L.I.F.E. Long ft. Gran Fortune - “Artistry”
[Emcee(s): L.I.F.E. Long and Gran Fortune]
[Producer(s): Gran Fortune]
[Scratches: Gran Fortune]

[Intro (Overlapped with Bridge 1): L.I.F.E. Long and (Gran Fortune)]
Analyze the world (See through our eyes, you nah’m saying?). Analyze the world. It’s like, yo, so many different ways to beat this (Uh huh), so many different ways to view the world, you know? I analyze musicians like artists (Word). The pen be like my paintbrush, the canvas be the paper that I write these rhymes on (Exactly), you know? I’m formulating these scriptures just like artists be painting the picture. (You want to know what’s up?) We’ll break it down

[Bridge 1 (Overlapped with Intro): Samples with Scratches by Gran Fortune]
"How shall I begin?" - Sample from O.C. - "O-Zone"
"Here's an invitation to be facing... the proper education" - Sample from O.C. - "O-Zone"
"Scared to use intelligence, your methods are irrelevant" - Sample from O.C. - "O-Zone"
"Here's an invitation to be facing " - Sample from O.C. - "O-Zone"
"Innovations are my thing, so I can go the extra mile" - Sample from O.C. - "O-Zone"
"So I'ma seal it off like this" - Sample from O.C. - "O-Zone"

[Verse 1: L.I.F.E. Long and (Gran Fortune)]
No
Questions or second-guessing. Just stop stressing. We
Crafting a design (ultimately for mic blessing). Give me your
Undivided attention when I’m addressing [?]
Not up to par with lessons, trying to cheat with CliffsNotes while testing
In classrooms, you’ll get your chest caved in
By these size-twelve boots kicking in directions of frau-
-dulent with their sloppy, silly misrepresentations
Lollygagging and time-wasting on FM stations
My performance pure adrenaline, leaving fans’ hearts racing
Waiting for my next recorded vocal arrangement
Track laced, produced by Labrynth in the basement, where the
Correct formulas used for radio placement
I’m trying to see mass amount of figures so I could
Build, split pies, hold it down, provide, deliver
Until my vision’s seen and I’m peeping a bigger picture
Until my vision’s seen and I’m peeping a bigger picture
[Hook: L.I.F.E. Long] (x2)
We paint pictures for the world to view, for-
-mulated like scriptures for all different crews. Some
Get the message. Others left without a clue, stay
Asleep. We the alarm to wake you

[Verse 2: Gran Fortune and (L.I.F.E. Long)]
I’ll take a step back. Looking at
A portrait, but it’s painted pitch-black. Visions of
Syntax era where a n***a can’t prepare a com-
-position ‘cause it’s missing straight facts (Ayyo, Fortune, that shit is straight)
(Wack) When I could put a few strokes of my brush upon
The canvas and hand this industry a masterpiece
Because what I’m after is a part of the
Rap shit distracted by disaster and that’s the
Least of my expectations. I get up on the
Track and I awake the nation from sleeping on their
Back. Hypochondriac patients suffering from
Inoculation while rocking youth is an occu-
-pation. [?] when I knock part of your face in
(Blao!) To teach this n***as on the block I’m not to be placed
In the category of a hip hop allegory
Stepping up to me, I’ll let my “Ay!” win my battle for me
I got no time for busting mediocre rhymes. I’m a
Felonious artist ‘cause a part of this art is
The crime when I steal the show, murder the track with
The line, but, still, you refuse to give me mine? Mother...
Man, I’m glad L.I.F.E. understands where
I’m coming from. This rap shit is way too cumbersome
But never fear. If you want another gem, I’m right
Here, so keep your alarm clocks near because
[Hook: L.I.F.E. Long]
We paint pictures for the world to view, for-
-mulated like scriptures for all different crews. Some
Get the message. Others left without a clue, stay
Asleep. We the alarm to wake you

[Verse 3: L.I.F.E. Long]
My script’s constructed with a plan in mind: to teach
Those unable to see, handicapped, blind. So
Focus on your other senses to guide, try and see my
Vision and let’s ride down the road seldom seen ‘cause of
Pride. Sometimes, we got to peep the scene and decide. What
Works best for you might not for me. Tap
Into your spirit, find your own identity. Some stare
At still life to paint pictures. Well, I create
Silhouettes of reality’s vibrant mixtures
Staining my palate sometimes with black and blues
Scars on canvas explain what we’ve been through—like:
Relationships or beef amongst members of crew
Best lesson’s learning that “just do you” instead
Of worrying about how you’re gonna succeed. You need
To formulate the plan and take what you need. Just
Formulate the plan and take what you need

[Hook: L.I.F.E. Long] (x2)
We paint pictures for the world to view, for-
-mulated like scriptures for all different crews. Some
Get the message. Others left without a clue, stay
Asleep. We the alarm to wake you
[Outro: Samples]
"Wake up!" - Sample from KRS-ONE on Boogie Down Productions - "Blackman in Effect" (x5)