Conflict Diamonds
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics

Allow me to break down the game behind the bracelets, earings, chains, watches and rings
Let me explain the system that exists behind jewelry like bracelets, earrings, chains, watches, and rings.

The bling the crystal-encrusted,princess-flooded , canary-studded, blue-colored, and blood-stained
This jewelry is often adorned with crystals, diamonds, and other precious stones, some of which have come at the cost of human suffering.

Yea, the olda' brotha' of the drug game, the giver a fame and take away the a-lame
Jewelry is similar to the drug trade in that it often creates fame for those who sell it while exploiting those who are vulnerable.

The empowerer of the Kings that came with claims and disease to leave where the native people were stained
Jewelry has been a tool of colonialism, often used by those who claimed themselves as kings or rulers to spread disease and exploitation to the native people.

Believe my engagement ring recieve the floss at the cost of a bonded child minus pain
Many engagement rings are made through forced child labor, causing great harm and suffering to the children involved.

Long ago kings used to wear them in their armor when they fought other armies because it used to scare 'em
In the past, kings would wear jewelry as a way of intimidating their enemies on the battlefield.

If you wasn't rich couldn't wear 'em, witches used to marry 'em, they'll shoot you before they share 'em
Jewelry was historically only accessible to the rich and powerful, and the desire for it has often led to acts of violence and greed.

The gift and the Curse, the Venom and the serum, most hated ladies best friends get murked for a clear one
Jewelry can be both a symbol of love and a dangerous path to greed and violence, and many people have been killed for their jewelry.

Cecil Rhodes sold woe and genocide into the country side just to get his shine on
Cecil Rhodes was a historical figure who caused a great deal of harm and suffering in order to gain wealth and power through the diamond trade.

I feared what DeBeers and his peers used to do before the world really knew just to get they mind on
The DeBeers diamond company has a dark history of exploitation and abuse, which was not widely known by the public for many years.

Makin' paper with slave labor and hittin' lil' kids with lifetime bids makin' em cut and shine stones
The diamond industry has relied heavily on slave labor and child labor, leading to a great deal of injustice and suffering.

Inflatin' the price and makin' em look nice and i wasn't thinkin' twice when i was puttin' mine on
The high price of diamonds is often artificially inflated by those who profit from the industry, and consumers often do not consider the cost of the suffering that went into creating their jewelry.

About a young shorty in Sierra Leone, or other conflict countries that people call home
Many diamonds come from conflict countries like Sierra Leone, where people have suffered greatly due to the diamond trade.

Started by militias that dont believe in followin' none of geneva's rules
Many conflicts in countries like Sierra Leone are fueled by militias who operate outside of international law and commit terrible acts of violence and abuse.

I was brushin off the haters, tryna be cool
Many people wear jewelry in order to appear cool or fashionable, often without considering the human cost involved in its creation.

Didnt have a clue that the rapper was helpin' the rapers, raiders of the villages, pillagers of the schools
Many rappers and other celebrities have perpetuated the culture of jewelry and bling without considering the source of those goods and the harm that may have come from their creation.

Shooters of the innocent, torturers of the witnesses, burners of the businesses and my bracelet was the fuel (Do you hear me?!)
Many atrocities have been committed by those who seek to profit from the diamond industry, and the jewelry itself has often been a catalyst for that violence and exploitation.

I aint pushin' an agenda homie, im just pushin' the facts - Fuck Bush -
The artist is not trying to promote a specific agenda, but rather to shed light on the harmful realities of the diamond industry.

Cause there's people doin worse on this earth and they black, i took it there, yea, now let me bring it back
Many people of color have suffered greatly due to the diamond industry, and it is important to recognize and address this injustice.

We all know on foreign shores that they finance wars but ask yourself do they finance yours?
Many wars and conflicts are fueled by the diamond industry, but consumers should also question whether their own purchases may be contributing to harm and exploitation.

When i first got mine, i took them out on tour
The artist initially wore his jewelry proudly and without considering its true cost and impact.

Didnt know they lost have the value when i took them out the store
Many pieces of jewelry lose value as soon as they leave the store, despite their high cost and the harm that went into creating them.

Oh, it was full of moissanites and cubix
Many pieces of jewelry are not even made from genuine stones, but rather from cheaper imitations.

But the jeweler knew i was stupid, and that i couldnt prove it
Jewelers often target customers who are not aware of the true value of their products or the harm that went into creating them.

Feelin' like i need it, cuz i do music
Many artists feel pressure to wear jewelry as a way of achieving status or success in their field.

To impress the groupies, and the interviewers
Jewelry is often seen as a way of impressing others or projecting a certain image or persona.

So i didnt appraise, nor did i loop it
Many people do not have their jewelry appraised or even inspected to determine its true value or authenticity.

Even gave 'em to my girl, thinkin' i was cupid
Many people give jewelry as gifts as a way of expressing love or affection, often without considering the true cost and impact of those gifts.

Homies was on hate, hopin' they could make me lose it
Many people feel pressure to wear jewelry as a way of fitting in or avoiding criticism from others in their community.

Creepin' through my own hood, knew i had to remove it
The artist ultimately realized the harm and negative impact of his jewelry and made the decision to remove it from his life.

I see the Russian mafia, the Jewish mobsters, the undercover terrorist, and the traps for the hustlers
The diamond industry is often associated with organized crime and other nefarious activities.

Homie its a rap for the nonsense rhymin'
The artist is calling for an end to the glorification of jewelry and bling in hip hop and other music genres.

Props to Kanye, I call it Conflict Diamonds....
The artist applauds Kanye West for previously speaking out about the issue of conflict diamonds and bringing attention to its harmful impacts.