Renegade
Jay-z Eminem Lyrics


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Motherfuckers,
Say that I'm foolish I only talk about jewels (bling bling)
Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?
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
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
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
I bring it through the ghetto without riding 'round
Hiding down ducking strays from frustrated youths stuck in they ways
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
Can't step in my pants, can't walk in my shoes
Bet everything you worth; you lose your tie and your shirt

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
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
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
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
But I'm debated disputed hated and viewed in America
As a motherfucking drug addict, like you didn't experiment?
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
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!
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
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! 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!
(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 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
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
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
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)
No lie, just know I chose my own fate
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
To shatter the picture in which of that as they paint me
As a monger of hate and Satan a scatter-brained atheist
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?
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
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

Renegade! 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!
(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!))

Renegade! 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!
(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!))

Overall Meaning

In Jay-z and Eminem's song Renegade, they address the critics who call them out for glorifying materialistic things like jewelry. Jay-z asserts that he is influenced by the ghetto that he grew up in, and that he made something out of nothing. He speaks to those who are afraid of his ability to penetrate pop culture and bring them closer to the block, and those who believe that his music is not relatable to people who struggle in the ghetto. Jay-z also talks about the struggles of those who he represents, including single parents and those who fall victim to botched robberies. He brings awareness to the societal issues that are prevalent in the ghetto and speaks to those who need help to overcome them.


Eminem echoes similar sentiments, delving into his own experiences growing up in poverty and dealing with the criticism that he receives as a controversial artist. He touches on the topic of his drug addiction, and how society views him as a negative influence because of it. Eminem challenges the listeners to see him for who he truly is, rather than the image that the media has created of him. He takes aim at the critics who seek to silence him and his message through their negative portrayal of him.


Through Renegade, Jay-z and Eminem shed light on the experiences of those who live in the ghetto and address the criticism that they often face as artists who have made it out of the struggle. They challenge the negative stereotypes associated with them and use their music as a means of bringing awareness and creating change.


Line by Line Meaning

Motherfuckers, Say that I'm foolish I only talk about jewels (bling bling)
People think I'm materialistic because I rap about owning expensive things.


Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?
Are you truly taking in the lyrics and message of the music, or just superficially consuming it?


See I'm influenced by the ghetto you ruined. That same dude you gave nothing, I made something from it.
I was inspired by the impoverished community that society has failed, and I turned my struggles into success.


What I do, I do through and through, and I give you the news with a twist, it's just his ghetto point-of-view
I bring a unique perspective to the music industry, sharing the reality of life in the ghetto.


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 changing the music industry by bringing my raw and unapologetic message to the masses, highlighting the violence and struggles of ghetto life.


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.
The consequences of poverty and lack of support lead to botched robberies, single parenthood, and absent fathers.


I bring it through the ghetto without riding 'round, hiding down ducking strays from frustrated youths stuck in they ways
I navigate the dangerous streets of the ghetto, facing the reality of violent youth who are trapped in their environment.


Just read a magazine that fucked up my day. How you rate music that thugs with nothing relate to?
I am frustrated with the music industry for failing to accurately represent the struggles and reality of impoverished people.


I help them see they way through it, not you. Can't step in my pants, can't walk in my shoes. Bet everything you worth; you lose your tie and your shirt
I am the only one who can truly understand and represent the hardships of ghetto life. You cannot relate to my experiences, so do not try to criticize me.


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 a successful rapper, I have the ability to influence and connect with young people who are facing the same challenges I did.


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
I am often labeled as a threat by mainstream society for speaking the truth of the ghetto. But if my message resonates with you, don't ignore 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 the top rapper with controversial, profitable lyrics that attract young audiences. I use my platform to share my views and experiences.


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
The music industry and society often try to silence me. My music may be seen as negative or positive, but it comes from a place of authenticity and I hope you appreciate it.


But I'm debated, disputed, hated and viewed in America As a motherfucking drug addict, like you didn't experiment?
I am constantly criticized and judged by society for my past struggles with addiction, but many people have faced similar issues in their own 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 you reflect on your own past and struggles, you can empathize with me and understand the challenges I face.


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 refuse to be silenced or judged by those who do not understand my lived experience. I mock those who act holier-than-thou, especially those who have failed to maintain successful 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. Cause here we go, he's (Jigga joint Jigga-chk-Jigga)
You cannot comprehend the struggles and hard work that led me to my current level of success. Keep listening to my music and you might just find out.


And 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 unafraid to speak my mind and pursue my own path, even when it goes against society's norms and expectations.


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. What you hollering? Gotta pay rent, bring dollars in
I had to fight and work hard to achieve success, scrapping by on nothing. I am frustrated with the cycle of violence and poverty that exists in my community.


By the bodega, iron under my coat, feeling braver. Doo-rag wrapping my waves up, pockets full of hope. 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 navigate the challenges of the ghetto, carrying a gun for protection. I come from a broken family and often had to fend for myself. I was forced to grow up too quickly and often went hungry.


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) No lie, just know I chose my own fate
I am mature beyond my years due to the turmoil of my childhood. I am proud of my success and use my platform to prove my doubters wrong.


I drove by the fork in the road and went straight
I had to make hard choices in my life, and I chose to pursue my own path and not let my environment dictate my fate.


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
I am a talented wordsmith and use my lyrics to challenge societal norms and expectations. I am also proud of my religious faith, which is often misrepresented by my critics.


We as a people decide if Shady's as bad as they say he is. Or is he the latter, a gateway to escape? Media scapegoat, who they can be mad at today
Whether or not you choose to see me as a villain or a hero is up to you. I often bear the brunt of society's anger and frustration with the youth.


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
I am unafraid to challenge religion and the status quo, which often puts me in hot water with society's power structures.


I'm a motherfucking spiteful, delightful eyeful. The new Ice Cube, motherfuckers hate to like you. What did I do? I'm just a kid from the gutter. Making this butter off these bloodsuckers, cause I'm a motherfucking renegade!
I am a confident and unapologetic rapper who has made a name for myself despite society's barriers. I continue to work hard to succeed, despite the obstacles in my way.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SHAWN C CARTER, MARSHALL B III MATHERS, LUIS RESTO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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