Hardback
Dizzee Rascal Lyrics

Hardback, stern face
You need to have a serious demeanor and be tough to succeed in the music industry.

Play your position and know your place
You should stay in your lane and focus on your role in the industry.

Only move when the money's callin?
Don't waste your time on things that don't result in financial gain.

Take my advice, you'll be ballin?
If you follow these tips, you'll become successful and wealthy.

First up, it's important that you keep your shit original
To stand out, you must make unique and creative music.

Try and keep that copycat shit to a minimal
Avoid copying other artists' styles and sounds.

People want somethin? that they never heard before
Audiences crave new and innovative music.

If it's been done, leave it, they don't wanna hear no more
Avoid creating music that is too similar to what has already been done.

Secondly, here's another clever thing that you can do
Another way to be successful is to find a good manager.

'Cause there's so many to choose from, they all look the part
There are a lot of managers out there, but not all of them are good.

But it's difficult to come across the ones that's really smart
Finding a truly smart and capable manager can be challenging.

And can stand firm and steady when the label's talkin? shit
A good manager should be able to handle disagreements with the record label.

Will respect, it keeps it gangsta but does everything legit
A good manager should be respected and able to handle things professionally.

And dependable, you can trust to handle your biz
A good manager should be reliable and trustworthy to handle your business.

And can really make you sure of what the situation is
A good manager should keep you informed and aware of your business status.

Next up, find a record label that ain't full of pricks
It's important to find a record label that treats artists well and with respect.

One that let's you breathe artistically but makes you come with hits
The ideal label allows creative freedom but also demands commercial success.

Congratulations now you've got your deal, you're set to go
After getting a record deal, it's time to embark on your career.

Lemme fill you in on just a couple things you need to know
However, there is still more to learn to be successful.

Next up, change your number
To avoid unwanted calls, it may be necessary to change your phone number.

Change your phone and change your chip
Changing devices may also be necessary to avoid unwanted contact.

'Cause there's gonna be a lot of people ringin?, talkin? shit
Expect negative attention and criticism after becoming successful.

Whether bredrens wantin? money 'cause now suddenly you're rich
Friends may start asking for money after your success.

Or some dumb hatin? fassies tryin? to take you for a bitch
Haters may try to bring you down and insult you.

Yeah, I know it's minor and you can handle it, it's nothin?
While it may seem insignificant, dealing with these issues can be frustrating.

But eventually you're really gonna wanna do somethin?
It's important to not let these issues escalate and become problematic.

And that's counter-productive, beefin? over bullshit
Fighting over petty issues is a waste of time and can negatively impact your career.

You can never stop them dumb bredrens tryin? to bullshit
Unfortunately, there will always be people who try to take advantage of you.

Plus you're in the limelight, well-paid verbalist
As a successful artist, you are in the public eye and must be careful with your actions and words.

Which leads me onto my next subject, journalists
Journalists can make or break an artist's career, so it's important to be careful around them.

These are the people that could put your name about
Journalists have the power to publicize an artist and bring them attention.

So be careful what you're sayin? when you're talkin? out your mouth
It's important to be cautious and thoughtful when being interviewed by journalists.

And avoid bein? ignorant, tone down the thug-shit
Avoid talking about violent or aggressive behavior, and try to present a more positive image.

Come to interviews buzzin?, tone down the drug shit
Avoid appearing under the influence of drugs during interviews.

Keep your eye on the ball, mind on the job
Stay focused on your career and avoid distractions.

And before you know you'll have the whole world on your knob
If you follow these tips, you can become very successful and famous.

Here's somethin? that I shoulda stressed early on
Here's another important tip to keep in mind.

Don't go spendin? all your money till it's gone
Be careful with your money and don't overspend.

'Cause the taxman's gonna want his paper when it's due
Be prepared to pay taxes on your earnings.

And there's nobody above the taxman especially you
Even successful musicians must pay their taxes.

And another thing, buy your house before you buy your car
Buy a house before making luxury purchases like a car.

Don't tell no one where you are, even better if you're far
Keep your personal life private and consider living in a secluded area.

Everybody knows you're gangsta and that Porsche looks great
People will recognize your success and may become envious.

But do you really want it sittin? on that council estate?
But it may not be worth showing off your wealth in a less desirable area.

Differently, watch where you choose to socialize
Be careful and selective about where you spend your time in public.

Keep an eye out for trouble, watch for devils in disguise
Stay vigilant and be cautious of people who may try to take advantage of you.

And please don't be fooled by no pretty females
Don't let attractive people seduce or take advantage of you.

Play it safe, never let 'em know your full details
Keep your private life and personal information protected.

I ain't sayin? be para', I'm just sayin? be sure
I'm not saying to be paranoid, but be cautious and confident in your decisions.

You can never know if that bitch will be braggin? what she saw
Be careful who you trust and what information you share with others.

And aside from makin? money, keep lovin? what you do
Remember to love and enjoy making music, rather than focusing solely on financial gain.

I ain't saying nothin? more because the rest is up to you
These are the most important tips to follow, and the rest is up to the individual artist.