, it's all black

I'd talk to walls but they don't talk back

So I talk to God cause He's all we have

In this army I am hardly in almanac - ain't even a number yet

So don't ask questions like "where do you think you're headed?"

As long as my head is on top of my shoulders it's Heaven

Until then it's: give it my all, if I fall in the wrong direction

I'll count my blessings; only guarantee is death and

Birth / And time on this Earth

What you do with it matters; every lie is a burn

Til your trousers catch fire and you try not burn

The truth taught me myself. What's a liar gon' learn?

Rhyming has earned me the right to self expression

Many man died for what they said so what's the First Amendment

I trust the Founders; they were truly indebted

2 hundred years ahead of their time; they knew the consequences of

Giving up what we had for government protection

The Constitution's threatened; only Amendment's left the Second

Now people on TV saying that we don't need weapons

Guess Hitler, Mao, and Stalin never taught us all a lesson.

 Damn... Well I'ma load up.

Be waiting at my front door when they show up

I'll hold my house down until this bitch blows up

Hitman puts a hole in me for money - he's a doe nut. 

Ya know what? This is my last moment

Road to success but you know the path's lonely

Life is a race and that's what my Dad told me

There's no award for giving up in a catastrophe, I said

This is my last moment

Road to success and you know the path is lonely

Life is a race and that's what my Dad told me

There's no reward for giving up in a catas(trophy)

Chris Black Ohio dot com

(full size artwork)

(This was recorded over Here & Now, by the great RJD2.

Support good music.

And follow @ChrisBlackOhio

Thanks.)

Applebee's Tour (by Marc Kaz)

Applebee's Fest (featuring Chris Black)

MONDAY, August 5 || Wes Point Park, downtown Willoughby || 6-10 p.m.

Chris Black tours Willoughby Applebee's from Marc Kaz on Vimeo.

TWITTER CONTEST:  Congratulations to RYAN GLASS for winning the Twitter contest - two free CHRIS BLACK OHIO tees and a $20 Applebee's gift card!  Ryan has always been a truly supportive fan.  Thanks for participating!


Check out the following write-ups about Applebee's Fest!

• Scene, Jeff Niesel
• cleveland.com, Chris Worrell
• Willoughby Today, Stefanie Valentic

@ChrisBlackOhio
Like Chris Black on facebook

Thank you for your support!

I hope to see you there.  Look for these
flyers (by Tre Smith.)

                  -Chris Black

 

New Music: "ily" + lyrics

Free download! (click 'Download' on the media player above)
@ChrisBlackOhio || #ily

LYRICS

The fact is - my mind is twisted

Like it did a backflip without practice.

My cousin is studyin' to be an actress

Lights, cameras, action

I'm just prayin' they don't make her do some whack shit

'cause you know how L.A. is

Hollywood's a devil they call it City of Angels.

But shoutout to the Angels on the basis

Of bases and balls; Lord, please help me erase this

Mindset that I ain't blessed; I know I'm not basic

I know I'm Your creation - I evolved and went ape shit.

I'm too busy prayin' to not say "shit."

Cursin' is reversin' of emotions that hurt you

That's why we say "shit." And all the other 7 words

Don't believe, better search for Heaven on Earth

You see our days are countin' down

Don't chase that stardom down

How can hate get you the crown?

Better brace, we're fallin' down to the ground.

We stay up on a cloud

Feet way up off the ground

Think of the government and wonder if

They could shoot us down

Probably not... shout out to Pac

He gave it all he got and as a rapper,

I have to acknowledge he's at the Top

I honor the legends that came before me

I don't want glory I just want somebody to tell people

My story... and this is way overdue

The hiatus hurt me, way worse than you

So let me ask you

Do you remember Catch My Flight?

Against All Odds, do you remember Blacklight?

Do you remember that night?

Cleveland, in front of thousands

I remember stepping to that mic

Plus, I remember all your faces - you were reppin'

You consoled me when we lost

'cause we didn't even come in second

That night, some of you texted - I still remember your message

'cause even though we lost you made it feel like Heaven

I love you

Limited Edition T-Shirts Now Available!

Chris Black and Matt Helt are proud to offer Black's first piece of merchandise!  Take a look at the brand new, limited edition 'CHRIS BLACK OHIO' tees below, designed by the one and only Tre Smith.  The shirts are extra comfortable Hanes Tagless.  (Shirts are available in black or white / S, M, L, XL.)

BLACK will be worn by Chris Black in the upcoming "City Lights" music video, shot in downtown Cleveland.

   

Click below to order shirt(s) from PayPal - no account needed!

Size

S M L XL

Color

BLACK WHITE

Please e-mail chrisblackohio@gmail.com if you have ANY problems with your order.

THANK YOU to all who have shown support in the past, 
and who support our mission now.
Still finalizing some things, but there is much
news upcoming (including new music.) Follow me!
                                         - Chris Black [Ohio]

Free Outdoor Applebee's-hosted Concert

Save the date!  On Monday night, August 5th, the Willoughby-location Applebee's is hosting their grand opening event outdoors, in downtown Willoughby.  The event will feature fun & games, special prizes and giveaways, and a musical performance from Chris Black and his band. 

WHERE:  Point Park, Downtown Willoughby
WHEN:  August 5, 2013 | 6-10 p.m.
TICKETS:  Free - no tickets needed!

And as a reminder, stop by Willoughby's brand new Applebee's (and ask for Chris Black to be your server.)  The restaurant is on Maplegrove, off route 91, by Cracker Barrel, Eat n Park, Texas Roadhouse, etc.

Address / phone # of the restaurant is:  35055 Maplegrove Rd.; Willoughby, OH, 44094; (440) 942-8740




 

Special thanks to the event's other sponsors!

 440.946.LAWS
(A full service law firm in historic downtown Willoughby)
murrayblacklaw.com

 440.710.0711
(Providing quality downtown living in Willoughby)
knez.net

440.478.6650
(A Wickliffe-based, dedicated landscaping company that cares about their craft.)

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO WIN 2 FREE SHIRTS AND AN APPLEBEE'S GIFT CARD.

#ApplebeesFest
@ChrisBlackOhio 

What is FREED'M?

Now presenting FREED'M.  Click here for details.

 The work I've been doing over the past few months has led me to a new business venture, called FREED'M.  My actions will be more purposeful, offering hope and help through truth and wisdom.  The group will also soon allow YOU to help me spread the urgent message of Freed'm (and be rewarded for it!)

Click here for a full description of FREED'M.

"Stars" Music Video

Below is the video for "Stars," a single from 'Welcome,' Chris Black's latest E.P.  (Click here for lyrics & description.)

This video was made with the help of Najada Davis and Pari Naraghipour through Lakeland Community College.

Thanks for watching! 

Follow @ChrisBlackOhio on twitter.

"Welcome" (LIVE)

Watch Chris Black perform "WELCOME" with Kyle Tresch (drums) and Ray Flanagan (guitar.)
Video captured via cell phone on May 13, 2013.



Chris Black - "Welcome" (LIVE) from Chris Black on Vimeo.


Below is the audio of their performance of "Get On My Level."

Get On My Level (LIVE) by Chris Black



Follow:

• @ChrisBlackOhio 
• @RayAFlanagan
• @Kyle_Tresch

"Stars" music video [plus lyrics & description]

Chris Black's summary of the song and video:
Stars is the creation of a vision. I wanted to make something that was very real and true to myself. I feel a lot of my musical influences show in this song. Lyrically it tells a story; the first verse is a third-person view of somebody, while the second verse is that person's own perspective. This song has the potential to be memorable. (It feels like a sequel to "Blacklight.")

Making the video was a great experience for me. We took an interesting direction with the screenplay - the song starts with a dark, cold feeling and progressively gets brighter. I'd like to give special thanks to Najada Davis and Pari Naraghipour for their production. Let me also thank Robert Hill and Lakeland Community College for taking on this idea.  

- Click HERE to buy "Stars" from iTunes! -

LYRICS
I pray these words will reach you where you are, oh.
From somewhere in the stars.
I'm out there with the stars.
Yeah I know
How life can get you down
I've been low,
With nowhere to be found.

He sits back with a pen, strapped with his own innovation.
Puts the needle on the track and his soul in the paper.
His work's solely from greatness, nothing short of amazing.
Then he thinks of his brothers - how he told 'em he'd make it.
Passed out in a poem, he won't wake up. Blasts off when they told him he wouldn't take off.
That's something to rap 'bout; now the cats out. But everyone around him feels like 'why do they hate us?'
So this is all he knows, what a journey it's been.
So much further to go, let the journey begin.
If determined to win, they'll tell you "well surely you'll win."
But he knows deep down inside him he ain't perfect a bit.
Feels like you're trying to find your rock and then it turns to brick.
But it don't happen like that so we gotta earn that shit.
His words could give a blind person vision.
And tries to say the words inside him 'fore he's murdered for livin'
It's just the game plan of a player
Just goin' through the motions 'til it turned to something major.

Yeah I know
How life can get you down
I've been low,
With nowhere to be found.

Look through the eyes of a soldier. Tell me how he was feeling.
When all odds are against you how could you not wanna flip it?
Knowing cops are gon' get you the next shot that they're given.
Unaccepted lifestyle but no one gon' stop you from living.
Guess I'll learn when I'm older. Guess I'll shop when I'm richer.
Man how could you settle for less, knowing they will not forget you.
When you had nothing but spirit - had big plans for your future,
You shrink yourself from the spotlight now you stand where they shoot you.
You see, my whole life I was told that I was too young,
While I observed the world and told myself what to do, son.
Always performing before a group of my elders
Now it's f**k it, I'll do it myself; I disappeared and grew up.
And still growing, still going where ever the wind blows me.
Still let my words introduce me to those who didn't know me.
And although now more than ever, I'm still lonely.
Peace with the people slowing - I'm still going. Gone.

I pray these words will reach you where you are, oh.
From somewhere in the stars.
I'm out there with the stars.
Yeah I know
How life can get you down
I've been low,
With nowhere to be found.
Oh no.

Thank you for enjoying this song and video. 

Please help my mission of spreading the light by getting this video 

to everyone you know. Tell your friends about it. 

The mission only succeeds with you. 

                   -Chris Black 

Chris Black returns to Beachland!

Chris Black and his dynamic new performing band are returning to the Beachland Tavern on May 13 for another (all ages) event, this time opening for The Pro Letarians.  Click HERE for the official Facebook event page.

Details:

• Monday, May 13th, 2013 || Doors @ 8 p.m. / Show starts @ 8:30
• Beachland Ballroom & Tavern || 15711 Waterloo Rd.; Cleveland, OH
• $10 advance / $12 at the door
• Lineup: Chris Black, Doc Remedy, Pro Letarians

For tickets, CLICK HERE, call Beachland @ 216-383-1124, or contact Chris Black or Matt Helt.

Here is a video from Chris Black's last performance @ the Beachland Tavern (April 2, 2013):

 

"Stars" music video comes out May 7th, 2013

Below is the teaser trailer for Black's upcoming "STARS" music video.
Come to chrisblackohio.com on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 for video and lyrics.

Buy "STARS" here.

"Back at It" Live

Here is a video of Chris Black's performance of "Back at It" at the Beachland Tavern on April 2, 2013.

Band members: Tre Smith (DJ), Kyle Tresch (drummer), Ray Flanagan (guitar)
Video by Marc Kaz from FOTO

- Come to the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern on May 13th to see Chris Black's next concert.  (Click HERE for details.) -

Follow @ChrisBlackOhio

'Like' Chris Black's official FB fan page

Live @ the Beachland Tavern

Enjoy this live rendition of Black's "For the Love of the Game" with Kyle Tresch (Drums) and Ray Flanagan (Guitar.)  Performed at Welcome In Concert at the Beachland Tavern in Cleveland on April 2, 2013. 

[FULL HD] Shot by Marc Kaz:

Another perspective:

WELCOME.

WELCOME is Chris Black's new E.P., released January 29, 2013.  Each song was written, composed, and produced by Chris Black.  The music is about life struggles, triumph, and 'welcomes' listeners to non-mainstream viewpoints and beliefs.  It contains features of J-Work, Tre Smith, Aaron Mittelo, and other local talent.  The album was recorded, mixed, mastered, and co-produced by nationally recognized engineer David Nakaji.



Click HERE to see 'Welcome - E.P.' on iTunes.

 
Click 'Buy Now' to order a hard copy through PayPal. 

Today, we all face constant bombardment of propaganda from all forms of media.  Television shows us nothing but disasters and saddening news, movies show us fairy-tales with little human value, and music tells us to do drugs and have sex with anyone.  The people need artists to begin a revolution against the mainstream.  WELCOME is that.  Welcome to the human values we all used to be accustomed to.  Welcome to viewpoints and expressions you will never hear on T.V. or mainstream radio.  Welcome to our search for the TRUTH.

Click HERE to see 'Welcome - E.P.' on iTunes.









 Follow @ChrisBlackOhio on twitter.
Like facebook.com/ChrisBlackOhio






Free album Red Pill will follow...

Thank you for understanding.
-Chris Black

Click picture for downloadable artwork.

"Respect the Grind" free download

Check out this freestyle song Chris Black and Dom Darling made in about 2 hours.  Free download.  Enjoy.

"FAME" remix w/ download

WELCOME week 7 is upon us.  Announcements are coming this week.  BIG announcements.

Below is the remix to T.I. and Young Jeezy's "FAME."  Chris Black recorded, mixed, and mastered the song.

DOWNLOAD "FAME" HERE.

"Blast Off" lyrics, & summary

"Blast Off" is a song I originally wrote for Against All Odds, and redid for WELCOME.  Typing the lyrics, I noticed my inspirations were slightly different when I wrote it.  For example, the Austin Collie shout out was referring to the concussion he suffered a few years ago. 

Regardless of when I wrote it, this will always be one of my favorites, and Dave Nakaji really helped create the sound that the song needed to have.  Enjoy.


LYRICS
You still here?
Can you see me?

Look at this composition - something you've got to witness.
Ain't wasting time with disses - I get no competition.
And you can try your hardest; you'll never stop the mission.
And yes I make mistakes; I ask for God's forgiveness.
I hope you see me in the best of my light.
I guess it sounds ambitious, but do you get that I'm right?
I'm takin' off, man I'm Catching My Flight.
I'll rap, I'll sing, and I'll compose for the rest of my life.
Thank you if you understand.
And my heart gives to everybody - I love the fans.
I'm too committed to be stopping any time soon.
And this is not a brainstorm; it is a typhoon.
Get outta bed - today I feel like flossing
And looking fresh; rock the specs, man I feel awesome.
I'm stone cold Steve Austin
Collie. Knock me down but I'll get back up and I'll be

Gone. All system's go.
Second thoughts are taking control.
Oh, I can't turn back now.
I'm strapped in.
La la la la

I'm gone. I'm blasting off up into the clouds.
I'm out of the world. Ain't no time for playing around.
I'm going away. You'll see me with the shooting stars,
Looking down at the world, but baby I ain't never too far away.

The snare splashes. It's truly magic.
And when I'm rappin' it's "lights, camera, action."
I gotta do this now; I don't wanna be asking
"What happened? How'd I let it go, man, I had it!"
That's a position that I'll never wanna live in.
See, this gift that I was given is something special so don't listen
To the haters who keep talking shit.
Are you a dog, man? Then why the hell you barking, bitch?
It's time to quit it, just accept the fact.
I'm better than most rappers.
And I'ma go after the top, no ladder.
Yeah, you can show laughter but it don't matter.
I'm gon' turn your shit talk into a low chatter.
Shout out to my future fans who don't believe.
Shout out to the supporters that call this poetry.
Shout out to my roadees coming to my shows for free.
And shout out to the fans screaming from the nosebleeds. I'm gone!

I'm gone. I'm blasting off up into the clouds.
I'm out of the world. Ain't no time for playing around.
I'm going away. You'll see me with the shooting stars,
Looking down at the world, but baby I ain't never too far away.

Do you know how it feels to be so lost
That Earth feels like outer space?
We can go to a place only I know.
I call it paradise.

I'm gone. I'm blasting off up into the clouds.
I'm out of the world. Ain't no time for playing around.
I'm going away. You'll see me with the shooting stars,
Looking down at the world, but baby I ain't never too far away.

I'm gone. I'm blasting off up into the clouds.
I'm out of the world. Ain't no time for playing around.
I'm going away. You'll see me with the shooting stars,
Looking down at the world, but baby I ain't never too far away.

Away. Away, yeah. Away, yeah.
Away. Away, yeah. Away, yeah.

Record Den now sells 'WELCOME.'

Go to Record Den in Mentor, OH, by the Great Lakes Mall, to purchase the new E.P. 'Welcome' for $8.99!

Record Den's address is:
7661 Mentor Ave  Mentor, OH 44060

'WELCOME' featured in Scene Magazine

Chris Black's new E.P. 'WELCOME' was featured in the February 13, 2013 issue of Cleveland Scene Magazine.

Cleveland Scene CD Review of 'WELCOME' 


 Purchase 'WELCOME' on iTunes HERE.
Follow @ChrisBlackOhio on twitter.
Check out Chris Black's Official YouTube channel.

 Big thanks to Jeff Niesel for the write-up.

I will consider your comments.

-Chris Black 

Lakeland Radio interview

Chris Black and Tre Smith met with Gina from Lakeland's Lake Effect Radio on Wednesday.  They talked for nearly 2 hours about the new E.P. 'Welcome' and the Legion movement.  Apologies for the low volume.

Thanks for having us! We had fun.

-Chris Black

Week 3: "WELCOME" lyrics + description

 Click HERE to get "Welcome."

LYRICS
(Welcome to my hometown.)
(So are you riding with me? Welcome to the machine.)
I see a haze in my city.
These could be the last days in my city.

This is an example of what happens
When what you can see, can't handle. The world's a scandal.
Some say life's a bitch; I don't like to imagine.
Two eyes on the back of my head, no glasses.
I turn around that's back to the matrix.
I ain't slowin' down or going back to the basics.
Can't figure out how to say this - trapped in the mind of a patient
Waiting with no patience, so stand in line for medication
While they burn you. Life's a test; I don't even know what it's learned you.
So bomb that! (Iraq) Planes flyin' shittin like birds do.
Haters only seeing what's in front of you. Across the world what would a gun do?
Countin' checks like "one, two." Broke dude - what'd I run into?
Never gon' stop when they run up, dude. Sign yourself up, what'd they put into you?
Them old back shots still fuckin' with you. So you're always gonna see me with a gun or two.
Bitch, eat my ammo! They mad the whip's like camo.
'cause when shit hits the fan, everything I am is Rambo.

Welcome to my hometown.
They say it come 'round if it go 'round.
So are you riding with me?
Welcome to the machine. Yeah!
(I'm talkin' Cleveland.)
I see a haze in my city.
These could be the last days in my city.

See, I'd get ready for war - body armor and all.
If your heart is on your sleeve, I'd try to protect your arm.
I'd like to get you informed, prior to turnin' off.
Riots all in our yard - these lobbyists love it all.
A billion dollars involved. F**k a scholarship, dog.
Shoot you out the sky like a star while they try to hide us with bars.
Strictly survival, y'all. Takin' Goliath on.
So when I am gone I just pray you find this song.
'till the system falls apart, I'm relentless in my march.
There's a battery in my back with endless amounts of charge.
Within it, there is a spark. Can't dim it or make it dark.
If you don't get it, still, then listen to my heart.
Bet you can see it in my eyes.
I believe in shit that I write. I hope you're keepin' up, I ain't tryin' to
Leave nobody behind, and that's the reason why I can't lie.
Money is time; believe I get mine. While peace ain't even paid mind.
I hope you see this in time. My heart bleeds for these rhymes.
With a hay fever from the sky, can't believe I can breathe in those lines.
I recite: evil's in sight. This shit goes deeper than life.
So settle your family business - talkin' Al Pacino all night.
This is the business that we've chosen, in a world that we have not.
You can look up to the clouds, see a God is all we got.
Bitch, I come from a city where it's "all for one and one for all,"
And shootin' stars lost never stop us when it's time to ball.
 
Welcome to my hometown.
They say it come 'round if it go 'round.
So are you riding with me?
Welcome to the machine. Yeah!
(I'm talkin' Cleveland.)
I see a haze in my city.
These could be the last days in my city.

Week 2: "Back at It" Lyrics + Description

 
Click HERE to download "Back at It" from 'Welcome.'

LYRICS
What's happenin' since I left you?
Been crackin' the system's numbers, been battlin' with whoever.
So javelin what they tell you. My ass has been down to hell and,
Back; if you hate you better get your facts straight - Get On My Level
You could never. I raise it at the push of a button.
Girl, if you lookin' for cuffin' these other rappers are Russians.
I think they're mad 'cause I kill em - Abram's tank ammo.
I'm glad I'm their villain 'cause these haters stay shallow.
But my words stay deep as the feet of the Grim Reaper.
I like my girls sweet and petite, with slim features, WHOA.
Hash tag that random fact. I'm tweetin' 'cause I can't relax.
I'm zonin' 'cause I'm half-attached to what the f**k I'm staring at.
So what you laughin' at, I'll blast you out your habitat.
You must be out your rabid ass mind, think I don't care to rap.
Think you ballin' bitch, I'll ball you up and play hacky sack.
Matter fact time to take my castle back, just tell me where it's at.

Yeah!
Hey yo we're finally homecoming.
Just in case you forgot who run it. Who run it?
Team Legion - throw your pinky and your thumbs up.
Their hands are to the ceiling, what's up!
(At it again)

Okay, I'm still spittin' real shit. Still make you feel this
Down to the souls of your feet; flip-flop hip-hop just like a heel flip.
'cause I kill shit, then you hear hits, so I'm here bitch, and I'm here to stay
So, needless to say, fear the day in which I leave the game.
But that's never. Unless these haters be the death of ME!
I tell em 'eat shit' and I got the recipe.
So if you testing me I suggest you find a better option.
And they say happiness a gun, well I forever cock it.
Click click bang - lyrics blowin' brains out.
Double meanin' like B.o.B seein' strange clouds.
Got heebie jeebies, these Weezy's just make the same sound.
Guess it's about that time that we shut the game down.
Look up to the rain clouds with my fangs out, 'cause I'm animalistic.
I think it's time to eat rappers as if I'm cannibalistic.
And I go bananas, ballistic - established a business of rappers and bitches.
I made a beat, smashed it, and ripped it, in case you happened to miss it.

Yeah!
Hey yo we're finally homecoming.
Just in case you forgot who run it. Who run it?
Team Legion - throw your pinky and your thumbs up.
Their hands are to the ceiling, what's up!
(At it again)

Back at it. I sold the red Saturn.
So many memories but it ain't that tragic.
'cause now I drive a Beamer, the paint look like black satin.
And they're callin' me fly so I don't speak to rap maggots.
And I ain't never left but they say 'Legion is back!'
So you can call me Greg Jennings, put the team on my back.
What did I mean by that? Success - my reason to rap.
So if they sayin' I'm gon' make it, I won't leave it at that.
I got a goal that I gotta fulfill; make it to the top from the bottom of the hill.
They play games but they're not on the field. Touchdown, bitch, I'll stop when I'm killed.
She find it attractive when I rap fast - ass is the fattest like I got her from Brazil.
Got her in the bed and she pop it like a pill - she said I'll probably make a million.
And then she goes to sleep, she don't know I ain't gonna sleep.
I'm busy livin' a dream, so avita zein!
She's ready to go steady but it isn't me.
I'm the future champion of everything; give me the ring.
'cause every word I spit single-handedly murders it.
Keep your conversation if money is not concerned with it.
Chris Black - the name is permanent. How could I be determined if
These haters didn't copy that and my words were not affirmative?

Yeah!
Hey yo we're finally homecoming.
Just in case you forgot who run it. Who run it?
Team Legion - throw your pinky and your thumbs up.
Their hands are to the ceiling, what's up!
(At it again)

follow @ChrisBlackOhio

like Chris Black on facebook. 
video by @MarcKaz


 

Week 1: "Thank You for Understanding" Lyrics + Description

Click HERE to download "T.Y.F.U." from 'Welcome.'

LYRICS (chorus co-written by Dom Darling.)

Yeah. So we're finally here.

Thank you.

Been a long time since you heard from me

And if not, listen up, you can learn from me,

I got a lot to say. No prophecy, but life is a test that God forsakes

And by the way, it's time to say what's behind my face before it rots away,

When it was locked in a safe, deep inside, back when I might've been a decent guy

Now my old girls all tweeting like, "every good guy has a beast inside."

Probably true, can't even lie, but that's just the view from an eagle's eye.

And I might make it look like cake but the truth is there's no peace inside

Of a rapper who dropped out, no FAFSA;

Who blasts off, no NASA; who cashed out, no bad luck.

I look back at my past like 'I wish I could go back right

Now and not live the fast life, now can I get my bagpipes?

And that's in celebration of a real man.

Now I smoke and rap to fit in where I still can.

Much love to my real fans.

My first year of college taught me nothing but 'be fresh man!'

I could say "no stress mahn," but truth is I dread things.

I could say "my money's straight," but truth is it's sex change.

I could make a fire beat, truth is that's methane

And you could say that I'm next, thanks, but truth is I'm already great.

Come on.

If you understand this, then tell me why they hate me more.

You will not understand this, so what are you hating for? (x2)

Thank you for understanding me. (x2)

If you understand this,

Thank you, I love you.

Some people just like the beat so thank you, but f**k you.

This ain't no mixtape but call it that if you want to

'cause frankly it's my baby - a straight classic out the womb.

I put my watch on when I wrote this shit,

So I could think about accomplishments and not hopelessness.

So when I'm on stage with a glowing wrist,

Just note that shit had cost a lot and I bought it so you'd notice it.

My motor's sick - spinning so fast I'm motion sick, with

Rum and coke in a mix - yes, I am as dope as it gets.

If your eye is the window then open that bitch.

Look in my eyes, that's as close you'll get.

Polo kicks - size 12

That's a size that your soul can't fit in, bitch.

If you understand this, then tell me why they hate me more.

You will not understand this, so what are you hating for? (x2)

Thank you for understanding me. (x2)

Thank you for understanding me. (x2)

Click HERE for 'Welcome.'

NEW E.P. - 'Welcome' out now!

The long anticipated E.P. Welcome is now available digitally and via hard copy.

'Welcome' now on iTunes!

Click HERE to see 'Welcome' on iTunes.
Click HERE or below to order a hard copy.  (10% off until Feb. 29, 2013.)

Stay posted for weekly lyrics and track-by-track reviews.

WELCOME. Thanks for coming along.

-Chris Black 






 

'Welcome' Promo Video

Check out the promotional video for Welcome, produced by Marc Kaz (from Legion's design duo called FOTO.)  Welcome releases TOMORROW, January 29, 2013.

Order a hard copy of 'Welcome' HERE.

Get paid to be an official seller of 'Welcome' by becoming a Legionaire.

Now is the time! We need you more than ever. 

Let the movement commence!

-Chris Black

NEW SINGLE - "City Lights" now on iTunes!

 

"City Lights" is now live! Click HERE for iTunes link.

"City Lights" is the next single from WELCOME to be released.  The song features two other Legion artists - Tre Smith and Jalen "J-Work" Chesney.  The song is now available on iTunes and Amazon mp3, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.  The full album, WELCOME, is set to release on January 29, 2013.

Follow @ChrisBlackOhio
Like facebook.com/ChrisBlackOhio

 We need YOU!  Still lots of work left to do.

-Chris Black