Paradigm

If I wanna succeed I think I might need a change
'Cause all that I ever needed was a mic and a stage
Dancing under the moonlight gleaming
Told you that I was leaving though you’d like me to stay
Staring outside the egress, see the fire and flames
Tired of all the reasons I’ve been lying awake
Spending my nights just lucid dreaming
Messages at the tone, no speaking

'Cause I gave up all my time
And I gave up all my mind
'Cause I gave up all my time
And I gave up all my mind

These artists wanna take all I have for free
Try booking their sessions, ask for half the fee
Fuck all these questions that you’ve been asking me
Like, “Why haven’t you blown up?”

Imagine you’re up everyday, 4am, making beats, but the checks never sent won’t be coming
And you lose your job but still follow your plan and survive off the funds they gave us from the government
That shit ain’t cutting it, I needed publishing
I had to pack up my shit and move out of the crib
Had to prove momma wrong when she said I’m an idiot
Had to make sure what I started, I finished it
Had to insure all my brothers and sisters and mistresses
Had to make sure they’re committed to me and my vision
And if not, forget it
God watch my stars, bodyguard for the bitches
BE YOUR.SELF made it, ain’t up for debate
Feel like Tony Montana, these scars on my face
Blood on my sleeve and my heart on my waist
Drum with the stick make you march to your grave
If you know what I’m sayin’ ‘cause

If I wanna succeed I think I might need a change
‘Cause all that I ever needed was a mic and a stage
Dancing under the moonlight gleaming
Told you that I was leaving though you’d like me to stay
Staring outside the egress, see the fire and flames
Tired of all the reasons I’ve been lying awake
Spending my nights just lucid dreaming
Messages at the tone, no speaking