Battlefield
7L & Esoteric Lyrics

Yo, chip on his shoulder, glad it sunk in
I have a chip on my shoulder, and I'm glad people recognize it.

You don't walk with; you walk among him
I'm not your equal, I'm above you.

Thems the rules, no bendin'
These are the rules, and they can't be changed.

No flow lendin', this takes balls like goal tendin'
I won't give out my style to anyone, and it takes bravery to be true to yourself.

I, man up stand up to the bullshit
I face the obstacles in my life and don't back down.

Telling fans put their hands up if they feel it
Asking my supporters to show their enthusiasm for my music by raising their hands.

The fake shit
Referring to the insincerity often found in the rap industry.

I got a man named Eddledip (?), Fifteen, just got out the bing and he said, "This is what rap is, fuck I had this, upper class kids, Using 'ghetto' as an adjective" (No!)
A young man I know, fresh out of jail, expressed his frustration with the current state of rap, namely rich kids using poor language as a trend.

"This is what rap become, speaking smart actin' dumb, Rapping like a shooter when you know you don't pack a gun"
Rap has turned into boasting about intelligence while still spewing ignorance, and pretending to be tough without the need for violence.

I said "Nah" but I was lying through my teeth, Cryin' underneath as I heard a sigh of relief, Then I told "It would never look bleaker, Today you've got to dig a little deeper"
I denied what he said, but in reality, it made me sad. But then I told him to keep searching for deeper meanings and purpose.

Limit this, when I reminisce, When it comes to B.I., You know I handle minds like a hypnotist
When I think about it, I'm good at controlling and manipulating people's thoughts and emotions (B.I. refers to The Notorious B.I.G.).

Middle finger to the cynical critics, Who couldn't do what I do, If they was visiting my clinics
I don't care what the haters say, they don't have the talent to do what I do, even if given the opportunity to try.

First, "He's too complex", Next, "Where's the concept", Then, "He just smack clowns", Now, "He don't back down…", To no one…the mic's like a loaded gun
Critics can't make up their minds about my style, but either way, I'm a force to be reckoned with on the microphone.

You want to learn from the truest, While slogans run
If you want to learn from the best, pay attention to me, not just trendy slogans.

I can't fuck with no beef that's over-done, It's over son, I took it to round one, Moving on…
I'm not interested in continuing meaningless beef that's already played out. I'm moving on to bigger and better things.

You knowing that the flowing's spectacular, My lyric's like a massacre
You should already be aware that my flow and lyrics are amazing, they destroy the competition.

Usually when I'm cracking the…, Sidewalk or the sediment, The all-black forces, sorta like the 54th Regiment
When I'm rhyming, it feels like I'm defeating something solid, like the sidewalk or the earth beneath me. I also relate to the 54th Regiment, an all-black Civil War regiment that fought valiantly despite discrimination.

Them Nikes, I gotta get them in bulk, I got the streets on smash like the Incredible Hulk
I need to buy those Nikes in large quantities. I have the streets under my control like the Hulk, tearing up everything in my path.

Hmm-hmm mike check they ain't done yet, Please let me have your enthusiasm for a sec
I'm not finished yet, and I need my fans to show some energy and support.

Y'all talk about rhyming off blocks to get credit, Only if you rockers bust with athletics dog forget it
Many rappers talk about being from certain neighborhoods, but the only way to really be respected is if you have real talent, not just athletic ability.

Claim you're hated on 'til the break of dawn, When it's time to make a song you better wait 'til later on
Some people claim to be hated on constantly, but when it comes to actually making music, they don't have the skills to back up their talk.

This here is real words, You can say I'm preaching; each and every person breathing into a mic thinks they're teaching
What I'm saying is real, not just empty words. Many rappers believe they are teachers, but that doesn't mean they are.

I reach in and abiding by the rules, Never no time to lose, I don't confide in fools
I follow the rules and don't waste time. I don't trust people who are foolish and untrustworthy.

Every night, getting hype, While you reppin' like you've ever like, When you like the pride of your private schools?
I'm out there every night, getting pumped up and excited about my craft, while other rappers act like they're from the streets but really grew up in privileged private schools.

I provide the jewels: the shine is me, Now view this time, the rightful recipient, Living in the most doomed of times…, I use my mind to prove that I'm the sickest of human kind
I am the one who brings greatness and success. I am worthy of all the accolades and recognition. Even though times are tough, my intelligence and skill prove that I am the best out there.

(Chorus x2)
The chorus is repeated twice throughout the song.