Exodus
Ice-T Lyrics

My youngins get it fucked up when y'all talk about the game
The younger generation misunderstands the true nature of the music industry when you discuss it

Like it's designed in their favor
They believe that the industry is set up to benefit them

Like it ain't outlined for them to waiver
As if the system doesn't expect them to compromise their principles

Their rights for a lil' bit fame
They are willing to sacrifice their rights for a small taste of fame

Get in bullshit fights for a lil' name
Engaging in pointless conflicts just to gain a little recognition

To get noticed by some niggas that don't give two fucks about you
Seeking attention from people who truly don't care about their well-being

Till you make 'em a few bucks they doubt you
Until they can profit from you, they will doubt your abilities

Tell 'em you don't do the jives and shucks, and they route you to the shelf
If you refuse to conform to their deceptive tactics, they sideline you

See there's no money in good health
Being genuinely good doesn't bring financial success in this industry

So they need you to be sick with it, ill content and delivery niggas
They prefer artists who are controversial, unhappy, and deliver negative content

This nation thrives off misery niggas
The industry profits from promoting misery among individuals

So if you ain't trying to let your hard times increase your wealth
If you don't embrace your struggles to make money, they won't support you

Niggas keep that progressive shit to yourself
They don't want any progressive or positive music, keep it to yourself

This is the business of buying souls, and we only fuck with those who trying to sell them
The music industry capitalizes on exploiting artists' souls and only supports those willing to sell them

See me as an adversary 'cause they know I'm tryin' to tell them
They view me as a rival because I'm trying to expose their corrupt practices

About the forest of artists who grow only to meet industry axes
Many artists are nurtured by the industry only to be destroyed by it

How they take niggas dreams and write then off in their taxes
The industry manipulates artists' dreams and uses them to their advantage while avoiding taxes

Contracts is confusing, but don't worry they'll appoint the lawyer for you whore you
Contracts are intentionally unclear, but they will assign a lawyer who will exploit you

Loan you funds to fuck your soul make you pay it back and still maintain control of your stroll
They lend you money to trap your soul, making you repay it while still controlling your career

Your tracks and your hot ass slow flow
They control your music and your unique style of rapping

They'll keep you looking good and all that, but no dough
They'll enhance your image but won't provide you with financial success

You see when that get a bitch, they got a bitch
Once they have control over one artist, they have control over all of them

And contrary to popular opinion it ain't my sistas that switch
Contrary to stereotypes, it's not the women who betray, but rather the men

It's my brothers
The male artists are the ones who betray their principles

We the dumb motherfuckers
We, the male artists, are the foolish ones in this industry

Hardest niggas in the streets turned industry suckers
The toughest individuals on the streets become manipulated pawns in the industry

'Cause we refused to do the knowledge
Because we rejected gaining real understanding and insight

Nigga, you can't learn this music game in the streets or in college
You cannot gain knowledge of the music industry from street experience or education alone

So you betta pick up a book or something
Therefore, you should educate yourself by reading and studying

Or fuck it, Black Ice will put it in a hook or something
If you don't want to read, I'll convey the message through a catchy song

Hope that you listen to it
I hope you pay attention to the message in the song

Got you pumpin' that poison while they paint them illusionary parades and keep pissin' through it
They manipulate you with toxic content while distracting you with false displays and continuing to disrespect you

You pussies don't know the price or the sacrifices that this industry makes real niggas walk
You ignorant individuals don't understand the heavy toll and sacrifices that real artists endure in this industry

F-a-b-o-l-o-u-s album number 3 Real Talk
This is a reference to another album, unrelated to the main theme of the song