Lyrics
Hope is for losers ‘cause winners plan
Hope is disregarded by winners because they focus on planning.
I’m Gold, bronze ain’t part of the brand
The persona values excellence (Gold) and rejects anything lesser (bronze) in association with their brand.
T-shirts and CDs was hand to hand
Describes selling merchandise directly, engaging with fans on a personal level.
Only thing y’all sold? 21 grams
Others only sold a small amount (21 grams), contrasting with the persona's broader success.
The source ain’t the middleman
Emphasizes that the actual creator/artist is more crucial than the intermediary.
touring in a minivan
Highlights the struggle of touring in less glamorous conditions (a minivan).
from staring at the ceiling fan
Reflects on past times of contemplation and limited success.
used to wanna make the band
Early aspirations of being part of a band.
soon came to understand
Realization that success requires understanding the industry and business aspects.
broadcast syndication compared to a Hunnid grand
Comparing the value of broadcast syndication to earning a substantial amount of money.
split up by 6 hands
Profits split among multiple people.
Kill yo masters even if yo lifespan - cut in half
Metaphorically advocating for breaking free from controlling forces, even if it shortens life expectancy.
no pussy mind-state, so save the cat-scan
Rejecting a narrow-minded focus and embracing a broader perspective.
gotta oppress a lot of people if you power like a white man
Commentary on the abuse of power, comparing it to the historical dominance of certain groups.
Victim if you bystand
Suggests being considered a victim if not actively opposing injustice.
ghost in these stolen lands
Feeling disconnected in a place with a history of stolen territories.
yellin Get Out as blueprints get drawn up and ran -
Expresses frustration at the hypocrisy of institutions preaching change but not acting on it.
For new shops servin potato salad wit raisins that’s very bland
References cultural appropriation and insipid attempts at diversity.
Live and direct, that blind copy shit, you know its a spam
Rejecting imitation and advocating for authenticity.
1st Amendment is a joke, too much truth will get banned
Critical view of censorship and suppression of truth under the guise of free speech.
Free speech expensive as a muthafucka
Reinforces the idea that exercising free speech comes with a significant cost and potential consequences.
Free speech expensive as a muthafucka
-They say no man should have all that power
-Cleanliness, Godliness, need about a hour
-Clean it up for you, I’ma keep that shit clean
-‘Cause if I speak my mind, boy you know what that brings
-Free speech expensive as a muthafucka
-Free speech expensive as a muthafucka
-It cost money just to think, hard to profit
-Might cost ya life off some nonsense
-Free speech expensive as a muthafucka
-Free speech expensive as a muthafucka
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So what you gon do wit Power once you get it my nigga
Reflects on personal growth, success, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Used to think about it over dinner at the Sizzler
-Salad bar before the Laker game up in the winter
-Shaq and Kobe made me feel lik my City was a winner
-Before the Staple Center, what a time a time to remember
-They was right across the street from my school, a sure contender
-But all you gotta do is tune out the Jazz
-You might airball in the clutch, but greener grass
-Grows where you stand if you got vision to know the ledge
-Victim of time travel ‘cause now I be far ahead
-Knowin I got 5 rings, cut from the royal thread
-Swimming out this pool of tears and all the bloodshed
-Same crown and mindset, no matter the framework
Consistency in personal values despite changing circumstances.
speaking power to reality that shit work
Commitment to speaking truth to power, regardless of its perceived value.
And I’ma always tell you how I feel for what’s its worth, eventho that
-Free speech expensive as a muthafucka
Reiteration of the cost and risk associated with expressing oneself freely.
Free speech expensive as a muthafucka
-They say no man should have all that power
-Cleanliness, Godliness, need about a hour
-Clean it up for you, I’ma keep that shit clean
-‘Cause if I speak my mind, boy you know what that brings
-Free speech expensive as a muthafucka
-Free speech expensive as a muthafucka
-It cost money just to think, hard to profit
-Might cost ya life off some nonsense
-Free speech expensive as a muthafucka
-Free speech expensive as a muthafucka
-
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