Renegade
Jay-Z ft Slim Shady Lyrics

Motherfuckers, Say that I'm foolish I only talk about jewels (bling bling)
People often say that I am silly and only talk about my wealth.

Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?
Do people actually listen to and understand the music I am creating, or are they only giving it a quick glance?

See I'm influenced by the ghetto you ruined
The conditions of poverty and violence within the inner cities have affected my life and shaped my experiences.

That same dude you gave nothing, I made something doing
The same person you did not give any opportunities to has been able to become successful through their own hard work and determination.

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 sharing the news and my opinions, but from the perspective of someone who grew up in the ghetto.

The renegade, you been afraid
I am seen as a rebel or outsider by others, and this fact makes them fearful.

I penetrate pop culture, bring 'em a lot closer to the block where they Pop toasters, and they live with they moms
My music has influenced and brought attention to the inner city culture and the struggles faced by those who live there.

Got dropped roasters, from botched robberies niggas crotched over Mommy's knocked up cause she wasn't watched over
There have been instances of failed criminal activity and poor decision-making that have led to some people being incarcerated and others having unplanned pregnancies.

Knocked down by some clown when child support knocked No he's not around, now how that sound to ya, jot it down
Some men have left their families and responsibilities behind, leaving single mothers to struggle to support their children.

I bring it through the ghetto without riding 'round Hiding down ducking strays from frustrated youths stuck in they ways
I am able to bring my message to the inner cities, despite the danger and violence that is present there.

Just read a magazine that fucked up my day How you rate music that thugs with nothing relate to it?
I have just read an article that has upset me because it shows the disconnect between those who consume and rate music, and the actual experiences of those living in poverty and violence.

I help them see they way through it, not you Can't step in my pants, can't walk in my shoes
I am better able to understand and help those in the inner cities, rather than those who have never experienced it themselves.

Bet everything you worth; you lose your tie and your shirt
You can never truly understand or appreciate the struggles and sacrifices made by those living in the inner cities until you have experienced it yourself.

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 who has gained popularity and influence through my music, I feel a responsibility to reach out to and connect with young people who may be facing similar struggles.

Cause see they call me a menace, and if the shoe fits I'll wear it But if it don't, then why y'all swallow the truth grin and bear it
Some view me as a negative and dangerous influence, but if that is how they see me then I will not deny or shy away from it.

Now who's these 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 in his marriage
I am seen as a powerful and influential figure within the music industry who is able to connect with and impact the youth through my lyrics and personal life.

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
Despite attempts to silence or discredit me, I will continue to share my music and message because I believe it can be inspirational or meaningful to others.

But I'm debated disputed hated and viewed in America As a motherfucking drug addict, like you didn't experiment?
There is a negative perception and criticism of me and my lifestyle in America, often labeling me as a drug addict, despite the fact that many people have experimented with drugs at some point in their lives.

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 faced with your own past or mistakes, there can be a sense of shame or regret.

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 am not trying to disrespect or belittle anyone, but some people's actions or views may have negative consequences that affect themselves and others, such as failed marriages.

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
Many people do not understand the struggles and sacrifices it takes to achieve success, but they can learn and be inspired through my music.

Cause here we go, he's (Jigga joint Jigga-chk-Jigga) And I'm the sinister, Mr. Kiss-My-Ass it's just the Renegade!
My music is often seen as dark or controversial, and I often embrace this by calling myself a renegade or sinister figure.

Never been afraid to say What's on my mind at, any given time of day Cause I'm a renegade! Never been afraid to talk About anything (anything) anything (anything), renegade!
I am always honest and outspoken in my music, never shying away from any topic or controversy.

(Never been afraid to say) (What's on my mind at, any given time of day) (Cause I'm a (renegade) Never been afraid to holler) (About anything (anything?) Anything (anything!))
I will always speak my mind and share my thoughts and opinions with others, regardless of the situation or audience.

I had to hustle, my back to the wall, ashy knuckles Pockets filled with a lot of lint, not a cent Gotta vent, lot of innocent of lives lost on the project bench
I have had to work hard and struggle to get to where I am today, facing poverty and violence in the inner city.

What you hollering? Gotta pay rent, bring dollars in By the bodega, iron under my coat, feeling braver Doo-rag wrapping my waves up, pockets full of hope
Despite the challenges, I am determined to make something of my life and support myself, even if it means resorting to illegal activities at times.

Do not step to me, I'm awkward, I box leftier often 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 am not always the most socially adept or graceful person, and I have had a difficult family life, with a sense of abandonment and neglect.

My demeanor, thirty years my senior 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 (nigga)
Despite my difficult upbringing and obstacles faced, I have overcome and achieved great success, and will continue to rise and reach new heights.

No lie, just know I chose my own fate I drove by the fork in the road and went straight
I have taken control of my own life and destiny, making my own choices and forging my own path regardless of adversity or obstacles.

See I'm a poet to some, a regular modern day Shakespeare Jesus Christ the King of these Latter Day Saints here To shatter the picture in which of that as they paint me As a monger of hate and Satan a scatter-brained atheist
Some see me as a creative and artistic figure, while others view me as a negative or destructive force.

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?
Ultimately, it is up to the listener to decide whether my music is positive or negative, helpful or destructive.

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 Go to war with the Mormons, take a bath with the Catholics In holy water, no wonder they try to hold me under longer
The media likes to focus on and blame me for negative or controversial events or issues, often without merit or evidence.

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 complex and controversial individual, with a unique style and message that some people love and others hate, but ultimately I am just someone who has overcome personal obstacles to achieve success through my music.