Etiquette of War

They say I ain't the realest, I say they in denial
Been dealing with this bullshit, but still I tend to smile
This world is hella dark, it starts, to kill yo inner child
The Flame be dropping gems, though I know, it's been a while
I'm back up in my lab again, like I got my second wind
(Flame we need that real shit), hold up, let me grab a pen
Know I'm trying to get that paper, trying to stack them ends
This industry is full of frauds, I see a lack of men
It's only niggas in gangs, pulling triggas to bang
Swear this shit is insane, they only live for the fame
Can barely deal with the slang, they don't consider the Flame
As a lyricist, but I be killing shit, giving game
Feel no need to explain, I ain't dumbing down shit for them lames
See I'm legit, that's when they switch,
They start to bitch and complain
I can feel in my motherfucking veins
This rap game, really ain't the same, mane

They wanna see us, trapped in the hood
Niggas really trying to act, like I ain't rapping that good
Putting time in this shit, just grinding, till I'm rich
Would put you on, but never mind, you a bitch
Backstabbing niggas, I see 'em from a far
Gotta stay strapped, in case them niggas want a war
Find out you a star, then they plot on ya grands
Tried to save 'em all, but now, it's out of my hands

Composing rhymes, just hoping every line, was felt
I swear at times, you damn near have to sign ya'self
I been out looking, but still I couldn't, find no help
Trapped within the hood, like a timing belt
Nine on the shelf, by my keys and phone
Them three things, I just named, I never leave at home
Fighting demons, they won't leave me alone, but still I'm winning
Damn near wanna cry, but I just sigh, and keep on grinning
Though I'm mentally drained, giving in to the pain
Standing tall, never fall, not to mention, I came
For that cash, I can stash, hope it last, in the future
Get the mask, If I ask, they will blast, and they'll shoot ya
Like I'm running with some lunatics, soon to get, the biggest bag
Hit the studio, just to get them nigga's mad
Ain't it sad?, they hating once you go to getting it
The feds taking pictures of ya, like you photogenic

They wanna see us, trapped in the hood
Niggas really trying to act, like I ain't rapping that good
Putting time in this shit, just grinding, till I'm rich
Would put you on, but never mind, you a bitch
Backstabbing niggas, I see 'em from a far
Gotta stay strapped, in case them niggas want a war
Find out you a star, then they plot on ya grands
Tried to save 'em all, but now, it's out of my hands