The truth
Jake One feat. Freeway & Brother Ali Lyrics

(The truth is so plain to see)
We are stating facts that are clear and obvious to anyone paying attention.

Y'all ain't fuckin with the R-O-C nigga
You are not on the same level as Roc-A-Fella Records.

Y'all don't want it with the F-R-E nigga
You do not want to compete with Freeway.

Y'all ain't fuckin with them Jake One beats nigga
You cannot compare to Jake One's production skills.

All my real fans did you miss him? (miss him)
To my true supporters, have you been longing for my return?

These youngins might not know 'em but they feel him (feel him)
The younger generation may not be familiar with me, but they still appreciate my music.

Freezer starvin, I ain't stoppin 'til the meal ends (meal ends)
I am hungry for success and will not give up until I achieve my goals.

I'm as raw as pickin cotton with your bare hands (bare hands)
My talent is natural and unrefined, like the difficulty of picking cotton by hand.

This is State Prop game, Roc-A-Fella fam (fam)
I am part of the State Property rap group and the Roc-A-Fella Records family.

I'm your favorite flow-er's flow-er you can call him, and ask him (yeah!)
I am the favorite rapper of other rappers, whom you can verify this with.

He'll tell you that he spit it like I spit it before
Other rappers will attest to the fact that their style was influenced by mine.

Listen fella, this Roc-A-Fella we invented the flow (that's right)
We at Roc-A-Fella Records created and perfected the rap style.

Was baggin dimes in my cellar (uh)
I used to deal drugs in my basement.

when Nas had his tech in the dresser (uh)
I was hustling while Nas was hiding his gun in his dresser.

Now I pass checks to bank tellers nigga (that's right)
I am now making legitimate money and have moved away from a life of crime.

Philly Freezer had a black Smith and Wesson (woo!)
I used to carry a gun for protection.

When black Smif N Wesson started wreckin they shows (come on)
I was performing on the same stage as Smif-N-Wessun when they gained popularity.

They was enterin the stage (yeah), I was enterin the stage too
We came up in the industry at the same time with our respective talents.

You just start doin it, I did it before
You may be new to this, but I have already achieved success in this industry.

Who you? Free original (original), I'm in the building with a hardcore vintage flow
You are not as unique and talented as me, as I bring a classic and raw sound to the game.

I get the dough, I'm the truth
I am successful and talented, and cannot be denied.

You ain't fuckin with the R-S-E neither
You cannot compete with Rhymesayers Entertainment.

And you ain't fuckin with that Brother Ali, believe it
My skills as a rapper cannot be matched.

Ah, Jake roll that beat out like a red carpet
Jake One's production is elite and deserves special treatment.

I put that blood red target to your head, spark it
I am a skilled rapper and can take down any challenger with ease.

Directly out the ghetto marchin like I'm Rev. Sharpton
I come from a rough neighborhood, but I carry myself with dignity and leadership like Rev. Al Sharpton.

Bet I'm starvin like it's free breathe, his heads startin, look like I'm share croppin
I am willing to risk everything and work hard to achieve my dreams, even if it means living in poverty.

Cooped up squattin in a studio apartment
I have cramped living conditions but still dedicate myself to creating music.

Food stamps up in the pocket, mixin tuna with the ramen
I survive on government assistance and cheap, unhealthy food.

Boosted a few bottles of baby food out the market
I have resorted to stealing baby food to survive.

You ain't grew in this environment, so who are you to comment?
You cannot understand my struggles and therefore cannot judge me.

Hungry pacin in a bus station with my nuts hangin
I am desperate for success and will do whatever it takes to achieve it.

But I never sold base, motherfuck Reagan (motherfuck Reagan)
I have never sold drugs and condemn the political policies that lead to crime and poverty in my community.

Shit just wasn't in my upbringin (upbringin)
I was not raised in a culture of drug dealing and crime.

None of us is above scrappin my brother, so I don't judge nathan
I understand that we all have to do what we must to survive, and I do not judge those who have taken desperate measures.

Some of my buddies slanged it
Some of my friends were involved in drug dealing.

Then one got taken out, toe tagged, fuck that, rather be butt naked
One of my friends was killed and I refuse to die for this lifestyle.

I say it real, I'm afraid of bein killed
I am honest and open about my experiences, but worry that it could lead to retaliation and danger.

Seein my kids raised in hell, me away in jail
I am fearful for the lives of my children and do not want to be separated from them due to criminal activity.

In them homes, I been sketchin since I'm seven
I have been artistically talented since I was a child.

Got collected by my brethren, now it's my profession
I was discovered and supported by my community and now rap is my career.

Big music industry and seldom gettin mention
Despite my success and talent, I am often overlooked and underappreciated by the music industry.

But the few that do zoom in respect me as a legend
Those who truly understand and appreciate rap music recognize me as a legendary figure.

Fuck that, I'm a Reverend
I am more than just a rapper, I am also a spiritual leader.

The Philly Freezer with the Street Preacher settin up shop teachin the lessons
I am combining my talent as a rapper with my spiritual beliefs to educate and inspire others.

These are not just words, we tell you in the booth
Our lyrics are not just empty boasts, they are sincere and genuine.

That feeling you just got inside your stomach is our proof, that we the truth
The emotional reaction you have to our music is the evidence that we are genuine and authentic.