If this beat was gone, could you still hear it?
Instead of talkin shit,
Would you listen to my lyrics?
Cuz if it’s cool with you
I’ll be real for a minute
And instead of an applause
I’m okay just getting crickets
Instead of playin rich cuz I’m so self-conscious
I accept the fact I’ve been broke since college
Lost on the road to riches far as my career
Need to give me more praise
Instead pressure from my peers
Instead of fitting in
I’ll just see where I fit
If they stick through bullshit
Then my friends are legit
Instead of blame shiftin
My problems to others
I’ll take responsibility
For my own damn problems
Instead of getting angry
Saying something I regret
Close my eyes for a sec
While I take a deep breath -
Instead of waiting to respond
I’ll shut up and listen
I’m tryna do the math instead of the division

See you as a man
Instead of as a Christian
Or a Muslim, a Jew?
To me it makes no difference
Instead of teaching my kids
What makes us different
They go to church of Ziggy
Love is my religion
And all of us are created equal
As God had intended
Could you try to see my point?
Instead of tryin to be offended – damn…

Instead of being color blind
I see the world for what it is - shit
Got me feeling hopeless
So there’s no gray when it’s all black n white
Instead of being silent
I’m a speak for those oppressed
I hope my friends know this
Instead of being opposed
Fact’s I got privilege
On my face and it shows
Another injustice
And another brother’s dead
I’ll protest for peace
Not bring violence instead
I picked up the pen
Instead of loading the gun
Tip my hat to police
Instead of trying to run
Love me for where I’m at
Instead of just who I become
Live this gift called the present
Instead of a past I was from
I’m not a victim
But if you walked my journey
You’d understand why I do this
Instead I chose music
Should this be my story,
Then it isn’t for me
But instead people in a
Parallel purgatory

So those in my shoes - let my message be read
Whatever hell you’re going through
Makes you stronger instead
For anybody who’s been
Bullied, beaten, n battered
In the game of life
Go out, follow big dreams
Instead of tryin to take a life
Cuz hatred in your heart
Is cancer that spreads
And makes you suffer most
When it comes to the end

Instead of actin like a tough guy
I’m not ashamed to cry
Or admit when I’m wrong
Long as we can be friends
Instead if we were honest
Didn’t judge each other’s feelings
Would the pain be the same?
Would there be as many killings?
I’m prayin to the ceiling
Cuz honestly - it sickens me
Any time someone’s son or daughter dies
Instead of whippin out the phone
To capture the shot
I’m a dial 9-1-1
Action hero, The Rock
Instead of talking shit
To make myself feel better
I’ll grow every damn day
Instead of blaming the weather​
Shoulda, coulda woulda
I’m a say ‘I did’ instead
So when the track plays back
I’ll do so with no regrets
Instead of tryin a filter
Instead of tryin to diss her
Give that girl props
Because she loves the real her
Without claiming she’s a hero
No need to explain it
Pictures are worth a thousand words
Depending how you frame it
Fuck the Instagram you
I like the real you instead
Fuck a comment or a like
I’d rather talk out like Ted
Instead of just postin
Instead of just ghostin
I’ll tell you straight up
That’s why I feel so alone then
It’s been a minute he said
Bout to hit my brother up
And I don’t wanna front
So Ima call him up instead