People
AN:TI Lyrics

I had for us
I had dreams and aspirations for our relationship and future.

You turned my dreams into dust
You destroyed my hopes and ambitions, leaving me with nothing.

I know Obama was heaven sent
I acknowledge the greatness and positive impact of Barack Obama's presidency.

But ever since Trump won, it proved that I could be President
Donald Trump's election showed that even someone with no political experience or qualifications can become President of the United States.

Yeah, you can, at what cost though?
While it's possible for anyone to become president, the cost to democracy and the country's well-being may not be worth it.

Don't that go against the teachings that Ye taught for?
Doesn't this contradict the values and beliefs that Kanye West previously espoused?

Yo, Tip, I hear your side and everybody talk, though
I understand and hear what you and everyone else is saying.

But ain't goin' against the grain everything I fought for?
Doesn't going against the conventional wisdom and status quo align with what I have fought for in the past?

Prolly so, Ye, but where you tryna go with this?
You may be right, Kanye, but what is your end goal or purpose in supporting Trump?

It's some shit you just don't align with and don't go against
There are certain things or people that you simply can't align with, but also can't actively go against.

You just readin' the headlines, you don't see the fine print
You're only skimming the surface and not fully understanding the complexities and nuances of the situation.

You on some choosin'side shit, I'm on some unified shit
You're focusing on choosing sides and aligning with one group or ideology, while I'm focused on bringing people together and finding common ground.

It's bigger than your selfish agenda
This issue is larger and more important than your own personal beliefs or goals.

If your election ain't gon' stop police from murderin' niggas, then shit
If your election as President won't stop police brutality and the killing of black people, then what's the point?

Bruh, I never ever stopped fightin' for the people
I have always been and will continue to be an advocate and fighter for the people.

Actually, wearin' the hat'll show people that we equal
Wearing the Make America Great Again hat will show people that we are equal and can have differing opinions and beliefs.

You gotta see the vantage point of the people
You need to consider and understand the perspective and experiences of other people, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed.

What makes you feel equal makes them feel evil
What you perceive as empowering and equalizing may actually be harmful or oppressive to others.

See that's the problem with this damn nation
This is an issue and problem with our country as a whole.

All Blacks gotta be Democrats, man, we ain't made it off the plantation
Black people are often expected to vote for and align with the Democratic party, and it feels like we are still enslaved and not completely free.

Fuck who you choose as your political party
I don't care what political party you align with or support.

You representin' dudes just seem crude and cold-hearted
The people you are representing and aligning with seem rude and lacking in empathy or care for others.

With blatant disregard for the people who put you in position
You are not considering or caring for the people who voted for and supported you to be in your current position.

Don't you feel an obligation to them?
Do you not feel a sense of duty or responsibility to the people who believed in and voted for you?

I feel a obligation to show people new ideas
I feel a duty to introduce and promote new ideas and ways of thinking to the people.

And if you wanna hear 'em, there go two right here
If you are open to listening and learning, I have two new ideas and perspectives to share with you.

Make America Great Again had a negative perception
The phrase Make America Great Again was viewed negatively by many people.

I took it, wore it, rocked it, gave it a new direction
I took the negative phrase and turned it into something positive and empowering.

Added empathy, care and love and affection
I added qualities of compassion and love to the phrase, which was previously associated with hate and division.

And y'all simply questionin' my methods
People are questioning and doubting my methods and approach to promoting unity and new ideas.

What you willin' to lose for the point to be proved?
What are you willing to sacrifice or risk to prove your point or achieve your goals?

This shit is stubborn, selfish, bullheaded, even for you
Your behavior and approach is stubborn, selfish, and close-minded, even for you.

You wore a dusty-ass hat to represent the same views as white supremacy, man
You wore a hat that has been associated with and endorsed by white supremacists, which is unacceptable and offensive.

We expect better from you
We have higher expectations and standards for you as a public figure and influential person.

All them times you sounded crazy, we defended you, homie
We have defended and supported you in the past, even when your behavior or statements seemed unusual or irrational.

Not just to be let down when we depend on you, homie
We don't want to feel let down or disappointed when we rely on you for leadership or guidance.

That's why it's important to know what direction you're goin' now
It's crucial to understand and be aware of the direction and intentions you have moving forward.

'Cause everything that you built can be destroyed and torn down
All the progress and positive impact you have made can easily be undone by your actions and choices.

You think I ain't concerned about how I affect the past?
I am aware and concerned about how my actions and choices will impact my legacy and past accomplishments.

I mean, that hat stayed in my closet like 'bout a year and a half
I didn't wear the Make America Great Again hat for a year and a half, feeling conflicted about its impact and message.

Then one day I was like, "Fuck it, I'ma do me"
Eventually, I decided to wear the hat and embrace my own beliefs and approach, regardless of others' opinions or expectations.

I was in the sunken place and then I found the new me
I was feeling trapped and disconnected from myself, but eventually found a new sense of purpose and identity.

Not worried about some image that I gotta keep up
I'm not concerned about maintaining a certain image or reputation, but rather being true to myself and my values.

Lot of people agree with me, but they're too scared to speak up
Many people share my beliefs and ideas, but are afraid to express them or speak out.

The greater good of the people is first
The benefit and well-being of the people as a whole is the top priority.

Have you considered all the damage and the people you hurt?
Have you thought about the harm and negative impact your behavior and choices have caused to others?

You had a bad idea, and you're makin' it worse
Your decision and choice was already bad, but your actions and behavior following that have only made it worse.

This shit's just as bad as Catholic preachers rapin' in church
Your behavior and actions are just as harmful and morally wrong as the sexual abuse committed by Catholic priests in the church.

Y'all been leadin' with hate, see I just approach it different
Others have been promoting hateful and divisive messages, but I choose to approach the issue and situation differently.

Like a gang truce, the first Blood to shake the Crip's hand
I'm trying to establish a truce and find common ground, similar to when rival gangs temporarily put aside their differences.

I know everybody emotional
I understand that everyone is feeling intense emotions and reactions to this situation.

Is it better if I rap about crack? Huh? 'Cause it's cultural?
Would it be more acceptable or appropriate for me to rap about drugs because it's considered part of black culture?

Or how about I'ma shoot you, or fuck your bitch?
What about rapping about violence or sexual conquests? Would that be more acceptable?

Or how about all this Gucci, 'cause I'm fuckin' rich?
Should I just focus on material possessions and flaunting my wealth instead?

You'll deal with God for the lack of respect
You will be held accountable by a higher power for your disrespectful and harmful behavior.

Startin' to make it seem like Donnie cut you a check
Your behavior and endorsements of Donald Trump are starting to seem like you were paid or bribed for your support.

Now you toyin' with hot lava, better be careful with that
You are playing with fire and potentially dangerous consequences, so be cautious.

What's it mean to gain the world if you ain't standin' for shit?
What's the point of achieving fame and success if you aren't standing up for what you believe in or making a positive impact?

Okay I gotta say it, Ye, you sound high as a bitch
I have to be honest, Kanye, you sound like you're under the influence and not making sense.

Yeah, genocide and slavery, we should just try and forget
Suggesting that we should simply move on from the atrocities and trauma of genocide and slavery is insensitive and dismissive.

And all that free thought shit, find a better defense
You need to come up with a better argument or justification for your so-called 'free thought' instead of just repeating it.

But if Ye just stuck in his way, he can leave it at that
If you insist on being stubborn and unyielding in your beliefs, then there's nothing more to be said or done.

Fuck it
I'm done arguing and debating about this topic. Let's move on and let the people have their say.