The Emperor's Soundtrack
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics

I told you I would show up screaming FNF
I assured you that I would come with boldness representing FNF

Till the world, blow up, they said I was so finished
Even if the world ends, I am not finished as they thought

I told 'em its show business
I explained to them that it's all about the entertainment industry

Meaning it's no business, since Fiasco's in it
It's not business as usual since Fiasco is now a part of it

Disrespect the dress code; wear my street clothes in it
I do not follow any dress code and wear what I normally do on the streets

Measured, sold, and clothed in it
I am sized up, packaged, and dressed up for success

Opened up clones, after I entered and drove in it, like unh
Other artists copied me and followed my style for success

Only fear God
We should only have fear and respect for God

Know the weapons of the weak
We should be familiar with the tactics of the disadvantaged

The weakness of the hard
Hardness can be a form of weakness

And never fall asleep
We should always be alert and never let our guard down

Roll in it, let music bumpin, windows tinted
Drive around with loud music and tinted windows for fun

Through they neighborhoods and all of the wolves in it
Drive through dangerous neighborhoods and confrontational people with courage

It's already controlled in it
Society and the music industry are already controlled and limiting our choices

Seen it come and go, sellin they soul in it
Seen artists rise and fall while compromising their values for fame

Diamond and gold plated
Riches and luxury

Fountain of youth, dippin my toes in it
Enjoying youth and vitality

Bounced in the booth, spit it, like scoldin it
Recorded music in the studio with vigor and passion

Putting my heart and my soul in it
Putting all my emotions and genuine effort into creating music

Once upon a time, not long ago Where the pushaman creep, where they live life po'
Recalling a time when drug dealers roamed the streets and people lived in poverty

With fifteen in the clip and one in the hold Hallway wall full of bricks, only some of us know None of us know the makers of the toast Like the bottom of the stove, that was used in the murderin' of the scroll Heart colder than EDs Won't let the CD's city defeat me Rub me out like genies; smoke a sweet to my graffiti Nigga what
Referencing the harsh realities of gun violence, drugs, and murder while conveying bravery, resilience, and resistance against oppressors

Marvin Billups said wasup to the reaper Hell met like Riddell and high water hello To the five year old gunshot killer, I hear ya Clearer than the invisible man in the mirror Cheer up, I'll put in on the bars like beer nuts Put a bug in they ear, so from here up, they hear us
Acknowledging and empathizing with the pain and loss caused by violence, offering words of encouragement and expressing a desire to inspire change through music

I put it on my grand mama's daughter My microphone control of the soul of slave hummin "Wadin in the Water" I author like PW brother, like a hustla God place me in ya armor, I prescribe no partnas I do it for the hood like a parka And tell my niggaz not to shiver Only time we quiver like a archer is
Paying homage to his roots and ancestors while asserting his authority and influence as an artist who represents and fights for his community

Here we are now, entertain us Change don't change us Ever since the game trained us We came up like worms in the rain I dream my chain became a loose noose that was used to hang us So now, my insane brain, my 32 teeth And two feet creep like its Elm Street Cause
Drawing a parallel between entertainment and oppression while expressing the hope and determination to break free from the chains of systemic injustice