Renegade
Jay-Z Lyrics

Motherfuckers Say that I'm foolish I only talk about jewels (bling bling)
People criticize me for only rapping about material possessions, but they are not listening to my story and the experiences that shape my music.

Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?
I question whether my critics actually take the time to listen to and understand the deeper messages in my music.

See I'm influenced by the ghetto you ruined That same dude you gave nothing, I made something doing What I do through and through and I give you the news, with a twist it's just his ghetto point-of-view
I am inspired by my upbringing in a disadvantaged neighborhood, and while you saw nothing in me, I turned those experiences into a successful career. I report on the realities of the streets with my own unique perspective.

The renegade, you been afraid I penetrate pop culture, bring 'em a lot closer to the block where they Pop toasters, and they live with they moms
I am a renegade who breaks through mainstream culture, bringing attention to the struggles of the inner-city. Young people turn to violence, and often live with their mothers because they can't afford to move out.

Got dropped roasters, from botched robberies niggas crotched over Mommy's knocked up 'cause she wasn't watched over Knocked down by some clown when child support knocked No he's not around, now how that sound to ya, jot it down
My lyrics detail the harsh realities of crime and poverty in which individuals are killed or jailed from failed robberies. Teenage pregnancies are common due to a lack of guidance and support, and fathers abandon their children, leaving distraught mothers to fend for themselves.

I bring it through the ghetto without riding 'round Hiding down ducking strays from frustrated youths stuck in they ways
I expose the struggles of ghetto life without fear, despite the danger. Angry youths resort to violence because they feel trapped and hopeless.

Just read a magazine that fucked up my day How you rate music that thugs with nothing relate to it? I help them see they way through it, not you
Media coverage can be damaging and misrepresent the struggles of African Americans in the hood. I see the value in representing this reality in my music, even if it isn't appreciated by mainstream critics.

Can't step in my pants, can't walk in my shoes Bet everything you worth, you lose your tie and your shirt
You cannot understand the depths of my experiences, and if you were to trade places with me, you would surely fail.

Since I'm in a position to talk to these kids and they listen I ain't no politician but I'll kick it with 'em a minute
I have influence and a platform to reach young people, and while I am not a politician, I am willing to connect with them and share my story.

But if it don't, then y'all will swallow the truth grin and bear it
If my message is uncomfortable to hear, then you must accept it anyways.

Now who's the king of these rude ludicrous lucrative lyrics? Who could inherit the title, put the youth in hysterics Using his music to steer it, sharing his views and his merits?
I challenge anyone to claim my crown as the top rapper who speaks raw truth. My words resonate with the youth and I use my platform to inspire as well as entertain.

But there's a huge interference, they're saying you shouldn't hear it Maybe it's hatred I spew, maybe it's food for the spirit Maybe it's beautiful music I made for you to just cherish
There are those who try to silence me because they fear my message of rebellion and honesty. But I believe that my music is food for the soul and deserves to be celebrated.

I'm debated, disputed, hated and viewed in America As a motherfucking drug addict, like you didn't experiment?
I am constantly criticized and vilified in the media for my past drug use, but I challenge anyone to say they have never experimented with substances.

And I got nothing to do but make you look stupid as parents You fucking do-gooders, too bad you couldn't do good at marriage!
I use my words to expose the hypocrisy of those who place blame on me for corrupting youth, when they themselves cannot even keep their own families together.

And do you have any clue what I had to do to get here? I don't think you do, so stay tuned and keep your ears glued to the stereo
My critics have no idea the struggles and sacrifices I have made in order to achieve success. Rather than judge me, they should listen to my story and learn from it.

I'm the sinister, Mr. Kiss-My-Ass it's just the Renegade! Never been afraid to say What's on my mind at, any given time of day 'Cause I'm a renegade!
I am a rebel who speaks my truth without fear, at any given moment. I will always be a renegade.

About anything (anything?) anything (anything!) renegade! Never been afraid to say 'Cause I'm a renegade!
I will talk about anything, no matter how controversial or difficult the subject may be, because I am a renegade.

I had to hustle, my back to the wall, ashy knuckles Pockets filled with a lotta lint, not a cent Gotta vent, lotta innocent lives lost on the project bench
I was forced to hustle and fight for survival in my disadvantaged neighborhood. I was always broke and desperate for a way out, and I witnessed many tragedies in my community.

What you hollerin'? Gotta pay rent, bring dollars in By the bodega, iron under my coat Feelin' braver, durag wrappin' my waves up, pockets full of hope
I had to work hard to earn money and support myself. I often carried weapons for self-protection and felt proud of my style even in difficult circumstances.

Do not step to me, I'm awkward, I box lefty An orphan my pops left me And often my momma wasn't home Could not stress to me, I wasn't grown
I am a scrappy fighter who overcomes obstacles, including being raised by a single mother and absent father. I had to mature quickly and take care of myself.

My childhood didn't mean much, only raisin' green up Raisin' my fingers to critics Raisin' my head to the sky, Big, I did it, multi before I die No lie, just know I chose my own fate
My youth was defined by poverty and struggle, but I used these experiences to build my wealth and success. I am proud of what I have accomplished and am unafraid to stand up to my critics.

I drove by the fork in the road and went straight See I'm a poet to some, a regular modern day Shakespeare Jesus Christ the King of these Latter Day Saints here
I had to make tough decisions and take risks in order to get where I am today. I see myself as an artist with the ability to move people like a Shakespearean poet, and perhaps even serve as a messenger of Jesus Christ.

To shatter the picture in which of that as they paint me As a monger of hate and Satan a scatter-brained atheist
I reject the negative image that the media and society have painted of me as a hateful and devilish figure. I am a free thinker and stand up for what I believe in.

But that ain't the case, see it's a matter of taste We as a people decide if Shady's as bad as they say he is Or is he the latter, a gateway to escape?
My reputation is not a reflection of reality, but rather a matter of personal opinion. The people have the power to decide whether I am a villain or a powerful voice for change.

Media scapegoat, who they can be mad at today See it's easy as cake, simple as whistling Dixie While I'm waving the pistol at sixty Christians against me
I am an easy target for the media to vilify and blame for society's problems. But I speak my truth regardless of who is against me, even if it causes controversy.

Go to war with the Mormons, take a bath with the Catholics In holy water, no wonder they try to hold me under longer
I am unafraid to provoke and challenge institutions, even religious ones. Perhaps this is why they try to silence me and hold me back.

I'm a motherfucking spiteful, delightful eyeful The new Ice Cube, motherfuckers hate to like you What did I do? (huh?) I'm just a kid from the gutter Making this butter off these bloodsuckers, 'cause I'm a motherfucking
I am a charismatic and magnetic artist who defies expectations. People love to hate on me, but I am just a kid who has made a career out of struggle and strength.