They say shoot for the stars but we're still shooting for living wage
Now days credit cards and debt are just another cage
They say it's okay just stay positive and pray
But I think to myself, well, will that really cause change
I think to myself where's the riots, where's the rage
But will rage really cause the corrupt to turn a page
I'd rather set the book ablaze then
Watch another racist child get raised
They say you can't judge the past, that was just a phase
It's just another way to try to make slavery erased
This country was built on crime but they say it doesn't pay
They hide history in a maze behind a suit and tie smiling face
They lie by omission in hopes the truth won't be traced
They call resisters violent but isn't starvation violence
They call protesters childish, but isn't brutality childish
They say you're disturbing the peace but isn't betrayal silent
This is a eulogy for hate, no human is an island
Let's not start over let's start outside of it
Create out own community where liberation can be provided
They say you can't escape the system that's what they said about kings
I guess I'm a prisoner of hope and inside your eyes I see the keys
You said I was your spiritual son, you were my teacher
You told me I had it when my voice came out the speaker
South Chicago street preacher you gave me Sebi's medicine
I wrote this for you when you were still alive you were better then
You were the grandfather I never
Had on my mom's side thank you for that
You called me on my bullshit I used to hate you for that
You told me to keep it real,
You saved me, you told me to keep it honest
You taught me the horrors of slavery, your parents were sharecroppers
You used to smoke those soft packs we'd chat at the VFW
You told me bout how those cops in Edgewater would trouble you
You went to Wilberforce you played for Denver in the ABA
You told me stories about Jalen Rose, KG, and Ye
AwareNess would bring you Sherry wine, you told us about Malcolm
You spoke of the last tribe, god's plan and what would be the outcome
You had some rookie year game worn Jordan's that were signed
We tried to sell them to Jack Nicholson but he thought I was lying
You told me to get you a 40 I felt like I was killing you
Even though the cancer inside was the villain in you
Pops you were strong you survived for so long
You inspired me to be a better me my determination is long
When I got hired to be a teacher you said Don't make me cry
But you passed before my first class I was shattered when you died
But now you're at peace, free with your ancestors
I can still feel your presence, thank you for your love you blessed us
See you next lifetime, put me on the guest list