[Verse 1: O.C.]
Behind the scene, regime calling shots
We debate in front of have-nots, lost souls from back blocks
Everybody in they hood feeling they all can rap
Thinking it’s a way out the trap
School is lame, feel it, they have nothing to gain
All they know is guns and cocaine
I can recall the moment, the time the suits despised rap
Saying it was noise and nonsense
Once it became a voice for the people
They saw dollar signs, artists got signed
Low-level opinionated A&R's
From Arkansas had no clue what was going on
Fast forward, cash out the start of minus
Ten hour days, I really can’t call it
Evil seeds in place, all I’m seeing is a wasteland
Built off drugs, money and self-hate

[Chorus]
I’ll tell you the difference between me and them
They trying get they ones, I’m trying get them M's
I want to be free to live, able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street, where the people live
I’ll tell you the difference between me and them
They trying get they ones, I’m trying get them M's
I want to be free to live, able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street, where the people live
[Verse 2: Cormega]
I might front but I won’t go backward
I’m every slave’s dream, I own my masters
Unlike most rappers, even if I don’t go platinum
I live like I did, that’s all that mattered
They said I couldn't do it, I did it
Independent with lyrics that don’t produce for listeners
Forward music no excuses
Only a chosen few show and prove it to be
True to cultures influence resulted in moguls’ affluence
Revolution’s the only solution
Get back to basics and stop chasing illusions, of vultures looming
Causing confusion, regain the focus you losing
The goal’s improving, the future of our culture ensured
If you're a vocally gifted artists supposed to be winning
But those who be spinning are dick riding more than the women
Causing division by ignoring the feelings
Of fans who know what is missing
Hip-hop in its purest existence

[Chorus]
I’ll tell you the difference between me and them
They trying get they ones, I’m trying get them M's
I want to be free to live, able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street, where the people live
I’ll tell you the difference between me and them
They trying get they ones, I’m trying get them M's
I want to be free to live, able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street, where the people live
[Verse 3: ILL Bill]
Another record label snitched, but fuck it
You know it, one love kid, no I’m not doing a bid
Try to throw me under the bus and ruin the kid
And came back with full fronts and exclusive kicks
Stays up ahead, always adapt, evolve, survive
Sharpen your knives, in other words, sharpen your mind
That’s your most valuable tool
Always stay alerted, wide-open to learn at all times
The actual truth, make opportunities happen
Whether you're a full time student or rapping
You’re responsible for your actions
No complaints, you ain’t got no time for that
Cause time’s money and you're in the red, not in the black
Get it where you fit in, there's more power in packs
Pop em before they pop us in a shower of gats
From corporate back lots to crack spots
Stock ops to chop chops
Way before you popped out your mom’s box

[Chorus]
I’ll tell you the difference between me and them
They trying get they ones, I’m trying get them M's
I want to be free to live, able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street, where the people live
I’ll tell you the difference between me and them
They trying get they ones, I’m trying get them M's
I want to be free to live, able to have what I need to live
Bring the power back to the street, where the people live