The Rape Over
Mos Def Lyrics

Old white men is running this rap shit
The rap industry is controlled by powerful old white men who manipulate the artists for their own benefit.

Corporate force's running this rap shit
The corporations behind the scenes are pulling the strings in the rap industry, dictating what kind of music is produced and marketed.

Some tall Israeli is running this rap shit
The singer sarcastically suggests that an unseen, powerful figure of Israeli origin is controlling the rap industry, further highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

We poke out our asses for a chance to cash in
The artists are willing to do whatever it takes to sell their music and make money, even if it means compromising their values or self-respect.

Cocaine, is running this rap shit
The pervasive use of cocaine in the rap world is shaping the music and culture in many negative ways.

'Dro, 'yac and E-pills is running this rap shit
Drug use is running rampant in the industry, influencing the sound and lyrics of many popular rap songs.

The rape over, turn your face over nigga
The singer proclaims that the era of rap artists being taken advantage of by powerful, unseen figures is over, and that the artists must now take control of their own fate.

No god in disguise it's me, game over
The artist declares that he is the one in charge, and that the manipulations and power struggles of the past are done.

Hey lil soldiers you ready for war?
The artist questions whether the new generation of artists is prepared to fight back against the corrupt elements of the rap industry.

But don't ask what you're fighting for
The artist warns that blindly following orders without questioning why will only continue the cycle of manipulation and exploitation.

Just hope that you survive the gunfight, the drama, the stress
The path to success in the rap industry is fraught with danger, both physical and emotional, and the singer cautions that only the strong will survive.

You get in the line of fire, we get the big ass checks
The industry profits off the risks and sacrifices the artists make, while the artists themselves do not reap the same rewards.

You getting your choice of pimp
Artists may believe they have some autonomy in terms of who they choose to work with, but the reality is that all options are controlled by those in power.

Make your choice and fall in
The singer bluntly states that the artists have no real say in the matter and must fall in line with the established system.

This is austral be I, take that cock in your behind, bitch
The singer uses intentionally crude and degrading language to emphasize the exploitation and manipulation that is prevalent in the industry, particularly towards women and queer artists.

Hit the streets and perform for us
The industry requires artists to constantly churn out music and put on shows to keep the money flowing, regardless of how it affects their health and wellbeing.

Hold hard and bring it on to us, fucker
The industry demands that artists work harder and harder to keep up with the demands and competition of the market, but provides little support or protection in return.

I let you sip, comes an army, get a Mercedes
The industry may provide short-term luxuries and perks to the artists, but ultimately has the power to take it all away and replace them with someone else if they don't comply.

And kick back and let you pay me, my Mack is crazy
The industry's power is based on a hierarchical system where only those at the top benefit, while the rest are taken advantage of and exploited.

I leave the, knife and fist fight filled with glamor
The artist references the dangerous and violent nature of the industry, but suggests that it is somehow glamorous and desirable to be associated with it.

Yeah, take a picture with this platinum plated sledgehammer
The industry relies on cheap gimmicks and shallow displays of wealth and status to attract audiences and sell records.

We over-do it add the fire and explosion to it
The industry relies on flash and spectacle to hide the lack of substance or originality in many modern rap songs.

We sold confusion, we front rap music
The industry has distorted and exploited the art form of rap to such an extent that it barely resembles its origins.

MTV, is running this rap shit
The artist calls out the powerful media conglomerate MTV for its role in shaping the direction of the rap industry.

Viacomm is running this rap shit
The singer criticizes the media giant Viacom for contributing to the commodification of rap music in pursuit of profits.

AOL and Time Warner running this rap shit
The singer denounces the corporate power plays that have led to the rap industry being controlled by massive conglomerates like AOL and Time Warner.

Hennessey, is running this rap shit
The singer notes the pervasive influence of alcohol, specifically the brand Hennessey, on rap culture and music.

Quasi-homosexuals is running this rap shit
The artist suggests that there is a hidden gay community behind the scenes of the rap industry that is exerting undue influence on the music and culture.

Watch out! we run the world
The artist warns of the power and influence of those who control the rap world, and suggests that it is imperative for artists and fans alike to become more aware and critical of this reality.