Reason For Rhyme
Eightball & MJG Lyrics

I'm MJG, the nigga with the versatile style
MJG is an artist with a versatile style

Check your calendar realize that I been here for awhile
He's been in the music industry for a long time

When I was young I took the soul up out of rhythm and blues
MJG transitioned from rhythm and blues to hip hop

When hip hop originated slowly paid my dues
He worked hard to establish himself in the hip hop industry

And take my shoes, and try to walk a mile in my past
He challenges others to understand his struggles

Without them salt shaker sheisters tryin to get in that ass
He faced difficult challenges and obstacles from fraudulent people

It's been too long, you motherf**kers fittin to feel the south
MJG wants people to recognize the talent of southern hip hop artists

Shut your mouth, shut your do you little freak ass hoe
He doesn't want people to criticize southern hip hop artists

I'm bout tired of all this damn east and west coast shit
MJG is frustrated with the focus on the east and west coast in hip hop

Especially when other niggaz tryin to work in this bitch
He wants recognition for southern hip hop artists trying to make it

I paid my dues to the fullest, worked to god damn hard
MJG worked hard to establish himself in the hip hop industry

For you too kill the industry and leave me out of a job
He doesn't want the industry to fail and leave him unemployed

You niggaz strain yourself, to maintain yourself
Some artists are trying too hard to maintain their status

And now you playin with enough rope to actually hang yourself
Some artists are making poor choices that could harm their career

But you don't care, hell, you constantly fallin deep in the plot
Some artists are unaware of the consequences of their actions

Mesmerized from all the bitches and the money you got
Some artists are too focused on superficial things

You must of forgot they said that rap would never last ten years
MJG reminds people of the skepticism surrounding hip hop's longevity

And if your selfish to the fact, I'm tryin to have a career
MJG is concerned with making a lasting career in hip hop

Now listen here, what do we have, we got probable cause
MJG has evidence to support his argument for recognition of southern hip hop artists

To keep the pen on the paper and the glock in your drawers, nigga
He's committed to writing and making music, but also acknowledges the dangers of the industry

Remember back when we used to do this shit for fun
MJG reminisces about the early days of hip hop when it wasn't solely about financial gain

Bein the dopest on my block made me ranked number one
He gained recognition for his skills and talent in hip hop

No gun, just a pen and notebook paper by the sheet
He's focused on writing and expressing himself through his music

In the crib, gettin funky off the next nigga beat
He's experimenting with different beats and music

No electronics to make the shit that I wrote the chronic
He created music without the assistance of modern technology

Shit sick enough to bring vomit from your stomach
His music is powerful and impactful

Quick as a comet, shield your eyes from the UV
His music is fast-paced and attention-grabbing

Groovey, like a nigga from a Batman movie
He compares his music to the groovy soundtracks of Batman movies

Real about the shit that I express over dope beats
He's genuine and honest in his music

You can't say it was fake unless you grew up on my street
His music is authentic and reflects his upbringing

Concrete head niggaz, runnin from FED niggaz
Some artists are involved in illegal activities and running from authorities

Po' ass scared niggaz, that came out dead niggaz
Some artists end up suffering serious consequences for their actions

And all I ever wanted to be was an emcee
MJG always had a passion for hip hop and wanted to be a successful artist

Did a little dirt and found it wasn't for me
He learned from his mistakes and moved on from negative experiences

Poetry flowin through my bloodstream like a drug
MJG is passionate about writing and creating music

I'm addicted to rhyme because I love the buzz, nigga
He's addicted to the excitement and passion that comes with creating music

Because I'm true to this rap
He's committed and genuine in his music

Because I'm real with this rap
His music is honest and authentic

It ain't all about the cheese
He doesn't make music solely for financial gain

My reason for rhymin
He's sharing his motivation and purpose for creating music

While I'm in, a position to be tellin
He's gained a level of success and recognition that allows him to speak about his experiences

It's not about the fame and them bitches who be yellin
He's not motivated by superficial aspects of the industry

At my concerts, one verse, dicks up, quick f**k
He's critical of the behavior of some fans at concerts

I gits up, do sits up, and squeeze my mental mindrame back in order
He's disciplined and focused in his writing process

And use my hand as a tape recorder
He's committed to writing and documenting his ideas

Now follow G, can you comprehend?
He's challenging listeners to understand his perspective

If you can then drink a shot of Hen
He wants listeners to truly understand and appreciate his music

Hit this hand on your silver end
He's emphasizing the importance of his message and music

Friends don't be friends and foes don't be foes
People act in different ways in the industry

However the way you bring it, that's how you want it, I suppose
MJG acknowledges the diversity of perspectives and experiences in the industry

I can stay up out the game keep my aim on my paper
He can stay committed to making music and writing without getting caught up in negative aspects of the industry

And I'll be sure to keep my pimpin real with Tony Draper
He's committed to maintaining a positive and genuine relationship with his manager

And I'll potray the man that I'm known to be
He'll maintain his integrity and remain true to himself in the industry

Dim the lights (Hip-tie) for the MJG
He's a respected and talented artist in the industry

Give me a crowd of wild niggaz who love real hip hop
He wants an audience that appreciates authentic and genuine hip hop

And watched smoke get soaked up, like water in a mop
He wants to create an immersive and powerful performance experience for his audience

Drop presidents among me and my own folk
He wants to make money and succeed with his peers and colleagues

And let that bullshit walk among the past with ghosts
He wants to leave negative aspects of the industry in the past and move forward

Ain't no hope of bein takin seriously
Some artists face challenges being recognized and taken seriously in the industry

When limited avenues are given to me
There may not be enough opportunities for everyone in the industry

So, naturally I take shit and make shit mine
He's determined to create opportunities and succeed in the industry

Jackin only for position in this thing called rhyme
He's willing to do what it takes to succeed as a hip hop artist

Freestyle, not great, but if you wait for a second
He's confident in his abilities and knows that he can improve

I could write some shit down that could get a gold record
He's confident in his writing abilities and believes he can produce hit records

Thought about not the first thing that I think about
He's open to new ideas and perspectives

MJG and Eightball and hard is how we comin out
He's committed to creating powerful and impactful music with Eightball

Runnin out, niggaz who can't hold on like En Vogue
Some artists are struggling to keep their careers afloat

Even though I moved out the mound I'm still ten toed
He's still committed to his roots and where he came from

Down for the shit I do, the Suave House crew
He's committed to his music and his fellow artists on Suave House

True to this shit, because this shit is so true
He's committed to creating authentic and genuine music

End with shoutouts
He's giving shoutouts to important people in his life and career