Young Man

[Intro: Talib talking]: Talib Kweli. Kanye West. "Pay close attention to my story" John Legend. "You'll find every word is true" Blacksmith, G.O.O.D. Music connection. It get's no better than this. Exclusives. One, two. Mic check. Mic check [Hook] "Young man standing on the corner" Young man where you goin' in life, you know it ain't right "Sellin' death, no conscious has he" You can't escape the shadow in the light Shine on ya "Young man standing on the corner" Young man where you goin' in life, you know it ain't right "Sellin' death, no conscious has he" [Verse One] Yeah, the conscious MC Sometimes I keep it simple Fuck what the nerds say Ain't tryin' to impress you with the intricate wordplay Catch me at a bodega and plus I know my neighbors A little too well, it's like my walls are made of paper But this is New York City Where our music Biggie We do it gritty, take you through it like you grew up with me First I'mma make a comment It's time to change the context of what's considered conscious We the concept obnoxious And let me make a promise I'mma always keep it honest And to portray all my people cause we put in boxes Category Tryin' to make a break through Dealin' with the hateful Tryin' to stay faithful Got an attitude house niggas can't relate to Listening to music that the field niggas escape to I plays phonetic Over revolutionary rhetoric Cause I'm down for action like a predicate [Hook] [Verse Two] You can't escape You can't escape He patriotic to his niggas over God and country He felt 'Pac when he said Only God Can Judge Me You see the [?] walkin' in the playground Stalkin' like a predator, you're baby ain't safe now Wait now, ain't it big how he talkin' like he evil And the [?] never acknowledge how he could be tryin' to feed his people Young, black and throw in a line up Labeled as a 'gang banger' though he never signed up Cops is tryin' to get the crime up You get that on your record Employers gonna check it Fire you, so now you gotta resort to the only method The scene will guarantee any sense of clarity As to when the rental be paid, it's street salary You're sure to meet tragedy, die or go to jail But somehow, it all seems worth it and that's real Wishin' for the day you can say it's your last deal But you know you be portrayed like Jesus at His last meal That's... [Hook]