Industry Snakes

[Verse 1]
I'm really stressed, really, what a mess this is
My thoughts need a rest, but I'm full of restlessness
Jaded from the gang feeling like a pessimist
My money's gone, other rappers sayin' "Check the wrist!"
Full of diamonds, I'm in not the same sitch'
So here I sit, with a wicked bone to pick
With these snakes, let me lay it out for you
All you people who think my brain flew the coop
I had a manager take four thousand from me
Then cross the Pacific into another country
His buddy said he'd get me into TV and film
Well, my music, at least, until his pockets were filled
But guess what, they got paid, and I did not
I guess I'm used to it now; what a sickening thought
Young rappers, never give your money away
To music Industry Snakes, that promise you fame

[Bridge]
Curtis, this could be your year

[Verse 2]
The debt racks so fast it's hard to track
I swear my bank account is under steady attack
My other manager said that radio was the way
And every song that you hear was paid to be played
So I put twenty thousand into a campaign
But most of my spins were late-night plays that nobody heard
I thought that was absurd, I complained, and they said
"Well, those records were first, let's have a bet on the radio
They gotta get to know you; we gotta do another campaign
Maybe another two"
I desperately needed one of my records to pop
They told me radio would push me over the top
And helped plan a contract with one of the labels
But there was no pot of gold under the rainbow
And I didn't know; we did another campaign
That was over thirty thousand
Feel my pain?

[Bridge]
You're gonna be rich soon
You just need a little more money

[Verse 3]
I felt I was ripped off, felt pretty pissed off
At one of the radio guys, and I had this call
He said my manager was skimmin' the top
Of the money I sent, they suck blood from a rock
My god, I swear nothing shocks me now
On legal fees, probably spent around twenty thou
Just preparing for deals that fell through and went sideways
But I wasn't prepared for these industry mind games
The other money was spent creating my content
Who do you think pays when you're independent?
Plus, on top of that, I've been gettin' the rent in
I'm working on my dream while y'all are pretending
And when I'm cemented, you'll be wishing you would've
Treated me better, so you could get a share of the cheddar
However, since I've fired every member involved
You won't get a dime; I won't even answer your calls!

[Outro]
Watch out for snakes
They're everywhere in this game