Meaning of "Maintaining" by Common

` The lyrics of "Maintaining" delve deep into Common's quest to stay true to himself and his artistry in a world where commercial interests and fickle audiences often dictate success. Recognizing the importance of being authentic, Common uses intricate wordplay and clever metaphors to assert his skills, call out fake MCs, and highlight the struggles of maintaining one's integrity in the face of industry pressures. He discusses the challenges of staying relevant, the need to constantly prove himself, and the sacrifices he's willing to make to preserve his artistic vision. By juxtaposing his raw talent with the superficiality of the music business, Common conveys a powerful message about the importance of staying true to oneself and never compromising on one's principles, even in the face of adversity.

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