Renegade
Eminem / Jay-Z Lyrics

Motherfuckers say that I'm foolish I only talk about jewels (bling bling)
People criticize me for only talking about materialistic things.

Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?
Are you really paying attention to the lyrics or just casually listening to the beat?

See I'm influenced by the ghetto you ruined
I draw inspiration from the hardships and struggles of living in a neglected neighborhood.

That same dude you gave nothing, I made something doing
I turned my difficult circumstances into a successful career despite receiving no help from society.

What I do through and through and I give you the news, with a twist it's just his ghetto point-of-view
I provide a unique perspective on current events from the point of view of someone who grew up in the ghetto.

The renegade, you been afraid
I'm a threat to mainstream culture and some people are scared of my influence.

I penetrate pop culture, bring 'em a lot closer to the block where they Pop toasters, and they live with they moms
I bring attention to the realities of living in poverty and violence, something that is often ignored in pop culture.

Got dropped roasters, from botched robberies niggas crotched over
Some people are so desperate for money that they resort to crime, often leading to failed attempts and jail time.

Just read a magazine that fucked up my day
I read an article in a magazine that disturbed me, possibly about the societal issues I've been rapping about.

How you rate music that thugs with nothing relate to it?
Why are critics judging the quality of music that people who come from nothing can relate to?

I help them see they way through it, not you
I connect with my listeners on a personal level, something that music critics cannot do.

Can't step in my pants, can't walk in my shoes
No one else can truly understand my experiences and struggles.

Bet everything you worth, you lose your tie and your shirt
Don't doubt my talent or success, you'll end up losing everything you have.

I ain't no politician but I'll kick it with 'em a minute
I may not be a politician, but I'm not afraid to speak with them and raise awareness on important issues.

But if it don't, then y'all will swallow the truth grin and bear it
If the shoe fits, accept the truth and deal with it instead of rejecting it.

Who could inherit the title, put the youth in hysterics using his music to steer it, sharing his views and his merits?
Who else could take on the role of inspiring and influencing young people through music, sharing their beliefs and values?

But there's a huge interference, they're saying you shouldn't hear it
There are people who don't want my message to be heard, whether it's because of fear or disagreement.

Maybe it's hatred I spew, maybe it's food for the spirit
Some people may interpret my lyrics as hateful, but others may find them enlightening and uplifting.

Maybe it's beautiful music I made for you to just cherish
I hope that some people can appreciate my music for its beauty and artistry, regardless of their personal opinions on the lyrics.

No, now that's when you start to stare at who's in the mirror
When faced with criticism, it's important to reflect on yourself and your own actions before reacting.

You fucking do-gooders, too bad you couldn't do good at marriage!
Those who try to judge me or give me advice are often unable to succeed in their own personal lives.

And do you have any clue what I had to do to get here?
No one else knows the struggles, sacrifices, and hard work I had to put in to achieve my level of success.

I had to hustle, my back to the wall, ashy knuckles
I had to work hard and fight for my success, even when it seemed impossible.

Pockets filled with a lotta lint, not a cent
I started out with nothing, no money and no resources.

Gotta vent, lotta innocent lives lost on the project bench
There is a lot of violence and suffering in impoverished neighborhoods that isn't recognized by the rest of society.

Feelin' braver, durag wrappin' my waves up, pockets full of hope
Despite the odds being against me, I remained confident and optimistic, finding strength in small victories.

An orphan my pops left me
I grew up without a father figure in my life.

Especially on nights I brought something home to quiet the stomach rumblings
There were moments of struggle where I couldn't even afford to feed myself, resorting to stealing or hustling to make ends meet.

My demeanor, thirty years my senior
I had to grow up quickly and act more mature than my age, due to the difficult circumstances I was facing.

Only raisin' green up raisin' my fingers to critics
My only focus was on making money and proving my critics wrong, not on their opinions or judgments.

To shatter the picture in which of that as they paint me as a monger of hate and Satan a scatter-brained atheist
I want to break down the negative image that the media and society has painted of me, as a hateful and evil artist who disrespects religion.

But that ain't the case, see it's a matter of taste
My lyrics may not be appreciated by everyone, but it's up to individual taste and interpretation.

Media scapegoat, who they can be mad at today
I've become an easy target for criticism and blame by the media, regardless of whether or not it's justified.

See it's easy as cake, simple as whistling Dixie
The media can easily spin a story and cause hysteria, ignoring the truth and facts in favor of sensationalism.

While I'm waving the pistol at sixty Christians against me
I'm not afraid to defend myself and my art, even against those who try to censor or demonize me.

Go to war with the Mormons, take a bath with the Catholics in holy water
My lyrics may offend or challenge certain religious groups, but I am open-minded and willing to learn from them, even in their sacred traditions.

No wonder they try to hold me under longer
There are people who actively try to prevent my success or silence my voice.

The new Ice Cube, motherfuckers hate to like you
I'm seen as a controversial and polarizing figure, much like Ice Cube, but my talent and success cannot be denied.

What did I do? (huh?) I'm just a kid from the gutter
I'm not trying to be a role model or hero for anyone, I'm just being true to myself and my origins.

Making this butter off these bloodsuckers, 'cause I'm a motherfucking renegade!
I succeed and profit despite the struggles and opposing forces of the industry, because I'm a true rebel and outsider.