Renegade
Jay-Z (Ft Eminem) Lyrics

Motherfuckers, Say that I'm foolish I only talk about jewels (bling bling)
People criticize me for only talking about material wealth, but they don't understand the context of my music and experiences.

Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?
Are you truly engaging with and understanding the music, or are you just superficially consuming it?

See I'm influenced by the ghetto you ruined, That same dude you gave nothing, I made something doing
My art is a reflection of the struggles and hardships of urban communities, and I have been able to turn my experiences into success despite the lack of support from society.

I give you the news, with a twist it's just his ghetto point-of-view
I provide commentary on current events and societal issues from a perspective that is often ignored or silenced.

The renegade, you been afraid
I am a renegade and a threat to the established order.

I penetrate pop culture, bring 'em a lot closer to the block where they Pop toasters, and they live with they moms
I am able to bring the realities of the inner city to a wider audience and expose the hardships that people face.

Got dropped roasters, from botched robberies niggas crotched over Mommy's knocked up cause she wasn't watched over
The violence and poverty in these communities can lead to dangerous situations and the consequences can affect whole families.

How you rate music that thugs with nothing relate to it?
Mainstream music often doesn't reflect the realities of the streets, and those who live it might not relate to it or see it as valuable.

I help them see they way through it, not you
I am able to connect with and inspire people from similar situations and help them navigate their experiences.

Can't step in my pants, can't walk in my shoes, Bet everything you worth; you lose your tie and your shirt
My experiences and success are unique to me, and trying to replicate them without understanding the context and hard work involved will lead to failure and loss.

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
As someone with influence in these communities, I take it upon myself to connect with and mentor young people, even if it's outside of my usual role.

But if it don't, then why y'all swallow the truth grin and bear it
If what I'm saying doesn't apply to you, then why are you so quick to dismiss it and pretend it doesn't matter?

Using his music to steer it sharing his views in his marriage
My music is a platform for me to express my opinions and values, and to influence those who listen to it.

But there's a huge interference, they're saying you shouldn't hear it
There are forces that seek to silence or censor my music and message.

Maybe it's hatred I spew, maybe it's food for the spirit
Some people may perceive my message as negative or hateful, while others might interpret it as uplifting and inspiring.

Maybe it's beautiful music I made for you to just cherish
My music can have different meanings and interpretations for different people, but for me it is a form of art that I hope people can appreciate and enjoy.

Now now, that's when you start to stare at who's in the mirror And see yourself as a kid again, and you get embarrassed
When confronted with uncomfortable truths or criticism, you might reflect on your own experiences and feel ashamed or humbled.

And I got nothing to do but make you look stupid as parents
I will not hesitate to challenge and call out those who criticize or try to censor me, especially if they are not well-informed or educated on my message.

What's on my mind at, any given time of day, Cause I'm a renegade!
I am unafraid to speak my mind and defy societal norms and expectations.

I had to hustle, my back to the wall, ashy knuckles
I come from a background of poverty and struggle, and I had to work hard to overcome these circumstances.

Pockets filled with a lot of lint, not a cent, Gotta vent, lot of innocent of lives lost on the project bench
I have experienced poverty and the violence and death that often come with living in poor neighborhoods.

My pops left me an orphan, my momma wasn't home, Could not stress to me I wasn't grown, 'specially on nights I brought something home to quiet the stomach rumblings
I grew up without a parental figure and had to fend for myself from a young age, often experiencing hunger and malnutrition.

My demeanor, thirty years my senior, My childhood didn't mean much, only raisin green up
I have had to mature and take on adult responsibilities at a young age, and material wealth has been a way for me to find success and identity.

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
My controversial reputation and image are not necessarily accurate or reflective of who I am as a person or artist.

Or is he the latter, a gateway to escape?
Perhaps my music is an outlet for people to escape their own realities, or at least gain perspective on them.

Media scapegoat, who they can be mad at today, See it's easy as cake, simple as whistling Dixie
The media often uses me as a target for criticism or blame, and it has become too easy and lazy for them to do so.

While I'm waving the pistol at sixty Christians against me, Go to war with the Mormons, take a bath with the Catholics, In holy water, no wonder they try to hold me under longer
My unapologetic and controversial image is a response to the societal pressures and criticism I have faced, as well as a way for me to express my dissatisfaction with organized religion and societal norms.

I'm a motherfucking spiteful, delightful eyeful, The new Ice Cube, motherfuckers hate to like you
I am proud of my controversial image and enjoy challenging societal norms and expectations.

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 have come from humble beginnings and have overcome many obstacles to achieve success, and my provocative image is a way for me to express my frustration with those who try to hold me back or criticize me.