Power

Behind the scene, regime calling shots
We debate in front of have nots
Lost souls from back blocks
Everybody in they hood feeling
They all can rap
Thinking it’s a way out the trap
School is lame, feel it
They have nothing to gain
All they know is guns and cocaine
I can recall the moment
The time the suit's despised rap
Saying it was noise and nonsense
Once it became a voice for the people
They saw dollar signs, artists got signed
Low level opinionated A&R's
From Arkansas had no clue what was going on
Fast forward, cash out the start of minus
Ten hour days, I really can’t call it
Evil seeds in place
All I’m seeing is a wasteland
Built off drugs, money and self hate

I’ll tell you the difference
Between me and them
They trying get they ones
I’m trying get them M's
I want to be free to live
Able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street
Where the people live
I’ll tell you the difference
Between me and them
They trying get they ones
I’m trying get them M's
I want to be free to live
Able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street
Where the people live

I might front but I won’t go backward
I’m every slave’s dream, I own my masters
Unlike most rappers
Even if I don’t go platinum
I live like I did, that’s all that mattered
They said I couldn't do it, I did it
Independent with lyrics that don’t
Produce for listeners
Forward music no excuses
Only a chosen few show and prove it to be
True to cultures influence resulted
In moguls’ affluence
Revolution’s the only solution
Get back to basics and
Stop chasing illusions, of vultures looming
Causing confusion
Regain the focus you losing
The goal’s improving
The future of our culture ensured
If you're a vocally gifted artists
Supposed to be winning
But those who be spinning are dick
Riding more than the women
Causing division by ignoring the feelings
Of fans who know what is missing
Hip-hop in it's purest existence

I’ll tell you the difference
Between me and them
They trying get they ones
I’m trying get them M's
I want to be free to live
Able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street
Where the people live
I’ll tell you the difference
Between me and them
They trying get they ones
I’m trying get them M's
I want to be free to live
Able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street
Where the people live

Another record label snitched, but fuck it
You know it, one love kid
No I’m not doing a bid
Try to throw me under the
Bus and ruin the kid and came back with full
Fronts and exclusive kicks
Stays up ahead, always adapt, evolve, survive
Sharpen your knives, in other words
Sharpen your mind
That’s your most valuable tool
Always stay alerted
Wide-open to learn at all times
The actual truth, make opportunities happen
Whether you're a full time
Student or rapping
You’re responsible for your actions
No complaints, you ain’t got no time for that
Cause time’s money and you're in the red
Not in the black get it where you fit in
There's more power in packs
Pop em before they pop us in a shower of gats
From corporate back lots to crack spots
Stock ops to chop chops
Way before you popped out your mom’s box

I’ll tell you the difference
Between me and them
They trying get they ones
I’m trying get them M's
I want to be free to live
Able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street
Where the people live
I’ll tell you the difference
Between me and them
They trying get they ones
I’m trying get them M's
I want to be free to live
Able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street
Where the people live