Jimmy Iovine

[Chorus: Ab-Soul]

I put my life on the line

I roll them dice and I'm fine

'Cause all I ever dreamt about was makin' it

They ain't giving it, I'm taking it

I’m taking it, taking it, they ain’t giving it

I’m taking it, taking it, they ain’t giving it

I’m taking it, taking it, they ain’t giving it

I’m taking it, taking it, I need all that shit

[Verse 1: Macklemore]

If I just went in and stole it, the police woulda noticed

Gotta be strategic, creep it, go in, leave without motive

Hold up, my plan is forming, alright, casing this building

Watch these rappers that rappin' walk in and leave out with millions (Millions)

Headed in sweating, open that front door

"Interscope" printed out right by the entrance

Door closes, not a metaphor

Then I start towards that front desk, right where you check in

Dressed in a uniform, acting like a janitor

All blue, jumpsuit, rush in

Bloodthirsty for the money like a bull

Looking in the eyes of the matador ("Fuck you")

Carrying two cans of paint, security looks at me awkward

I say "Third floor, I'm late, paintin' Jimmy Iovine's office"

Holding my breath, 'bout to faint

I’m scared to death that he stops me

Heart beating so loud that you can hear the echo in that lobby

And see, I'm breaking down if I don’t make it out

Then I'm leaving town with that contract

And I'm spazzing out, grabbing the A&R out

His chair and I'm taking him hostage

I don't give a fuck, step into the elevator, press "3"

Now I'm headed up ("Heist")

What they don't know is there is a gun in the paint can

And I’m ready and willing to bust 'em, I'm fucking desperate

Stuck in this recession, now what you think?

If I could get signed my life is destined

My future depends on ink

And secretary at the front of the entrance staring right at me

I walk up she whispers "Go ahead", and then gives me a wink

[Chorus: Ab-Soul]

I put my life on the line

I roll them dice and I'm fine

'Cause all I ever dreamt about was makin' it

They ain't giving it, I'm taking it

I'm taking it, taking it, they ain't giving it

I'm taking it, taking it, they ain't giving it

I'm taking it, taking it, they ain't giving it

I'm taking it, taking it, I need all that shit

[Verse 2: Macklemore]

I made it past security, the secretary, the cubicles

But it’s weird, it’s like this room I’ve walked into is unusual

Thought it would be shiny and beautiful

Thought it would be alive and like musical

But it feels like someone died, it’s got the vibe of a funeral

There’s numbers on a chalkboard

CDs boxed in cardboard

Artists that flopped, that got dropped and never got to be sophomores

Graphic designers are sitting around

Waiting for albums that never come out

Complainin' that they have nobody in house

Wonderin’ what they make art for

I start thinking, am I in the right place?

Just walk forward, see plaques on the wall

Oh yeah, in a second those will be all yours

Finally see an office with a mounted sign, heaven-sent

Big, block, silver letters, read it out loud, "President" ("Heist")

This was my chance to grab that contract and turn and jet

Right then felt a cold hand grab on the back of my neck, he said

[Outro: Jimmy Iovine & Macklemore]

"We’ve been watching you, so glad you could make it

Your music, it's so impressive, and this whole brand you created

You're one hell of a band, we here think you're destined for greatness

And with that right song we all know that you're next to be famous

Now I’m sorry, I’ve had a long day, remind me now what your name is?

That’s right, 'Macklemore,' of course, today has been crazy

Anyway, you ready? We’ll give you a hundred thousand dollars

After your album comes out, we’ll need back that money that you borrowed"

"So it’s really like a loan?"

"A loan? Come on, no

We're a team, 360 degrees, we will reach your goals

You'll get a third of the merch that you sell out on the road

Along with a third of the money you make when you’re out doing your shows

Manager gets twenty, booking agent gets ten

So shit, after taxes, you and Ryan have seven percent to split

That’s not bad, I’ve seen a lot worse

No one will give you a better offer than us"

"Mm-hm," I replied, "I appreciate the offer"

Thought that this is what I wanted

Rather be a starving artist

Than succeed at getting fucked