How Not To Get Jerked

"It's like that, y'all" (8X)
"And now, a word from our sponsor"

Now technically speaking I ain't supposed to be doing this
Like giving information to the ones that are new to this
You wanna make a record and get into the business?
Here's a little plan from a six year witness
First you gotta understand the music game
It's not about fame, it's about a rich name
And who you're down with, and who you clown with
But most of all you got to have a gift
(It's like that) Either music or the fresh lyrics
Or a vibe, people like to buy your spirit
Everybody knows KRS-One is dope
To really see me you gotta use a telescope, ha!
There's no hope when you're shopping for a deal
Either sex appeal, or the hard street feel
But if you don't have a lawyer you're a goner
Don't even think about chillin in a sauna
You need a lawyer, and a good manager
Without this the record companies won't be havin ya
So I'm grabbin ya now, showin ya how
Not to get jerked when you do hard work

"It's like that y'all" (8X)
"Yo honeys" (8X)
"Yo honeys" (8X)
"Uh, me, OHH!"

Yo, there's more to it, but let's get through it
Many MC's reached the top and then BLEW it
You say "I knew it, that last jam was wack"
Either you're strung out on crack or you don't wanna be black
Anymore, or, you don't wanna rap
Anymore, or, you do a wack tour
Or, you get in trouble with the law
Or, your fans you ignore
Or, you get punched in your jaw
Cause, you're not hardcore
What makes a jam isn't luck or fate
It's writin the jams that the people can relate to
Or else they'll hate you
The public will mark you down as a fake crew
You don't need all of that
Just rap from the heart and you'll have a good start
But a lot of MC's want girls
And wanna live on top of the world
In the jam they wanna flirt
Here's how not to get jerked when you do hard work

Now understand, rap is rebellious music
Therefore only the rebels should use it
But pop artists abuse it
When the audience hears real rap they boo it
See rap music is a culture
And everyone outside that culture is a vulture
The vulture makes money on the culture
Understand, I ain't tryin to insult ya
But you're either usin rap like the devil
Or you're pushin rap to another level
So don't wait for your company's promotion staff
Promote yourself with your own cash
But this might mean you can't buy gold
You might have to put that on hold
Cause if the artist falls they DISS HIM
But if the company falls the artist falls WITH him
This ain't about a tight skirt
Here's how not to get jerked when you do hard work

"It's like that y'all" (8X)
"It's like"